Discovery Studies work best in small groups where a conversation is natural. The goal is a meaningful discussion about the truths of the Scripture. They are not in-depth examinations of all the details of the Bible. Instead, they are group conversations centered on Scripture, leading to self-discovery. Discovery Studies do not contain content; they are concept-driven. The participants develop the content of each study.
Discovery Study 2 is optimal for a group that has already experienced Discovery Study 1 or is ready for more in-depth interaction with Scripture.
Discovery Study 2
Step 1. Discover a timeless truth.
Read a passage of Scripture. Look for the timeless truths. A timeless truth is a word, phrase, or verse that is as true today as when originally authored. An excellent way to discover them is for the leader to ask the group, "What stood out to you?" Wait until they 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 often preferable to choose a portion of a phrase rather than an entier one. Choosing a entire phrase with more than one timeless truth can result in multiple sets of questions being developed at the same time. This can become confusing for the group.
Often the answer to a question is another timeless 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) can deepen faith.
The group leader can field a few questions about each prompt and choose the best one. Encourage at least one person in the group to write down the final questions.
Ask for an explanation for yes or no questions. Don't overthink this step. Simple questions can produce profound answers.
Step 3. Discuss the questions.
Talk about the questions in any order. Encourage first person (I, me) responses. 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.
Read a passage of Scripture. Look for the timeless truths. A timeless truth is a word, phrase, or verse that is as true today as when originally authored. An excellent way to discover them is for the leader to ask the group, "What stood out to you?" Wait until they 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 often preferable to choose a portion of a phrase rather than an entier one. Choosing a entire phrase with more than one timeless truth can result in multiple sets of questions being developed at the same time. This can become confusing for the group.
Often the answer to a question is another timeless 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) can deepen faith.
The group leader can field a few questions about each prompt and choose the best one. Encourage at least one person in the group to write down the final questions.
Ask for an explanation for yes or no questions. Don't overthink this step. Simple questions can produce profound answers.
Step 3. Discuss the questions.
Talk about the questions in any order. Encourage first person (I, me) responses. 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