DISCOVERY GROUPS
Discovery Groups (also known as Discovery Bible Studies – DBS) are merely groups where friends/family come together to see for themselves what the Bible says and how it can effect our lives. Anyone can lead one! Just gather some friends and ask the questions. You can start with one of the passage lists on the below.
Discovery Bible Study Process
CONNECT
Open with a time of connection. As we grow in relationship, we build trust and create safety for deeper discussions and mutual encouragement and healing.
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The questions are non-threatening and simple,
allowing anyone to share.
These questions are not overtly “spiritual” at first,
but they become the foundation for key aspects of
following Jesus in community: thankfulness leads to
worship and praise, discussing our challenges leads
to confession and vulnerability, reconnecting on ”I will”
statements leads to accountability.
- What are you thankful for?
- What’s a challenge you’re facing?
- How did you do with last week’s ‘I Will’ statement?
- Did you share what we talked about with anyone?
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The questions are non-threatening and simple,
allowing anyone to share.
These questions are not overtly “spiritual” at first,
but they become the foundation for key aspects of
following Jesus in community: thankfulness leads to
worship and praise, discussing our challenges leads
to confession and vulnerability, reconnecting on ”I will”
statements leads to accountability.
DISCOVER
Explore the Bible together. Use the following instructions and questions to help you lean on the Holy Spirit to teach you as you Discover Jesus and His teachings.
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Discovering truth on your own (or in a group) is more
powerful than simply being told the truth.
Simple questions like these allow everyone to be on
the same page.
The Discovery Process allows the Holy Spirit to be the
teacher rather than a person, helping to avoid false
teaching or over-dependence on a gifted individual.
These questions help create spiritually hungry
disciples who are”self-feeding.” They teach people
how to hear from God, not just what the text says.
These questions are theologically “safe” as
well as spiritually deep.
These questions are reproducible in every setting.
This empowers anyone and everyone to make
disciples wherever they are.
- Pray the Disciples Prayer together.
- Read the passage.
- Have someone put it in their own words.
- What stands out to you?
- What does this text say about God?
- What does this text say about people?
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Discovering truth on your own (or in a group) is more
powerful than simply being told the truth.
Simple questions like these allow everyone to be on
the same page.
The Discovery Process allows the Holy Spirit to be the
teacher rather than a person, helping to avoid false
teaching or over-dependence on a gifted individual.
These questions help create spiritually hungry
disciples who are”self-feeding.” They teach people
how to hear from God, not just what the text says.
These questions are theologically “safe” as
well as spiritually deep.
These questions are reproducible in every setting.
This empowers anyone and everyone to make
disciples wherever they are.
DISCIPLES PRAYER
Pray this together before every Bible Study:
Father, I come to you now in the name of Your Son Jesus.
I ask, that by the power of Your Holy Spirit, You…
Give me ears to hear what You want me to hear
Give eyes to see what You want me to see
Give me a mind to think what You want me to think
Give me the heart to feel what You want me to feel
Give me the will to do what You want me to do,
everyday of my life.
In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
I ask, that by the power of Your Holy Spirit, You…
Give me ears to hear what You want me to hear
Give eyes to see what You want me to see
Give me a mind to think what You want me to think
Give me the heart to feel what You want me to feel
Give me the will to do what You want me to do,
everyday of my life.
In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
GO
The way of Jesus is much more than just a belief system. It's a way of life. If we want to grow as disciples and disciple-makers, we must obey whatever The Lord Jesus commands us. Our growth is on the other side of our obedience.
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These are the most important questions!
DBS groups focus on response (obedience) over
gaining knowledge. “I will" statements are incredibly
important. Make them as specific as possible (the
more vague, the harder to accomplish).
By focusing on obedience, people experience God
throughout the week, and begin their discipleship by
following rather than merely agreeing with God.
When people who are just discovering God tell others
what they're learning, new groups and viral growth
are possible! People notice changed lives!
- How can you specifically live out this passage in the next few days?
- Everyone creates an ‘I Will’ statement
- Who are you going to tell about what you discovered?
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These are the most important questions!
DBS groups focus on response (obedience) over
gaining knowledge. “I will" statements are incredibly
important. Make them as specific as possible (the
more vague, the harder to accomplish).
By focusing on obedience, people experience God
throughout the week, and begin their discipleship by
following rather than merely agreeing with God.
When people who are just discovering God tell others
what they're learning, new groups and viral growth
are possible! People notice changed lives!