Discovery Bible Groups

Being Transformed by God’s Word Together

About Discovery Bible Groups

Discovery Bible Groups are a core part of our Discipleship Pathway. We invite anyone to participate – whether you are new to Willowdale, new to the faith, disconnected from church community or even if you are in a group but need a reboot to join us. Discovery Bible Study is your tool; a Discovery Bible Group is your team. Both are essential, because we grow best in a community gathered together around God’s Word.

Our Discovery Bible Groups start in the fall and meet throughout the year. Registriation for our Discovery Bible Groups are currently closed. If you are interested in getting connected at Willowdale and joining a group, please check out our Groups Page or fill out our Connections From.

HOW DO DISCOVERY BIBLE GROUPS WORK?

As the name implies, the foundational text for the group to study is the Bible. The methodology for our group study is incredibly simple. We will study God’s word together in real time, in small groups of 6 – 8 people in person at the church together. At the heart of our Discovery Bible Groups are four questions that we will bring to every single text we read.

  1. What do I learn about God in this text?
  2. What do I learn about myself and the human condition?
  3. What can I trust and obey?
  4. What core truth can I share with someone else?

Your answers don’t have to be profound, just honest and real. The emphasis is on who God is and how he is speaking to you. We don’t do homework in preparation for our meeting. In the group meeting we focus on what you see, and what you feel you can do and share.

GUIDING PRINCIPLES FOR OUR GROUPS:

  1. We bring a “beginner’s mind,” opening ourselves to the text as if for the first time.
  2. We bring our whole selves to the text. We have nothing to hide, nothing to prove, and no one to impress.
  3. We are mindful that we are not studying alone. God the Father is speaking; the Lord Jesus is present; the Holy Spirit is illuminating our hearts. He gives us his Word for our healing, nourishment, and guidance.
  4. We are grateful for the community around us. God may speak to me not only through his Word but through the insights of others, which we welcome.

WHAT ARE WE STUDYING THIS YEAR?

Our Discovery Bible Study for this year is a study of The Life of Christ. It is a selection of passages across all four Gospels.