DBS

Discovery Bible Study

DBS for long passages

Subject: 

DBS -- how to handle LONG passages

Body: 

How do you handle LONG passages in a Discovery Bible Study?

Last weekend we decided to tackle the Passion narrative. My wife wanted us to do ALL of Matthew 26 and 27.  

That is a huge amount of text for a recount.  I tried to trim it down, by editing out some scenes.  Still I had six pages of text.

I was apprehensive.  We have four small children in our group.  Would they play quietly enough for us to cover so much?

What do you do when you don't know what to say?

Subject: 

What do you do when you don't know what to say?

Body: 

I've known Krish* for more than two years.  My wife and I have attempted to help him keep his marriage together. But two months ago his wife moved out, taking their daughter with her.

Krish* no longer needed such a large apartment, so he moved out of our neighbourhood and into a shared flat closer to work.

We've kept in touch with the entire family. After all, they are our friends. 

This is all new territory to me.  What do I say to them?

DBS in the restaurant

Subject: 

DBS in the restaurant

Body: 

Tonight we are having a Discovery Bible Study for two families at a restaurant.  We've known the wives since they were in primary school and meet for Bible study about every two months.

One husband in not a Christian and his wife seldom goes to church.

An unexpected Bible study

Subject: 

I wasn't expecting this Bible study

Body: 

Last night I had a most unexpected Bible study with Adil*.

It was unexpected because I was stopping by Reyansh's apartment to invite him to my birthday party and I expected him to be alone. I knew his wife and children were in India visiting relatives.  I didn’t know that Reyansh* had taken in a temporary boarder.

Adil was cooking dinner and asked if I’d like a parantha.  I love Indian food so I gladly accepted.

My first Focus Group

Subject: 

[DBS] Here is how the experiment went

Body: 

I am trying a new approach.  I call it a Focus Group.

This year we have been building relationships with the Asian Indians in our neighbourhood.  Most of them are Hindus.  We have enjoyed many parties and a few trips out of the city together.  

Last month, as part of my wife's birthday party,  I asked if they would like to try an experiment and get together for a Focus Group.   I told them the topic would be "Finding Balance in Life".  

Before I start a DBS

Subject: 

Before I start a DBS

Body: 

It is Bob here.

I am trying an experiment.

My wife and I have become friends with some people in the Indian community.  We've celebrated birthdays together, gone on a trip to the beach and even held a pool party at a neighbours home.

For me, the jump from social friendship to a Discovery Bible Study seemed too big.  Yes, some of us have moved from Casual Conversation to Meaningful Conversation and even to Spiritual Conversation.  But I don't think the group is ready to move to regular  Jesus Conversations.

This DBS didn't work

Subject: 

This DBS didn't work

Body: 

Last week we took a passage to our Discovery Bible Study groups that they found really confusing.  

My wife had been to a conference where the speaker unpacked John 21:15-22.  The talk had a great impact on her and Chris thought the issues addressed were very relevant for our three groups.

The problem is that they did not have enough background to understand the passage (it is at the end of this email)

One person is called:

Watch out for question 2 if you are an APE

Subject: 

[DBS] Watch out for question 2 if you are an APE

Body: 

My friends think I am an APE (Apostolic Prophet Evangelist).  

I gladly accept the first two letters. As an Apostle I identify with the slogan from StarTrek: 'to boldly go where noone has gone before' (my paraphrase). As a Prophet I am quite willing to put forth unpopular views when I am convinced they are right. 

I'm not so sure about Evangelist.  I am often with non-Christians talking about Jesus, but I think my gift of teaching is stronger. That would make me an APT.

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