Discovery Bible Study

Discovery Bible Study, or DBS, is a Bible study method that is being used in settings around the world, among both non-believers and believers. it is extremely simple, which aids replication. Even after a first DBS, it would be easy to turn and facilitate the study with another person…and that’s the point! By keeping it simple—no, really simple—there is a better chance that they will pass it on. Each element teaches an aspect of discipleship and being the church, as you can see below. 

Key principles of DBS:

• Meeting in natural communities. People who already know and trust each other. Group studies, rather than 1:1. Whenever possible, non-believers in the majority.
• Discovery, rather than teaching. DBS studies are often called “discovery groups”. Facilitators let the text lead rather than providing answers, and join in as fellow disciples.
• Discipleship to conversion. Just as Jesus taught the disciples and brought them into mission even before they fully knew him, in DBS obeying Jesus’ words begins with the very first study.
• Obedience and passing it on. The Bible prizes obeying God above acquiring knowledge about him (cf. John 13:17, 14:15, 15:10). Each DBS ends with a concrete response step, and a plan to share the lesson with someone else.

Here are the steps in DBS (essentials in blue):

1. What are you thankful for these days? What are you stressed/worried about?
2. How did you put into practice what you learned last time? Who did you share it with?
3. Read the story aloud as a group 2+ times, then retell the story without looking.
4. What’s interesting, challenging, or confusing about this passage?
5. What does this story teach us about God? About people?
6. What does this story teach us to do or obey? How will you respond?
7. Who do you know who should hear this story this week?