JT spent much of his life in foster care. Do you believe that children who grow up in “the system” are less likely to succeed? Why or why not?
The tragic death of JT’s mother had a long-term, traumatic effect on him. Why would the loss of a grossly neglectful parent cause distress to a child?
What did you think of the analogy (of the prosthetic leg) that Bishop Lumpkin shared with JT during their first talk? Did you think it was a good comparison to JT’s troubles?
If JT hadn’t spent those formative years in the Smiths’ home and been introduced to Christ, do you think his outcome would have been any different? Do you believe he could have managed to still develop into the productive citizen that he became without that spiritual foundation?
JT had a “close encounter” with God as he sat in his car readying to start his search for his foster parents. What did you think of his reaction? Have you ever had such an encounter? If so, how did you respond?
Both JT and Patrice battled with the knowledge that fifteen years had changed the way they saw each other. Did you understand their hesitation, or do you think they overanalyzed the situation?
What are your thoughts about relationships like JT and Patrice’s? It is true that they were not biological siblings, but did you agree with Danielle, Craig, Bishop Lumpkin, and the Smiths that there was no sin in their pursuing a romantic relationship?
What about Patrice’s traumatic experience with her ex-husband? Was she right to keep the details of it from the Smiths? Is it something she could possibly still need counseling for?
Patrice spoke of seeing a television program on which the host said that a young Christian woman should never give a young man the position of “boyfriend” in her life without first seeing him in worship so that she could have an idea of his relationship with God. Do you agree or disagree?
With Sammy’s character, the subject of autism played into the story. Do you personally know anyone with this neural development disorder? If so, please discuss.
Though it was tattered and worn, JT kept the prayer mat that was given to him by his foster parents as a child, and he took it with him wherever he lodged so that he could kneel on it. Do you have a special mat you kneel on when you pray? If so, why do you choose to kneel there?
Thomas and Joanne saw their time as foster parents as a God-ordained ministry. Do you believe that one’s chosen profession (other than the traditional preacher) can be used as a form of ministry?
What did you think of the secret Thomas and Joanne kept from JT? How could they have handled it differently?
Who was your favorite character, and why? Who was your least favorite character, and why?
One of the main subjects that Fifteen Years addresses is the importance of nonbiological family and how much of an influence they can have on the lives of those they touch. Do you have people in your past who you feel had/have as much impact, if not more impact on your life than your biological family?