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Opening Your Heart: The Starting Point from Walking with Purpose
Discover a personal relationship with Jesus and increase your trust in His unconditional love.
Opening Your The Starting Point is a 22-lesson Bible study from Walking with Purpose that offers an effective guide to deep, lasting transformation of the heart. We encourage all participants new to Walking with Purpose to begin here, regardless of previous experience with Bible study. Join us as we explore the core questions that we need to wrestle with if we want to experience all that God has for us.
● How can I conquer my fears?
● What is the role of the Holy Spirit in my life?
● What does the Eucharist have to do with my friendship with Christ?
● What are the limits of Christ’s forgiveness?
● Why and how should I pray?
● What is the role of suffering in my life?
● What challenges will I face in my efforts to follow Jesus more closely? A series of video talks accompany this Bible study. Links to watch the online videos are included in the book.
Opening Your The Starting Point is a 22-lesson Bible study from Walking with Purpose that offers an effective guide to deep, lasting transformation of the heart. We encourage all participants new to Walking with Purpose to begin here, regardless of previous experience with Bible study. Join us as we explore the core questions that we need to wrestle with if we want to experience all that God has for us.
● How can I conquer my fears?
● What is the role of the Holy Spirit in my life?
● What does the Eucharist have to do with my friendship with Christ?
● What are the limits of Christ’s forgiveness?
● Why and how should I pray?
● What is the role of suffering in my life?
● What challenges will I face in my efforts to follow Jesus more closely? A series of video talks accompany this Bible study. Links to watch the online videos are included in the book.
336 pages, Paperback
Published June 1, 2015
58 people are currently reading
109 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Brenninkmeyer
39 books96 followersLisa Brenninkmeyer is the founder and chief purpose officer of Walking with Purpose. A convert to Catholicism, Lisa created her first Bible study in 2002 out of a desire to see Catholic women come to know Christ personally. In 2008, Walking with Purpose became a fully independent non-profit organization with 501c(3) status and a mission of helping every Catholic woman and girl in America to open her heart to Jesus Christ. Today, over 40,000 women, young women and middle school girls participate in WWP Bible studies in 44 states.
Lisa has authored 16 Walking with Purpose Bible studies which have received the Imprimatur through Archbishop Lori of the Archdiocese of Baltimore. Her first book, Walking with Purpose: Seven Priorities that Make Life Work, is a popular title published by Beacon Publishing for the Dynamic Catholic Institute.
In 2012, Lisa was recognized by the Catholic Leadership Institute as a National Catholic Leader, and in 2014 and 2015, she was invited to present at the Amazing Parish Program’s national conferences. Lisa was also a presenter at the USCCB Convocation of Catholic Leaders in July 2017, and a speaker at two Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS) national events in 2018 and 2019. Lisa has been a guest on a number of radio, television and podcast shows as well.
Lisa holds a B.A. in psychology from St. Olaf College. She and her husband Leo (pronounced Lay-o) have seven children and reside in St. Augustine, Florida.
Lisa has authored 16 Walking with Purpose Bible studies which have received the Imprimatur through Archbishop Lori of the Archdiocese of Baltimore. Her first book, Walking with Purpose: Seven Priorities that Make Life Work, is a popular title published by Beacon Publishing for the Dynamic Catholic Institute.
In 2012, Lisa was recognized by the Catholic Leadership Institute as a National Catholic Leader, and in 2014 and 2015, she was invited to present at the Amazing Parish Program’s national conferences. Lisa was also a presenter at the USCCB Convocation of Catholic Leaders in July 2017, and a speaker at two Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS) national events in 2018 and 2019. Lisa has been a guest on a number of radio, television and podcast shows as well.
Lisa holds a B.A. in psychology from St. Olaf College. She and her husband Leo (pronounced Lay-o) have seven children and reside in St. Augustine, Florida.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
April 4, 2019
I thoroughly enjoyed this bible study. In its simplicity, it draws you into the heart of scripture and helps you to develop a meaningful relationship with God and his Word. I also enjoyed the entire program, from our small group discussions to watching the videos and reflecting. I encourage you to bring this to your parish or participate if you have the chance!
March 14, 2020
I did this as a book study with 10 other women at all life stages. We all agreed that no matter where you are in your faith journey, this book had more than just a few nuggets of wisdom for you. The book is inspiring and in parts challenging.
This is the first book in the Walking With Purpose program. It is designed to get everyone on the same page as far as understanding tenets of the Catholic faith, but it is not "too simple" those who have been life-long faithful Catholics and not "too difficult" for those who have taken a more winding path in their Catholic life.
Highly recommend!
This is the first book in the Walking With Purpose program. It is designed to get everyone on the same page as far as understanding tenets of the Catholic faith, but it is not "too simple" those who have been life-long faithful Catholics and not "too difficult" for those who have taken a more winding path in their Catholic life.
Highly recommend!
April 9, 2025
I found this Bible study to be a perfect blend of scripture applied to real life while taking into consideration the heart and emotions behind our Faith especially as women. Highly recommend!
May 9, 2025
Catholic bible studies are hard to find and good ones even harder. I really enjoyed the fellowship this study fostered and the things I learned.
May 4, 2025
I started this study with a group, but ultimately chose to discontinue my participation and did not finish it. I found the tone of this book a bit patronizing. As a small group leader, I also received handouts with discussion questions on each chapter. Most of the questions did not provide opportunities for meaningful discussion. A lot of them were fact-based; the discussion guide would instruct one group member to read from the study or read a Bible passage, then the question would ask the group to summarize what had just been read. A good approach for kids who are just starting to read the Bible perhaps, but it was not beneficial for adults seeking to grow their faith.
This is also advertised as a Catholic Bible study, but both the approach and even some of the content skewed heavily Protestant. I have read many faith-based books written for a Protestant audience and found them helpful tools in my spiritual journey, but please don’t advertise your book as Catholic if it’s not.
Another reason I decided to discontinue my participation was the emphasis on stereotypical female roles. While this is a trendy Catholic perspective, I don’t agree that Catholic teachings actually require women to turn 18 and instantly become barefoot and pregnant. Catholic women can have careers or stay at home, marry or join religious orders, have no children or ten children, and it is a very personal journey of discernment and openness to God’s will in our lives. The emphasis on being married with kids (especially in the theming of the Coffee Talks) went completely against the idea that this study was open to all women. The Church has plenty of opportunities for mothers with children to find community. It is a lot harder for unmarried women or married women without children to participate in the parish social life. If this study is open to all women, it should not reinforce the false narrative that only women blessed with husbands and children matter.
All that being said, there were a few chapters that led our group to fruitful discussion when we ignored the provided group discussion questions. So I will give this book two stars instead of one.
This is also advertised as a Catholic Bible study, but both the approach and even some of the content skewed heavily Protestant. I have read many faith-based books written for a Protestant audience and found them helpful tools in my spiritual journey, but please don’t advertise your book as Catholic if it’s not.
Another reason I decided to discontinue my participation was the emphasis on stereotypical female roles. While this is a trendy Catholic perspective, I don’t agree that Catholic teachings actually require women to turn 18 and instantly become barefoot and pregnant. Catholic women can have careers or stay at home, marry or join religious orders, have no children or ten children, and it is a very personal journey of discernment and openness to God’s will in our lives. The emphasis on being married with kids (especially in the theming of the Coffee Talks) went completely against the idea that this study was open to all women. The Church has plenty of opportunities for mothers with children to find community. It is a lot harder for unmarried women or married women without children to participate in the parish social life. If this study is open to all women, it should not reinforce the false narrative that only women blessed with husbands and children matter.
All that being said, there were a few chapters that led our group to fruitful discussion when we ignored the provided group discussion questions. So I will give this book two stars instead of one.
March 2, 2024
I joined a parish Bible study for the first time in the fall of 2022, and this was the study we worked on. It is a Catholic study, so as a starting point, the book covers some specifically Catholic tenets including the Eucharist, Reconciliation, Sacraments, and Saints. I was raised Catholic, so that did not faze me, but if you are not Catholic, this may not be the study for you. In between these teachings are real life stories from the author's perspective as a woman who was not Catholic, but converted, and married a Catholic man. They are still married and have 8 children. I found the real life stories interesting, and they helped make some of the Bible stories come to life in a way that helps me relate to the Bible as a modern woman.
I found Bible Study with a group of women to fill something in me, and by the end of the study, found some great new friends in our group. I went ahead and signed up for Touching the Divine for this year.
I found Bible Study with a group of women to fill something in me, and by the end of the study, found some great new friends in our group. I went ahead and signed up for Touching the Divine for this year.
May 15, 2024
An amazing Bible/self/woman study for Catholics that I didn’t even know existed. I think this book could be the thing that connects the “cradle Catholics” / I-don’t-really-feel-anything-at-mass Catholics, to the ones who develop a personal relationship with God and the sacraments during mass!! Life changing and a beautiful journey 💙
Woman focused and could be done in a group (as I did) or on your own!!
Woman focused and could be done in a group (as I did) or on your own!!
April 24, 2018
This was my first bible study group. I really enjoyed the way the book was set up ... the bible verses and how it could apply to your life as a woman.. whether you are a new mom, mom of high schoolers or empty nesters.... it all applied to you. I enjoyed the one page saint stories... was just enough info there to encourage me to read more.
March 27, 2019
This book was so great at building a successful foundation in Catholic life. It broke down what our priorities should be, covered topics that may sound basic, but are actually pretty complex, and helped in increasing my faith and devotion. Would definitely recommend this study. I’m excited to continue on to the next one that my parish offers.
April 14, 2025
When first given the book I was hesitant with a 22 week commitment-but WOW! The daily readings and study of the Bible was on average 12-15 minutes. It builds a habit and the lessons learned, Grace received and knowledge gained is so worth it! I strongly urge women to take this book and grow closer to God- it is transforming!
April 12, 2025
The introductory study of the Walking with Purpoae women’s Bible study, this study brought me even closer to Jesus Christ and my Catholic faith. A 22-week study that is focused on learning how to open your heart to the Holy Trinity, to Mary and to the saints, I got great value from this book.
July 17, 2025
Finally a good women’s Catholic Bible study! I’m sure there are more out there that are wonderful but I really like Lisa’s studies. Easy for busy moms to do and not get too overwhelmed while also getting solid scripture/catechism study.
May 5, 2017
Wonderful Catholic bible study for a group of women with school-aged children! Recommend to bible study newbies through old pros. Very relatable, inspirational, and has a touch of humor.
April 19, 2018
The author offers many practical life applications of Scripture, good information on Catholicism, and thought provoking questions.
June 30, 2018
This was an enlightening experience. I wish the order of the chapters had been slightly different.
That may be because I am not Catholic. It was educational.
That may be because I am not Catholic. It was educational.
April 26, 2019
A wonderful bible study that my woman's group chose for this year. We are moving on to another one of her books for next year, we enjoyed it so much!!!
June 23, 2019
Have read this one multiple times & grow so much every single time.
May 9, 2021
A great study done over 9 months that gives you snippets of the Bible along with weekly stories of saints.
January 30, 2022
Wonderful book full of insight, new thoughts and inspiration! Highly recommend.
March 19, 2022
Transformed my relationship with the Lord and helped me make some amazing friendships with other women in a time when I needed this most. Highly recommend if a church offers this program!
May 27, 2022
I read this with my women’s bible study group at church. We had a lot of great discussion about it. As a new Catholic, I got a lot out of it.
Read
May 23, 2023Read for women’s group at church.
April 19, 2024
Read with a Church group. Not the best written book, but led to good discussions
June 25, 2024
A great bible study for women at a basic level.
January 15, 2025
Lovely starter bible study book.
April 24, 2025
God truly opened my heart.
March 22, 2017
I read this book as part of a study session at my church. It focused on women in the Catholic Church. There was emphasis on the Bible as an important part of a Catholic woman's search for her role in the Church. At the end of each chapter there was a woman saint's biography; it related to the contents of the chapter. I liked the study session because it was all about women. Too often we are considered second best in the Church. This book put us at the forefront. We were made to feel important, and we are important in the Church.
April 11, 2020
Absolutely loved this study! I grew in my faith and understanding and would recommend this study. It is for every level and dives deep into the Catholic Faith, helping to explain the teachings and beliefs. It has been a tremendous blessing to bring it to our parish and do as a parish program but would also be a good study to do on your own. Looking forward to starting her next one!
March 16, 2017
really well designed, an easy path to follow (especially with my great bible study group) and definitely an opener of heart and mind, encouraging me to keep trying my best
August 1, 2017
Absolutely fabulous Bible study tool for Catholic women. Lisa is a very relatable author and does a fantastic job putting these resources together. I can't wait to start my next Bible study.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews