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 2 is optimal for those ready to move on from Discovery Study 1 or who are prepared straight away for more in-depth interaction with Scripture.
Step 1. Discover a Nugget (a timeless truth).
It's assumed that you start at the beginning of a book in the Bible and read a passage at a time.
A timeless truth is a word, phrase, or verse that is as true today as when originally authored. For instance, consider John 3:16. It's loaded with timeless truths (TT). For God so loved the world (TT), that he gave his one and only Son (TT), that whoever believes in him shall not perish (TT) but have eternal life (TT).
An excellent way to discover them is for the leader to ask the group, "What stood out to you?" Wait until timeless truths are mentioned, pick one, and move to step two. If the group does not generate one, the group leader should be ready with one.
The smaller the timeless truth the better because it keeps the questions centered on one thought. It's better to choose a word, phrase or sentence rather than an entire verse. Choosing an entire verse with more than one timeless truth can result in multiple sets of questions being developed at the same time. This can be confusing for the group.
Often the answer to a question about one timeless truth is another truth located nearby. You can always pick another timeless truth and develop another set of questions afterward.
Step 2. Develop a list of questions.
Generate a list of questions about the timeless truth by using the words what, why, how, when, where, and who as prompts. Questions about Scripture are often limited to what. Yet, answers to the other questions (especially why and how) deepen faith.
Step 3. Discuss the questions.
It's assumed that you start at the beginning of a book in the Bible and read a passage at a time.
A timeless truth is a word, phrase, or verse that is as true today as when originally authored. For instance, consider John 3:16. It's loaded with timeless truths (TT). For God so loved the world (TT), that he gave his one and only Son (TT), that whoever believes in him shall not perish (TT) but have eternal life (TT).
An excellent way to discover them is for the leader to ask the group, "What stood out to you?" Wait until timeless truths are mentioned, pick one, and move to step two. If the group does not generate one, the group leader should be ready with one.
The smaller the timeless truth the better because it keeps the questions centered on one thought. It's better to choose a word, phrase or sentence rather than an entire verse. Choosing an entire verse with more than one timeless truth can result in multiple sets of questions being developed at the same time. This can be confusing for the group.
Often the answer to a question about one timeless truth is another truth located nearby. You can always pick another timeless truth and develop another set of questions afterward.
Step 2. Develop a list of questions.
Generate a list of questions about the timeless truth by using the words what, why, how, when, where, and who as prompts. Questions about Scripture are often limited to what. Yet, answers to the other questions (especially why and how) deepen faith.
- Use the timeless truth (or the word "this") in the questions.
- Try and include the words we and us, in the question. For instance, "What does this mean for us?" or "Why should we be concerned about this?"
- Ask for an explanation for yes or no questions.
- Don't overthink this step. Simple questions produce profound answers. If it takes more than ten seconds to develop a question, you may be over thinking it.
Step 3. Discuss the questions.
- Talk about the questions in any order.
- Don't feel constrained to answer all the questions.
- Go beyond the obvious in your answers.
- When comfortable, ask follow up questions on the fly as the group replies to the primary ones.
Additional Resources