MAX-15
Discipling the World
Created by Eric Lounsbery
A simple but powerful Bible study system that maximizes what you get out of every chapter you read. Free. No materials needed. Works on your own or with a group — all you need is a Bible and one chapter.
Download Full Guide15 Steps That Change How You Read the Bible
MAX-15 is a simple but powerful Bible discipleship system designed to maximize what you get out of every chapter you study.
It is built around discussion, discovery, doctrine, discernment, and real-life application. The goal is not merely information — the goal is transformation.
Why does MAX-15 work so well? Imagine picking up a complex object and slowly rotating it — examining each side, talking about what you see, and then handing it to someone else to share what they notice. That’s what MAX-15 does with every chapter of Scripture. Fifteen different angles. One chapter. The result? People consistently retain and understand far more than they ever expected — because they didn’t just read it, they explored it.
A Bible
One Chapter
Solo or Group
A Desire to Grow
How to Begin
Before you dive into the 15 steps, here’s everything you need to know to get started.
Recommended Group Size
MAX-15 works great on your own as a personal devotional study. For group settings, 2–6 people is the sweet spot — larger groups work but will increase study time.
Recommended Starting Books
These books have strong doctrine, practical instruction, and manageable chapter lengths:
Want a Quick Win? Start With a One-Chapter Book!
Here’s a little secret — there are five books of the Bible that are only one chapter long. That means you can complete an entire book of the Bible in a single MAX-15 session! Imagine being able to say, “I have a solid grasp on five books of the Bible.” That’s incredibly encouraging — especially for younger participants or anyone just starting out. 🎉
Take MAX-15 With You
Download the MAX-15 bookmark card — a slim, printable card with all 15 steps. Print it, cut it out, laminate it, and keep it right in your Bible at the chapter you’re studying.
Step Zero: Pick Your Book & Chapter
Before you begin the 15 steps, the very first thing you need to do is select the book of the Bible you’re going to study and decide which chapter to start with. If it’s a new book, start at chapter 1. If you’re continuing, pick up where you left off.
Once your book and chapter are set — you’re ready. Let’s go.
How Participation Works (Groups)
Steps 5–8 • Free-for-All
Everyone scans the chapter quietly, then anyone can jump in to share what they found. Read the verse aloud and briefly explain why it fits the category. It’s fast, fun, and collaborative.
Steps 9–15 • Individual Answers
These steps are personal. Go around the group and give each person a chance to share their own answer. These responses are where real growth and connection happen.
The 15 Steps
Each step is designed to pull more truth, more understanding, and more life-application out of every chapter.
Pray
Begin by asking God for wisdom, understanding, humility, discernment, and a heart that desires truth.
“James 1:5”
New or Old Testament
Identify whether your chapter is from the Old Testament or the New Testament to establish the biblical setting.
The Book Before & After
Name the book that comes before and after your current book. This builds biblical familiarity naturally over time.
Read the Chapter
Read the entire chapter aloud. One person reads, everyone follows along. Discussion waits until later steps.
Quietly scan through the chapter looking for verses that fit each category. Read them aloud and briefly explain why they fit.
Free-for-all — anyone can jump in!Promises
Search for promises of God’s goodness, faithfulness, blessings, salvation, peace, strength, hope, and eternal life.
Warnings
Look for dangers, judgments, destructive consequences, sinful patterns, and spiritual deception.
Commands
Find commands God gives to individuals, believers, leaders, nations, and the church.
Doctrines
Identify truths about God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, salvation, sin, judgment, heaven, hell, faith, and more.
Something New I Learned
Share something that stood out, deepened your understanding, or revealed something you’d never noticed before.
Surprising / Confusing
Discuss verses that surprised you, things difficult to understand, or concepts that challenged your thinking.
Word vs. World
Compare the chapter’s truths with real life. Where do people “drop the ball” by ignoring God’s Word? What happens when they do?
⭐ The Dropping the Ball Principle
Learn about Dropping the BallQ & A Scenario
Create a real-life question answered by truths in the chapter, then describe a situation where someone might ask it.
What Would I Teach?
If you were teaching this chapter to a friend, Bible study, or your children — what would you emphasize?
Impact with Others
How should these truths impact your family, friendships, marriage, parenting, and work relationships?
Impact with God
How should this chapter impact your relationship with God, your worship, obedience, trust, prayer life, and priorities?
Step 11 Is Where It Gets Real
The “Word vs. World” step turns everyday life into a living apologetic. You compare what Scripture says with what actually happens when people ignore it. Marriages. Families. Businesses. Cultures. Reality confirms the Word every single time.
See the Dropping the Ball EvidenceWhat Makes MAX-15 Unique?
No Cost
Completely free. Designed to be shared freely with the world.
No Special Materials
All you need is a Bible.
No Workbook Dependency
Works in any place, any country, any church, any language.
Built Around Discussion
People retain more through active discussion than passive listening.
Strengthens Biblical Thinking
Trains believers to recognize doctrine, apply Scripture, and defend truth.
Builds Strong Relationships
Meaningful spiritual discussion naturally deepens relationships.
Turns Life Into Evidence
The “Dropping the Ball” principle shows how God’s Word proves itself true in everyday life.
Designed for Lifelong Discipleship
Not a temporary study. A lifelong framework for learning, applying, teaching, and defending God’s Word.
MAX-15 Bookmark — Large View
Here’s a bigger view of the bookmark card for easier reading. You can still download and print the pocket-sized version above.
MAX-15
Discipling the World
courtroomchristianity.com
The Goal Is Not Information.
The Goal Is Transformation.
Study the Word. Observe reality. Drop the ball. Watch what happens.
MAX-15 — Created by Eric Lounsbery
courtroomchristianity.com