The same reproducible method, used here with guests at a local rescue mission — one that works for someone meeting Jesus for the first time and for someone who has followed him for decades.
The full 4-step process, group and facilitator rules, and all four study sets at a glance — one printable page.
Discovery Bible Study (DBS) is a simple, reproducible way to read Scripture together in a small group — one that works whether or not everyone in the room can read, and whether or not anyone has ever led a Bible study before. Instead of a teacher explaining the passage, the group discovers it together: someone reads it aloud, and the group asks what it says and what it means for how we live.
It's one of the most effective tools available for both evangelism and discipleship, because the same simple process works for someone hearing the gospel for the first time and for someone who has walked with Jesus for years. Below is everything you need to run a group of your own: an introduction to the method, and printable study sets you can use with or without your own Bibles in the room.
A thorough introduction to and explanation of Discovery Bible Study.
Study sheets set out before a session at the Rescue Mission.
Spend the first 5–10 minutes checking in — what people are thankful for, what they've faced this week, and how last week's passage showed up in their lives.
Everyone uses the same clear translation. One person reads it aloud, the group defines any confusing words, then a different person retells it in their own words.
What did you like? What surprised or confused you? What does this passage tell us about God, about people, and about the relationship between them?
How does this change the way you see God, yourself, or others? What will you specifically do differently this week — and who can you tell about it?
Each set below is ten passages built around a theme, with a printable study sheet for every passage — English (New Living Translation) on one side, a take-home study on the other, and a full Spanish translation (Nueva Versión Internacional) as well.
Stories where Jesus helps in unexpected ways — for people who feel the need for help that only God can give.
Explore this set →Stories that reveal the radical love and hope of Jesus — for those searching for good news in their lives.
Coming soonStories that follow the life and ministry of Jesus — for people discovering what he has to say about life, love, and purpose.
Coming soonStories of Jesus and those on the margins — for people who feel like outsiders themselves.
Explore this set →