TEACH is a resource that incorporates Discovery Bible Study (DBS) elements into Bible messages. This method fosters a deeper understanding and enhances engagement—much like having an interactive conversation with your audience, except the questions are rhetorical.
STEP 1: ASK AND ANSWER TWO PRIMARY QUESTIONS
Select a Passage: Then ask, "What does this passage reveal about God?" and "What does this passage reveal about people?" The goal is to uncover God's insights about Himself and humanity. If your audience consists of disciple-making movement (DMM) practitioners, you might also ask, "What does this passage say about making disciples?"
Focus on Significant Terms: For example, in Luke 7:36-50, you could concentrate on the nature and scope of forgiveness as expressed in Luke 7:47: "I tell you, her sins—and they are many—have been forgiven..."
Construct a Principle: Try to derive a timeless truth from the answers. Sometimes the text is already in principle form, like John 3:16: "God loves the world." Other times, rephrase the text to create a principle, such as from Luke 7:47: "Jesus offers forgiveness for all our sins, regardless of their extent or quantity."
STEP 2: DEVELOP FOLLOW UP QUESTIONS
Select Answers to Explore: Choose two or three answers from Step 1 for further exploration.
Use Effective Question Starters:
- What: Clarifies and leads to further questions.
- Why: Reveals rationale; vital in a Western-based culture. Ask this question whenever possible.
- How: Provides examples or strategies.
- When/Where: Focuses on time and location.
- Who: Highlights individuals involved.
Follow the "ten-second" rule for formulating questions. If it takes longer to develop a question, move on. Avoid yes-or-no questions to encourage deeper discussion. If they are used, ask for an explanation.
Craft Follow-Up Questions: Address the most apparent inquiries listeners might have. For example, from Luke 7:47: "Why is it important to know that Jesus forgives our sins regardless of their extent or quantity?"
STEP 3: ANSWER FOLLOW UP QUESTIONS
This is the Heart of the Message. Thoughtful answers to engaging questions capture interest, enhance understanding, and inspire commitment. The Holy Spirit uses these discussions to generate belief, prompt obedience, and trigger disciple-making.
Extract Answers from the Passage. Examine the passage for answers before moving to broader Scripture. For example, answers to the question, "Why is it important to know Jesus forgives our sins regardless of their extent or quantity?" might include:
- Because it liberates those formerly enslaved by their sins (Luke 7:38).
- Because it means Jesus forgives even the most shameful sins (Luke 7:39).
- Because once we are forgiven, we experience genuine peace (Luke 7:50).
Illustrate with Examples. Use diverse examples from personal experiences, everyday situations, and the Bible. Avoid over-relying on personal anecdotes from your family.
Maintain a Conversational Tone. Engage the audience through dialogue, rhetorical questions, and interactive discussions. For example: "I'd like to share three reasons why it’s important that we know Jesus forgives our sins regardless of their extent or quantity."
STEP 4: CONCLUSION
Prompt a Response. Ask, "Based on what you’ve just learned, what does God want you to do?" Provide a space for participants to document their responses, either on paper or a personal device. Encourage them to frame their responses as an "I will..." statement.
Follow Up. At the next meeting, review the "I will..." commitments from the previous session. Depending on the group size, use various methods to share these updates, such as open-mic sessions, reading prepared statements, conducting live interviews, or showing video testimonials. These approaches ensure accountability and foster continued growth and obedience among participants.
SAMPLE
Read Mark 2:1-12
What does this passage say about God and man?
Answer: People can experience Jesus Christ powerfully in their homes. Mark 2:1-2
Answer: Jesus has the authority to forgive sins. Mark 2:5
Answer: Jesus placed a greater priority on forgiveness than healing. Mark 2:5
I will...
Based on what you experienced, how does God want you to respond this week? What should you do and/or who should you tell? Encourage the listeners to write down their personal act of obedience in response to the message. Ask for responses the following week.
Answer: People can experience Jesus Christ powerfully in their homes. Mark 2:1-2
- Follow-up Question: Why is home-based ministry so important?
- Follow-up answers: List three reasons why home-based ministry is so vital.
- Illustration: Enlist someone to talk about the impact home-based ministry had on them.
- Follow-up Question: Why does God involve believers in the process of our salvation?
- Follow-up answers: List three reasons people are involved in the salvation process.
- Illustration: Describe the role others played in your salvation.
- Follow-up Question: Why is it so important to allow the Lord to interrupt us?
- Follow Up Answers: List three reasons why it is so important to let God interrupt our plans and schedules.
- Illustration: Share Acts 16:13-15
Answer: Jesus has the authority to forgive sins. Mark 2:5
- Follow-up Question: Why is it important to trust Jesus to forgive our sins?
- Follow-up answers: List several reasons why it's important to trust Jesus to forgive our sins.
- Illustration: Share Psalm 32:1-5, or have someone give their testimony.
Answer: Jesus placed a greater priority on forgiveness than healing. Mark 2:5
- Follow-up Question: Why would Jesus place a greater priority on forgiveness than healing?
- Follow-up answers: List three reasons why this might be so.
- Illustration: Share a time when you saw God forgive without healing.
- Follow-up Question: How does Jesus prove his identity today?
- Follow Up Answer: State three ways Jesus proves his identity to people today?
- Illustration: Tell how Jesus proved his identity to you.
- Follow-up Question: Why is it so important to be amazed by Jesus regularly?
- Follow-up answers: Give three reasons why it's imperative to be amazed by Jesus regularly.
- Illustration: Do a word search on the term "amazed" in connection with Jesus on Bible Gateway and share a couple of relevant Scriptures.
I will...
Based on what you experienced, how does God want you to respond this week? What should you do and/or who should you tell? Encourage the listeners to write down their personal act of obedience in response to the message. Ask for responses the following week.