Parenting and Bible engagement …
Children who experience Bible engagement as a regular slice of family life are likelier to love and live for Jesus through adulthood than children who don’t. This isn’t conjecture; it’s a fact.
If you take parents from any denomination with the same levels of faith and frequency of attendance, the parents who prioritize Bible engagement in their homes are the ones who are more likely to see their children committing themselves to Jesus and staying connected with a community of faith.
Bible engagement makes all the difference. When parents and their children read, reflect, and respond to the Bible, it provides a rock-solid foundation for faith (cf. Matthew 7:24-27). But when Bible engagement is neglected in the home, children are more likely to turn their back on Jesus and leave the church.
Practical Ways to Help Your Family Read the Bible
For parents concerned about the spiritual well-being of their children, the answer is simple: Make Bible engagement part of daily life.
Here are some ways to do this:
Generate regular discussions about the Word.
Families that frequently talk about the Scriptures open the door for Jesus to enter.
Create and maintain a “sacred space” in the home.
This is a designated place where a family member can sit and quietly read or listen to God’s Word.
Make sure your children see you reading or listening to the Bible.
This nonverbally communicates that contemplating or studying God’s Word is one of your daily priorities and core values.
Make the Scriptures visible.
For example, handwritten verses on sticky notes on the fridge door or send verses as text messages to older children who have phones
Memorize Scripture.
Make it a monthly challenge for the whole family (maybe practice together each night after supper).
Watch Bible videos/films together.
You can watch many age-appropriate Bible videos and films together with a bowl of popcorn.
Have Bible comics or graphic adaptations of the Bible available.
Place Bibe comics on a coffee table where they’ll likely be picked up and read.
Look for unplanned opportunities (teachable moments) to share the Bible.
For opportunities through the course of the day to share biblical insights with your children.
Practical Ways Churches Can Help Families Read the Bible
For churches concerned about children’s spiritual well-being, the answer is simple: Equip parents with Bible engagement strategies and tools. Here are some ways to do this:
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- Train parents in basic Bible engagement practices, i.e., how to interpret, teach, apply, and pray the Scriptures
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- Provide Bible reading guides suitable for families and different age groups
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- Invite families to share testimonies with the congregation about how they meet with God as a direct result of the Bible engagement in their homes.
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- Publicly champion the role of parents as the primary disciple-makers in their children’s lives.
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- Practically encourage and build parent’s confidence so they can thrive in leading family Bible engagement.
The Importance of Working Together in Discipleship
Parents and churches need to work together. Bible engagement is the single most important spiritual discipline in our children’s faith development, so we can’t let it slip through the cracks. If family Bible engagement isn’t happening in the home, everything possible should be done to prioritize it.
Read the related articles to learn more.
Related Articles
Connecting Children With the Bible
Summary
Children who regularly engage with the Bible in their homes are more likely to grow up with a strong faith and connection to Jesus. Parents who prioritize Bible engagement, regardless of denomination, see higher rates of their children committing to Jesus and staying involved in the church. Practical ways for parents to integrate Bible reading into family life include creating sacred spaces, discussing Scripture regularly, and using resources like Bible comics or videos. Churches can support families by providing training and resources, equipping parents as the primary disciple-makers, and fostering a collaborative approach to children’s spiritual development.
© Scripture Union Canada
