Facilitating A DISCOVERY Group

The facilitator has an important role in the group in listening, helping guide discussion, and preparation. Here are a few things to keep in mind in facilitating the Discovery Bible Study.

Keep to the Text

It is easy, especially for seasoned Christians or teachers, to bring other Bible passages into the current passage. However, this is not the purpose of the study. It is about learning what the passage is saying within its context. Also, if people are present who do not have any understanding of the Bible, bringing in other passages (or authors, theologies, etc.) can be overwhelming. That does not mean these ideas cannot be explored, encourage them to be discussed after the study or at a different time.

If another passage or verse helps to clarify the passage, by all means bring it to light, but do not get caught up throwing lots of other verses and passages into the text.

Allow Time to Answer

Silence can be awkward, but do not feel like it has to be filled. Some people need to think before they say anything or reread something before they give an answer. Allow time for people to think, read, and process. Do not feel like you have to be first to answer each question, but also be open to being the first to be vulnerable.

Over-talkers & Under-talkers

People have different tendencies in group settings. First, the facilitator needs to be balanced in talking. (S)he should not be the only one talking, but also does not need to wait on everyone else before saying something. Second, in relation to facilitating a group with these types of people: be sure to call on under-talkers for their insights (oftentimes quiet people have great thoughts) and let an over-talker speak, but be quick to call on someone else after they have finished their thought.

On Teaching

The questions-time is not for teaching, but for observing, applying, and listening. It may be easy for some to start teaching during this section. If someone lingers into teaching, direct them back to the question. The ending summary section is a time to ‘add’ teaching if needed to better understand the passage or bring points out that may have been missed.

Be Specific

Do not allow general answers. If someone gives a general answer, ask them a follow-up question. Someone may give an answer to the call question as “I will love my neighbor”, ask them, “what will you do to love them?” and “which neighbor; what is their name?”. Or if someone observes, “I see God’s love in this passage,” follow up with, “Which verse do you see it in? And how is it revealed?”

DBS Overview

The Discovery Bible Study is a great tool for facilitating group discussion of Scripture. Whether it is in a seasoned House Church, small discipleship group, or with people who have never opened a Bible, it promotes learning Scripture and centers around the text using only a few simple, but deep, questions.

1. Connect

This is a time when people share what is going on in their lives. Sometimes called “Highs and Lows”, this is a simple time for people to reveal their life and connect on a personal level.

• What are you thankful for?
• What is challenging you?

After the first week, begin asking these questions as well:

• How are you living into your response from last week?
• Do you need accountability?
• Did you share the passage with anyone? If so, how did that go?

It is important that this time of connecting is not judgmental or pushy. “Accountability” does not mean holding their feet over the fire for something they did or did not do. Rather, accountability is about re-speaking the truth of who they are in Jesus into them. It is about proclaiming their identity.

2. Read The Passage Twice

Ask who would like to read the passage. The person should read it slowly for understanding and hearing.

A second person should read the passage again in like fashion—in a different translation if available.

3. Retell the Passage

Once the readings are done, someone can retell the passage in their own words. It may help them to close their Bible when they retell it. While they are retelling, the others should read along in their Bible. Once the person has finished retelling, the others can chime in on any elements that may have been left out of the retelling.

4. The Questions

The questions should be answered based on the passage read. It is easy to start bringing in other passages of the Bible or other thoughts from beyond the Bible. The key is to answer the questions with only the passage at hand.

This is especially important when non-believers or young believers who do not know Scripture well are a part of the group. When other sections of the Bible are thrown in or various teachings, it can become a place of confusion. If there is a trail forming off from the passage, someone can simply ask, “Where do you see that in this passage?” to help get back on track.

With that said, feel free, as the facilitator to draw other passages in that may help bring understanding to the passage—especially if it applies to identity questions. However, do not let everyone just through other verses in or draw too many in.

What does the passage reveal about who God is?

This question draws our attention to focus on God. The Bible is the story of God, not us, and it is important to keep God at the center of our reading. The emphasis is the person of God, and this goes hand-in-hand with the next question.

Note that God is Trinity—Father, Son, and Spirit—so this question can be in related to God in general, or specifically about the Father, Jesus, or the Spirit.

What does God say or do in the passage?

This is the “proof” of who God is revealed to be. If someone says “God is love”, how from this passage does God say He is love or show that He is love?

What does the passage reveal about us (people, humanity)?

The Bible might be centered around God, but humanity is a key part of God’s creation and His plan for His creation. The Bible has a lot to say about humanity—both good and bad—and we want it to shape our understanding of who we are.

The core of this question is about identity: what does the Bible have to say about who humanity is in light of Jesus (or without Jesus)?

How do we get to respond in light of (1) who God is, (2) what He says or does, (3) and what is true about us?

This is the application piece of reading the passage. Now that there has been discussion around who God is and who we are, the question now turns to, “What do we get to do about it?” A good way to answer this question is to form an ‘I-will’ statement—“In light of this passage, I will…” This becomes an action plan that can now be used for the next gathering to discuss how the ‘I-will’ statements went throughout the week. Think through things that are going well in life and what may need to change in light of the passage.

Who are we going to share this passage with this week?

Now that we have walked through the passage in light of who God is and who He says we are; attention is now given to mission: “Who are we going to share this with?” Be specific about the person (or people) who may need to hear what was read and learned, or who you want to simply share the story or idea with to get their perspective.

The Summary

The facilitator should take a few minutes to summarize key points made during the questions and give encouragement about the call and mission. (S)he can then draw out any other teaching points that may be present in the passage to help bring clarity and answer any questions that have come up. This may require some preparation on the part of the facilitator before gathering for the study.