We have been using the Discovery Bible Study (DBS) system for a few years now, and over the time we have tried and tested the questions to make sure it is simple, biblical and reproducible.
Discovery method (DBS – discovery bible study)
Choose a passage of scripture (e.g. 10 to 15 verses from Mark), pray (or have some pray) for understanding, tell the passage to the group in your own words, have someone read the passage from the bible, then have the group repeat the passage in their own words, then ask the following 4 DBS questions (one at a time):
- – What does this teach us about God/Jesus?
- – What does this teach us about people?
- – If this is really God’s word, what changes would I have to make in my life?
- – What and to whom will you share what you just learned?
Questions to ask in a discovery bible study
Ask “From this passage of the Bible…
– What stood out to you the most? (optional)
– What do you like or not like? (optional)
– What do you not understand? (optional)
1. What does this teach us about God/Jesus?
2. What does this teach us about people?
(List the people in the passage and think what do we learn from them?)
– Who do you identify with? (optional)
3. Based on this scripture, what will you do with it?
– Is there something we need to do or not do?
– “If this is really God’s word, what changes would I have to make in my life?”
4. What and with whom (& why) will you share what you just learned?
View a more extensive document that outlines and explains in more details how to do an online Pattern of Discipleship group using the 3/3s Meeting Format.
The DBS method is great!
I have been using the Discovery Bible Study questions for many years and it is by far the best way to help new people as well as those who aren’t so new to learning and applying the teachings in the Bible to their lives.