#10.DISCOVERY BIBLE STUDY RESOURCES (DBS)
Here follows a list of Resources and Tools to explain the concept of DBS -
2. The Origin and Background
3. DBS Tools and Resources
Who is David Watson?
After finished his studies as an engineer in the US army, God called him for the Ministry and later as a Missionary. In his first 14 years he did amazing work, planted 24 churches.
On the
mission field things went weird. 6 of his co-workers was killed in the first 18
months.
He
nearly quit. Then he discovered and focused on the concept of DBS
(Discovery Bible Study) and DMM (Disciple Making Movements)
Chris Erasmus of CE Stories of Hope, wrote this short summary about the story of DBS underneath.
Out of this dream, the Discovery Bible Study (DBS) was born – a simple set of questions that any group could use to hear and obey the Bible directly.
At first, DBS was nothing more than small groups gathering in homes, under trees, or in quiet corners of towns. There were no big sermons or complicated theological lectures – just the Bible, a few questions, and open hearts.
The questions were simple:
• What do we learn here about God?
• What do we learn about us,
humans?
• What must we obey?
• With whom can we share this?
This simplicity created a self-multiplying movement. Groups started new groups,
and house churches emerged without large structures or programs.
The movement caught fire. By the mid-2000s, DBS began spreading to different
countries and cultures. Because it was accessible and easy, it could be used in
any language and context.
Today, more than 16 years later, reports say that over 200,000 new churches have been planted through DBS. More than 5.4 million believers have been baptized! Each baptism is a living testimony that the Word is not only read, but obeyed and shared.
Maria, a young woman from Asia, shares:
“I had never owned a Bible. When I sat in a DBS group, I realized God is speaking to me. I didn’t need a preacher to explain it to me. I discovered it myself. That experience changed my life.”
Stories like this are not rare. Everywhere DBS takes root, people discover the Truth of the Bible in a fresh way. They inspire one another, leading to obedience, transformation, and new communities of faith.
The story of DBS is a reminder that God’s Word has the power to change lives and communities. It is not a movement built on human strength or ingenuity. It is built on Scripture itself, which leads people to obey and share it with others.
From a small beginning, DBS has grown tremendously and changed thousands of lives worldwide. Could it happen here too? Despite all the churches in our communities, I believe there is definitely room for such Discovery Bible Study groups.
Paul’s words to the Ephesians remain true through the ages:
“The word is able to build you up…” Act 20:32 And now I entrust you to God and to the message of his grace. This message (the word) can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.
3.1.Dawid Watson's own Testimonies
3.2. Video: Dr Ed Gross shared his message to the Church: Renewal proceeds Revival
A summary of the Book that covers the same contents: Today's Global Renewal ... (Get more detail of the book underneath)
It is a prophetic and urgent call to the Western Church to awaken to the spiritual movements transforming lives across Africa, Asia, and South America-movements that are conspicuously absent in the United States and Europe.
Drawing from decades of global disciple-making experience, Edward N. Gross explores why the same biblical strategies that spark explosive growth abroad fail to ignite revival in the West.
Through the lens of Jesus' Parable of the Sower, Gross identifies five "Iron Dome" sins that block spiritual renewal and disciple-making in Western churches.
This concise yet powerful book challenges readers to examine their hearts, repent, and become "Soil 4" Christians-those who bear fruit thirty, sixty, and a hundredfold.
A must-read for pastors, missionaries, and believers longing for authentic transformation and revival.
3.3. The review of a very important book - Disciple the Nations (Paperback – 1 May 2023 by Edward N Gross, Author)
"How rare is this book? In the 75-year history of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, and during my 16 years of ministry in my beloved Pakistan, and in Afghanistan and UAE, I have never read the phrase, "evangelism through peace not by pressure."
Being a 5th generation Christian, and having observed many Christian apologists and scholars trying to defend Christianity, I simply ask, how much good has that approach done? As recent as March 2023, I read a challenge on social media by a Christian debater, who is willing to defend Jesus Christ and Christianity by answering any Islamic scholar's challenge of the deity of Christ. Frankly, in my opinion, we are just wasting our time with this approach. We are winning few souls this way, and, in fact, are creating an environment of hatred though we are called to be the children of love.
What has so dramatically changed my perspective about the future of Christianity in Pakistan? Dr. Edward N. Gross' book, Are you a Christian or a Disciple?, came into my hands and, when I read the title, I thought it would be worthwhile to read. Well, I ended up reading it three times, and becoming convinced that this focus on following Jesus as disciples with peace is the dire need of Pakistan today.
Its message will help produce a paradigm shift here, as we were on the wrong path of debating, defending and evangelizing with pressure. And due to this, lots of people have lost their lives by severe persecutions and hatred.
I requested and was accepted by Dr. Gross to let us translate and print this book into our Urdu Language. He did not just accept our request, but also helped find funding for the whole project. Then I thought it would be more fruitful if he could come in person and introduce the subject to our nation's ordained and youth leadership.
What was the result of his coming to Pakistan and teaching different denominational leaders, seminary students, theologians, and Bishop Councils? They all were shocked as they listened to his teachings. It was an eye-opening moment for all of us.
We discovered that we were making church members not disciples. We were doing evangelism with pressure not with peace. Now, the majority of our national leaders have agreed and become committed to using the biblical approach of "evangelism by peace not by pressure" going forward.
4. More Videos in connection with DBS.
4.3. Study Guide - Discovery Bible Study - Download here
5. More recommended Books about DBS
Note: If you open this, you will find... Yes, a Discovery Bible Study App.
There are a lot of recommended books and resources - https://discoverapp.org/discovery-bible-study
5.1. Miraculous Movements: How Hundreds of Thousands of Muslims Are Falling in Love with Jesus - ( Click on each Logo for more information )
5.2. Contagious Disciple Making: Leading Others on a Journey of Discovery
Also read the Books from Dr Ed Gross here...
Top Edward N. Gross titles
5.3. Are You a Christian or a Disciple? Rediscovering & Restoring New Testament Discipleship
5.4. Today's Global Renewal ... (See the information above)
Enjoy! Read and apply.
- Community Transformation & Growth: In various communities, DBS has been credited with fostering deeper, more personal relationships with God rather than just head knowledge.
- Adoption of New Lifestyle: A participant shared how a DBS, focused on the theme of being "fearfully and wonderfully made" (Psalm 139), had a significant positive impact on their life and helped them move past grief.
- Youth & Social Issues: In Johannesburg, DBS has been used by youth groups to address sensitive topics like purity and addiction, providing a space for young men to discuss these issues and pursue greater freedom.
- Empowering Local Leaders: Testimonies highlight the effectiveness of training local leaders (such as in the Seed Ministries CLTA class) to facilitate Bible studies in their own communities, leading to increased biblical engagement and understanding.
- Overcoming Taboos: The use of narrative-based Bible study, such as using "Tamar's story," has been used to address difficult social issues like gender-based violence and HIV/AIDS in the church.
- Spreading the Gospel: The simple, conversational nature of DBS, often referred to as "storying," allows the message to spread rapidly, with participants in surrounding areas, such as Zimbabwe and East Africa, sharing stories of being transformed by these studies.
- Movement to Christ: Reports indicate that in some contexts, DBS has helped to launch movements where people who were not previously followers of Christ have come to faith.
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