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Try Jesus — DMM Tools

Discovery Bible Study
Quick-Start Guide

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The Salt Foundation
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A Discovery Bible Study (DBS) is a structured conversation around a Bible passage using seven questions. It was designed to be used with people who are spiritually curious but not yet followers of Jesus — though it works equally well with new and mature believers. The goal isn't to teach. It's to let God's Word speak for itself.

The 7 Questions

Work through these in order after reading the passage aloud together.

Question 01
What did you like or find interesting in this passage?
Opens the conversation. Everyone has an answer. No wrong responses.
Question 02
What did you find difficult or confusing?
Normalises uncertainty. You don't need to resolve every question — just name them.
Question 03
What does this passage teach us about God or Jesus?
Keeps the focus on who God is, not just what to do.
Question 04
What does this passage teach us about people?
Helps participants see themselves in the text honestly.
Question 05
If this passage is true, what would you need to change in your life?
The pivot point. Moves from understanding to obedience.
Question 06
What is one thing you will do this week because of what you read?
Specific. Actionable. Held to account next week.
Question 07
Who can you share this passage with before we meet again?
Builds the habit of passing it on. This is how groups multiply.

Why it works

Anyone can lead it

You don't need to know the answers. The questions do the work. A new believer can run a DBS the same week they learn it.

It's reproducible

Because it's simple, the people you study with can immediately turn around and start their own group. That's how movements begin.

It creates obedience

The final questions always ask: what will you do? This builds a habit of acting on Scripture, not just understanding it.

It works cross-culturally

The DBS method has been used in over 100 countries. It doesn't depend on a particular church tradition or cultural context.

Suggested Passage Sets

Not sure where to start? These sets are designed for people exploring faith for the first time.

Creation to Christ

30 passages tracing the story of God from Genesis to the resurrection. Ideal for people with no Bible background.

Genesis 1, Genesis 3, Genesis 12, Exodus 12, Isaiah 53, Luke 1, Luke 4, John 3, John 11, John 20

10–12 weeks
Gospel of Luke

Walk through Luke's account of Jesus — his life, teaching, death, and resurrection. Great for seekers and new believers.

Luke 1–24 (selected passages)

8–10 weeks
Gospel of John

John's Gospel is written explicitly so that readers might believe. Perfect for one-on-one studies with a spiritually curious friend.

John 1–21 (selected passages)

8 weeks

Practical tips

  • 1Keep the group small — 3 to 6 people is ideal. Larger groups make it harder for everyone to share.
  • 2Read the passage aloud, then have someone re-read it in their own words before starting the questions.
  • 3Don't answer the questions yourself first. Ask, then wait. Silence is okay.
  • 4Always follow up on last week's action step before starting the new passage.
  • 5End every session by asking who each person will share the passage with before next time.
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