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.
- Generally, Bible study discussions last about 30 minutes.
- It’s helpful to have identical Bibles for each participant. 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”). The wonderful Gideons International donates large-print New Testament/Psalms Bibles, in either English Standard Version (ESV) or King James (KJV), to accredited senior care facilities. I recommend the ESV.
- Before gathering people together, place an index card in each Bible to mark the spot where you’ll be reading.
- If you don’t have actual Bibles, print out the passage on a single sheet of paper using 18- or 20-point type. (All of my Bible study guides already include a large-print version of the passage.) Make enough copies for everyone.
- If any residents are able and willing to read the section or even single verses aloud, encourage them to do so. Ask for volunteers.
- 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.
Spiritual Eldercare 
Thank you for these resources. I look forward to seeing how these help.
Rev. Kimberli Lile
Wartburg Adult Care Community
Mt. Vernon, NY
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You are welcome! Please let me know how it goes.
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I am so thankful for this Bible e guide, I know it’s going to be a wonderful resource. Thank You and God bless this ministry!
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Lori, you are so welcome! Thank you and bless you for ministering to these dear elders.
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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.
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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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