WHAT

Discovery Bible Study (DBS) is the faith discipline of intentionally reading Scripture to discover what it teaches us about God, humanity, and yourself. The DBS method is an invitation for a small group of people to explore together what the Bible says and leads us to practice hearing the word, doing/obeying the word, and sharing the word. “The very practice of reading [the Bible] will have a purifying effect upon your mind and heart. Let nothing take the place of this daily exercise.” Billy Graham

WHY

Psalm 1:2 says “Blessed is he whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night.” We read in Joshua 1:8 “Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” Spending time in God’s Word truly transforms us from the inside out. When we allow The Word to penetrate our hearts we can’t help but be transformed. Jesus said in the gospel of Matthew “where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” There’s something so special and soul connecting when we gather with other people and spend time looking at Scripture together.

HOW

DBS is something that is best done in community. Each gathering will have a similar, repeatable rhythm:

• Thanksgiving: Each person shares something they’re thankful for. (This positions our hearts to be grateful.)
• Scripture: One person read the passage in one version. A second person reads the passage in a different version. A third person simply retells what you read.
• Discovery Questions: After the Scripture is read, conversation is opened and the group is invited to look at God’s Word through the following lens:
  • God: What does this text say about God?
  • Humanity: What does this text say about people? 
  • I Will: In light of what we discovered about this text, what is God calling me to do in response this week?
  • Share: How will I live this out this week? Who will I share this with through my words and/or actions? Who will I BLESS (begin with prayer, listen to others, eat with others, serve others, or share my story) this week?

FIRST STEP

Invite a small group of people to gather together to look at Scripture through the lens of DBS. Here are some Scripture passages to help get you started:

• Matthew 6:25-34 (Do not worry)
• John 15: 1-17 (The Vine and the branches)
• Psalm 23 (The Good Shepherd)