Start Up is the first resource for disciple making. It's a one time event that trains people to start and lead a multiplying Bible study. It is a prerequisite for Multiply, which is a multi week training resource which trains people to start and lead several multiplying Bible studies. Start Up consists of the following steps.
Step 1: How to Lead a Multiplying Bible Study
The main tool for leading a multiplying Bible study is the Discovery Bible Study (DBS). It's simple, powerful, and contains several questions. It can be used by anyone, anywhere at any time.
There is a shorter version of DBS called a mini DBS. It contains one question. It consists of sharing a story from the DBS list Start Stores, and asking the following question, "What does this story tell you about Jesus Christ?" It is often used when Prayer Walking (see below).
Practice.
- As a group, read the information describing the DBS in Steps 1 and 2.
- In breakouts, do a DBS together using a story from the Starter List. Be mindful of time. Keep your answers brief. Trade-off leaders so several get a chance to lead.
- Don't forget his important step. As a group, read the DBS Leader Notes. They are crucial to understanding how a DBS becomes a multiplying Bible study.
Step 2: How to Start a Multiplying Bible Study
The starting point for a multiplying Bible study is engaging someone in conversation. Personal dialogue is how it all begins. The key is taking the initiative to talk with people.
There are two types of people to engage; those you know and those you don't know. The real harvest is among those you don't presently know. They represent a vast number of souls waiting to experience and believe God's love, and share it with others.
You don't need help to engage people you already know. Just ask them if they want to learn how to start and lead a multiplying Bible study.
There are two ways to talk with those you don't know. The first is situational; it occurs anytime, with anyone, at any place. It takes place as you go about the basic routines of life —work, play, exercise, home, etc. It occurs as you run errands, attend meetings, work out, and complete tasks. For these people the FARM conversation is a great tool.
Practice.
- As a group, read Read about the FARM conversation.
- In breakouts do an abbreviated FARM conversation together. Be mindful of time. Play "tag" with the questions. One person asks a question to one other person, and the person who answered, then asks another and so on. Repeat until complete. If you already know the person well, ask them to tell you something you don't already know.
- Don't forget this important step. As a group, read the Leader Notes for the FARM conversation.
The second way to engage those you don't know is intentional; a planned time to talk to people about God. This is referred to a Prayer Walking. It consists of a planned time to talk to people about God. It is best done on a weekly basis, with another person. The people who are most responsive are PIPSY (Poor, Internationals, Prisoners, Sick, Youth). Prayer walking consists of the following steps.
Step 1: Pray for people.
You might say, "Hi, my name is Bob, this is Tom. We're Christians and are walking around praying for people. Can we pray for you?" If they say yes, ask, "If God was to perform a miracle in your life, what would it be?" Then pray for them. Remember, the supernatural is just a snap of the fingers to God. Genesis 1:1 People's hearts are quickened towards God when He does something dramatic in their lives. Mark 6:12-13
Step 2: Share a story.
You might say, "May I share a Bible story that might encourage you?" If they say yes, share a mini DBS by reading a story from the Starter List, and ask one question, "What does this story tell you about Jesus?"
Step 3: Ask the Golden Question.
You might say, "Would you like to share this story with family or friends?" This is called the Golden Question. It's what determines if you have found a person of peace. A person of peace is a storyteller, not just someone who wants to hear stories. You're looking for someone who wants to know how to start and lead multiplying Bible studies, not someone who wants to study the Bible with you.
Step 4: Disciple the person.
If they say yes, ask to text them the link to the story and begin a weekly rhythm of sharing a story each week and following up to see how things go. After they demonstrate that they are faithful about sharing the stories with others (usually 3-4 times), inform them about the full DBS. Read about the DBS, and the leader notes for more information about how to generate multiplication. Take them through the rest of the DBS list of studies. Ideally, eventually you will take them through Multiply. Stories can be texted from various online sources, including BibleGateway and the list of studies on this site.
Practice.
In breakouts, practice the four steps describe above. Like before, play "tag" by having one person interact with another person, and that person interacting with another and so on. Try to get experience doing all four parts below.
As a group, debrief about the entire Start Up experience so far. Share thoughts, ask questions, etc.
Step 1: Pray for people.
You might say, "Hi, my name is Bob, this is Tom. We're Christians and are walking around praying for people. Can we pray for you?" If they say yes, ask, "If God was to perform a miracle in your life, what would it be?" Then pray for them. Remember, the supernatural is just a snap of the fingers to God. Genesis 1:1 People's hearts are quickened towards God when He does something dramatic in their lives. Mark 6:12-13
Step 2: Share a story.
You might say, "May I share a Bible story that might encourage you?" If they say yes, share a mini DBS by reading a story from the Starter List, and ask one question, "What does this story tell you about Jesus?"
Step 3: Ask the Golden Question.
You might say, "Would you like to share this story with family or friends?" This is called the Golden Question. It's what determines if you have found a person of peace. A person of peace is a storyteller, not just someone who wants to hear stories. You're looking for someone who wants to know how to start and lead multiplying Bible studies, not someone who wants to study the Bible with you.
Step 4: Disciple the person.
If they say yes, ask to text them the link to the story and begin a weekly rhythm of sharing a story each week and following up to see how things go. After they demonstrate that they are faithful about sharing the stories with others (usually 3-4 times), inform them about the full DBS. Read about the DBS, and the leader notes for more information about how to generate multiplication. Take them through the rest of the DBS list of studies. Ideally, eventually you will take them through Multiply. Stories can be texted from various online sources, including BibleGateway and the list of studies on this site.
Practice.
In breakouts, practice the four steps describe above. Like before, play "tag" by having one person interact with another person, and that person interacting with another and so on. Try to get experience doing all four parts below.
- Ask question associated with Step 1.
- Ask the question associated with Step 2. You don't have to read the story since you just did that.
- Ask the Golden Question associated with Step 3.
- Practice sending the link to a story to another person's phone.
As a group, debrief about the entire Start Up experience so far. Share thoughts, ask questions, etc.
Step 3: Meet Up
Meet Up is coaching. Coaching is critical for application. All the training in the world will count for nothing unless it's followed by coaching. The two critical elements of coaching are encouragement and equipping. Encouragement add confidence and helps you move through hard times. Equipping addresses areas of need. Together they are the difference between someone who just attends and event and learns some interesting facts, and someone who embarks on a life long journey of making disciples of all nations. Sign up for coaching today!
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