April 24, 2025

157. Discovery by Practitioners #2

28 minutes

In this second episode of our Discovery by Practitioners series, we hear from disciple-makers across West Africa, particularly from French-speaking contexts, as they share how the Discovery Bible Study (DBS) is catalysing movements of disciple-making.

These leaders open up about the practical realities of applying DBS across cultures, languages, and contexts—always pointing back to simple obedience to the Word of God.

Part One: DBS in West Africa – Leading and Multiplying with Purpose

We first hear from a West African brother who unpacks how DBS is being used both for developing leaders and for outreach.

Key Takeaways:

Start with relationships – Discovery begins in the context of trusted relationships, often with families.

Keep groups small – (e.g. No more than 15 people). Once the group grows, it multiplies by forming new groups.

Two types of DBS:

Leadership DBS: For existing believers, to go deeper in discipleship.

Outreach DBS: For seekers or non-believers. These groups intentionally invite others to join each week, leading to organic multiplication.

“This is how groups grow—first in size, then by multiplication.”

Context matters – Cultural awareness is key. For example:

In West Africa, people are open to gathering in homes—something the movement can take advantage of.

Language matters! Words like “challenges” might be misunderstood in some countries to mean financial struggles, so facilitators adapt their questions accordingly.

“Our questions might look different on the surface, but the heart and purpose remain the same.”

Time awareness – Keep sessions within one hour. Adults often struggle to stay focused beyond that. But again—context is king.

Part Two: DBS in French Speaking Africa

Next, we hear from another African practitioner working in a French-speaking region. He shares how the DBS process begins after identifying a Person of Peace—someone open to God and connected in their community.

Once this person is found, DBS often happens in their household or family, helping whole families discover God together.

Principles of Effective DBS:

Scripture is central – The Word of God is always the authority in the group.

Facilitate, don’t teach – The role is to guide discovery, not to lecture.

Obedience is the goal – Each study leads to:

An “I will…” statement – How each person will put God’s Word into practice.

A commitment to share what was learned with someone else.

“If there’s no obedience step or sharing, it’s not a DBS—it’s just another Bible study.”

Building Group DNA:

Start with gratitude – Ask what people are thankful for.

Show care – Ask about personal needs and challenges.

Value participation – Ensure everyone shares, bringing dignity and inclusion.

Look outward – Ask: What are the challenges in our wider community? What can we do together to respond?

“We don’t just identify needs. We encourage the group itself to respond. That’s how we bring dignity and ownership to the group.”

🎧 In This Episode, You’ll Discover:

How DBS groups are adapted for leaders and non-believers

Why cultural language and group size matter

What makes a group truly a DBS—and not just another Bible study

The role of the Person of Peace in starting new discovery groups

...more

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By Dave Lawton