INTRODUCTION
As believers, we are called to grow in our faith and to make disciples of all nations.
Matthew 28:18-20 (WEB), "Jesus came to them and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I commanded you. Behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen."
One effective way to achieve this is through Life Groups, which are home-based cell group fellowships within the Chosen Generation Global Ministries.
Our vision statement for Life Groups is;
"Developing obedient disciplemakers through the discovery bible study method."
Our motto statement for Life Groups is;
"Living In Faithfulness Everyday" [LIFE]
This teaching is a free training for all Life Group leaders in Chosen Generation Global Ministries, and for everyone who feels called to be part of our ministry as a leader of a Life Group.
This teaching will guide you on how to start and run a Life Group using the Discovery Bible Study Method.
What is a Life Group?
A Life Group is a small group of believers who meet regularly in a home or other informal setting to study the Bible, share their lives, and support one another in their spiritual journey.
In our faith community at Chosen Generation Global Ministries, Life Groups are essential for discipleship, accountability, and spiritual growth.
Life Groups are an essential part of our ministry, as they provide a platform for believers to grow in their faith, develop meaningful relationships, and reach out to their communities with the Gospel.
The Purpose of a Life Group
A Life Group is not just a social gathering; it is a spiritual family where members:
- Grow in their knowledge of God’s Word.
- Encourage and support one another.
Hebrews 10:24-25 (WEB), "Let’s consider how to provoke one another to love and good works, not forsaking our own assembling together, as the custom of some is, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching."
- Pray for one another.
James 5:16 (WEB), "Confess your offenses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The insistent prayer of a righteous person is powerfully effective."
- Serve and reach out to others (Matthew 28:19-20).
The Discovery Bible Study method helps achieve these goals by focusing on obedience to scripture and multiplying disciples in Life Groups.
What is the Discovery Bible Study Method?
The Discovery Bible Study (DBS) method is a simple, reproducible, and effective way to study the Bible, make disciples, and multiply Life Groups.
The Discovery Bible Study Method involves reading a passage of scripture, asking questions to understand the meaning, and applying the truths to our lives.
This method is designed to help believers discover the Bible's message for themselves, rather than relying on someone else's interpretation.
The Discovery Bible Study Method Overview
The DBS method is a simple, interactive, and reproducible approach to studying the Bible. It emphasizes:
- Reading the Bible together.
- Understanding the passage in context.
- Applying the truth to your daily life.
- Sharing what you’ve learned with others.
The method is designed to be easy to lead, even for new believers, and encourages multiplication of groups.
HOW TO START A LIFE GROUP
Steps to Start a Life Group Using DBS
Pray and Seek God's Guidance
Before starting a Life Group, pray and seek God's guidance. Ask Him to give you a vision for the group and to bring together people who are hungry for His Word to start the group.
Matthew 9:36-38 (WEB), "But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion for them, because they were harassed and scattered, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest indeed is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Pray therefore that the Lord of the harvest will send out laborers into his harvest.””
Ask God for wisdom, boldness, and clarity.
James 1:5 (WEB), "But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him."
Identify Potential Members
Look for people who are interested in growing in their faith, who are open to studying the Bible, and who are willing to commit to regular meetings.
Acts 16:14-15 (WEB), "A certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, one who worshiped God, heard us. The Lord opened her heart to listen to the things which were spoken by Paul. When she and her household were baptized, she begged us, saying, “If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house and stay.” So she persuaded us."
Invite friends, family, neighbors, or coworkers who are seeking God or already believers (Hebrews 10:24-25).
Choose a Meeting Time and Place
Decide on a meeting time and place that is convenient for everyone (e.g., a home, café, or park).
Make sure the location is comfortable and free from distractions.
Matthew 18:20 (WEB), "For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there I am in the middle of them.”
You need at least one more person other than yourself to start. I started off this ministry as a Life Group with my wife and no one else.
Keep the group size small (6-12 people) to maintain intimacy and participation.
Once the life group grows beyond 12, it must give birth to another life group.
Prepare for the First Meeting
Before the first meeting, prepare by praying, studying the Bible, and thinking about how you can facilitate discussion and encourage participation.
Select a simple Bible passage to study (e.g., Mark 2:1-12 or John 3:1-21).
Gather materials such as Bibles, pens, and download on your smartphone, the Discover App which offers Discovery Bible Studies text and audio.
HOW TO RUN A LIFE GROUP
Steps to Run a Life Group Using DBS
Introduction and Welcome
Start the meeting by warmly welcoming everyone, introductions and introducing the topic of study.
Take a few minutes to catch up with each other and share any prayer requests.
Share a brief testimony or encouragement to create a safe and open environment.
Read the Passage
Choose a passage that is clear and applicable to daily life.
Have two participants take turns in reading the passage aloud, and let another person do the 'heavy lifting' by retelling the selected passage of scripture aloud in his own words.
Make sure everyone has a copy of the passage, either in print or on their devices.
1 Timothy 4:13 (WEB), "Until I come, pay attention to reading, to exhortation, and to teaching."
Ask Discovery Bible Study Questions
Ask questions to help the group understand the meaning of the passage.
The kind of questions that we ask determine the quality of answers we get.
Use open-ended questions that encourage discussion and exploration.
Acts 17:11 (WEB), "Now these were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so."
Use these three simple quality questions to guide the discussion:
1. What does this passage teach me about God? (Focus on His character and actions.)
2. What does this passage teach me about myself or other people? (Identify human responses or behaviors.)
3. How can I obey or apply this passage in my life during this week? (Encourage practical application.)
James 1:22-25 (WEB), "But be doers of the word, and not only hearers, deluding your own selves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man looking at his natural face in a mirror; for he sees himself, and goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. But he who looks into the perfect law of freedom and continues, not being a hearer who forgets, but a doer of the work, this man will be blessed in what he does."
Allow time for discussion and discovery in response to these questions one at a time.
Encourage everyone to share their insights, observations, and applications.
You never know who God is going to use to bring a life-changing revelation in the Bible study.
Jesus received a revelation of Himself from the Father through His disciple, Peter.
Matthew 16:17 (WEB), "Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven."
Pray and Close
Close the meeting by praying together. Pray for one another’s needs and ask God to help you to apply the truths you have learned and to give you wisdom for the next study.
Matthew 7:7-8 (WEB), “Ask, and it will be given you. Seek, and you will find. Knock, and it will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives. He who seeks finds. To him who knocks it will be opened."
Keep prayers simple, short and heartfelt.
Plan for Next Steps
Set a time and place for the next meeting.
Challenge members to also share what they’ve learned with others, and encourage them to invite others to join the Life Group.
Keys to Running a Successful Life Group
Keep It Simple
Focus on the Bible and the DBS questions.
Avoid overcomplicating the study.
Encourage Participation
Create a safe space for everyone to share and ask questions.
Don't correct errors in a manner that embarasses the members and discourage further contributions.
Say something like, "Thank you so much for your contribution. Another way to see this issue/scripture is..."
That way you leave room for further participation.
Model Obedience
Lead by example in applying the Bible to your life.
Be vulnerable to your members with your struggles in obedience so that they can also trust you with their struggles.
That way you can help them grow in obedience as you are growing also.
Manage Time
Keep the DBS meeting within an hour and don't allow it to stretch beyond by half an hour.
Don't allow one member to dominate the discussion and dictate the direction of the Bible Study.
Contributions should be limited to be responses to the DBS questions.
Everyone should be given an equal opportunity to share without taking too much time.
Multiply the Group
Identify potential leaders in your current Life Group and train them to lead new groups as your group grows.
2 Timothy 2:2 (WEB), "The things which you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit the same things to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also."
CONCLUSION
Starting and running a Life Group using the Discovery Bible Study Method is a rewarding, powerful and effective way to grow in your faith and to make disciples.
By focusing on God’s Word, obedience, and multiplication, you can create a thriving group that impacts lives and advances God’s kingdom.
Remember to pray, prepare, and facilitate discussion.
By following these steps, you can create a vibrant and dynamic Life Group that honors God and transforms lives.
Begin by praying and inviting 2-3 people to join your first Life Group meeting.
Use the DBS method to study a simple Bible passage and watch how God moves in your group!
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