Articulating Hope: A Journey of Healing
By
Deacon Vernon L. Dobelmann
Book Discussion Guide
(Download this information for free. Simply copy and paste.)
The design of this guide is to cover the book and its contents in eight sessions. Although there are reflection and discussion questions at the end of each chapter in the book, this guide will encourage intentional discussion to happen beyond the individual component. It is my intent to initiate discussions which address individual gifts, talents, and skills, but I also want to encourage reflection concerning our hurts, flaws, and our overall search for meaning. Then it is my hope that the readers will look at these things from a wider perspective. How do each of us impact the Church family? How does the rest of the Church family impact us?
There are fifty-three chapters in the book. Many of these are quite brief. I have structured this guide to cover seven chapters per session except for the final gathering which will only cover the final four chapters. In eight sessions you will have an opportunity to delve into some of the meaningful aspects of life, suffering, and faith.
Each book discussion group will have its own personality. If the members of the group know each other well it probably won’t take long for vibrant discussions to begin happening. If the group comes together with some of the folks not knowing each other there will be some needed time for getting acquainted. The facilitator of the group will have to be sensitive to the needs of those gathered.
Each session begins with an opening Scripture reading to help put things in context for the gathering and to enter into the study with prayer. Reflecting upon the questions at the end of each chapter in the book will prompt the beginning of the discussion. From there it will move into additional questions included in this guide to examine the topics from a faith family perspective. Finally, time is allotted for a closing prayer. It is my desire that this will include some intercessory prayer for those of the group and beyond. It is good for us to always lift up in prayer our brothers and sisters in Christ.
I hope you enjoy the book and get an opportunity to truly reflect upon your own story. How has God been working in your life?
Session One
Items Needed: (1) Articulating Hope book; (2) Bible; (3) Discussion Guide
Facilitator Instructions: Establish ground rules that all the participants agree upon before beginning. This should cover confidentiality in particular. What are the expectations of the group members in regard to how freely they can share? Allow enough latitude in discussions to not squelch participation, but try to keep the conversation on topic.
Opening Prayer: Read the biblical text from Philippians 1: 3-11.
(A). What are some things for which you are grateful today?
(B). After everyone has had an opportunity to share, bring the prayer to a close with a spontaneous prayer from the facilitator or a group recitation of the Lord’s Prayer.
(C). Cover chapters one through seven of the book, Articulating Hope. Facilitator begins by opening it up for any observations that were particularly meaningful to the readers in these chapters. Once these initial items have been addressed, move through the reflection questions at the end of each chapter.
Utilize these additional questions to probe even more deeply into some of these topics.
Facilitator draws the discussion to a close. There is some time for spontaneous prayer. These prayers are wrapped into a closing prayer with the reading of Psalm 150.
Session Two
Items Needed: (1) Articulating Hope book; (2) Bible; (3) Discussion Guide
Facilitator Instructions: Remind everyone about the established ground rules that were agreed upon by all of the participants. A particular reminder about confidentiality would be especially pertinent. Once again, allow enough latitude in discussions to not squelch participation, but try to keep the conversation on topic.
Opening Prayer: Read the biblical text from Isaiah 61: 1-3.
(A). What are some of the ways you see this Scripture passage being lived out today?
(B). After everyone has had an opportunity to share, bring the prayer to a close with a spontaneous prayer from the facilitator or a group recitation of the Lord’s Prayer.
(C)> Cover chapters eight through fourteen of the book, Articulating Hope. Facilitator begins by opening it up for any observations that were particularly meaningful to the readers in these chapters. Once these initial items have been addressed, move through the reflection questions at the end of each chapter.
Utilize these additional questions to probe even more deeply into some of these topics.
Facilitator draws the discussion to a close. There is some time for spontaneous prayer. These prayers are wrapped into a closing prayer with the reading of Psalm 150.
Session Three
Items Needed: (1) Articulating Hope book; (2) Bible; (3) Discussion Guide
Facilitator Instructions: Remind everyone about the established ground rules that were agreed upon by all of the participants. A particular reminder about confidentiality would be especially pertinent. Once again, allow enough latitude in discussions to not squelch participation, but try to keep the conversation on topic.
Opening Prayer: Read the biblical text from Matthew 7: 7-14.
(A). What does this passage mean for you today?
(B). After everyone has had an opportunity to share, bring the prayer to a close with a spontaneous prayer from the facilitator or a group recitation of the Lord’s Prayer.
(C). Cover chapters fifteen through twenty-one of the book, Articulating Hope. Facilitator begins by opening it up for any observations that were particularly meaningful to the readers in these chapters. Once these initial items have been addressed, move through the reflection questions at the end of each chapter.
Utilize these additional questions to probe even more deeply into some of these topics.
Facilitator draws the discussion to a close. There is some time for spontaneous prayer. These prayers are wrapped into a closing prayer with the reading of Psalm 150.
Session Four
Items Needed: (1) Articulating Hope book; (2) Bible; (3) Discussion Guide
Facilitator Instructions: Remind everyone about the established ground rules that were agreed upon by all of the participants. A particular reminder about confidentiality would be especially pertinent. Once again, allow enough latitude in discussions to not squelch participation, but try to keep the conversation on topic.
Opening Prayer: Read the biblical text from Isaiah 55: 6-9.
(A). What does this passage mean for you today?
(B). After everyone has had an opportunity to share, bring the prayer to a close with a spontaneous prayer from the facilitator or a group recitation of the Lord’s Prayer.
(C). Cover chapters twenty-two through twenty-eight of the book, Articulating Hope. Facilitator begins by opening it up for any observations that were particularly meaningful to the readers in these chapters. Once these initial items have been addressed, move through the reflection questions at the end of each chapter.
Utilize these additional questions to probe even more deeply into some of these topics.
Facilitator draws the discussion to a close. There is some time for spontaneous prayer. These prayers are wrapped into a closing prayer with the reading of Psalm 150.
Session Five
Items Needed: (1) Articulating Hope book; (2) Bible; (3) Discussion Guide
Facilitator Instructions: Remind everyone about the established ground rules that were agreed upon by all of the participants. A particular reminder about confidentiality would be especially pertinent. Once again, allow enough latitude in discussions to not squelch participation, but try to keep the conversation on topic.
Opening Prayer: Read the biblical text from Deuteronomy 10: 12-13.
(A). What does this passage mean for you today?
(B). After everyone has had an opportunity to share, bring the prayer to a close with a spontaneous prayer from the facilitator or a group recitation of the Lord’s Prayer.
(C). Cover chapters twenty-nine through thirty-five of the book, Articulating Hope. Facilitator begins by opening it up for any observations that were particularly meaningful to the readers in these chapters. Once these initial items have been addressed, move through the reflection questions at the end of each chapter.
Utilize these additional questions to probe even more deeply into some of these topics.
Facilitator draws the discussion to a close. There is some time for spontaneous prayer. These prayers are wrapped into a closing prayer with the reading of Psalm 150.
Session Six
Items Needed: (1) Articulating Hope book; (2) Bible; (3) Discussion Guide
Facilitator Instructions: Remind everyone about the established ground rules that were agreed upon by all of the participants. A particular reminder about confidentiality would be especially pertinent. Once again, allow enough latitude in discussions to not squelch participation, but try to keep the conversation on topic.
Opening Prayer: Read the biblical text from Psalm 27: 4-6.
(A). What does this passage mean for you today?
(B). After everyone has had an opportunity to share, bring the prayer to a close with a spontaneous prayer from the facilitator or a group recitation of the Lord’s Prayer.
(C). Cover chapters thirty-six through forty-two of the book, Articulating Hope. Facilitator begins by opening it up for any observations that were particularly meaningful to the readers in these chapters. Once these initial items have been addressed, move through the reflection questions at the end of each chapter.
Utilize these additional questions to probe even more deeply into some of these topics.
Facilitator draws the discussion to a close. There is some time for spontaneous prayer. These prayers are wrapped into a closing prayer with the reading of Psalm 150.
Session Seven
Items Needed: (1) Articulating Hope book; (2) Bible; (3) Discussion Guide
Facilitator Instructions: Remind everyone about the established ground rules that were agreed upon by all of the participants. A particular reminder about confidentiality would be especially pertinent. Once again, allow enough latitude in discussions to not squelch participation, but try to keep the conversation on topic.
Opening Prayer: Read the biblical text from Matthew 6: 19-21.
(A). What does this passage mean for you today?
(B). After everyone has had an opportunity to share, bring the prayer to a close with a spontaneous prayer from the facilitator or a group recitation of the Lord’s Prayer.
(C). Cover chapters forty-three through forty-nine of the book, Articulating Hope. Facilitator begins by opening it up for any observations that were particularly meaningful to the readers in these chapters. Once these initial items have been addressed, move through the reflection questions at the end of each chapter.
Utilize these additional questions to probe even more deeply into some of these topics.
Facilitator draws the discussion to a close. There is some time for spontaneous prayer. These prayers are wrapped into a closing prayer with the reading of Psalm 150.
Session Eight
Items Needed: (1) Articulating Hope book; (2) Bible; (3) Discussion Guide
Facilitator Instructions: Remind everyone about the established ground rules that were agreed upon by all of the participants. A particular reminder about confidentiality would be especially pertinent. Once again, allow enough latitude in discussions to not squelch participation, but try to keep the conversation on topic.
Opening Prayer: Read the biblical text from Romans 12: 9-21.
(A). What does this passage mean for you today?
(B). After everyone has had an opportunity to share, bring the prayer to a close with a spontaneous prayer from the facilitator or a group recitation of the Lord’s Prayer.
(C). Cover chapters fifty through fifty-three of the book, Articulating Hope. Facilitator begins by opening it up for any observations that were particularly meaningful to the readers in these chapters. Once these initial items have been addressed, move through the reflection questions at the end of each chapter.
Utilize these additional questions to probe even more deeply into some of these topics.
Facilitator draws the discussion to a close. There is some time for spontaneous prayer. These prayers are wrapped into a closing prayer with the reading of Psalm 150.
Time To Party!
By
Deacon Vernon L. Dobelmann
Book Discussion Guide
(Download this information for free. Simply copy and paste.)
The design of this guide is to cover the book and its contents in eight sessions. Although there are reflection and discussion questions at the end of each chapter in the book, this guide will encourage intentional discussion to happen beyond the individual component. It is my intent to initiate discussions which address individual gifts, talents, and skills, but I also want to encourage reflection concerning our hurts, flaws, and our overall search for meaning. Then it is my hope that the readers will look at these things from a wider perspective. How do each of us impact the Church family? How does the rest of the Church family impact us?
There are fifty-three chapters in the book. Many of these are quite brief. I have structured this guide to cover seven chapters per session except for the final gathering which will only cover the final four chapters. In eight sessions you will have an opportunity to delve into some of the meaningful aspects of life, suffering, and faith.
Each book discussion group will have its own personality. If the members of the group know each other well it probably won’t take long for vibrant discussions to begin happening. If the group comes together with some of the folks not knowing each other there will be some needed time for getting acquainted. The facilitator of the group will have to be sensitive to the needs of those gathered.
Each session begins with an opening Scripture reading to help put things in context for the gathering and to enter into the study with prayer. Reflecting upon the questions at the end of each chapter in the book will prompt the beginning of the discussion. From there it will move into additional questions included in this guide to examine the topics from a faith family perspective. Finally, time is allotted for a closing prayer. It is my desire that this will include some intercessory prayer for those of the group and beyond. It is good for us to always lift up in prayer our brothers and sisters in Christ.
I hope you enjoy the book and get an opportunity to truly reflect upon your own story. How has God been working in your life?
Session One
Items Needed: (1) Articulating Hope book; (2) Bible; (3) Discussion Guide
Facilitator Instructions: Establish ground rules that all the participants agree upon before beginning. This should cover confidentiality in particular. What are the expectations of the group members in regard to how freely they can share? Allow enough latitude in discussions to not squelch participation, but try to keep the conversation on topic.
Opening Prayer: Read the biblical text from Philippians 1: 3-11.
(A). What are some things for which you are grateful today?
(B). After everyone has had an opportunity to share, bring the prayer to a close with a spontaneous prayer from the facilitator or a group recitation of the Lord’s Prayer.
(C). Cover chapters one through seven of the book, Articulating Hope. Facilitator begins by opening it up for any observations that were particularly meaningful to the readers in these chapters. Once these initial items have been addressed, move through the reflection questions at the end of each chapter.
Utilize these additional questions to probe even more deeply into some of these topics.
- How have your childhood memories shaped your Christian journey?
- What has impacted your spiritual journey the most (good times, hard times, etc.)?
- How does your local faith community support you when you are feeling down?
- How does your local faith community fit in when things are going well?
- What are your expectations of the Church?
Facilitator draws the discussion to a close. There is some time for spontaneous prayer. These prayers are wrapped into a closing prayer with the reading of Psalm 150.
Session Two
Items Needed: (1) Articulating Hope book; (2) Bible; (3) Discussion Guide
Facilitator Instructions: Remind everyone about the established ground rules that were agreed upon by all of the participants. A particular reminder about confidentiality would be especially pertinent. Once again, allow enough latitude in discussions to not squelch participation, but try to keep the conversation on topic.
Opening Prayer: Read the biblical text from Isaiah 61: 1-3.
(A). What are some of the ways you see this Scripture passage being lived out today?
(B). After everyone has had an opportunity to share, bring the prayer to a close with a spontaneous prayer from the facilitator or a group recitation of the Lord’s Prayer.
(C)> Cover chapters eight through fourteen of the book, Articulating Hope. Facilitator begins by opening it up for any observations that were particularly meaningful to the readers in these chapters. Once these initial items have been addressed, move through the reflection questions at the end of each chapter.
Utilize these additional questions to probe even more deeply into some of these topics.
- How does a Christian believer cope with loss?
- Why is it important for Christians to exemplify lives of gratitude?
- What role does a Christian’s attitude play in evangelization?
- How do you describe the theological virtue of hope?
- Do you witness hope in a tangible way in the life of your local Church?
Facilitator draws the discussion to a close. There is some time for spontaneous prayer. These prayers are wrapped into a closing prayer with the reading of Psalm 150.
Session Three
Items Needed: (1) Articulating Hope book; (2) Bible; (3) Discussion Guide
Facilitator Instructions: Remind everyone about the established ground rules that were agreed upon by all of the participants. A particular reminder about confidentiality would be especially pertinent. Once again, allow enough latitude in discussions to not squelch participation, but try to keep the conversation on topic.
Opening Prayer: Read the biblical text from Matthew 7: 7-14.
(A). What does this passage mean for you today?
(B). After everyone has had an opportunity to share, bring the prayer to a close with a spontaneous prayer from the facilitator or a group recitation of the Lord’s Prayer.
(C). Cover chapters fifteen through twenty-one of the book, Articulating Hope. Facilitator begins by opening it up for any observations that were particularly meaningful to the readers in these chapters. Once these initial items have been addressed, move through the reflection questions at the end of each chapter.
Utilize these additional questions to probe even more deeply into some of these topics.
- When do you, as an individual, experience the power of prayer?
- When have you witnessed the power of prayer in the Church?
- Do you think the Church does well at persevering in prayer? Why or why not?
- When the Son of man returns, will He find any faith on earth? (See Luke 18: 8)
- Isaiah 55: 1-2 is an invitation to grace. How are you responding?
Facilitator draws the discussion to a close. There is some time for spontaneous prayer. These prayers are wrapped into a closing prayer with the reading of Psalm 150.
Session Four
Items Needed: (1) Articulating Hope book; (2) Bible; (3) Discussion Guide
Facilitator Instructions: Remind everyone about the established ground rules that were agreed upon by all of the participants. A particular reminder about confidentiality would be especially pertinent. Once again, allow enough latitude in discussions to not squelch participation, but try to keep the conversation on topic.
Opening Prayer: Read the biblical text from Isaiah 55: 6-9.
(A). What does this passage mean for you today?
(B). After everyone has had an opportunity to share, bring the prayer to a close with a spontaneous prayer from the facilitator or a group recitation of the Lord’s Prayer.
(C). Cover chapters twenty-two through twenty-eight of the book, Articulating Hope. Facilitator begins by opening it up for any observations that were particularly meaningful to the readers in these chapters. Once these initial items have been addressed, move through the reflection questions at the end of each chapter.
Utilize these additional questions to probe even more deeply into some of these topics.
- How has the Sacrament of Baptism prepared you for life?
- What has been your commitment to becoming a saint?
- How does your local Church build a culture of life?
- How does the funeral ritual of the Church demonstrate the sanctity of life?
- How does walking in God’s will enhance the sacredness of life?
Facilitator draws the discussion to a close. There is some time for spontaneous prayer. These prayers are wrapped into a closing prayer with the reading of Psalm 150.
Session Five
Items Needed: (1) Articulating Hope book; (2) Bible; (3) Discussion Guide
Facilitator Instructions: Remind everyone about the established ground rules that were agreed upon by all of the participants. A particular reminder about confidentiality would be especially pertinent. Once again, allow enough latitude in discussions to not squelch participation, but try to keep the conversation on topic.
Opening Prayer: Read the biblical text from Deuteronomy 10: 12-13.
(A). What does this passage mean for you today?
(B). After everyone has had an opportunity to share, bring the prayer to a close with a spontaneous prayer from the facilitator or a group recitation of the Lord’s Prayer.
(C). Cover chapters twenty-nine through thirty-five of the book, Articulating Hope. Facilitator begins by opening it up for any observations that were particularly meaningful to the readers in these chapters. Once these initial items have been addressed, move through the reflection questions at the end of each chapter.
Utilize these additional questions to probe even more deeply into some of these topics.
- Do you believe society has lost a sense of the sacred? Why or why not?
- Describe some ways you think society betrays God today.
- What can you personally do to improve these circumstances?
- What are some of the opportunities for the wider Church to positively influence society regarding the circumstances listed above as you answered question 2?
- Statistics paint a grim picture of life in the Church regarding attendance and participation. What do you see as the good news in the life of the Church?
Facilitator draws the discussion to a close. There is some time for spontaneous prayer. These prayers are wrapped into a closing prayer with the reading of Psalm 150.
Session Six
Items Needed: (1) Articulating Hope book; (2) Bible; (3) Discussion Guide
Facilitator Instructions: Remind everyone about the established ground rules that were agreed upon by all of the participants. A particular reminder about confidentiality would be especially pertinent. Once again, allow enough latitude in discussions to not squelch participation, but try to keep the conversation on topic.
Opening Prayer: Read the biblical text from Psalm 27: 4-6.
(A). What does this passage mean for you today?
(B). After everyone has had an opportunity to share, bring the prayer to a close with a spontaneous prayer from the facilitator or a group recitation of the Lord’s Prayer.
(C). Cover chapters thirty-six through forty-two of the book, Articulating Hope. Facilitator begins by opening it up for any observations that were particularly meaningful to the readers in these chapters. Once these initial items have been addressed, move through the reflection questions at the end of each chapter.
Utilize these additional questions to probe even more deeply into some of these topics.
- Describe some painful moments in the life of the Church. What was learned through these events.
- What happens within the Church when believers are timid?
- Has zeal been squelched in the Church? Explain your observations.
- In what ways is the Church suffering?
- What is our role in bringing healing?
Facilitator draws the discussion to a close. There is some time for spontaneous prayer. These prayers are wrapped into a closing prayer with the reading of Psalm 150.
Session Seven
Items Needed: (1) Articulating Hope book; (2) Bible; (3) Discussion Guide
Facilitator Instructions: Remind everyone about the established ground rules that were agreed upon by all of the participants. A particular reminder about confidentiality would be especially pertinent. Once again, allow enough latitude in discussions to not squelch participation, but try to keep the conversation on topic.
Opening Prayer: Read the biblical text from Matthew 6: 19-21.
(A). What does this passage mean for you today?
(B). After everyone has had an opportunity to share, bring the prayer to a close with a spontaneous prayer from the facilitator or a group recitation of the Lord’s Prayer.
(C). Cover chapters forty-three through forty-nine of the book, Articulating Hope. Facilitator begins by opening it up for any observations that were particularly meaningful to the readers in these chapters. Once these initial items have been addressed, move through the reflection questions at the end of each chapter.
Utilize these additional questions to probe even more deeply into some of these topics.
- How can the Church more effectively communicate God’s love?
- What role can small faith communities (like this one) play in the overall life of the Church?
- How does Scripture Study outside of regular church services enhance the life of the broader faith community?
- How does complacency and apathy impact the Church?
- What are some things you can do to combat mediocrity in the Church?
Facilitator draws the discussion to a close. There is some time for spontaneous prayer. These prayers are wrapped into a closing prayer with the reading of Psalm 150.
Session Eight
Items Needed: (1) Articulating Hope book; (2) Bible; (3) Discussion Guide
Facilitator Instructions: Remind everyone about the established ground rules that were agreed upon by all of the participants. A particular reminder about confidentiality would be especially pertinent. Once again, allow enough latitude in discussions to not squelch participation, but try to keep the conversation on topic.
Opening Prayer: Read the biblical text from Romans 12: 9-21.
(A). What does this passage mean for you today?
(B). After everyone has had an opportunity to share, bring the prayer to a close with a spontaneous prayer from the facilitator or a group recitation of the Lord’s Prayer.
(C). Cover chapters fifty through fifty-three of the book, Articulating Hope. Facilitator begins by opening it up for any observations that were particularly meaningful to the readers in these chapters. Once these initial items have been addressed, move through the reflection questions at the end of each chapter.
Utilize these additional questions to probe even more deeply into some of these topics.
- What is different about your spiritual journey now as compared to five years ago?
- How do we as church more effectively reach out to the lost and those who are searching?
- What are the symbols and rituals used in the Church to focus our attention on eternal life?
- What are the reasons that we as Church can remain filled with hope?
- What has been the most significant aspect of this book discussion group?
Facilitator draws the discussion to a close. There is some time for spontaneous prayer. These prayers are wrapped into a closing prayer with the reading of Psalm 150.
Time To Party!
