Discovery Bible Study

[Emma Hodges]

What I learned from looking deeper into the DBS method was how important it is to spend time in God's word with others. I like the DBS method because it gets a lot of different people involved and it doesn't just study the text or certain topic but it also helps you to be accountable to making actual change. The prayer and accountability portion is very cool.

I see value in both Zume and in the DBS method. I echo what others have said in that I think that the DBS method possibly works better when there are more established Christians there for a longer amount of time, and Zume works better when you're trying to leave gospel information with new believers. Of course, the Lord can use either method, but I just think that Zume more clearly lays out a curriculum for new believers to follow. The approach that I personally like better is the DBS approach as I think it goes a little bit deeper under the surface. But, I think depending on the context Zume may be better if you are with new believers for a shorter period of time.

[Jaylen]

I see the value in both of these tools/methods. At the end of the day, I think although each one is sort of designed for the same thing, where they are best suited is dependent on the type of group using each one.
In some ways, I think the Zume approach might be a better tool to leave someone with if you have a very short time to disciple them and they are eager to lead something. It is more user-friendly and forgiving, and sometimes it’s just nicer to give people a tangible “app” to look through.
DBS is good in the sense of versatility. Its value is completely weighted on the answers to the questions and the conversations that persist. But, as far as leading it I think DBS requires more discernment as to how to draw value out of the situation. But then for that exact reason, I think I like DBS more because it’s more personal and human. Sometimes when you whip out fancy apps it discourages people, so again that’s up to the context you’re working in.

In short, Zume is a better “tool” with a smaller threshold for life-giving discussion. DBS is a more versatile approach that can more effectively create a vulnerable environment because it’s personable.

[Taliya]

Comparing DBS and Zume approach to Bible study, I prefer DBS. I do appreciate that Zume has s specific structure to follow and additional information from the videos, but at the sam time, the videos are what I dislike about the Zume approach. In my experience with different styles of Bible study, the ones where we get lots of our information from videos and discussion were the ones that felt least genuine to me. I’m currently leading a Bible study in our church and I’m using an approach similar to DBS as I wanted to practice it before getting to the field. I’ve been enjoying this style so much more! I like that we keep going back to the scriptures and ask questions that we draw from the passage to answer.

Going through and practicing DBS, I’m learning the importance of the application/obedience commitment. I feel like usually in Bible study we don’t do this. But I’m beginning to think “what’s the point” in just studying the Bible without challenging ourselves to apply what we learned and commit to obey God’s word! I’m also learning that there is so much goodness and truth in Scripture that we miss just going over the passage once. Asking the questions “what does this passage say about God/us?” and retelling the story really helps me to recognize and pull out more from the Word compared to if I just read the passage once on my own.