It is a simple reproducible system that can enable disciples to produce more disciples rapidly.Īn excellent app has now been developed for smart phones that uses the DBS system to disciple people and introduce them to the Bible. No Bible college training is needed and no theological knowledge is needed. The other great thing about a DBS is that it follows the same format every time, so a new disciple can pick up the system and repeat it with others within a few weeks. It is not about imparting your beliefs or theological knowledge as traditional church teaching does. After a few weeks their lives quite often begin to change for the better and they will want to know more. The goal of the study is to get the group to think through the scripture passage discussed and move toward obedience concerning what they just read. The DBS system is a very powerful tool for allowing the Holy Spirit to speak to people. Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to convict us of sin, judgement and righteousness and to lead us into all truth ( John 14:26, 16:7-11, 16:13). Obedience is at the heart of discipleship. Reflection is the very beginning of action. The specific and well-thought-through DBS questions provoke deep thought and reflection, which is when God can speak into people’s hearts. You only ask questions, but you never give answers. The entire idea behind this DBS method is that the Holy Spirit does the teaching for these first time listeners, NOT YOU!!! Your job is just to facilitate the meeting by asking lots of questions. Discovery Bible Studies are currently being used by the Holy Spirit to bring hundreds of thousands of Muslims and other non-believers to a loving relationship with Jesus. A DBS allows them to explore the scriptures in a safe and non-threatening environment and using a non-threatening method. This will give the curious person an opportunity to learn more about Jesus without an immediate expectation of commitment. “Then would you like to do a few studies on the life of Jesus to find out who he is?” If you share the Gospel with them, or have prayed a blessing with them and there is no interest in following Jesus immediately, then the very next part of the conversation is to immediately ask the DBS question: The new disciple will also know instantly how to replicate a DBS with their friends because they have already been doing one for a month or two, and the DBS system follows the same format every time.įor many people you first meet, simply challenging them to become followers of Jesus is too difficult. This will often lead to a salvation that is built on a solid foundation of obedience. A DBS works really well in a Muslim context as there is already a respect for the prophet Jesus, but they know little of his truly story.Īs these interested non-believers slowly go through a DBS and learn more about Jesus, many will begin to shape their lives around what they read. In fact the Discovery Bible Study (DBS) is this movement’s main tool of evangelism. After a while it took off and a Discipleship Multiplication Movement (DMM) has been planted that now numbers over 130,000 simple churches. Here is an example: Some years ago a church planter in Indonesia started introducing Muslim people to the story of Jesus in a non-offensive way using the Discovery Bible Study (DBS) method. However, as we use scripture to gently introduce curious people to Jesus’ life, his power, his message and his teachings, then eventually they too might come to see him as he really is. Most people might start by thinking he was a prophet as the disciples did, or a good man, or a great historical figure, or an amazing teacher. Most of them might not be very interested in the Christian religion or Christian institutions, but nearly everyone has a respect for the man called Jesus. Millions of non-believers today are also interested in learning more about Jesus. Yes! In fact it wasn’t until well into Jesus’ ministry that the disciples themselves finally knew their leader was the creator of the universe in human form and not just a very special Jewish prophet ( Matthew 16:13-17).
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