In this article: Christian school teachers can be improving Bible engagement in Christian schools by using varied engagement methods, keeping teaching age-appropriate, treating Scripture as God’s living Word, choosing accessible Bible translations, and keeping Jesus at the centre.
One of the distinguishing factors in Christian schools is the prominence given to the Bible. It’s part of everyday school life. It’s read in the classroom, shared in assemblies, sung in worship, displayed on notice boards and woven into lessons and conversations. Students encounter Bible stories, biblical values and God’s Word throughout their day, from classroom learning to discipline and restoration.
Five Ways to Improve Bible Engagement in Christian Schools
The Bible already has a prominent place in Christian schools. But are students truly engaging with it? How can teachers help students move beyond simply hearing and learning Scripture to interacting with God’s Word for themselves? Here are five practical ways to strengthen Bible engagement:
1. Use Different Bible Engagement Strategies
Utilize different Bible engagement practices. American poet and writer Mark van Doren said, “The art of teaching is the art of assisting discovery.” Explain and demonstrate how students can interpret, study, contemplate, memorize, journal, sing, draw, pray, and apply the Scriptures. Consider using elements of the Godly Play approach (Jerome W. Berryman). Be a “sense-sational” Bible engagement teacher. Use methodologies and resources that help children touch, taste, see, hear and even smell God’s Word. When a student graduates from a Christian school, he/she should know how to engage with the Bible in multiple ways.
2. Keep Bible Teaching Short and Engaging
Some teachers talk too much. A child’s attention span is two to three minutes per year of their age. A typical 7-year-old can focus on a task for 14-20 minutes. Tailor what you’re teaching to meet individual needs, i.e. use Differentiated Instruction (DI) or Universal Design for Learning (UDL) strategies. Keep devotional times short and sweet. Include experiential games, object lessons, visual elements, opportunities for discussion, and times for reflection. Quit while you’re ahead. Maybe finish telling a Bible story on a cliffhanger, plot twist, or tie-back (connecting the ending to an unusual element earlier in the story). Aim to leave your students wanting to spend more time in the Word.
3. Teach the Bible as God’s Word, Not Just a Textbook
The Bible is a book of texts but not a textbook. It wasn’t published to meet the needs of educators, and it was never God’s intention that it would be equated with a standard work on a given subject. The Bible is unlike any other book. It’s holy, alive, and active (Hebrews 4:12). It’s not a book of principles, a concept, a set of values, ethics to be learned, historical memoirs, spiritual sayings, guidebook, collection of doctrines, behaviour manual, or storehouse of propositions. As God’s Word, and it has authority over us to speak to us. You should never treat the Bible as a textbook!
4. Choose Bible Translations Students Can Understand
You probably have a personal bias toward one translation, but expose your students to various suitable translations and encourage them to find the one that’s the right “fit” for them. Bible translations have different reading and comprehension levels. The International Children’s Bible, New International Readers Version, and Easy To Read Version are appropriate for younger children. The Living Bible, God’s Word, Contemporary English Version, New Living Translation, and Good News Translation are appropriate for older children. You can use the New International Version, Holman Christian Standard Bible, Common English Version, or New King James Version with tweens.
You probably have a personal bias toward one translation, but expose your students to various suitable translations and encourage them to find the one that’s the right “fit” for them.
5. Help Students Encounter Jesus Through the Bible
Finally, yet most importantly, your goal should always be to connect your students with a person (Jesus), not a book (Bible). Bible engagement is Jesus engagement. He is the central theme and compelling reason for Bible engagement. Lead your students to the Lord. Bible facts have no value outside of a relationship with the One of whom the Bible speaks (Proverbs 1:7). If your students aren’t moving beyond the biblical text into dynamic encounters with Jesus, you’re only prolonging their “sickly days” (Hamlet).
Bible engagement is Jesus engagement.
Irish-born scholar C.S. Lewis wisely said, “The task of the modern educator is not to cut down jungles, but to irrigate deserts.” Bible engagement needs to be well-watered. More than teaching the Bible, aim to equip students with the skills to interact with the Bible themselves. Be patient and kind. Even on good days, it can be hard going to get students to work up an appetite for Bible engagement. Don’t be dismayed or discouraged. Exhaustively and persuasively, share your passion and love for the Scriptures, pray earnestly, and trust the Lord to nurture a desire in your students to live according to His Word and hide it in their hearts (Psalm 119:9-11).
“The task of the modern educator is not to cut down jungles, but to irrigate deserts.” – C.S. Lewis
Frequently Asked Questions About Bible Engagement in Christian Schools
What is Bible engagement?
Bible engagement goes beyond simply reading or learning facts about Scripture. It involves reading or receiving God’s Word, reflecting on what it says, and responding to it in faith and daily life. Scripture Union’s approach is similarly centred on helping people read, reflect and respond to God’s Word.
How can Christian school teachers make Bible reading more engaging?
Teachers can introduce students to different ways of engaging with Scripture, including study, reflection, memorization, journaling, prayer, discussion, art and music. Using a variety of approaches can help students develop skills they can use to engage with the Bible themselves.
How long should Bible teaching be for children?
Bible teaching should take a child’s age and ability to focus into account. Rather than relying on lengthy instruction, teachers can incorporate discussion, experiential activities, visual elements, object lessons and opportunities for reflection.
Which Bible translations are best for children and students?
The best translation depends partly on the student’s reading and comprehension level. Younger readers may benefit from translations such as the NIrV, ICB or ERV, while older children and tweens may be ready for translations such as the NLT or NIV.
What is the goal of Bible engagement in a Christian school?
The goal is not simply greater biblical knowledge. Christian educators want students to know Jesus, understand God’s Word and develop the skills and desire to engage with Scripture throughout their lives.
© Scripture Union Canada
