Discovery Bible Study, often called DBS, is one of the simplest and most powerful ways we can help people grow in their faith and learn how to follow Jesus. It is not complicated. It is not reserved for pastors or people with formal Bible training. Every single one of us can do this. DBS reminds us that discipleship does not begin with teaching from a platform. It begins with opening Scripture together and learning how to listen, obey, and share what God is revealing.
At New Vision Church in Fayetteville, GA, we believe discipleship is for everyone. Discovery Bible Study, as we learned from our guest speaker this week, gives us a clear and biblical way to live out the Great Commission in everyday life.
Anyone Can Facilitate Discovery Bible Study
One of the most important things to understand about Discovery Bible Study is that there is no teaching from a person. The facilitator does not lecture. The facilitator asks questions. That is why it is called discovery. People discover truth directly from Scripture.
The role of the facilitator is simple. Ask the same questions each week. Create space for people to share. Let the Bible speak for itself.
We follow a simple rhythm every time we gather: look back, look up, and look forward.
Look Back: Starting With Life
The first section is called look back. This part helps us connect our lives with the group before we ever open the Bible.
We ask three questions.
- What are you thankful for from this past week?
- What has been stressing you out from this past week?
- Do you have any needs we can help meet, or do you know someone who does?
Everyone shares. No one teaches. We listen to one another. This builds trust, care, and honesty within the group.
Look Up: Discovering Truth in Scripture
After we look back, we look up. This is where we read the Bible passage for the week.
A passage might include the story of friends lowering a paralyzed man through a roof to Jesus, followed by Jesus eating with tax collectors and sinners at Matthew’s house.
Instead of explaining the passage, the facilitator asks questions.
- What do you like about this passage?
- What do you not like about this passage?
- Is there someone in this story you relate to?
- What stands out to you?
People find the answers right there in the text. They see it for themselves. They discover truth straight from the Word of God.
When people discover Scripture on their own, they are far more likely to believe it, obey it, and share it. When we simply tell people what to believe, it does not always stick. Discovery changes everything.
Look Forward: Obedience and Sharing
After looking up, we look forward.
There are two questions in this final section.
- If this is God speaking, what is your “I will” statement?
- Who will you share this with?
The “I will” statement is about obedience in the next 48 hours. It needs to be specific and practical. Instead of saying, “I will pray more,” someone might say, “I will pray for three minutes before getting out of bed each morning this week.” This makes obedience clear and measurable.
Then we ask who they will share with. A name gets written down. It might be someone they want to encourage with what they learned from the passage. It might be someone God has placed on their heart.
Accountability That Encourages Growth
When the group meets again, two new questions are added during the look back.
- How did your “I will” statement go?
- How did sharing with that person go?
Successes are celebrated. Missed opportunities are talked through without shame. Then the group looks up to a new passage and looks forward again with new obedience and sharing.
This rhythm keeps discipleship moving forward naturally.
Jesus Modeled a Life of Questions
Jesus was incredible at asking questions. Scripture shows that Jesus asked over 300 questions. He was asked 108 questions and only directly answered three. Jesus already knew the answers. He asked questions to help people think and discover truth.
If we want to follow Jesus, we need to become better at asking questions, not just giving answers.
Making Disciples Is Not Optional
Jesus’ final words were clear. Go and make disciples of all nations. He was not speaking to an elite group of spiritual professionals. He was speaking to His disciples. If we claim to be His disciples, then this command is for us.
The Great Commission includes teaching people to obey. That obedience includes making more disciples. Too often in the Western church, growth has meant swapping sheep from one church to another. We have trained people how to invite friends to Sunday worship, but not how to make disciples.
Inviting someone to church is good. Making disciples is different.
Jesus did not say to go get a degree first. He said to go and make disciples.
Discovery Bible Study helps us do exactly that.
Practical Applications for Everyday Life
We can start a Discovery Bible Study with friends, family, coworkers, or neighbors. We can stop waiting until we feel qualified and trust that God works through simple obedience. We can commit to asking questions instead of giving answers. We can practice writing clear “I will” statements and actually following through. We can begin seeing disciple making as part of our everyday Christian life, not just something that happens at church. Are you ready to begin?
If you are looking for a church near me that believes every believer is called to make disciples, we invite you to join us at New Vision Church in Fayetteville, Georgia. We gather for Sunday worship at 10 AM, changing to 9:45 AM in 2026 to allow more time for worship, at 479 Inman Road in Fayetteville, GA. A 5:30 PM service will also begin in 2026 at 193 Johnson Avenue.
We would love to walk alongside you as you grow through Bible study, community, and practical discipleship. This Christian blog exists to equip and encourage you to live out your faith daily.