How do you do a Bible study with someone who has dementia?

Keep it very short and very familiar. Use a well-known passage, share one simple idea, ask one gentle question (with no pressure to be right), and close with a short prayer. Ten minutes is plenty. Comfort and connection matter more than content.

Which passages work best?

Passages learned in childhood: Psalm 23, John 3:16, the Lord's Prayer, the Christmas story, and 'Come unto me' (Matthew 11:28). The familiar rhythm itself brings comfort.

Is this a medical treatment?

No. This is spiritual comfort and gentle connection, not a treatment for dementia. Every person responds differently — follow their lead and treasure the moment.

Free · Golden Faith Publishing

Simple Bible Study for Seniors With Dementia

A gentle 10-minute format — one familiar passage, one big idea, one question, one prayer.

A Bible study for someone with dementia looks different from a group study — and that’s a good thing. It isn’t about depth or discussion. It’s about the comfort of a familiar passage, read slowly, and a quiet moment with God and with you. Here is a simple format you can use, plus three ready-to-use studies.

The 10-minute format: one familiar passage · one big idea (a single sentence) · one simple question (with no pressure to be right) · one short prayer. Read slowly, in a quiet room, and stop while it’s still a good moment.

Three ready-to-use studies

1. The Good Shepherd

Passage

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want… he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul.” — Psalm 23:1–3 (KJV)

Big idea

God watches over us like a shepherd who never leaves his sheep.

Simple question

“Isn’t it good to know Someone is watching over us?”

Prayer

“Thank You, Lord, for being our Shepherd. Keep us close today. Amen.”

2. Come and Rest

Passage

“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” — Matthew 11:28 (KJV)

Big idea

Jesus invites us to bring Him our tiredness and simply rest.

Simple question

“Doesn’t rest sound wonderful? Let’s rest in Him together.”

Prayer

“Jesus, we come to You. Give us Your rest. Amen.”

3. God So Loved

Passage

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son.” — John 3:16 (KJV)

Big idea

God loves us so much that He gave us Jesus.

Simple question

“Isn’t it wonderful to be loved like that?”

Prayer

“Thank You, God, for loving us and for giving us Jesus. Amen.”

Get the free large-print Bible study sheets

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Tips for a gentle study

Use the wording they grew up with — for many that’s the King James Version, whose rhythm feels like home.
Read aloud, slowly. Your calm voice carries as much as the words.
Don’t quiz. The “question’’ is an invitation to a feeling, not a test of memory.
Pair it with a hymn. Humming “Amazing Grace” afterward deepens the comfort.
Repetition is welcome. The same beloved passage tomorrow is perfectly good.

Large-print Bible stories for memory care

Large Print Bible Stories for Seniors with Dementia pairs beautifully with these studies — short, familiar stories in big, clear print.

See the book →

Frequently asked questions

How do you do a Bible study with someone who has dementia?: Keep it very short and very familiar. Use a well-known passage, share one simple idea, ask one gentle question (with no pressure to be right), and close with a short prayer. Ten minutes is plenty. Comfort and connection matter more than content.
Which passages work best?: Passages learned in childhood: Psalm 23, John 3:16, the Lord’s Prayer, the Christmas story, and “Come unto me” (Matthew 11:28). The familiar rhythm itself brings comfort.
Is this a medical treatment?: No. This is spiritual comfort and gentle connection, not a treatment for dementia. Every person responds differently — follow their lead and treasure the moment.

More free resources

Part of Golden Faith's complete guide to faith-based activities for dementia, built on the GFP STILL Method.