How NOT to Teach Children the Bible

I came across an article via my Facebook feed last week that was titled, “How Not to Teach Your Children the Bible.” I wasn’t able to read it right then, but because of the source of the article and the friend who had shared it, I knew I would want to read it later, so I saved the article. [Learn how to save articles on Facebook to read later.]

When I finally had a chance to sit down and read the article, and I immediately found myself agreeing with the author. Many of my own thoughts about teaching children the Bible were reflected in the article, and I knew I wanted to share it on our blog Facebook page as well as share my own thoughts on the topic here on the blog.

I loved what the author had to say about the responsibility of parents to not only teach children the Bible but also to teach them how to study the Bible…

“As Christian parents we’re responsible for raising our children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord (Eph. 6:4). It’s our responsibility to teach them how to study [His] Word. We want them to see the Bible not as a collection of moral fables, but as the epic story of redemption.”

This truth [also reflected in Deuteronomy 6:4-9] is one of my strongest personal convictions. As a parent, one my chief responsibilities is to teach my children the big picture of the Bible – God’s story of redemption – as well as teach them how to study the Bible for themselves and apply its truths to their lives.

Recommended Resources for Teaching Children the Big Picture of the Bible

The Jesus Storybook Bible: The Jesus Storybook Bible invites children to join in the greatest of all adventures, to discover for themselves that Jesus is at the center of God’s great story of salvation—and at the center of their Story too.

The Biggest Story: The Bible is full of exciting stories that fill children with awe and wonder. But kids need to know how all those classic stories connect to Scripture’s overarching message about God’s glorious plan to redeem his rebellious people.

The Lamb: The Bible’s most important message is understandable at a very young age. In some ways, it’s like a puzzle. If the pieces are fitted together properly, piece by piece, it makes sense.

What’s in the Bible?: Biblical illiteracy is a huge problem in the church today as far too many kids are growing up without a clear understanding of their own faith. The What’s in the Bible? video series is an effort to provide kids a foundational knowledge of the Bible and of their faith that can launch them on a lifelong walk with God – a journey that will change them and change the world around them.

Recommended Resources for Teaching Kids How to Study the Bible

Grapevine Bible Study: Grapevine Studies is the leading Bible study method and curriculum designed to help parents simplify planning, engage their kids, and grow disciples. [See how we use Grapevine to teach our kids how to study the Bible.]

Developing a Quiet Time: If we want our children to desire to have a quiet time, we will need to intentionally teach them why they should do it and what it will look like.

Resources for Helping Your Child Memorize Scripture

Seeds Family Worship: A fun, easy way for your family to learn, memorize and hide God’s Word in your hearts! All music is word-for-word scripture!

AWANA Homeschool Kits: Awana supports individual families by providing tools and resources for your home discipleship plan.

How NOT to Teach Your Children the Bible

As busy parents it can be easy to overlook the need to be intentional about teaching our children the Bible, passing the responsibility on to Sunday school teachers, AWANA leaders, Christian schools, homeschool curriculum, etc. But the true responsibility lies with us. We must make it a priority to personally invest in our children’s spiritual growth and development, and these resources can help!

How are you teaching your children the Bible? What resources do you use as a busy family to make Bible study and spiritual growth a priority?