Discovery Bible Study Guide

Get Started with DBS
A simple bible study anyone can use

Get Started

DBS Guide

Not sure what a Discovery Bible Study is? Find out more here. If you're ready to get started, scroll on. We recommend you familiarise yourself with the DBS guidelines for groups and facilitators before you start.

Check out our DBS Topics for studies and scriptures that are relevant to specific life situations, questions and experiences that are common in life. These can really help when you're not sure where to start.

How to run a Study

(01)

Start with life and last week's study

(25% of the session)

To begin, each group member takes turns discussing life and last week's study.

  • What are you thankful for?
  • What’s been stressing or bothering you?
  • Who needs our help?
  • How can we help them?

 

Look back at last week's study

If this is your first session, you can ignore this step.

  • Retell story from the previous meeting.
  • What did you do differently because of this story?
  • Who did you tell and what was the reaction?

(02)

Read and retell the story

(50% of the session)

Next, look at this week's Bible passage.

    • One person reads the Bible passage out loud, and the rest follow along.
    • Then, someone else retells the story and others fill in what is they think is missing.

 

What does this say about God?

  • Read the passage again.
  • Discuss what this passage says about God, Jesus or his plan.

 

What does this say about us?

  • Read the passage once more.
  • Discuss what this passage says about us (humanity).

(03)

Make it personal and practical

(25% of the session)

Take turns and discuss the following:

  • According to this study, what am I doing well?
  • What do I need to change?
  • Who do I know that needs to hear this story, and how can I tell them?
  • Who could I invite to study the Bible with me?
Tools to Help You

Download the YouVersion App

The YouVersion Bible App offers a completely free bible experience. It's available on smartphones, tablets and online, making it the perfect companion app for Discovery Bible Studies.

YouVersion App IconDownload YouVersion on Google Play

Study Guidelines

Familiarise yourself with these simple guidelines to help the group run smoothly as you begin.

Group

Read these five guidelines to the group as you begin the first three or four sessions.

  1. Everyone shares in sentences, not paragraphs.
  2. Focus only on what this passage is saying, not on other passages.
  3. Focus only on what this group is seeing.
  4. Give people time to respond. Silence is OK.
  5. The facilitator should facilitate discussion, not teach.

Facilitator

As the group facilitator, keep these guidlines in mind to help keep the group on track.

  1. Keep the session on schedule and complete all sections, though not necessarily all questions.
  2. Prepare before by studying the chosen passage, looking for main idea, and think of some examples, stories or applications from your own life.
  3. Respond to questions by asking group, “What in the passage helps us answer that question?”
  4. Respond to distracting comments by asking, “Where is that found in this passage?”
  5. Respond to “strange” answers by asking, “Help us understand what you are thinking.”
Search Relevant Scripture

Find the Right Passage for Your DBS

Help your group connect with scripture that speaks to their specific life questions and challenges. We've organised scripture passages by common life experiences to help you prepare for your next DBS.

Browse Study Topics →