Walk Worthy Press: Mercy, Mercy, Me by Ronn Elmore

Reading Group Questions

The following list of questions is designed to enhance a group or individual's thinking about or discussing some of the issues we hope you will consider after reading this book. This is designed as a starting point only and is not meant to limit the discussion.

Dr. Dwayne Grandison is "at the center of a scandal" that may implicate his father's church, his career and the reputations of family and friends. With what spiritual issues has Dwayne been grappling in his relationship with his now deceased wife, Yvette? What appears to be some of his motivation behind his pursuit of education? Matthew 6:33, James 4:1-4
Although Dwayne was not "able to determine the source of dissension in his marriage," begin to reflect on what issues are at the base of his current dilemma. Matthew 6:24, James 2:1-9
Nina Jordan, former actress, Beverlyn Boudreaux, televangelist, her uncle, L.W., and Sean Wiley, gospel singer were persons who had become closely involved in Dwayne's life. The following statements were applied to them:

" . . .the kind of adulation that was reserved for secular artists."
"Together, with Beverlyn Boudreaux, this relentless self-promoter has built a multi-facted empire, that had in turn, boosted his own profile in black religious circles."
"She had created the kind of excitement in religious circles that had been reserved for secular superstars."

A. How do these phrases intersect with the following scriptures? Exodus 20:4-6, Acts 5:12-15, I Corinthians 1:10-13.
B. What is the line between admiration of gifted individuals and their ministries and idolatry?
Dwayne's brother, Lafayette, was the pastor of New Covenant Assembly, a church their father had founded. In spite of his responsibilities, Lafayette was determined to continue the family tradition of Sunday dinner. How do the expectations of congregations sometimes make it difficult for pastors to have a nurturing, stable, family life? How can pastors and church members help? Acts 20:28, Psalm 127, Psalm 128, Deuteronomy 1:9-18
Chapter III begins to delve into some of the problems faced by both Nina and Dwayne. Most people will face these problems at some point in life. How does God's grace facilitate growth and progress as we deal with:

A. the grief process --- I Thessalonians 4:13-18, I Corinthians 15:51-58
B. how to receive bad medical news --- II Kings 20:1-11, II Samuel 12:15-23
C. marital discord --- Titus 2: 1-5, John 13:34-35
D. hard times --- Psalm 42, Psalm 22
Chapter IV focuses on Beverlyn and L.W. who are experiencing a similar crisis in values as did Dwayne and his former wife, Yvette. Is it counter-Christian to be ambitious or to seek material wealth? Matthew 6:25-33, Luke 12:34, James 3:16-17, I Timothy 6:10, 17-19
Name the various levels of relationship that were going on between Dwayne and Nina. Layered relationships can become messy. Should co-workers date one another? How can dating an employer or employee cause confusion and grief? Why? Do these scriptures help you understand the dynamics of power in these kinds of relationships? Genesis 39:1-20, II Samuel 13:1-19 Do they apply in the cae of Dwayne and Nina?
Beverlyn Boudreaux was utilizing Dwayne as part of her line-up for a new religious TV station. An interesting showdown occurred concerning the title of his show. How does one negotiate the line between worship and entertainment, ministry (miracle) and magic? Matthew 16:1-4, Acts 8:14-24
Sean Wiley was suffering from a terrible illness. What was the difference in the way Dwayne handled this news and in the way L.W. did? How does the discovery that someone is suffering from a dread disease may reveal more about the spiritual health of those who discover it than of those who suffer? Luke 4:1-4, Jeremiah 8: 21-9:1, James 5:13-20