Simple Family Bible Study Method
by Jess Wolstenholm, M Ed, VP of Education & Publishing for Minno
Parents often say they don’t engage their kids in faith-building conversations or Bible study because they don’t know where to start. Many feel they have a hard enough time finding a few moments to read the Bible themselves, let alone teach their kids about God.
Can you relate?
There’s no denying in this day and age, it’s hard to be consistent with family devotions. With more responsibilities and seemingly less time, there’s only one way to guide kids in an ongoing, growing, everyday relationship with Jesus . . .
Keep it simple.
With crazy schedules full of school, homework, sports, and activities, gone are the days we can spend an hour together as a family daily. Though it’s important to find occasional time to linger over the Word and worship, this simple family Bible study method will fit more easily into your busy, everyday lives.
Simple Family Bible Study Method
These 5 simple steps can take 5-10 minutes around the table, in the car, or at bedtime. To get started, grab a Bible and choose a verse to P.L.A.N.T. in your hearts. You can even invite your kids to choose a verse from time to time! This will help them practice looking for verses in the Bible.
Here’s how it works:
STEP 1: Prepare Your Heart – put away distractions and pray, “God show us something new today.”
STEP 2: Learn from the Word – read your chosen Bible verse aloud.
STEP 3: Ask Questions – discuss the verse together as a family.
STEP 4: Name the Truth – discover the truth God wants you to take away.
STEP 5: Take Action – think of ways you can put God’s truth into action.
It’s that simple. When you take a verse and break it down through this simple family Bible study method, you are planting seeds of faith that will grow in time.
Let’s Practice Together
Let’s try one . . .
STEP 1: Prepare Your Heart – put away distractions and pray, “God show us something new today.”
STEP 2: Learn from the Word
“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.” Psalm 56:3 ESV
STEP 3: Ask Questions
What does it mean to trust someone?
Who can we trust when we are afraid?
Can you share a time you felt afraid?
What can you do the next time you are afraid?
STEP 4: Name the Truth
I can trust God when I’m afraid.
STEP 5: Take Action
The next time you are afraid, stop and pray a simple prayer - “Jesus, help me!”
Think about what it means to trust God. This can be hard to understand but as we grow to know God and how much He loves us, it will be easier to trust Him just like you trust mom/dad.
Small Steps, Big Progress
Look at it this way: If you do this simple family Bible study method just once a week for 10 minutes each time, by the end of the year you will have spent almost 9 hours studying God’s Word together as a family.
And because of the simplicity of this method, there is freedom to customize your conversation depending on the age of your kids. It’s never too early to get started. Habits like these are formed over time and the seeds you plant today will grow great benefits in the years to come!
Download your Minno Family Bible Study Worksheet!
Following the Way of Jesus
Jesus said, “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” Matthew 11:28 MSG
Jesus invites us to keep company with Him. He is calling us as parents to help our children learn to follow His way—through organic, daily, spiritual practices. These small habits will reap big benefits in the lives of our kids as they grow up developing a rhythm of spending time with God.
Still not sure where to start? Try Minno’s 5 Minute Family Devotionals. These short video devotions can help jumpstart your family Bible study practice.
Jess Wolstenholm, M Ed
is Editor of the Laugh and Grow Bible for Kids and VP of Education and Publishing for Minno.
“I come alive when developing content that provides age-appropriate, spiritual/educational growth for kids and families.”