Family faith formation begins at home as parents, grandparents, and caregivers help children know Jesus and engage with Scripture in everyday life. Reading the Bible together, praying as a family, choosing age-appropriate Bible resources, and modelling personal Bible engagement all help children and teens grow in faith.
Family faith formation is the intentional process of helping children grow in a lifelong relationship with Jesus through Scripture, prayer, worship, conversation, and everyday family life.
Seven Suggestions For Family Bible Reading
Choose age-appropriate Bible translations for children
Use versions of the Bible suitable for the grade level of each member of the family. You’d think this would be a no-brainer, but some parents give their children the KJV, NRSV, RSV or NASB (versions using grade 11 language). A child should understand what he or she is reading. Consider giving children the NIrV, NCV, TEV or NLT (versions using grade 3-6 language), give teens the CEB or NKJV (versions using grade 8 language) and give young adults the ESV or NIV (versions using grade 10 language).
Use technology to help everyone engage with Scripture
Utilize video, apps and other technology to help bring the Bible to life. Children and teens are growing up in a digital culture, so use technology as a tool to encourage Bible engagement rather than compete with it. Watch Bible videos together, listen to audio Bibles, follow a Bible reading plan on a device, or use Bible apps to explore Scripture. Families can also share a favourite verse or discuss what they are learning through text messages or family group chats.
Keep Scripture visible in your home
Have Scripture easily accessible around the home. Display favourite verses with cool prints. Hang up Scripture posters or write/paint a special text for a child or teen on the walls in their rooms.
Make Family Devotions Regular and Creative
Enjoy family devotionals after dinner every day. Get everyone involved. Be enthusiastic, authentic and creative. Act out scenes in the Bible with props and costumes, pull out instruments and worship, download YouTube videos, benefit from hearty theological debates, read Bible narratives dramatically with each character’s ‘lines’ in the story read by different members of the family, etc.
Family Quest from Scripture Union is a great resource to help your family get creative with Bible engagement! Check it out.
Let Your Children and Youth Choose Bible Reading Resources
Help children and teens pick out devotionals they like at a local Christian bookstore or online. For great age-appropriate Bible reading guides check out our Bible guide collection on Christian Books Canada!
Read and Pray With Young Children At Bedtime
Pray and read the Bible with young children before they go to bed. There are excellent biblical books for young children available in our bookstore.
Model Bible Engagement As a Parent.
Be seen to be reading and reflecting on the Bible. More is caught than taught! When we see other members of the family digging into the Word it encourages us to do likewise.
A Bible Reading Guide from Scripture Union makes it easy for you to read the Bible daily! Take our quiz to find the one that is best for you.
Join the conversation. Please share your suggestions for family faith formation.
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Summary
Family faith formation involves making the Bible accessible and engaging for every member of the household. Choose age-appropriate versions of the Bible, with simpler translations for younger children and more advanced ones for teens and adults. Incorporate technology, like videos and social media, to enhance learning and make Bible stories more interactive. Make Scripture visible around the home, enjoy family devotions together, and encourage everyone to read, reflect, and pray regularly as a family.
© Scripture Union Canada
What is family faith formation?
Family faith formation is the process of helping children, teens, and adults grow in faith together through Scripture, prayer, worship, conversation, and daily Christian living.
How can families start reading the Bible together?
Start small. Choose an age-appropriate Bible, read a short passage, ask one simple question, and pray together. Consistency matters more than length.
What Bible translation is best for children?
Children usually benefit from translations written at a lower reading level, such as the NIrV or NLT. Teens may be ready for translations like the NIV, CEB, NKJV, or ESV.
How can parents make family devotions less awkward?
Use simple rhythms. Read after dinner or before bed, let children participate, act out Bible stories, ask honest questions, and keep the tone relaxed.
Why does it matter for children to see parents reading the Bible?
Children learn from what they see. When parents read, reflect on, and talk about Scripture, children see that the Bible matters in everyday life.
