DBS Facilitator's Roles (Checklist)

1. Lead the Reading of the Passage

• Announce the passage: “This week’s passage is ______.”

• Say: “We will do three touches with this passage.”

  • 1st Read: Decide who will read and which Bible version (ESV, NKJV, NASB2020, etc.) - some word-for-word Bible translation

  • 2nd Read: Decide who will read and which Bible version (NIV, NLT, and these two children's versions: ICB Nirv) - some thought-for-thought Bible translation 

  • 3rd Touch (Retell): Ask, “Who can retell this story in your own words, as if telling it to a friend who has never heard it before?”

  • Other Translations Hint: For the 2nd Read, a paraphrase (The Message, CEV, EASY, etc.) can sometimes add clarity and insight, but only use it after checking against a word-for-word translation to ensure faithfulness and if it truly helps the passage. The TPT is in its own category—it is a paraphrase with added commentary and takes too much freedom in many places. It can be helpful at times, but only after comparing carefully with a word-for-word translation. 

• After retelling, ask:

  • “Do you agree with the retelling?”

  • “Was anything added or left out?”

  • Use the passage to clarify if needed.

2. Facilitate the Three DBS Questions During the Study & the Two Questions After

• Guide the group through the three study questions. (see DBS reference image below)

• Allow about 6–7 minutes per question. 

  • NOTE: Not everyone may share, or there may not be time for all to share, which is okay. 

• Transition smoothly from one to the next.

• After completing the study questions, lead the two follow-up questions (see DBS reference image below)

  • Pray – Have each member do a brief response prayer.

  • Share – Ask for very brief and quick answers.

• Keep awareness of time so the study doesn’t over-consume the meeting.

3. Take Notes on OBEY Statements

• Write down each group member’s OBEY (“I will…”) statement during DBS.

• Keep these notes for use in next week’s loving accountability time.

4. Lead Loving Accountability (next week)

• Ask:

  • “Who wants to share their OBEY statement from last week and how it went in obeying?”

  • If no one shares, gently prompt: “Jen, last week you said you would ___. How did it go in obeying?”

5. Give Loving Accountability Time Sharing Options

When reporting back, members can share in one of three ways:

• “I didn’t do it — but here’s why / here’s what I’ll do about it.”

• “I did part of it — here’s why / here’s what happened.”

• “I did it — here’s what happened.”

6. Encourage Responsibility

• Remind members to bring:

  • A Bible (physical or phone).

  • A journal or notes app to record insights and OBEY statements.

• Celebrate those who bring and use their journals and Bibles.

• Goal: Each person owns their obedience by writing it down.

7. Keep the Goal in View

• Help each member remember their OBEY from week to week.

• Reinforce that loving accountability = encouragement + ownership + growth (not guilt).