How to use these Bible study guides

You don’t have to be a Bible scholar to lead an engaging discussion with elders. Here are some basic tips for using the Spiritual Eldercare guides. For more in-depth information, including examples of what to say, read How to Lead a Bible study for Elders with Alzheimer’s and Dementia.

  1. Print out a guide for yourself and read through it in advance. You can choose anything that looks interesting, or take a group (such as Psalms or the Ten Commandments) and use one each week.
  2. Print out the large-print page with the Bible passage (final page of the discussion guide); make a copy for each participant.
  3. Or, if you’re using actual Bibles, before gathering people together place an index card in each Bible to mark the spot where you’ll be reading. It’s helpful to have identical Bibles for each participant. Many people enjoy holding a Bible (even if they no longer read), and identical versions enable everyone to refer to a page number rather than citations (e.g., “we’ll be on page 498” instead of “we’ll be looking at Luke 13”).
    • For super-giant-print (16-point font) New Testament/Psalms Bibles in the New Living Translation, contact Doug Wiley at 562-377-0071 (California time). He will ask for a headcount of people who would like one, and he will send them … for free!
    • For people with better vision, Gideons International donates 12-point New Testament/Psalms Bibles to accredited senior care facilities. (I recommend the English Standard Version rather than King James Version.)
  4. If any residents are able and willing to read the section or even single verses aloud, encourage them to do so. Ask for volunteers.
  5. In my experience, Bible study discussions generally last 30-40 minutes.
  6. The questions in these guides are merely suggestions; if something else comes up in the group, feel free to follow that line of thought! Just keep asking encouraging questions that repeat and reinforce the eternal message: God Loves You and is With You.

10 thoughts on “How to use these Bible study guides”

  3. Glenda Pippin says:
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    Glenda Pippin's avatar

    I am so thankful for this wonder resource
    I have somehow become the leader of a group of people in my church who have a heart for seniors and those with a dementia problem at an assisted living in Asheville, N C. We have music, prayer and Bible study. I am a certified PRECEPT BIBLE STUDY leader and have taught for many years. It is hard to go from a very in depth study to a study with eldercare. I have thank God for your studies . What a heart you must have. I can only imagine the hours of study and work you have done. I am so grateful that I found you on the internet. I pray b God’s blessings on lyou and your ministry.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Elisa Bosley says:
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      Elisa Bosley's avatar

      Glenda, what a lovely note. Thank you for your kind words, and even more, for heeding God’s call to minister to elders with dementia. You’re right, it’s different from a typical Bible study — and yet the Lord uses his Word in miraculous ways, and so many of these dear elders are so happy to have the routine of Bible study again. Many blessings!

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  4. donnajmeahl says:
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    donnajmeahl's avatar

    These study guides have been such a help this last year. I have inherited a Bible study that is held in a local assisted living center. The participants do not have dementia but they do have cognitive decline. At first they came because it was something that was going on but they did not actually participate. Over the months, with much prayer, they have begun to actually participate. Their answerers show that they are thinking. Praise God for all the progress we have made.

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  5. Kara says:
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    Kara's avatar

    Thank you so much for the time and energy you’ve put into making these resources available! I recently started volunteering at a nursing facility and had no idea where to begin for leading an Advent series. This has made it accessible for me to start leading the group and I am looking forward to using many of the guides you have available in the future. Thank you!

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