
Since the only materials used here are the Bible, and since it emphasizes the “priesthood of all believers” there are no problems from a CMC theological perspective.įor people accustomed to materials-driven lessons, it does require that the disciple-maker take a patient approach and it requires reliance on the work of the Holy Spirit. When done in an atmosphere of mutual trust – where the disciple-maker is learning alongside the disciple – it can be a very non-threatening way for people to encounter Jesus on their own through God’s word.Ĥ. It does not require specialized training or expensive materials.ģ. Also known as DBS, Discovery Bible Study is an interactive small group bible study method widely used by disciple making movements. A disciple who encounters and learns about Jesus through this kind of Bible study will immediately realize that they can introduce others to him in the same way.Ģ. This method is an excellent tool for discipleship because it is simple and easily reproducible. The leader’s role is to facilitate the discussion and the discovery process.ġ. Finally, the group discusses how the passage relates to them and how they could apply it. The leader helps summarize the main points or flow of the passage. The group spends the rest of the hour sharing what they see in the text, sharing questions that arise from the text, and grappling with those questions as a group as they seek answers from the text. There is lots of room and white space to mark up the text and write notes and questions on the page that can be shared with a small group.Įach “Communal Discovery” Bible study starts with a few minutes of personal time for the group to read and mark their texts. This format helps the learners “see” the passage in a fresh way, and helps the learners discover themes and relationships within the text. The “manuscript format” is just the text of the passage, no verse numbers, chapter divisions, headings, or notes at the bottom of the page. The format used for this kind of Bible study is called a “manuscript” of the passage. The leader assists the group in digging into the passage rather than the leader only sharing insights and answering the group’s questions.

It’s important that answers come straight from the text, not from outside sources.This method of Bible study is sometimes called “communal discovery” because the community or group discovers the truth of a Bible passage together, by asking and answering good questions and seeking Jesus together in His Word.What does this teach us about our relationship with God?.What does this teach us about people or yourself?.Does anyone remember any more of the story?.Can anyone re-tell the story from memory?.A different person reads the passage again while everyone else’s Bible is closed.

One person reads the passage while everyone else follows along in their own Bible.Did you live your life any differently because of it?.What story did we talk about last time?.What needs do you have? Can this group help with that need?.What difficulties have you faced this week?.Participants meet and talk with each other about their week.

Here is what a standard DBS meeting looks like: Connect It’s a great tool to help pre-Christians get to know Jesus. It is centered on God’s Word, without secondary sources, and helps people to get to know Jesus and obey His commands. It is an effective study method for Christians and is really helpful in introducing Jesus to non-Christians. In the DBS method, one person facilitates discussion, as everyone studies God’s Word together. As participants read and react to the Bible, they are introduced to key factors of the Christian life like prayer, worship, and obeying Scriptures. Going deeper, DBS is a blueprint for people to apply and share what they learn from the Bible.
#BIBLE DISCOVERY METHOD SERIES#
On the surface, DBS is simply reading a Bible passage and responding to a series of questions with a small group of people and committing to obey and share what you have learned. Discovery Bible Study is a great tool that helps people from many backgrounds learn about and respond to who God is.ĭiscovery Bible Study (DBS) is a simple Bible study method that relies on the Bible itself, rather than a study guide or expert leader.
