BEGIN WITH PRAYER · 5 MINUTES

Gather together as a Community in a comfortable setting (around a table, on the couch, the floor of a living room, etc.). Have somebody lead a prayer asking the Holy Spirit to lead and guide your time together.

MAKE ANNOUNCEMENTS · 5 MINUTES

Take this time to go over any details pertaining to any gatherings of your groups that may be upcoming. Additionally, invite the participants of your group to take out their phones, open up the Missio Dei App and navigate to the Events Tab on the App. Highlight a couple of events that are upcoming that you feel are pertinent to your group.

Group DNA Bible Study · 45 MINUTES 

Select a portion from one of the chapters of John’s Gospel from the week of readings and work through the DNA study questions below. These are also accessible on the Group Practice Homepage.

Discover  

Ask the Holy Spirit to speak through His word. Then, read through the selected chapter of Scripture (feel free to read it more than once). In light of the passage, answer these questions, perhaps in a journal.

  • What does this text teach us about the character and nature of God?

  • What does that text teach us about what Jesus has accomplished in the Gospel?

  • What does this text teach us about ourselves in light of who God is and what He has done?

Nurture  

Repent of sin and believe the Gospel. Remember that each sin we commit is a failure in some way to believe the Gospel. With the help of the Holy Spirit return to Jesus with renewed faith as you answer these questions.

  • How would our lives be different if we genuinely believe the truths of this passage?

  • In light of the passage, where are we experiencing conviction of the Holy Spirit?

  • In what ways have we been honoring, understanding & generous in our relationships? In what ways have we not been these things in our relationships? (Consider relationship to God, Self & Others)

ACTION

Take a moment to pray and ask the Holy Spirit to lead you into action that displays faith in God’s word and then work through these questions.

  • What is one thing that we could walk away and do today in response to these truths?

  • What is one thing that we could walk away and stop doing in response to these truths

  • Is there someone to whom we need to confess and repent?

REST

Breathe, perhaps express some affirmation of God’s love for you and presence with you. Know that He sees you, He knows you, He loves you and He is with you.

TALK THROUGH one or two of the discussion questions listed below · 15 MINUTES 

Below are some general questions about the process of DNA Bible Study that you could use during any of your community group gatherings if you would find them helpful.  Also feel free to think of any questions that you think would connect with your group regarding studying of scripture.

  • What role has the study of Scripture played in your discipleship and spiritual formation?

  • What are some of the similarities between DNA Bible Study and Inductive Bible Study? What are some of the differences?

  • As you participate in DNA Bible Study, what are some strengths you are discovering? What are some weaknesses?

  • What do you think may help you become a more committed student of the Holy Scriptures? How might you take a step towards doing so?

  • What is one thing you are learning about God as you practice DNA Bible Study?  What is one thing you are learning about yourself as you practice DNA Bible Study?

  • Do you think you’ll include the DNA study method in the regular rhythms of your study of Scripture beyond this groups practice? Why or why not?

There is no pressure to use any or all of them, these are meant to serve as guides and resources for your use.

CLOSE IN PRAYER · 15 MINUTES

Create a public forum space where people can pray and offer prayer for one another. Fight the urge to talk more about prayer than you do spend time praying. Invite someone to begin this time and someone to end this time together. Remember, silence is not the enemy of a time of prayer.