Discovery Bible Study

Discovery Bible Study (DBS) is a simple approach used by people all over the world as a way to explore the Bible with others.  It is so easy that anyone can facilitate a conversation regardless of their religious or spiritual background, or even how familiar they are with the Bible.

Can someone like me start a Discovery Bible Study?

Absolutely! You don't need to be a professor to read and discuss what the Bible says with other people.  Just get some friends, neighbors, family, or co-workers together by asking them if they'd like to study what the Bible says for themselves, then follow these three steps:

CONNECT
  • What is something you are thankful for right now?
  • What is a challenge that is causing you stress?
  • If this is not your first DBS, what did you do differently because of our previous time together?
  • If this is not your first DBS, who did you tell about what you discovered last time and what was their reaction?

DISCOVER
  • Read the chosen passage once or twice until you are familiar
  • Retell the story in your own words (have others fill-in missing pieces)
  • What stands out to you?
  • What does this passage say about God?
  • What does this passage say about people?

APPLY
  • According to this study, what am I doing well? What do I need to change?
  • Who else will you tell about what you discovered? How can you tell them?
  • Who can I invite to study the Bible with me?
Tips for Facilitators
  • Facilitate, don't teach! Allow the Holy Spirit to be the teacher as He leads people into clearer understanding of God's Word over time. You certainly want to share your thoughts and observations, but a facilitator's role is to keep the convo rolling with questions, not monologue.

  • Stay in one passage.  Not everyone has the ability to  jump around the Bible and track with the diverse writers, contexts, and storylines represented.  You can gently bring wanderers back on target by graciously asking "where do you see that in this passage?"

  • After the first DBS, make sure to ask everyone how they did with their "I WILL" statement and with telling others.  Accountability promotes action!

  • The ideal group size is 4 to 12 people. It can work with only two people, but it's amazing how God uses mutliple minds, hearts, and histories to bring perspective to a passage.

  • This works great in person or online. Not everyone has access to people who want to explore the Bible, so don't be shy to use the technology God gave us to help people discover Him!

What are some great passages 
for a Discovery Bible Study?

  • God Creates – Genesis 1:1-25
  • God Creates Man and Woman – Genesis 2:4-24
  • Man and Woman Eat the Fruit – Genesis 3:1-13
  • God’s Curses – Genesis 3:14-24
  • God Regrets His Creation – Genesis 6:5-8
  • God Saves Noah and His Family – Genesis 6:9-22, 7:1-24, 8:1-14
  • God’s Covenant with Noah – Genesis 8:15-22, 9:1-17
  • God’s Covenant with Abram – Genesis 12:1-8, 15:1-6, 17:1-7
  • Abraham Gives His Son as an Offering – Genesis 22:1-19
  • God Spares His People – Exodus 12:1-28
  • The Commands of God – Exodus 20:1-21
  • The Sin Offering – Leviticus 4:1-35
  • God’s Righteous Servant – Isaiah 53
  • Jesus is Born – Luke 1:26-38, 2:1-20
  • Jesus is Baptized – Matthew 3; John 1:29-34
  • Jesus is Tested –  Matthew 4:1-11
  • Jesus and the Religious Leader – John 3:1-21
  • Jesus and the Samaritan Woman – John 4:1-26, 4:39-42
  • Jesus and the Paralyzed Man – Luke 5:17-26
  • Jesus Calms the Storm – Mark 4:35-41
  • Jesus and the Man with Evil Spirits – Mark 5:1-20
  • Jesus Raises a Man from the Dead – John 11:1-44
  • Jesus Talks about His Betrayal and the Covenant – Matthew 26:17-30
  • Jesus is Betrayed and Faces Trial – John 18:1-40, 19:1-16
  • Jesus is Crucified – Luke 23:32-56
  • Jesus is Resurrected – Luke 24:1-35
  • Jesus Appears to the Disciples and Ascends to Heaven – Luke 24:36-53
  • Enter into the Kingdom God – John 3:1-21