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 groups where a conversation is natural. They generate dialogue that uncovers the core beliefs of Christianity. The studies do not begin with content; 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 those prepared straight away for more in-depth interaction with Scripture.
Discovery Study 2 works especially well with doctrinal passages. The sections of Scripture that explain theology. For example, portions of the Old Testament (Psalms and Proverbs) and the New Testament epistles. Narrative passages (those that tell a story or describe an event) work well with Discovery Study 1.
Some groups are ready to own the entire three-step process outright. Others may benefit from gradually embracing it. If your group is the latter, consider letting them do Step 3 the first time, Steps 2 and 3 the second time, and Steps 1, 2, and 3 the third time.
Discovery Study 2 works especially well with doctrinal passages. The sections of Scripture that explain theology. For example, portions of the Old Testament (Psalms and Proverbs) and the New Testament epistles. Narrative passages (those that tell a story or describe an event) work well with Discovery Study 1.
Some groups are ready to own the entire three-step process outright. Others may benefit from gradually embracing it. If your group is the latter, consider letting them do Step 3 the first time, Steps 2 and 3 the second time, and Steps 1, 2, and 3 the third time.
Step 1. Discover a Nugget (a timeless truth).
Start at the beginning of a book in the Bible, and work through it a passage at a time.
A timeless truth (TT) is a word, phrase, or verse that is as true for us today as when it was originally authored. For instance, consider John 3:16. It's loaded with timeless truths. 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 a timeless truth is for the leader to ask the group, "What stood out to you?" Wait until timeless truths are mentioned, pick one, then move to step two. If the group does not generate one, the leader should be ready with one.
The smaller the timeless truth the better because it keeps the questions centered on one thought. Often it's more effective to choose a word, phrase or sentence rather than an entire verse. Choosing a section of Scripture 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. 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, the answers to the other questions (especially why and how) deepen faith.
The leader fields a few questions about each prompt and chooses one. Encourage one person in the group to write down the final questions.
Start at the beginning of a book in the Bible, and work through it a passage at a time.
A timeless truth (TT) is a word, phrase, or verse that is as true for us today as when it was originally authored. For instance, consider John 3:16. It's loaded with timeless truths. 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 a timeless truth is for the leader to ask the group, "What stood out to you?" Wait until timeless truths are mentioned, pick one, then move to step two. If the group does not generate one, the leader should be ready with one.
The smaller the timeless truth the better because it keeps the questions centered on one thought. Often it's more effective to choose a word, phrase or sentence rather than an entire verse. Choosing a section of Scripture 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. 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, the answers to the other questions (especially why and how) deepen faith.
The leader fields a few questions about each prompt and chooses one. Encourage one person in the group to write down the final questions.
- Use the timeless truth (or the word "this") in the questions.
- 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?" or "How can we accomplish this?"
- Ask for an explanation to yes or no questions.
- Don't overthink this step. Simple questions can produce profound answers. If it takes more than ten seconds to develop a question, you may be over thinking it.
- Talk about the questions in any order.
- Don't feel constrained to answer all the questions.
- Go beyond the obvious in your answers.
- Encourage the group to look at the surrounding words and verses for answers. Often the answer to a question is located nearby. This is called near context, and is usually defining in nature.
- Ask follow-up questions. Propose secondary questions as the group replies to the primary ones. These can generate even deeper conversation and learning. Use what, why, how, when, where, who as prompts for your follow-up questions. See samples.
- Over time it may become possible to learn to compose questions "on the fly." In other words, skip the mechanics of Step 2, and move directly to Step 3. This is done by mentally reviewing the prompts and naturally generating good discussion questions.
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