The Discovery Bible Study Questions Revised

By Bill Tenny-Brittian|January 18th, 2017|2 Comments

Years ago, I was trained in house church leadership by one of the nation’s top gurus Neil Cole. I took the opportunity to shadow him for several days and learned a lot about time management, house church, leadership, and group led Bible studies. At the time he was using the Discovery Questions, six questions that were easy to apply to any Bible passage and enjoy an in depth conversation and study. I look back on those days with a lot of fondness and gratitude.

Discovery Questions: Six questions easily applied to any Bible passage for in depth conversation.

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Over the years, I’ve used those questions in many forums, but realized that I’ve been adapting them a bit with my experiences. So, I thought I’d share them here.

Using the Discovery Bible Study Questions … Adapted

Begin by reading a passage of Scripture. Don’t make it too long of a passage, but it should at least contain the writer’s whole thought. For instance, this evening I’ll be leading a study on James 1:19–27, a passage with a couple of threads, but really hangs well together with a single theme. Sometimes we’ll read it in a couple of different versions and I recommend making sure somebody, besides clergy, has a study Bible to reference (more about that in a bit).

Ask the Discovery Questions

What did you like about this passage?
What did you not like about this passage?
What did you not understand?
What does this passage say about God? [or Jesus or the Holy Spirit]
What is God asking us to do?
What are you going to do with that?

Rubrics (procedural instructions … AKA rules)

Allow time for discussion … don’t be afraid of silence. People will talk, eventually, if you let them.
If your goal is to multiply your small group, then get others to ask the Discovery Questions. Neil had all of us write them on the flyleaf of our Bibles … more difficult to do for those of us using Bible apps … but good practice. If there’s reticence, remind them that they’re not the resident expert, just the person with the questions.
If you’re clergy or a staff person, do NOT answer questions about the Bible, it’s background, theology, etc. Ever. The first time you do, you’ve virtually guaranteed that no one will step up to take over leadership of the group. Why? Because you’ve just taught them that you need a degree or a position to be a leader.Instead, redirect the question “What do y’all think?” or in some instances, it’s best to point them to the study Bible. But remind them that the notes in a study Bible aren’t holy writ. They’re not scripture nor are they inspired.
Don’t neglect the last two questions … they’re the pay dirt of it all.

Question: What other “easy” Bible studies have you effectively used? Share your secrets with us in the Comments section below.

About the Author: Bill Tenny-Brittian

Bill is the Managing Partner at The Effective Church Group. He began ministry as a church planter in the early 1980s and over the past 40 years he's grown churches from one side of the nation to the other. In 2002 he joined Bill Easum's consultation group and began partnering with churches and church leaders to help them reach their fullest potential. He is the author of twelve books and the editor of Net Results magazine. Reach Bill here.

Comments (2)

E.mily| January 27, 2017 at 10:21 pm Reply

Should Bible study be a sermon . How can I let the person know this without hurting their feeling. Woul like to learn more about the bible but I am not getting it at my church.Help
- Bill Tenny-Brittian| January 29, 2017 at 8:06 pm Reply
  
  A couple choices. First, you could start a new Bible study. Second, you can drop out of the study and just study on your own or with a friend. Third, you can find another church. Sometimes that’s the only real option you have. It’s not pleasant, but sometimes it’s a reality.
  
  The real question you need to ask yourself is whether or not you’re sold on the church’s mission and vision … and whether or not the church is focused on reaching others or on serving the membership. There may be circumstances when you stay in a church when all isn’t perfect. And there are times when things seem perfect when you decide you have to leave. It really all comes down to mission, vision, and your personal call.