Discovery Studies focus upon the principal truths of Scripture. They are not in-depth examinations of all the details of the Bible. They are question-driven and therefore work best in small groups where a conversation is natural. They generate dialogue that uncovers the core beliefs of Christianity. The studies do not contain content; they are concept-based. The participants develop the content of each study. This will become clear as you read about each of the two types of Discovery Studies.
Discovery Study 1 is an excellent entry-level Bible study. It is ideal for those just beginning to study the Bible or those who have never taught a Bible study. It also works especially well in an oral setting, where reading is limited, and storytelling is more effective. If you have not already done so, watch the Overview video below.
Step 1. Read a passage.
Ask one person in the group to read the passage aloud while the others listen. Do this a few times.
Ask one person in the group to read the passage aloud while the others listen. Do this a few times.
Step 2. Retell the passage.
Close your Bible and turn over your devices and recite the passage from memory. Invite anyone to retell the passage and invite others to add on until the group is satisfied with their efforts.
Some types of Scripture are easier to retell than others. Narratives are the easiest to retell. They tell a story or describe an event. Doctrinal passages are more challenging. They declare truth or state theology. Some sections of the Gospels and New Testament Epistles fit this category. Do your best with the passage you are studying.
Close your Bible and turn over your devices and recite the passage from memory. Invite anyone to retell the passage and invite others to add on until the group is satisfied with their efforts.
Some types of Scripture are easier to retell than others. Narratives are the easiest to retell. They tell a story or describe an event. Doctrinal passages are more challenging. They declare truth or state theology. Some sections of the Gospels and New Testament Epistles fit this category. Do your best with the passage you are studying.
A picture of the spread of multiple generations of Discovery Bible Studies (DBS) in rural South Asia.
Step 3. Review the passage.
Answer the four questions below. Provide time for people to develop their answers. You may look at your Bible.
Answer the four questions below. Provide time for people to develop their answers. You may look at your Bible.
- What does the passage say about God?
- Include God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit in your observations.
- Include God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit in your observations.
- What does the passage say about mankind?
- Some passages have a lot to say; some not so much. Let it speak for itself. Don't force it to say what it doesn't say.
- Some passages have a lot to say; some not so much. Let it speak for itself. Don't force it to say what it doesn't say.
- What is God saying to me?
- Base your response on answers from #1 and #2.
- The focus should be personal. Your answer should use the words I and me, not we and us.
- The application should be specific. Often the focus is on something to know, do, or feel. What truth is there to learn, action to carry out, or emotion to experience?
- Who can I tell?
- Is there someone I can either teach the content of this material to or train to do this type of study? If no one comes to mind, pray for God to bring someone across your path. Then be ready when He does! The application of this question is the key to multiplication.
Additional Resources
- View Discovery 1 Study sample
- Watch Discovery Study Overview (7:58)