Discovery Bible Study

This method was created by David Watson.  We highly recommend his book "Contagious Disciple Making"

What is a Discovery Bible Study (DBS)?

DBS is a simple way to study the bible.  It’s so easy you can teach non-Christians to lead it with their friends.  How is that possible?

Rule #1 of DBS – No teaching

When we teach the bible, we will always end up teaching our opinion and church traditions either purposely or accidentally.  Worse, we can get in the way and try to take the place of the Holy Spirit.  In a DBS you will simply ask what the section of scripture says.

Rule #2 of DBS – Self correcting

What about people believing false doctrine?  The leader of the group will ask others to put in their own words what the passage says.  Others can add anything that was missed.  If someone says something that isn’t in the passage (not other passages either) then the leader or other members simply ask where they got that idea.

Rule #3 of DBS – Accountability

Everyone in the group will be expected to share what they learned with someone else and put it into practice.  At the end of the study the leader will ask each person what they  need to change in order to obey the passage.

Rule #4 of DBS – Church preparation

DBS can be used to prepare people to become a church with the following opening discussion questions: