Path of Questions
[This is DMM Trek Log entry #2 in the adventure of initiating a disciple-making movement (DMM) through discovery Bible study (DBS).]
In Log entry #1 I told how some friends and I invite others to an ongoing Zoom event we call Re-Discovering Christian Outreach. Our hope is to initiate a disciple-making movement (DMM) through discovery Bible study (DBS). In our first two sessions, the way we learned about discovery Bible study was simply by doing one.
I happened to be the facilitator at our third session. It began in a disjointed manner, because some attendees came and left as their schedules permitted. After spending more time than usual to get acquainted, time was too short for a full Bible study over a long text. So, we read and discussed just 4 verses. Prior to that, for the sake of the newcomers I walked us all through the outline of a typical discovery Bible study.
I did so, because the word “discovery” appears in the title of several Bible study methods. I wanted to show my friends in the group what makes DBS different from other approaches — namely a pathway of distinctive questions which are discussed in each session. In the Western Church we imagine that telling people is teaching and listening is learning. But mere telling and listening seldom transform unbelievers or novice Christians into disciples fully devoted to Jesus.
So, I invite you to walk down the path of the 18 questions most commonly used in a Discovery Bible Study session. The words in brackets explain what each question accomplishes gradually over the course of multiple sessions.
Discovery Bible Study Outline
A. Living the Word.
- What are you thankful for? [Teaches gratitude and worship.]
- What is causing you stress? [Develops group cohesion and prayerful trust in the Lord.]
- Who needs our help? How can this group help them? [Teaches service to others.]
- Retell story from the previous meeting. [Teaches us to internalize and meditate on the Word.]
- What did you do differently because of this story? [Trains us to obey and be led by God.]
- With whom did you share last week’s passage? [Trains us to witness verbally.]
B. Open the Word.
- Who would like to read today’s text? The others just listen. [Trains us to hear the Word.]
- Who would like to retell the passage in their own words? [Group internalizing of the Word.]
C. Discuss the Word.
- What happens in this scripture passage? [We limit our comments to the text, so the Word can speak.]
- What does God/Jesus do? What do we discover about God? [Forms an accurate view of God.]
- In this passage what do we discover about people? [Forms an accurate view of humans?]
- What good or bad example do we see here? [We evaluate behavior by God’s standards.]
- Did you find advice about the stress you spoke of in A.2 above? [God’s Word becomes relevant.]
D. Obey the Word.
- If this text is true, how does it change how we see God? [We adjust our beliefs to the Truth.]
- How does it change how we treat others? [We evaluate human behavior by God’s Truth.]
- How will I obey what God says in this text? [Trains us to obey and be led by God.]
E. Pass on the Word.
- With whom will you share this story? When and how? [Trains us to witness verbally.]
- Who can I invite to study the Bible? [We learn to pray for and seek persons of peace.]
When we concluded our overview, I was most surprised by Steve’s response: “Thanks for the explanation. Although I had discussed these questions in the group before, I had not recognized how each question builds faith and commitment. Together they provide a pathway to discipleship.”
I invite you to compare the outline above to the disciple-making methods you presently use. After reading each question and its purpose, ask yourself: “How and when do I or my church teach seekers and new converts the attitudes and practices addressed by this question? How well do our methods work?”
May your pondering lead you to another question: Should I step on to the path and give discovery Bible study a try?
Thanks for listening to our adventure so far. God’s richest blessings on yours! To begin your adventure, download and read the free ebook, Disciple Maker: Fulfill Your Destiny in the Disciple-Making Movement Launched by Jesus Christ. While the title is long, the book is short. If you prefer to look before you leap, you can eyeball this synopsis with links to each chapter.
Discovery Bible study does not happen alone. If you have friends who share your dream of guiding others into a vibrant relationship with Jesus, invite them to join you on the trek to initiate a disciple-making movement. Even one such friend is enough to begin the journey.
Here at www.faithtrekker.org I will continue to update you about my disciple-making adventure. Feel free to inform me about yours.
Next DMM log entry: Contagious Disciple Making.