Bible Discovery Questions
The Six Discovery Questions
The Discovery Questions were developed so that anyone could lead a group discussion. These questions can be applied to any scripture passage to lead a small group discussion. The facilitator (the one who's asking the questions) should try not to fall into "teaching" mode. Instead, let the conversation flow freely. 1 John 2:27 reminds us that it isn't necessary to have a learned teacher to instruct us. Let the Spirit teach as the group wrestles with the scripture passages.
To use the questions, begin by reading a scripture passage. In general, the passage should be a complete story or thought--don't choose one verse in the middle of a story. Let the group know that it is perfectly alright to read the passage in its context (it's okay to read before and after the chosen passage if it helps you understand). Once the scriptures have been read, ask the following questions:
1. What did you like about the passage?
2. What did you not like about the passage?
3. What did you not understand?
4. What did you learn about God or God's Kingdom from the passage?
5. What phrase or verse do you want to take with you this week?
6. What are you going to do about it?
Ask the questions one at a time and allow plenty of time for conversation. If members of the group have study Bibles, it is okay to use them to aid in your understanding, but know that even without these helps, the accumulated wisdom and guidance by the Spirit in the group is sufficient to understand and to apply the scriptures to your lives.
