Bible Discovery Method

Part 1: Reconnect

1. Thankful?

From this past week, what is something you’re thankful for? Begin each session with thanksgiving. The posture of gratitude helps to center our hearts on the eternal by giving proper perspective on life.

2. Challenge?

From this past week, what was challenging for you? Sharing challenges weakens our pride and positions our hearts to admit we have needs just like everyone else. It also implies we will lean on our group members for help because we are acknowledging the challenge in their company. Facilitator Tip: We intentionally do not use words like “struggle” or “prayer requests.” These tend to be inflammatory and emotional language, often guys especially will shut down. “Challenge” works very well with everyone.

3. How’d it go?

How was carrying out your “I will” statement this past week? This is where group members share their experience as they sought to live out last week’s passage of Scripture. Accountability is the goal here, not bragging on ourselves or shaming someone for not coming through. Celebrate wins, and gently encourage those who may not have done what they said they would. Facilitator Tip: Skip this section on your first group time, since you haven’t written any “I will” statements yet. You’ll check in with one another every group time after the first.

Part 2: God Speaks

Have everyone turn to the selected passage for study, then pray for the group. Ask specifically that the Holy Spirit—who inspired this passage to be written—will bring to our attention exactly what each individual needs to see and act upon. (Before you start reading a book together for the first time, make sure to look at an overview of the book you will be reading. We recommend taking an entire week looking at the background of the book before you dig in. We want to make sure to understand the biblical context and setting to ensure we stay true to the meaning of the text and not simply apply it to our current context. you can find a link to overviews of every book of the bible here.)

Though everyone should have already read the text during the week, we will read it out loud twice together. Reading God’s Word aloud is a centuries-old practice that helps draw listeners together under the Word of God. Scripture is living and active (Heb. 4:12), and we need to hear it over and over again so it can change our hearts.

First Reading: Have everyone follow along in their Bibles and go around the room with each person reading one verse (or section) at a time.

Second Reading: Have everyone close their eyes and listen for the Spirit to highlight a word, phrase, or idea. One person will read the entire passage aloud.

Facilitator Tip: To keep the Word fresh in our minds and hearts, it’s often useful to read from another translation for the second reading. Sometimes a paraphrase—like The Message—can also help us enter the Story with new eyes. After the reading, discuss the following questions as a group:

4. Initial response?

What word or phrase stands out to you and why? What are you hearing? Upon hearing his Word, what is the Holy Spirit leading you to think?

5. God?

What does this passage say about God? What does this passage reveal about who God is? What does it say about God’s character?

6. People?

What does this passage say about people? What does this text say about people, or our human nature? How does it describe the human experience? How do you relate to the writer/characters/original audience?

7. If this is true, what will you do?

How is God calling you to respond? If this Word really is true (and it is), what does that require of you? Based on what God has spoken, what is your correct response?

Facilitator Tip: Here, members write out their “I will . . .” statements. For example, If the passage is Philippians 2, “I will…” statements could be: -I will focus more on my spouse’s needs than my own, just like Jesus. -I will serve others with joy and without complaining or bitterness. -I will be bolder in sharing my faith, knowing that many risk their lives for the sake of the gospel.