discover bible school guide - discoveronline.org.uk
TRANSCRIPT
Adventist Discovery Centre
Discover Bible School
Guide
WELCOME
Welcome to one of the most exciting Bible Study ministries available to your local
church – Discover Bible School.
You may already have an active Bible School in your local church or are considering
launching a Bible School. Either way, this Discover Bible School Guide (DBS Guide) will
bring together all the valuable information you need to know for an effective Bible
School incorporating church and community members of all ages.
It provides both the basic “how to” instruction as well as guidance for using the
materials needed by your Discover Bible School.
It is our prayer, as the staff of the Adventist Discovery Centre, that you will be daily filled
and empowered by the Holy Spirit as you share the Good News about Jesus with those who
are in your church and living in your community.
May God richly bless you!
Maureen Rock, Principal
Adventist Discovery Centre, UK
2018 EDITION Copyright ©2018 by Adventist Discovery Centre
Prepared by Audrey Wolfram and Maureen Rock
NOTE: This Discovery Bible School Guide (DBS Guide) is supplied free to local churches
operating a Bible School for members and the community. Although the DBS Guide is
copyrighted, permission is granted to make additional copies as needed.
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CONTENTS
WELCOME ..............................................................................................................................1
Chapter 1 BASIC INFORMATION .............................................................................................5
Chapter 2 GETTING STARTED ..................................................................................................7
The Foundation is Prayer ............................................................................................................... 7
Steps to Follow .............................................................................................................................. 8
Personnel Needed ....................................................................................................................... 10
Ministry Descriptions .................................................................................................................. 10
Chapter 3 USING BIBLE STUDY ADVERTISING CARDS ............................................................. 13
People You Know ........................................................................................................................ 13
Contacts from a Distance ............................................................................................................. 13
Face-to-Face Outreach ................................................................................................................. 14
Chapter 4 METHODS FOR STUDYING WITH STUDENTS .......................................................... 17
Personal Delivery of Bible Lessons ............................................................................................... 17
Operating A Bible School at Church .............................................................................................. 18
Keeping Records .......................................................................................................................... 19
Handing out Lessons and Collecting Quiz Sheets ........................................................................... 19
Marking Lessons .......................................................................................................................... 20
Certificates and Graduations........................................................................................................ 21
Motivation is Necessary............................................................................................................... 21
Chapter 5 OUTREACH AND THE DISCOVER BIBLE SCHOOL ..................................................... 23
Local Church Evangelism Series .................................................................................................... 23
Community Health Expo .............................................................................................................. 23
Chapter 6 FINANCING A DISCOVER BIBLE SCHOOL ................................................................. 25
Preparing a Budget for Your Discover Bible School ....................................................................... 25
What About Asking Students for Donations? ................................................................................ 25
Chapter 7 ADDITIONAL HINTS, TIPS AND GUIDANCE ............................................................. 27
How to Make Contact When a Request for Bible Studies Already Received ................................... 27
Leading the Bible Course Student to a Full Decision ...................................................................... 29
Chapter 8 - ADDITIONAL RESOURCES AND FORMS ............................................................... 33
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Chapter 1 BASIC INFORMATION
What is a Discover Bible School?A Discover Bible School is made up of a group of members in a local church who have a vision to reach out and provide an opportunity for members, the community, friends and neighbours, to study the Bible. These members, with permission from the local Pastor and Church Board, organise themselves into a Discover Bible School, which then becomes a branch of the Adventist Discovery Centre.
The Discover Bible School provides a variety of flexible options. Each local church has its own personality and needs a product that is adaptable and user friendly. Also, the people living in your community want options—a menu of topics for Bible study.
What Methods Are Used?There are several methods local churches may use to study the Bible with people in the community. The approach taken may be decided upon by your local Personal Ministry Department.
However, two of these methods are explained in detail in this DBS Guide (Chapter 4). The aim is to have options for reaching as many people as possible! The two methods discussed in this DBS Guide are:
• Personal delivery of Bible lessons• A Bible School operating in your local church
What Are the Goals of a Discover Bible School?Some of the main goals are:
• To establish friendship with both the unchurched and with Christians living inyour community through providing Bible study courses, and opportunities formembers of your local church to be actively involved in Bible study ministry
• To connect as many people as possible in your community with Jesus Christ andto guide them into becoming His devoted disciples
• To show people how the teachings of the Bible can meet their daily needs.• To provide Bible study options that familiarise the student with a broad
understanding of Scripture—the life of Jesus, prophecy, the Gospels, distinctiveBible doctrines, etc
• To acquaint people with the major doctrinal teachings of the Bible• To prepare your community for a local church seminar or public evangelistic
meeting• To assist Christians and the unchurched in your community in an on-going, in-
depth understanding of the Bible and to inform them of our distinctive Seventh-day Adventist message
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• To prepare Bible School participants to become baptised church members who
are fully devoted disciples of Jesus Christ and who make witnessing their way of
life
Choose Your Church’s Level of Involvement Most churches have the resources to organise their own Bible school. Smaller churches
may consider teaming up with a neighbouring church to share the cost and labour.
How Do You Find People to Study the Lessons? This DBS Guide gives you suggestions and resources for finding people who want to study
the Bible.
What Resources Are Available? The DBS Guide also contains detailed information about the resources that are available
from the Adventist Discovery Centre. Here are just a few:
• Bible lessons and personal witnessing resources
• Course Curriculum
• An Internet information site
• Telephone consultation to answer your questions
• A Representative to visit your Conference, Mission or Church
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Chapter 2 GETTING STARTED
The Foundation is Prayer Start praying about establishing a Discover Bible School. Seek guidance from the Holy
Spirit for you and your team to be led in the direction that is right for your Discover Bible
School and your local community.
Invite the local Prayer Ministry Team to pray with the Discover Bible School Team and to
keep the work and your students on their prayer list. As students continue to study they
are asked to make decisions such as:
• Commitment to study
• A change of lifestyle,
• Making time to pray
• Seeking forgiveness
• Forgiving others
• Accepting Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour
The power of the Holy Spirit working in the life of the student is vital to combating
resistance. Power comes by prayer. Invite your students to submit their prayer requests
with their returned lessons. This will help to keep the work of the School focused on
prayer. Take time to fully grasp the steps outlined in the diagram following. Ensure that
you begin and end each step with prayer.
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Steps to Follow
Step 1 Gather Information Contact the Adventist Discovery Centre and ask for the FREE Discover Bible School Pack for your church. The pack contains samples of the materials and templates that are available to help you as you establish your Discover Bible School. The pack also contains one free set of lessons for the course Start into Life. This course can be used immediately to study with a member of your community who has little or no knowledge of the Bible.
You can find more information about the Adventist Discovery Centre and available materials at www.discoveronline.org.uk. You can also contact us via telephone on 01923 672606 or via email on [email protected].
Step 2 Obtain Authorisation and Register Your Discover Bible School Before establishing a Discover Bible School authorisation must first be obtained from your
Pastor and/or your local Church Board. Guidance for this role is as follows:
Bible School Coordinator—The Bible school coordinator organises and
coordinates the church’s Bible school outreach ministry to the community.
The coordinator should work closely with the pastor, the interest coordinator
and the personal ministries leader (2015 Seventh-day Adventist Church
Manual, p.101).
1 Gather
information
2 Obtain
authorisation and register
school
3 Put a team
together
4 Develop
goals, priorities and
a financial plan
5 Organise
the Discover Bible School
6 Know your
resources
7 Arrange
for training and know
your lessons
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To register your Discover Bible School with the Adventist Discovery Centre you may
contact us via telephone on 01923 672606 or via email on [email protected].
You can also download a Discover Bible School registration form via our website:
www.discoveronline.org.uk.
Step 3 Put a Team Together The size and configuration of your school will determine the number of persons needed to
operate it. It is recommended that the Team is made up of a Coordinator, Associate
Coordinator and a small Team for marking lessons and recording scores.
Step 4 Develop Goals and Priorities and a Financial Plan • Develop a plan to keep your local church members informed about your
Discover Bible School
• Determine ways to recruit church members to assist in your Bible school
• Plan how you will obtain Bible study students
• Decide what methods you will use to give Bible studies to those requesting them
• Decide on what methods you will use to acknowledge those who complete a
course before moving on to the next set of studies, i.e. graduation ceremony,
acknowledgement get together, etc
• Set other goals according to your local needs
Your Discover Bible School team should develop a budget for its operation and present
the budget to the Pastor and/or Church Board. The budget should include such things as
the cost of Bible lessons, postage, envelopes, paper, enrolment cards, mass mailing
materials, graduation, etc.
Step 5 Organise the Discover Bible School • Ensure that your Bible School has been advertised in the church bulletin, during
announcements and on your church’s noticeboard
• Order your lesson supplies as appropriate for your Bible School from the
Adventist Discovery Centre
• Agree the chosen day, start and finish time of your Bible School with your church
board
• Set up the school in a visible location in your local church
• Select a suitable address for delivery/return of lessons from your students
• Record calendar date for your Bible School Emphasis day
• Record calendar dates for the Bible School’s in connection with other
departments special events. i.e. Health Expo, Sabbath School Visitors Day,
Personal Ministries Emphasis, Education Emphasis, Literature Evangelism day,
etc
• Arrange with your Pastor and Interest Coordinator how the Bible School can be
of support before, during and after Evangelistic Meetings
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Step 6 Know Your Resources • Familiarise yourself with the materials available to you
• Read the complete DBS Guide
• Search the resource catalogue and ADC website (www.discoveronline.org.uk) for
additional materials
Step 7 Arrange for Training and Know Your Lessons In order to have an effective Bible School, Team members need to receive training in the
areas in which they will be involved.
Have your team members read the DBS Guide, resource catalogue and familiarise
themselves with the ADC website. Other training resources include; telephone
conferences and training from the ADC staff via SKYPE or ZOOM. The ADC Team will
welcome the opportunity to visit your church to assist with your training.
If your Bible School is already in operation, the ADC Team would want to visit your church
while the studies are being held. Your local Pastor and conference leaders can also assist
with training individuals in your local church.
It is important for all those who will be assisting with the Discover Bible School to read
through the complete set(s) of lessons and/or the marking guides that are being used.
Unless you are familiar with the lessons, you will find it difficult promote them effectively
and to answer students’ questions.
Personnel Needed The size of your church and the response from the community will determine how many
people will be needed to run the school. The team should include:
• Bible School Coordinator
• Associate Bible School Coordinator
• Bible Lessons Marking Team (2-3 people)
Smaller schools will not need all the positions listed above. Adapt your personnel
needs to fit your situation.
However, it is essential to have a Coordinator and a Marking Team. As much as possible,
enlist others to help; everyone needs a partner for prayer support and encouragement.
Ministry Descriptions
Bible School Coordinator
• Oversees the Bible School team and the overall program
• Arranges for the selection and training of team members
• Sees that lessons and resources are ordered
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• Arranges with the Interest Coordinator for the follow-up of Bible School interests
• Keeps the local church informed regarding the work of the Bible School
• Involves every church member in the Bible school operation and community
outreach
• Reports to the Pastor and Church Board on the activities of the Bible School.
• Be the sole liaison person with the ADC Team
Associate Bible School Coordinator • Supports the Bible School Coordinator
• Keeps the church informed regarding the Bible school’s accomplishments and
needs via the church newsletter, bulletin, and presentations in Sabbath School or
the church service
• Arranges for the distribution of enrolment cards through door-to-door
distribution by church members, mass mailings to the community, and/or
insertion in the local newspaper
• Arranges for advertising to obtain Bible study students
• Assist the Bible School Coordinator in preparation for Graduation Ceremonies
Bible Lessons Marking Team (2-3 persons)
• Collects completed quiz sheets at the end of studies
• Ensures that Student Numbers (from Lesson 2 onwards) are noted on each quiz
sheet
• Hands out the next lesson and quiz sheet to each student
• Uses the marking guides to accurately mark and score each lesson
• Completes the Students Grade Return Form
• Returns the completed Students Grades Return form to the ADC
• Informs the Coordinator of the stock level of lessons for ordering from the ADC
a
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Chapter 3 USING BIBLE STUDY ADVERTISING CARDS
The Bible Study Advertising Card is the most popular method used to enrol new students
to your Bible School. Advertising cards can be purchased from the ADC and made
available to new contacts in a variety of ways. These cards are specific to the following
topics:
• Bible
• Prophecy
• Special Interest
• Children
• Health
Contact can be made with potential students while using the cards in the various
ways listed below.
NB: You will need to identify your cards with a specific marking so that these may be
forwarded to you from the ADC office.
People You Know You can enrol friends, family, co-workers, neighbours, and casual personal contacts
by using one of the ADC’s advertising cards.
• Dedicate a place in your car, home, pocket, or handbag and keep a supply of
enrolment cards and/or Lesson 1 of selected courses handy at all times
• On contacting a potential student, you may offer an appropriate enrolment
card and offer to deliver it to your Bible School on their behalf
• Have Sabbath School members take cards and hand them out weekly
Contacts from a Distance
Your Church Visitors/Interest List Liaise with your Interest Coordinator to identify non-members who visited your church
and signed the visitors’ book. They can be sent an advertising card with an invitation to
study.
Social Media, Radio and Publications The use of social media, Adventist radio and publications have also proved successful
methods for new students’ enrolment. Enrol Bible school students by sending them
enrolment cards using names obtained from Adventist social media, radio and
publications, by letter, telephone, or personal visitation. These are excellent contacts,
because they have already developed an interest in spiritual things.
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Personal Mail Enclose an advertising card with your utility, credit card, and other payments. Do the
same with Christmas, birthday, anniversary, and graduation cards along with other
personal mail.
“Free, Take One” Place “Free, Take One” advertising card holders in strategic locations throughout your
community, (where allowed), and keep them filled. Possible locations include professional
offices, waiting areas, hospitals, laundromats, convenience stores, restaurants, etc.
Be sure to ask permission from the proprietors.
“For a Friend” After the Bible school is in operation, one of the most effective methods of increasing
enrolments includes having current students enrol their friends in the course.
• Purchase a rubber stamp marked ‘For a Friend’ and stamp the front of the
enrolment cards
• Include these cards when returning the students quiz sheet
Mass Distribution Develop a Bible School calendar and include a date for mass distribution of advertising
cards in a specific location where you church would like to reach out to the community.
This can be done either by bulk mailing or by door-to-door distribution.
Face-to-Face Outreach You may choose to form an outreach team in co-operation with your local Bible Worker,
Literature Evangelist and Personal Ministries Department. Visits can be made door-to-
door at a location where your church is seeking to make community connections. It is
advised that door-to-door outreach are carried out in pairs for personal safety.
Visiting Door–to-Door Identify the area you will be visiting as it will be necessary to return to the location several times.
Pre-pack the materials to be handed out in advance. These may include the following:
• Enrolment cards
• Lesson 1 and quiz sheet
• Your Discover Bible School contact details
• Student registration form
• Free Bibles (in case needed)
• Return envelopes (in case needed)
• Prepare, in general terms, what you are going to say—before you make the visit
• Before knocking on the door, pray for a positive reception
• When you knock on the door, step back, smile! Be cheerful!
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“Hi! I am …………and this is ……..
“We are with the ...(Church Name)…Discover Bible School.
“We can’t stay long, but we do want to give you a free copy of our
new Discover Lesson.
“We can leave Lesson One with you and come back in a week with
the next lesson, and we can discuss any questions you may have.
“How does that sound to you?”
Positive Response
• Note contact details on student registration form
• Ensure that the GDPR box has been ticked by the student (and signed by an
adult if under 18)
• Leave the lesson and quiz sheet with the student
• Identify if the student currently has a Bible. If not, offer them your copy as a
gift
• Confirm date and time when you will return to collect and discuss any
challenge they may have had in completing the quiz sheet
Negative Response
• Thank them for their time
• Leave a gift/booklet/flyer/etc, if appropriate
• DO NOT get into a dialogue defending your beliefs
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Chapter 4 METHODS FOR STUDYING WITH STUDENTS
Personal Delivery of Bible Lessons The goal of the Discover Bible School is to serve as an outreach ministry to the community
on behalf of the local church by making personal contact with potential students and
those individuals requesting Bible studies.
Bible School Coordinator—The Bible school coordinator organises and
coordinates the church’s Bible school outreach ministry to the community.
The coordinator should work closely with the pastor, the interest coordinator
and the personal ministries leader (2015 Seventh-day Adventist Church
Manual, p.101).
Taking the Lessons to the Door Visits can be made to potential students when you first receive a Bible study request, and
visits may eventually need to be made to students wanting to study at their homes. You
may adapt these visitation suggestions as needed for your situation.
• Depend on the Lord
• Prepare for your visit with prayer. Pray before, during, and after the visit
• Dress appropriately
• Be respectful of the property owner. Always remember that you are a guest on
the person’s property
• Your objective is to be brief
▪ Persuade the person to receive and study the lessons
▪ Gain the right to return
▪ Establish a friendship
▪ Do not argue about anything. Your goal is to build bridges—not walls
• Know, in general terms, what you are going to say—before you make the visit
• Having knocked on the door, step back, smile! Be cheerful!
When you knock on someone’s door, the person on the other side wants to know three
things:
• Who is it?
• What do they want?
• How long are they going to stay?
You can answer these questions in your first few words at the door by saying,
“I am and this is . We are with the Discover Bible School. Do you
have a few minutes?”
See Chapter 7 Hints, Tips and Guidance for Suggested Approaches
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Exchanging Completed Quiz Sheets with New Lessons Once a student is enrolled for lessons at their home it is your duty to ensure that ALL
appointments are kept as arranged. If you are unable to return to the student’s home
as arranged it is important to notify the student well in advance.
Always ensure that you have the correct lessons for exchange and present them in a
professional manner.
Where you have established a positive contact and are invited into the home, do
remember
• Respect the students’ views
• Respect the property
• DO NOT overstay your visit
Operating A Bible School at Church
Operating a Discover Bible School at the local church gives you direct access to your
students yet maintain the support of the ADC Team. However, you will need a dedicated
and organised Team to ensure success. A regular flow of corrected quiz sheets and new
lessons between the Coordinator and the students must be maintained.
It is important to decide in advance what format your Discover Bible School will take.
Some points to consider are:
• Will there be regular Bible Studies at the church?
• What day and time will the studies take place?
• Where in the church will the Bible School meet?
• How accessible is the selected venue?
• Will the space be needed by any other department?
• Who will be responsible to meet and greet the students?
• Who will be responsible for clearing the space when the Bible studies are
finished for the day?
Once these and other points have been decided, the information will need to be
announced to the congregation, placed in the bulletin and on the church’s
noticeboard. It is also important to be consistent with any plans made and give
sufficient notice of changes.
Discover Bible School Format Your Discover Bible School format will be organised by the courses chosen by your
students and the number of students enrolled. The ADC courses are designed for
individual, pairs or small group formats. The preference of your students will be based on
their level of confidence in approaching the lessons. The points below are for guidance
only and can be adapted to suit the approach decided upon by the Team.
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Small Group(s) Where it has been decided that all students will study the same set of lessons, one or
more small group(s) may be formed. It is recommended that a small group be made
up of no more than eight (8) individuals as this will avoid quieter students being left
out. However, it must be decided who will facilitate (not teach) the group.
Studying in Pairs Students may choose to study with a friend or relative. Couples may also choose to use
these lessons for their home devotionals. These pairings can be decided by the students.
It is more likely that individuals will choose who they study with based on personal safety.
However, any concerns should be carefully handled.
Studying alone Where individuals choose to study alone this should not be challenged. However, do be
prepared to offer support if needed. In these cases, students may often complete their
studies ahead of the small groups. Do ensure that you have sufficient supplies of lessons
to exchange with the quiz sheets.
Studying as a family Family study should be encouraged. This would be particularly helpful where there are
children enrolled as students. In these cases, the parents may also have their personal
copy of the lesson so that they can help their children. Where children have not
completed their lessons by the end of a group study they may continue the lessons with
help at home and return the completed quiz sheet at the next gathering.
Keeping Records When the student enrols in a Bible course by completing at least one filled-in quiz sheet,
you will need to request that they fill out a Student Registration Form, if not done so
already. There needs to be a separate completed registration form for each student.
It is very important that the student tick the box confirming their agreement for you to hold
their contact details. If the individual refuses to tick the box they will not be able to register as
a student of your Discover Bible School. Where the student is under 18 years old, this form
should be signed by their parent or guardian.
Please return the completed Student Registration Forms to the ADC. Once registered each
individual will be allocated a student number which will be passed back to you. The student
number MUST be used in all future correspondence.
Handing out Lessons and Collecting Quiz Sheets Students are often enthusiastic about handing in their completed quiz sheets and
receiving their next lesson.
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Whether processing quiz sheets by mail or by personal delivery, promptness in returning
the corrected quiz sheets to the student is essential to keep up his or her interest and
momentum. It is important that stock levels of lessons are kept up to date so as not to
disappoint anyone.
You may wish to set a timeframe for returned lessons to allow the marking team space to
meet and effectively complete the marking. Where the Discover Bible School is growing it
may be necessary to recruit additional volunteers to the marking team.
Marking Lessons The ADC will provide you with marking guides for each Course being studied by your
students. There are a number of things to keep in mind when marking lessons. The
purpose of marking is to help the student learn. The objective is for the student to
get all the answers right, even if they need a little coaching and help. Here are a few
pointers that will help you.
• When the answer is wrong, do not mark it wrong. Instead, circle the correct
answer
• Never put a grade of less than “Good” on an answer sheet even if the
student answers all the questions incorrectly. The student has done his or
her best. Write a short note encouraging the student to keep studying
• If the student has done well, write, by hand, on the corrected answer sheet
brief encouraging notes of praise such as:
“You are doing a great job.”
“Keep up the good work.”
• A guide for scoring the lessons are as follows:
• All correct – Perfect
• 1 or 2 incorrect – Excellent
• 3 incorrect – Very Good
• 4 or more incorrect - Good
Use the DBS 90 Student Grades Return Form (see sample DBS 90 Student Grades Return
Form ) to record each student’s number, course code, lesson completed and grade. This
information is valuable to the visitation teams and will need to be returned to the ADC for
record keeping. The completed DBS 90 Student Grades Return Form(s) should be posted
or emailed to the ADC as attachments.
Update the record each time a student completes a lesson. Check for any updated
personal contact details. You may also wish to keep record of:
• Requests made for prayers, pastoral visits, etc
• Decisions made by the student
▪ For Christ
▪ For keeping the Sabbath
▪ For baptism
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• Requests need to be made with the Church Clerk to record on ACMS the date
and source of introduction for those who are baptised following studies with
the Discover Bible School
Extra care must be taken to keep all students records secure.
Certificates and GraduationsAs a motivation for your students, it is recommended that the Discover Bible School
calendar includes at least one Graduation Ceremony date for the year. The date can be
negotiated with your Pastor as an annual date in the church calendar.
This gives the students a goal for completing their lessons. The Graduation Ceremony
can take a format of your choice. Some suggestions are local church Missionary
Spotlight or a special afternoon programme.
Where there are non-members studying with your Discovery Bible School, an
invitation can be extended to them to attend this special ceremony. You may also
arrange for an alternative creative way in which to acknowledge their success before
signing them up for a new course. Special gifts can be presented to students to mark
the completion of their studies.
When children are graduating they may wish to invite their school friends and
extended family who are not church members to witness their graduation. It is
extremely important to enrol the graduate in another Bible course as follow-up.
It is also important to mark this occasion in a special way. For some students, attending a
Graduation Ceremony may carry personal unforgettable meaning.
Graduating students may also be encouraged to introduce friends and family members as
new students.
The Adventist Discovery Centre will issue a certificate to those who complete the Bible
course and will be pleased to attend the Graduation ceremony, with sufficient notice.
Motivation is Necessary Many students will enrol and then drop out after two or three lessons. A successful
Discover Bible School must employ a number of motivational tools to encourage students
to continue to study. This may include:
• Visiting the students
• Sending cards of encouragement
• Arrange for them to continue studying by post
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Where missing students were visiting from another church with no operational Bible
School you may seek their permission to pass their details to the ADC Team who will
continue to provide lessons to the student.
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Chapter 5 OUTREACH AND THE DISCOVER BIBLE SCHOOL
The Mission of the Discover Bible School is to effectively reach out to the local community
by means of Bible studies. In this way the Discover Bible School is able to prepare the
community for a seminar or evangelistic meeting. The authors of this Guide make no
apology in repeating the statement below.
Bible School Coordinator—The Bible school coordinator organises and
coordinates the church’s Bible school outreach ministry to the community. The
coordinator should work closely with the pastor, the interest coordinator and the
personal ministries leader (2015 Seventh-day Adventist Church Manual, p.101).
Local Church Evangelism Series During preparation for the local church’s evangelism series, the Bible School Team is
encouraged to work closely with the local Pastor and Interest Coordinator, Personal
Ministry Department.
• Prior to the evangelism series, visit designated locations to promote the series
and invite potential students to begin studying as an introduction to the
theme to be covered
• During the evangelism series, be available each night to welcome new
students who attend. Remember, you may be the only person they have met
before from your local church
• Those who go forward during the Evangelist’s calls for decisions can be
enrolled as students in preparation for the end of the series
• At the end of the evangelism series, visit with students to collect quiz sheets,
hand over new lessons and discuss any question they may have since
attending church
• The newly baptised members can also be enrolled as a follow-up course of
studies and to encourage discipleship development
• Where there are questions you are unable to answer, offer to bring your
Pastor along with you at your next scheduled visit
Community Health Expo The Adventist Discovery Centre provides Health courses advertising cards and
promotional resources for use by local churches.
It is beneficial to enrol visitors to the health Expo on a health course as a means of putting
into practice what they have learnt. This is also a helpful way in which contact made
among the community could be maintained.
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Prior to leading a Community Health Expo, help can be enlisted from church members to
assist with visits to the local community to promote the event and introduce the health
courses. New students could be enrolled either at the doors or at the Community Health
Expo
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Chapter 6 FINANCING A DISCOVER BIBLE SCHOOL
Preparing a Budget for Your Discover Bible School Now that you understand how to operate a Discover Bible School, a natural question is, “How much will it cost?” It must be borne in mind that the primary mission of the Discover Bible School is evangelism. Therefore, it is appropriate for a portion of the funds from the church’s evangelism budget be allocated to the Discover Bible School. The ADC have provided you with the current prices of all courses based on the number of lessons in each course. When you calculate these prices in this way you will find that the courses are very reasonable indeed. Do allow for the additional postage costs. Where you are able to have your resources collected from the ADC office this is advised. A Discovery Bible School Budget form is enclosed in your Resources Pack. This includes the basic items needed. However, you may wish to add or remove items from the listing.
What About Asking Students for Donations? Most Bible schools do not ask for offerings, since the advertising card states that the lessons are free. However, if your particular situation makes it convenient and appropriate to ask for donations, that is your decision. Some schools have received donations by sending a letter to all graduates suggesting that although the lessons are free, a donation would help someone else receive the study guides.
See Appendix for Suggested Budget items
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Chapter 7 ADDITIONAL HINTS, TIPS AND GUIDANCE
How to Make Contact When a Request for Bible Studies Already Received
Suggested Approach No. 1 Take the advertising card the person returned in the mail and a copy of Lesson One. Show the person the card and say,
“Hi! I am ………………and this is ……... with the Discover Bible School. We
received this card from you requesting the Bible studies (Adapt this
statement to fit the method by which the person requested the course). “We’ve stopped by to bring you your first Bible study to get you started.
“We can leave Lesson One with you and come back in a week with the next
lesson, and we can discuss any questions you may have.
How does that sound to you?”
If the person says, “I thought the lessons would come in the post
Respond by saying “We usually stop by to explain the process. However, we can send the Bible
studies in the post or we can come by each week. Which do you prefer?” If the person shows some resistance to having you come to their home each week, arrange to have him or her return the quiz sheet to the Bible School by post. • Give the person an envelope with the Discover Bible School’s address on it • Point out the importance of putting a stamp on the envelope • Inform them that future guides will be sent by post and say,
“We’ll be looking forward to receiving your answer sheet. God bless you.”
Note this information on your records in order to avoid future mistakes. Your Bible School may prefer to budget for providing postage stamps.
If the person asks what denomination is sponsoring the lessons, say,
“The lessons are from The Adventist Discovery Centre sponsored by the
Seventh-day Adventist Church.”
If the person says, “I am a Catholic [or some other religion or denomination], so no thank you,”
Respond by saying, “These lessons are designed for people of all faiths and are based only on the
Bible. Why not try the first couple of studies? if you don’t like them, you can
always stop.”
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Before leaving, if it seems appropriate, ask the person if you can have a brief prayer to ask God to bless them as they study the Lessons. Your prayer can be something like this:
“Dear Lord, thank you for Mrs/Mr _______who has a desire to study the Bible.
Help her/him as she/he opens Your Word to understand more fully Your plan for
the future and how You are leading in her/his own life. Please bless and guide
her/him. in the name of Jesus, Amen.”
Suggested Approach No. 2 Having knocked on the door, introduce yourself
“Good afternoon (Hold up the request card or form).
“Are you _____? (Make your presentation only to the person who returned the
card)
“I am and this is . We can’t stay long, but we came in answer to your
request for Bible studies. You made a wise choice.”
Share a brief background about the material “Hundreds of people are enjoying these beautiful study guides” (Hold up Lesson #1
and open the cover).
“They answer life’s greatest questions” (Scan the headings with a pen or turn the
pages of the guide).
“They are put together beautifully, and each section is supported by Bible texts”
(Point to a text in the guide. Keep turning pages as you continue talking).
“ and I have enjoyed these lessons and we are happy to share them with
you.
“When you finish reading these few pages, there is a sheet to help you review what
you have read” (Hand the quiz sheet over).
“I know you’ll really enjoy these.
“We are planning to be in the area next week about this time, and we’ll be happy to
leave you the next study guide.
“If you have any questions, we can discuss them.”
If a definite interest is shown, say,
“Perhaps we can compare our answers.
“Would this time next week be the best for you? Great!” (or arrange another time, if
need be.)
“Be sure to have the answer sheet ready, and we’ll leave you another one.
“We look forward to seeing you next week at [time].”
Say a prayer only if it will increase the person’s interest and not hinder it. If the person asks,
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“Who puts this out?”
Say, “The Adventist Discovery Centre has been delivering correspondence Bible and health
lessons around the UK for over 70 years and is sponsored by the Seventh-day
Adventist Church”
If the person says, “I thought the lessons would come in the mail,”
Respond by saying, “We usually stop by to explain the process. However, we can send the Bible studies in
the mail or we can come by so that if you have any questions, we can discuss them.
We would be happy to do whichever you prefer.” If they show preference to having their lessons posted
• Give the person an envelope with the Discover Bible School’s address on it • Point out the importance of putting a stamp on the envelope • Inform them that future guides will be sent by post and say,
“We look forward to receiving your answer sheet. God bless you.” Note this information on your records in order to avoid future mistakes. Your Bible School may prefer to budget for providing postage stamps.
Leading the Bible Course Student to a Full Decision The ultimate goal and the primary purpose for running a Discover Bible School is to bring people to Jesus and into church fellowship.
The Adventist Discovery Centre’s Discover Bible Course is a full-message Bible study program designed to lead a person step-by-step to a decision to accept the fundamental teachings from Scripture of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. It asks the student to make three major decisions: (1) to accept Jesus as his or her Saviour, (2) to determine to keep the Sabbath, and (3) to be baptized and join the Seventh- day Adventist Church.
How Is This Accomplished? • Immediate, effective follow-up is the key to making the entire Discover Bible
School program productive
• Throughout a Bible course in which the lessons are sent by mail or presented on the Internet, the marker handwrites notes and sends appropriate literature to meet the special needs of the student. When the marker discerns that a student is ready for person-to-person contact, he gives the student’s name to the Pastor or qualified church member to follow up the interest. The visitor has in mind the importance of the three decisions (accepting Jesus, Baptism, Sabbath), and if the student appears ready, makes a personal appeal for the
30
appropriate decision
• In situations where lessons are delivered personally or in small-group settings, Bible school personnel must also cultivate a relationship with their students and lead them to a decision for Jesus, keeping the Sabbath, and to be baptized and become a member of the Church
• Whenever possible, approaching a person on a one-on-one basis when asking for a decision is usually best
Calling for a Decision to Accept Jesus • The object of your visit: to lead the student to accept Jesus if he or she has not
already done so • Identify with the person • Help the person relax; gain his or her trust • Evaluate the person’s degree of interest • Make a direct personal appeal
– ask, “Have you accepted Jesus as your Saviour?” – if the answer is no, ask, “Have you ever thought of doing so?” – if the answer is yes, ask, “Why not do it now?”
• Before you leave, offer to help the student any way you can at any time • Before you leave, offer a brief prayer
Calling for a Decision to Keep the Sabbath
• The object of your visit: – to lead the student to accept Jesus if he or she has not already done so – To lead the student to make the decision to keep the Sabbath if he or she has
not already made that decision • Evaluate the person’s degree of interest. if it seems appropriate, make a direct
personal appeal. Ask: – “Have you heard before about the seventh day of the week being the Bible
Sabbath?” – “Have you ever thought about keeping the Sabbath?” – if the answer is yes, ask, “Why not decide to keep the Sabbath now?”
• Before you leave, offer to help the student any way you can at any time • Before you leave, offer a brief prayer
If an evangelistic meeting is in progress and the evangelist has not yet called for a decision on the Sabbath, discuss with your pastor or evangelist how best to ask the student to make this decision. Many times, a friendly visit and an invitation will encourage the person to attend the evangelistic meetings where he or she will respond to the call for a decision.
Calling for a Decision to Be Baptized
• The object of your visit: – to lead the person to accept Jesus if he or she has not already done so – To lead the person to make the decision to keep the Sabbath if he or she has
not already made that decision – To strengthen the person’s decision to keep the Sabbath if that decision has
been made – To invite the person to be baptized and become a member of God’s remnant
31
church • Whenever it is evident that the person is ready to make a decision, guide him or
her in making the decision. If you need assistance, ask your pastor or a person experienced in visitation to assist you. If an evangelistic meeting will begin shortly or if meetings are in progress, simply make a friendly visit and encourage the person to attend the meetings. The evangelist will call for decisions during the meetings
• Make a direct personal appeal – ask, “Have you ever studied the topic of baptism by immersion before?” – “Have you been baptized by immersion?” – if the answer is no, ask, “Have you ever thought of being baptized?” – If the answer is yes, tell the person when a baptism is planned
• Before you leave, offer to help the student any way you can at any time • Before you leave, offer a brief prayer
A suggested prayer to close a decision visit
“Dear heavenly Father, I know You are happy with the interest [Jim] has in learning more about the Bible. Please reveal Your complete will for his life. Give [Jim] the courage and strength to follow in whatever way You lead. Give him the assurance of Your love [care] [saving grace]. continue to guide [Jim] as he continues his study of the Bible.” (If a solid decision has been made, say) “I want to thank You, Lord, for the decision that Jim has made to [accept Jesus; keep the Sabbath; be baptized]. I know that Heaven is rejoicing today over his determination to follow Your will. I pray that You will help him remain firm in this decision and that you will guide him as He continues to follow you in all things. in Jesus’ name, amen.”
It is necessary for every Bible School to have someone visit those who are studying.
if you, as the visitor, are not comfortable calling for a decision, that is ok. Just make a friendly visit. If you need assistance in obtaining decisions, you have several options —your pastor, a neighbouring pastor, a retired pastor, another church member, an evangelist, or a conference leader. They can accompany you on the visit and/or teach you or someone in your church how to visit and call for decisions. Personal visits are a must! Do not ignore this point if you want your students to make decisions.
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Chapter 8 - ADDITIONAL RESOURCES AND FORMS
❖ Church Registration Form
❖ Budget Outline
❖ Student Registration Form
❖ Student Grades Return Form
❖ Student Grades Return Form Continuation
❖ Course Price List
❖ Order Form
❖ Marking guides/Answer Keys – request the appropriate one(s) for your
School
❖ Advertising Cards (see www.discoveronline.org.uk)
❖ Bookmarks
❖ Daniel and Revelation books - £3 each or £5 for a set
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OFFICE 01923 672606
EMAIL [email protected]
WEBSITE www.discoveronline.org.uk
ADDRESS
Stanborough Park, Watford, Hertfordshire, WD25 9JU.
REGISTERED CHARITY 1044071
Adventist Discovery Centre
DBS 90 Registration Form
Church _____________________
Please register us into the DISCOVER BIBLE SCHOOL scheme
Please list full details of the nominated Leader:
Name: Address:
Postcode: Phone: Email:
Signed by Minister or Elder:
Name (printed): Church: Signed: Date:
Please return this form to: -
Adventist Discovery Centre Stanborough Park WATFORD WD25 9JU
DBS 90 Discover Bible School Budget
Fill in only the items you plan to use.
Bible Lessons per student £_________
Advertising Cards (for mass distribution) £_________
ADC Course Curriculum (for obtaining enrolments) £_________
Equipment purchase or rental (if not already on hand) £_________
Rubber stamp: “For a Friend” £_________
Cards for Students to return Lessons £ ________
Window envelopes for returned lessons £_________
Postage. (You will need to estimate your postage according to
how much mailing and how much personal delivery you plan to do.) £ ________
Bibles for use as FREE Gifts £ ________
Stationary £_________ TOTAL COST FOR DISCOVER BIBLE SCHOOL per month/year £ ________
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DBS 90 Student Grades Return Please return this form to the ADC either by email ([email protected]) or by post using the return address card. Please ensure the STUDENT NUMBER is ALWAYS included. If you require more lessons, please complete the form on the reverse.
Church name:
DBS Sponsor name:
Student Name
Student No.
Course Code
Grades
Lesson No
Grade
Lesson No
Grade
Lesson No
Grade
Lesson No
Grade
Lesson No
Grade
Lesson No
Grade
Lesson No
Grade
ADVENTIST DISCOVERY CENTRE COURSE CODES
BIBLE COURSES
CODE
LESSON NUMBER(S)
NUMBER NEEDED
Entry Level Courses
Start Into Life (14 Lessons) SIL2
Why Series (14 Lessons) WHY
Try Jesus 1 (10 Lessons) TJ1
Try Jesus 2 (10 Lessons) TJ2
Intermediate Level Courses
Discover (26 Lessons) DIS
The Story of Paul (12 Lessons) SOP
Great Teachings and Prophecies of the Bible I (24 lessons)
GT1
Great Teachings and Prophecies of the Bible II (12 lessons)
GT2
Focus on Prophecy (20 Lessons) FOP
Special Interest Courses
Digging Up The Past (12 Lessons) DUP
Digging Deeper (11 Lessons) DD
Digging Up The Future (10 Lessons) DUF
For the Younger Student (7-12)
Let’s Explore (14 Lessons) LEX
HEALTH COURSES
CODE
Health (12 Lessons) HC2
Your World of Good Food (12 Lessons) WGF
Coping With Stress (10 Lessons) CWS
Taking Charge of Your Life (9 Lessons) TC
Continuation sheet
Student Name
Student No.
Course Code
Grades
Lesson No
Grade
Lesson No
Grade
Lesson No
Grade
Lesson No
Grade
Lesson No
Grade
Lesson No
Grade
Lesson No
Grade
Lesson No
Grade
Lesson No
Grade
Lesson No
Grade
Student Name
Student No.
Course Code
Grades
Lesson No
Grade
Lesson No
Grade
Lesson No
Grade
Lesson No
Grade
Lesson No
Grade
Lesson No
Grade
Lesson No
Grade
Lesson No
Grade
Lesson No
Grade
Lesson No
Grade
Cost of Correspondence Courses
Course No of
Lessons Complete Sets
START INTO LIFE 14
£8.00
GREAT TEACHINGS 1 24
£7.00
GREAT TEACHING 2 12 £4.00
DIGGING UP THE PAST 12 £7.00
DIGGING DEEPER 11 £7.00
DIGGING UP THE FUTURE 10
£7.00
DISCOVER 26
£10.00
TRY JESUS 1 & 2 10 £6.00
FOCUS ON PROPHECY
20 £10.00
LET'S EXPLORE 15
£0.00 (£8.00)
STORY OF PAUL 12 £7.00
WHY SERIES 14 £6.00
HEALTH 12 £7.00
YOUR WORLD OF GOOD FOOD
12 £7.00
COPING WITH STRESS 10
£7.00
TAKING CHARGE OF YOUR LIFE
9 £7.00
Discover Bible School Resource Order Form
Date:
Name: Address:
Postcode:
Contact No:
Email:
LESSONS – BIBLE COURSES CODE LESSON (NUMBERS)
NUMBER NEEDED
Entry Level Courses Start Into Life (14 Lessons) SIL2 Why Series (14 Lessons) WHY Try Jesus 1 (10 Lessons) TJ1 Try Jesus 2 (10 Lessons) TJ2 Intermediate Level Courses Discover (26 Lessons) DIS The Story of Paul (12 Lessons) SOP Great Teachings and Prophecies of the Bible I (24 lessons)
GT1
Great Teachings and Prophecies of the Bible II (12 lessons)
GT2
Focus on Prophecy (20 Lessons) FOP Special Interest Courses Digging Up The Past (12 Lessons) DUP Digging Deeper (11 Lessons) DD Digging Up The Future (10 Lessons) DUF For the Younger Student (7-12) Let’s Explore (14 Lessons) LEX
LESSONS – HEALTH COURSES CODE Health (12 Lessons) HC2 Your World of Good Food (12 Lessons) WGF Coping With Stress (10 Lessons) CWS Taking Charge of Your Life (9 Lessons) TC
CARDS & BOOKS Health Taking Charge of your Life Something Wonderful For You (Discover) Focus on Prophecy Composite (4 course – DUP DIS LEX HC2) Daniel book Revelation book Daniel and Revelation books (set)
Postage: £
Packed by: Date Sent :
