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Daring Greatly Discussion Guide

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Discussion Guide
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Daring Greatly

Brené Brown is a social worker, researcher, PhD, and explorer of all things human and feelings like courage, vulnerability, and shame. Her TEDtalk is one of the top-viewed videos!

Daring Greatly, one of her three New York Times bestsellers, explains how vulnerability is at the core of all feelings; difficult feelings like fear, anxiety, and shame, and positive ones like love, joy, and passion. She teaches that we could all use a little more vulnerability in our lives and that embracing it means being courageous. By doing so we might not be able to fully eradicate shame from our lives, but we can build up shame resilience and develop healthy ways to identify, process, and move forward when shame strikes.

The Daring Greatly Study Companion provides conversation prompts to be used in a Small Group setting. The Book Questions probe Brown’s views on vulnerability, while the Bible Questions explore God’s model of healthy vulnerability, which can begin to transform our narratives of shame.

INFORMATIVE MATERIAL

Notes for Leaders

  • In this discussion guide, for use in a Small Group setting, readers will be invited to discover the power of vulnerability in individual lives and in societies as a whole. Group leaders may use the discussion questions as a starting point for meetings, but should also feel at liberty to follow the threads that emerge in the group. Group facilitators can find all the resources needed for this study below. Note that the first week should be used not to discuss the book, but instead to get to know one another (see Small Group Introduction Questions) and to set the posture for the group. Begin reading the book to discuss for Week 2.

  • The questions this book asks are probing and invite vulnerability. As leaders, familiarize yourself with the Group Norms to foster an atmosphere that allows for authentic conversation and creates space for each participant to process the content in their own time and way. The opening questions can be the same each week to offer a chance for participants to share what has been going on in their week and how they are showing up for the discussion. Consider using the Group Centering Prayer at the start of the study, or even at the start of each meeting, to set a tone of unity and intentionality.

  • Finally, conversation is a great place to explore, but it is not where we should stay forever. As you talk about vulnerability and courage, keep returning back to the question: How does this change the way I live, love, and participate in the world?

  • Once you’ve agreed upon your Group Norms and taken Week One to get to know each other using the Introduction Questions, you’re ready to begin your eight-week book study of Daring Greatly!
    Questions are provided in a printer-friendly version for ease of use:

    Discussion Guide

Spiritual Practices to Accompany Your Study

As you take on a new study and a new commitment in your life, it can be helpful to integrate spiritual practices as well. Below are two that assist with reading scripture and with integrating prayer in your daily life.

  • Lectio Divina is a way of reading scripture that helps you slow down and read God’s word prayerfully and contemplatively. Here is a nice concise description of the steps.

  • This concise guide to breath prayer is from Pastor Adele Calhoun’s book, Spiritual Disciplines Handbook. Breath Prayer is exactly how it sounds, praying short prayers with the rhythm of your breath.