Discovery Bible Study questions for different age groups or education levels
Tailoring Discovery Bible Study (DBS) questions for different age groups or education levels ensures that participants can engage with Scripture in a meaningful and accessible way. Here are suggested approaches for various age groups and levels of education:
Children
Focus: Simplicity, understanding basic truths about God, and connecting Scripture to their lives.
- What does this story tell us about who God is?
- What did you like best about this story? Why?
- What does this story say about how God takes care of us?
- What is one way we can follow God or do what’s right this week?
- Who can you share this story with?
Teens
Focus: Exploring identity, challenges, and applying Scripture to real-life situations.
- What does this passage teach us about God’s character or His plans for us?
- How can this story help you trust God in your life right now?
- What does this passage say about how we should treat others?
- What challenges might keep you from living out this truth, and how can you overcome them?
- How can this passage help you handle a specific situation you’re facing?
Young Adults
Focus: Dealing with life transitions, decision-making, and deeper exploration of faith.
- What does this passage reveal about God’s purpose for your life?
- How does this story challenge or encourage your faith?
- What does this passage say about trusting God in uncertainty or big decisions?
- How can this truth guide the way you live, work, or build relationships?
- What steps can you take this week to apply this teaching in your life?
Adults with Lower Levels of Education
Focus: Clear, straightforward questions that emphasize understanding and practical application.
- What does this story teach us about who God is?
- What do we learn about how God loves and helps people?
- What example in this passage can we follow?
- What is one way you can trust or obey God this week?
- Who can you tell about what you learned today?
Adults with Higher Levels of Education
Focus: Deeper analysis, theological reflection, and broader application.
- What does this passage reveal about God’s character and His relationship with humanity?
- What themes or patterns stand out in this passage? How do they connect to the rest of Scripture?
- How does this story or teaching point us to Jesus?
- What does this passage reveal about how God is at work in the world today?
- What implications does this truth have for your faith, relationships, or work?
Seniors
Focus: Reflecting on God’s faithfulness, life experience, and leaving a legacy of faith.
- What does this passage teach us about God’s faithfulness over time?
- How does this story encourage you in your walk with God today?
- What wisdom from this passage can you pass on to others (family, friends, or younger generations)?
- How does this passage challenge you to keep trusting and serving God?
- What promises in this passage give you hope for the future?
Mixed Education or Age Groups
Focus: Questions that are open-ended and applicable to a wide range of perspectives.
- What does this passage teach us about God’s character and how He works in our lives?
- What does this story say about how we can follow or trust God?
- How does this passage encourage or challenge us to live differently?
- What can we learn from this story to share with others?
- What is one specific way you can respond to this truth this week?
Key Principles for Adapting Questions:
- Simplicity for younger audiences or those with less education: Focus on understanding and practical application.
- Depth for older or more educated participants: Encourage connections to larger themes, theology, and broader life applications.
- Relevance to the audience: Tie questions to their experiences, challenges, and stage of life.
- Balance: Ensure discussions are rooted in Scripture but leave space for personal reflection and sharing.
By thoughtfully adapting DBS questions, groups of any age or background can discover God’s truth in ways that resonate deeply with their hearts and minds.