There is a certain comfort (and definitely no shame!) in following a Bible lesson that is pre-made or boxed up and ready to go. If you are like me, however, you may have a hard time finding lessons on the topics you want. At the least, you may want to tweak them a bit. While all of our kids need to be taught similar things such as “Jesus loves me,” there is so much more out there! If we are listening to the promptings of the Holy Spirit, and He will lead us as we lead our children. Sometimes we are lead to a place where no man (or mom) has tread before–at least not to the point that they wrote those lessons down for the rest of us to find and follow! Sometimes we just need to do it in a new way that will reach our children.
If that describes you, then here are 5 things to make sure your Bible lesson includes…
1. Prayer–I’m a bit embarrassed to say that I don’t know how many times I have finished teaching a Bible lesson and then realized, “Oops! We forgot to pray!” Even with the littlest, or ESPECIALLY with the littlest, we need to make sure we are praying DURING our lesson, with our kids. If prayer connects us directly with the spirit of God, then that is the very essence of what we are trying to teach–whatever the subject is.
“The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.” Psalm 145:18 (NIV)
2. Scripture–Memorization is an awesome tool for hiding God’s word in our hearts. Reading it straight from the Bible is the next best thing. We can say things however we want and tie up our thoughts in a cute little package. But no matter what we do, OUR WORDS ARE NOT LIVING AND ACTIVE. Will our words be thought provoking? Hopefully. But nothing like this…
“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12 (NIV)
3. Transparency–If we aren’t being open and honest, our students, especially if they are our own children, are probably going to tune us out. I want children to know how I have applied these lessons to my own life. If they perceive that my faith isn’t real, there is an enormous likelihood that they are going to walk away. As a mother of a perfectionist, this is especially important. My kids need to know that no one is perfect. We all need God’s grace. This is the one thing that no pre-packaged lesson can provide–real-life lessons FROM OUR OWN LIVES.
4. Application and Action–This step is often missing, especially for little ones, even though they are usually the most hands-on learners. We need to make our lessons tangible, real to life. Figuring out how to do this is often the hardest step. The popular saying is that we remember 10% of what we read, 20% of what we hear, 30% of what we see, 70% of what we write, and 90% of what we do. While there is argument over whether or not those numbers are exactly accurate, there is no denying that the saying became popular for a reason. WHAT WE DO STICKS. If we don’t want our lesson to stick, why teach it in the first place?
5. Worship–This is the element of a lesson usually left out. We were created to worship the Creator of the Universe. It is amazing that the Creator listens to us any time I want to offer up the tiniest of prayers. He took the time to write us an entire book/love letter. He gives us lessons to change us and never leave us the same again. That is worth stopping and saying thanks. If you don’t sing, find another way to worship. Whatever you do, acknowledge your Creator and Teacher and His life-giving lessons.
“Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name, worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness.” Psalm 29:2 (NIV)
Inspiration for Bible lessons is all around, but if you need more ideas, please check out my Pinterest Boards as I work towards having ideas for each book of the Bible and topical boards as well. Each idea may not include all the elements above, but they are a great jumping off point! Check back in October for some fun Fall Bible lessons too–details to be announced October 1st!
What are some of your favorite Bible lessons (pre-made or not)? What have you seen make an impact as you teach the Bible? What made/makes an impact on you?
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I love these tips. It’s been years since I’ve attended a Bible study. I really do miss it.
Jen K recently posted…My Playlist
After moving a couple years ago, I had trouble finding a formal Bible study to join. Now I am back in one and forgot how much I need to be fed spiritually, just as much as I need to feed my children. I hope you can find one you enjoy again!
Great tips! With a 6-month-old, I wonder how I am going to bring him up in our faith. Posts like this provide great food for thought. Thanks! I’ll be having another conversation with my husband tonight. =)
Heather aka HoJo recently posted…Keeping Connected to Family When You Live Far Away
Congratulations on your still-new little one! May you have lots of fun teaching your baby. They are little sponges!
These are excellent guidelines! I especially love transparency. One of our favorite devotionals were ones that included a prompt at the end of each reading that asked the parent to relate a struggle that he or she had with the content. Unfortunately, these were for toddlers and I haven’t found it for my kids as they’ve gotten older. These tips would be great for creating our own.
Marie recently posted…DIY Free-Form Journal
Isn’t it funny how toddler lessons can sometimes be the best? I learn so much from teaching my kids! It’s often just what I need to hear.
I totally feel you on the forgetting to pray thing!! I do that all the time! You would think it would be the first thing you think of, but I get so nervous every time I speak that I kind of rush into it and then think later. 😉 As for what my favorite Bible Lessons are, I find that speaking your story helps people identify with what you are saying. Good list of tips!
Karin Rambo recently posted…More than Enough: Why Capsule Wardrobes Make you Happy
Speaking your story is definitely important. We all have so many stories, with new ones being created all the time!
🙂 Yes, I am right there with you on prayer- I can’t count the number of times I have prepared a lesson, and only after I have ‘finished’ did I remember to pray about it. And then have to start over because I realize it is not the lesson that Heavenly Father wants taught… I am so glad you put prayer first!
I think my favorite lessons have all had to do with loving one another and service. There are so many great scriptures to choose from , as well as the knowledge that when we learn to love others, and give service to our brothers and sisters, we are following Christ’s example.
Service is something I am really trying to focus on too. I think when we teach kids how to serve, we are essentially teaching them to love others. It helps us love better too.
I’ve never thought of bringing a call to action message to bible study before with kids… that’s a little embarrassing! Thanks so much for the reminder 🙂
Jessica recently posted…What One British 5-Year-Old Taught Me About the Syrian Refugees
Don’t be embarrassed–we have all been there! I think it’s easy to forget with kids because we have to think a bit harder about what they can do. They have so much potential and are capable of much more than adults usually give them credit for!
My husband and I just joined a small group Bible study that starts tonight. It has been a long time since we have done a small group and I am really excited for God to reveal Himself to us! These are great tips for Bible Studies….these 5 are definitely essential to a good study experience!
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I hope you enjoy your new group!
I love this! I taught Sunday School for almost 10 years and I’ve never created a whole unit on my own, but this makes me want to give it a try! I love that you included the application part because I’ve been finding that I don’t enjoy studies anymore that are lacking that portion. I like getting ideas and theories as much as the next person, but I need an action plan!
Kristin @ Biblical Wives recently posted…Give up the Right to Be Right
Yay! If you end up creating a unit to share, I would love to see it!
After all these years, I still remember attending vacation Bible School and Sunday school and scriptures that we were forced to memorize are just as fresh today as they were yesterday…
Antionette Blake recently posted…Domain.ME then #HireME
Thanks for your input! I hope you find those scriptures refreshing when you need them.
As a Bible teacher, I totally agree with ALL of these steps! I find, as you stated, that the application part of Bible lessons can easily be forgotten, but it is so important!! Thank you for writing a great frame on which to create a solid Bible lesson!
Anne Marie recently posted…One Heart, Two Hearts, Old Heart, New Heart
Thanks for the encouragement!
So very true. I am a missionary working with YWAM and I will say you couldn’t have said it better. It is also sad that in some cases bible studies miss out on these vital standards
Thank you! Good luck with your missionary work–how exciting!
My favorite Bible lessons are the ones that focus on teaching us how to love our neighbors as ourselves. With everything that is going on in our current society, I think more us could stand to learn this lesson and how to apply it to our daily lives when interacting with others.
You are right. That is a great lesson, only second to putting God first. The world would be a much better place if we could all learn that.
As a youth minister, I’m doing bible studies all the time! I do it all- write my own, use a kit, find something online, recycle an old lesson! My favorites are the ones that have lots of discussion and make the youth think for themselves instead of regurgitating what they have heard their parents say. I too forget to pray a lot of times and have to add it in the end! I want to get all the “bible part” covered, i often forget the most important part- connecting and conversing with God! Great ideas, thanks!
Beth~ A Disney Mom’s Thoughts recently posted…All About Disney’s Pirates and Pals Fireworks Voyage | A Disney Mom’s Thoughts
Great point. I should probably go back and add in a discussion section! Thanks for the input!
Great ideas! As an Orthodox Christian, I would also add a section on doing Bible study within community. We always look to the entire Christian tradition–from the Church fathers and spiritual guides throughout the centuries–in helping us interpret Scripture. This keeps us from falling into error or diluting the teaching.
Sarah@TheOrthodoxMama recently posted…7 Things I Rarely Spend Money On
Good idea! Community is very important, as is learning to hear from God on your own. I love your point about learning from the Church fathers and spiritual guides. I hated history growing up, but in homeschooling my kids I have learned so much history with them, learning about how God had a hand in everything. Thanks for stopping by!
I’m the leader of a group of moms and I have to have a written agenda to remind me to pray at the beginning or I’ll forget and dive right into the content of our meeting! I’m so focused on my to-do list that I forget the single most important part of the meeting. I feel a little better that I’m not the only one. Having the agenda really helps. I love the point you made about God writing us an entire book. Beautifully said.
Angela recently posted…Types of Stay-at-Home Mom
I love the idea of putting it on the agenda. (I love agendas!) I write down the most obvious of things because I forget when I am caught up in the moment or nervous. Good luck with your moms group. I have been in several that were priceless!
Application and Action is a such a big one for me. I know being able to apply what I learn helps makes things easier to understand and shows me how I can use the lesson in my everyday life.
dawn recently posted…Groom Genie Makes Brushing Your Pet Less Stressful
I agree. No matter what we are learning, if we don’t put it into action, it’s useless. Thanks for stopping by!
First, just wanted to say that I love your blog name, logo, and tagline.
Great tips and totally applicable for adults as well. I like to begin with worship first to get my heart in the right place, so that I’m open to what He has to show me.
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Thank you! I agree that kids and adults pretty much learn the same way. The kids just have a little more fun element to it! I like to worship at the beginning as well. That’s probably my favorite part.
Yes. I absolutely agree. I love Bible studies because it’s so much more intimate than a traditional service. Transparency is a big part of that.
Camesha | Mama Motivator recently posted…Up for a Challenge – With Words
Hope you find some good studies to be part of. We are relatively new to our church and it feels weird not to be a part of something other than just attending the service.
I love the idea of bring a tangible practice into the lesson. That’s a great way to cement the concept. Great post. I’ll definitely remember this as I work with my little one.
Good luck working with your little one. They are so fun!
Thank you for the great story… you have made me realized that I really need to start putting things in action and not let them become useless!
Good luck! It’s hard to think of something tangible at first, but once you get going, it becomes easier!
This is really helpful. Thank you for this, I agree.
Nelly recently posted…One item wardrobe update
Thank you!
Love your logo, it’s really cute. I’ve never been part of a bible study group, but I like the idea of including the “Application and Action” part. In life actions speak louder than words, lecturing on what we should and shouldn’t do isn’t as a good a lesson as actually living these lessons.
Estrella recently posted…The One When I Totally Fail – Granada Month 2
So true! I’m not much on lectures–for kids OR adults. Actions definitely speak louder than words. Thanks for stopping by!
i love this! thank you so much.
i’m about to start teaching the children’s church and this is a big help since i truly have no idea where to begin!
aaronica (the crunchy mommy) recently posted…To Share or Not To Share–That Is The Question
I’m glad you found it helpful. Children’s church is a big task. Pinterest can be your best friend. I hope you will check back again for some inspiration. Best of luck and prayers!
This is a great list for someone who teaches bible lessons. I am not a religious person, but I respect people who are. Have a great weekend.
Rena McDaniel recently posted…ARE YOU GAMBLING WITH YOUR CONTENT?
Thanks for stopping by anyway! Best of luck with your blog!
Transparency is absolutely key. I definitely agree with you on this one. Thanks for the great post.
Keelie Reason recently posted…Helping Your Husband Feel Attractive
Thanks so much!
Great post! I’ve passed this along to my Mother-in-Law who has just been asked to head up the education committee at her church!
jen recently posted…Photo Friday – Return to Lake Mars
Awesome! Thanks for passing it along. Hopefully she will find it useful and some of our other articles and lessons as well.
Great tips! This reminded me that it’s easy (and important) to have Bible lessons with my own kids.
Gina recently posted…Weekend Away: Momcon 2015
Yes, Bible lessons with our kids are easy and important. Just start small and go from there. It’s meant to be fun!
Loved your post. Willing to read The Bible completely once in my lifetime.
I hope you enjoy your journey through the Bible. Some parts can be tedious and bog you down (like the long lists of names), but there is so much good, life-changing stuff in there. Even the names have a point when we dig into the meaning. Thanks so much for stopping by!
I found an easy-to-use Bible curriculum for our homeschool this year, but you are right, it’s important to remember to pray! I have forgotten this as well 🙁
Anne Campbell recently posted…Mentos Diet Coke Experiment
I would love to hear more about your Bible curriculum. I love weaving the Bible throughout the various subjects too. We have been focussing more on starting our school day in prayer. I can tell a definite difference when we rush into the day without prayer first.
Oh my goodness! I was getting ready for church yesterday, when the idea to develop a bible study for children popped into my head. I was thinking about my Beth Moore study and how much I love digging into the bible through it, and wishing there was a study that my children could sit and work on independently for their age-range. That is as far as I got:), but now here is your post, and it feels like confirmation that I should pursue the idea further. I will definitely take a look at your Pinterest board, too. Thanks for the inspiration!
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Yay! Your post is an encouragement to me too. I love Beth Moore and I agree that there needs to be more for kids. Kay Arthur has some studies for kids that you can view on Amazon. I have never done one with my kids, but they have good reviews. Of course, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t write one too! When you finish, I would love to see it and maybe even share it on here if you would like to get the word out about it!
Very helpful. I have two little ones myself and I teach Sunday school and some of these elements can be overlooked when we are busy and in the moment. Trying to find applications for young ones can be tough but it’s so important they realise that the Bible is living and active and does mean something today! Thank you for these reminders!
Also, I think your blog is lovely, I’ll be following! 🙂
Helen recently posted…Coming Soon! {November Month of Prayer for Children}
You are right. It takes a little more effort to figure out how it applies to kids, but it does! The word is just as applicable today as ever!
Thanks for these great tips! My hubby is the Worship leader for our church, so we’ve for sure got that part covered. I really like the part about Transparency. My kids always seem to remember things better when it is attached to a story from my own life!
Be Gracefully Inspired recently posted…Erasing Hurtful Words
Thanks for stopping by! Have fun teaching your kids!
Thank you so very much for this!
Thanks for stopping by and commenting!
A very interesting article. As someone who is spiritual, but not religious. It’s interesting to me to see how different people choose to keep their faith and spirituality…and in this case, pass it on to their young.
LizZ H. recently posted…Fall Planting Plans
That’s a good point. I don’t want this to be a set of rules that we religiously have to follow. They are just tools to help our spirit connect with God. I just find that when I do them, it helps my spirit get to where it needs to be.
You make such great points in this post. Where you tend to forget the prayer, I have a terrible habit of planning a whole lesson and completely forgetting to ever read or even mention the scripture related. Kind of important…
Michelle recently posted…White Sands National Monument: New Mexico’s White Wonderland
I know exactly what you mean. I grew up in church, so it’s easy for me to say, “Oh, I know that story…” and dive right into planning. I have been convicted to actually read the word first lately. I know that I still have a lot to learn and the word is living and active. If I take time to read it, something usually jumps out at me and hits me in a new way.
Prayer & Worship!! Amen! This is a great post.
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Thanks so much for stopping by!
I really like your practical tips for teaching kids about the Bible. The hands-on part is so important! We were learning about the Tower of Babel today, and we built a mega blocks tower as the activity portion. Simple, but fun! I’ll be following your blog for more great posts. Thanks!
Kelly Canfield recently posted…Love Wins
Thanks for following my blog! I am teaching about the Tower of Babel this week and planned on doing a block tower too. Great minds think alike!
These are definitely key elements of a bible lesson. I love teaching my child different forms of worship. God gave us the gift of creativity and I believe we can use that creativity to worship Jesus. We do alot of hands on crafts to help the lesson stick and also to “make something for God.” 🙂
Stephanie @ Crayon Marks and Tiger Stripes recently posted…Announcing: Elf on the Shelf Jesus Style Biblical Virtues FREE EBOOK!
I love crafts too. It seems these days that a lot of people don’t like to get messy and skip this, but the little ones love it. I do too! It does help the theme stick.
Thank you for these! These are very helpful since my husband and I are leading our small group every Friday. I agree that the best way to know God is through His words and it can only be found if you read the Bible. Memorizing verses is also very relevant and transparency is needed in order to provide examples which are true to life.
Icar recently posted…Don’t Worry, Be Happy #LifeAfterLeaks
Good luck with your small group. My husband and I got together because we were asked to lead a group together on Friday nights!
It is very hard to find good curriculum. I actually went to seminary and earned my master’s in curriculum design, so I spent a lot of time studying how the material is put together. I think teachers can feel overwhelmed at having to completely create their own lesson, but tips like these can really help to take a lesson and say, “Ok, what can I add to this to give it the most impact?” Then, it becomes less overwhelming. I believe these are very useful tips. Thanks!
Curriculum design is so interesting to me. I learned about it from a public classroom teacher perspective, but I find you can definitely apply a lot of it to ministry. Thanks for sharing!
Love this list! I am so excited about the possibility of homeschooling someday (even though I’m not a mom yet). Natural prayer is perhaps the most crucial of all.
Melody Maynard recently posted…Confidence
Best of luck to you. Hope you get your wish one day!
Awesome insight! I named my daughter from the story of Leah and Rachel, how Leah surrendered herself to praising God even though she never gained the earthly affection she desired! Judah…”now will I praise the Lord!” I really want to impress this on her as she grows up and understands more, how God chose unloved Leah to mother the tribe in which Jesus would be born! All through sweet surrender. These are great points for me to keep in mind for our devotions as she matures 🙂
Andie recently posted…My Life Between: Life Lessons through Dementia
What a wonderful story about your daughter’s name! May she grow to be as gracious and reverent as the biblical Leah.
Good tips! I’m a Sunday School teacher once a month and try to get all of these in. Singing and worship is the thing that we most often miss. I teach Kindergarten and most of the songs that the kids want to sing are secular and not ones I know. Every once in a while I will have them sing something but it usually ends up being my son and I singing alone… so sad.
Rebekah @ Surviving Toddlerrhood recently posted…Introducing Andrew C
It is sad that kids don’t sing much, but I like to think we are planting seeds for worship. Eventually, some will start to join in. It takes a long time to unlearn the habit of not singing!
Such great tips! I am working on putting together lessons for when our little one gets old enough-these are great tips.
Allison recently posted…Savannah, Georgia Mini-Vacation + Logan & Lenora Review
Completely agree! And having it apply to a persons everyday life is so important.
Kristi recently posted…What More Must I Do to be Saved? {Testimony Tuesday}
Great list of what to NOT forget!
In our women’s studies at church we always start and end in prayer. However, I often forget that part with my boys’, too.
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