DBS Facilitator Guide

Discovery Bible Study is the engine of disciple making movements. It's a tool that teaches believers how to fish rather than giving them a fish. By combining discovery based learning, obedience based discipleship, and simple, reproducible questions DBS has spread across the globe leading to hundreds of thousands of simple churches within the past generation. It's truly miraculous how God is using this tool to call His people back to him.

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"I received that call when I took part in a discipleship cohort that used DBS for training. I saw DBS put into practice by empty nesters, high schoolers, former muslims, stay at home moms, and campus students in Germany. It worked in each of their circumstances and it worked in mine. I found myself taking more steps within three months of this spiritual formation than I had taken in the previous three years. It was transformative. The teaching was simple, usually just a passage of scripture less than one page, but the DBS method required every member of the cohort to put into practice what they learned from God and come back to share with the group next week. This was done in the same learning style that Jesus used in training the apostles. I began to see the Word of God lived out faithfully by my cohort, each one planting the gospel within their context, each one learning by doing." - Joey Hungerford

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Experience the joy of responding faithfully to the word for yourself. Don't just listen to the teaching, but do what it says to align your life with God's will. Discover these principles for yourself and pray for the Spirit to give you wisdom and discernment in adapting them to your own context. This isn't just another Bible study. This is you learning directly from God. 

A Step-by-Step Guide to Discovery Bible Study (DBS)

Discovery Bible Study (DBS) is a powerful method for delving into the Scriptures and fostering spiritual growth. It's all about discovery-based learning, obedience-focused discipleship, and immediate sharing. In this step-by-step guide, we will walk you through the DBS process and offer facilitator tips to ensure a successful and transformative study.

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Step 1: "ASK" - Begin with Gratitude and Concern
Start your DBS session by fostering a sense of community and openness.

Begin by asking each participant what they are thankful for in their lives this week. Next, encourage participants to share their concerns and challenges. 

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What are you thankful for this week?

This question helps create a positive and thankful atmosphere within the group.

What's stressing you out or challenging in your life, family, world?

This question allows everyone to support each other through prayer and empathy.

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How did you obey, share, or meet the needs from last week?
This question encourages accountability and reflection on the previous week's commitments to obedience.

Step 2: "BIBLE" - Dive into the Passage
Now, it's time to explore the Scripture. Remember, the Holy Spirit is the teacher here. Read and retell the passage out loud from multiple people. 

What does this say about God?  “He is...”
Encourage participants to share their insights on what the passage reveals about God.

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What does this say about people? “We are...” or "I am..."
Continue reading and discussing the passage. Encourage participants to share their thoughts on what the passage says about humanity.

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Step 3: "Commit" -  Let them suggest their own commitment to whatever God is saying to them

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If this is God speaking, how will you obey it this week? “I will...”
This question promotes obedience. Participants should make specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-bound (SMART) "I will" statements based on what they've learned from the Scripture.

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Who do you know who needs to hear this? How can you share it with them?
Encourage participants to consider sharing what they've learned with others. This promotes immediate sharing and evangelism.

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How can we bless and serve our community this week?
Expand the application portion of the study by discussing how the group can collectively serve and impact their community. This may be a way to minister to needs that came up from the second question. 

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Facilitator Quick Tips:

• DBS is a learning environment that emphasizes discovery-based learning, obedience-focused discipleship, and immediate sharing. Ensure all three aspects are integrated into your session.

• Let the Holy Spirit be the teacher. Avoid explaining or teaching the Scripture; instead, ask questions that guide participants to discover insights on their own.

• Encourage participants to put what they've learned into practice through obedience.

• Use open-ended questions and encourage active participation from all members.

• Keep the group size small, ideally under five participants, to ensure an efficient session.

• Stick to the passage at hand; don't bring in unrelated passages or answers.

• Promote self-correction within the group rather than providing immediate answers by simply asking "Where do you see that in this passage?".

• Share your facilitation role within the group to prevent dependency on one leader and to train others.

• Be patient with the group's growth and their journey towards obedience.

• Ensure "I will" statements are specific, tangible, and related to the passage.

• Emphasize love inspired obedience over legalism and avoid imposing external rules.

• Encourage sharing with others, especially non-believers, to spread the Gospel.

Discovery Bible Study is a transformative and empowering way to explore the Scriptures, promote obedience to God's Word, and share your faith with others. By following these steps and facilitator tips, you can create a vibrant DBS group that deepens your spiritual understanding and strengthens your relationship with God. Remember, the Holy Spirit is the ultimate guide in this journey of discovery and obedience.