As my daughters get older and increasingly independent, I’m more aware than ever that allowing them to take ownership of their faith is critical.
Helping them grow in the spiritual discipline of daily Bible reading is a key way to keep them growing in their faith. This can be easier said than done: I, as the parent, am trying to give them space to own their faith but still keep them on track.
You may be in this same season and wondering where to begin. The best place to start is taking a good look at what strengths and qualities God has woven into your kid’s personality.
Five questions to help your teen enjoy Bible study
How do they like to learn?
Some teens are active, hands-on learners. Some learn best through listening, while others are visual learners. Most kids are a combination of learning styles but are strongest in one of these three areas.
How does your son or daughter learn best? Would they benefit from having an audio version of the Bible? Would they engage more if they had space to draw and write notes in their Bible? Would they like an illustrated Bible?
What activities do they enjoy?
Does your teen enjoy drawing? Sports? Nature? Animals? Science? Consider giving them a devotional centered around their favorite interests to use when they read the Bible. Devotionals are available that cover a wide variety of hobbies and activities, and they provide a great way to connect kids’ interests with the Bible and their faith.
How do they like to read?
Do they prefer to read for just a few minutes at a time, or do they enjoy reading for hours on end? Do they like to read in a quiet room or with others around?
A Bible study is a great resource for all of these scenarios. If your teen likes to read in short bursts, they may enjoy a Bible study they can work through in small increments each day. Or if they often read for long stretches, they can complete as much as they want at one time.
Plus, Bible studies and devotionals can give your child a starting point if they don’t know where or how to begin their Bible reading.
What do they like to read?
Do they like novels? Nonfiction? Short articles? Do they read comics and graphic novels? Use their reading tastes to help guide what type of Bible you choose.
Some kids may benefit from a full-text Bible that has just a few extras. Others may do great with a study Bible full of additional notes and facts about the Bible.
If your teen is into comic books and graphic novels, consider getting them a fully illustrated comic Bible—like The Epic Bible—with visuals that can bring the story to life and provide meaningful context.
How else can you help your teen stay connected to the Bible?
If your child is goal-oriented, a Bible reading plan with checkboxes can be very satisfying. You can find a variety of reading plans to choose from on apps and websites.
Would your child benefit from a Bible study group? These groups provide accountability and a place to discuss what kids are reading.
A sacred time with the Lord
Once you answer these questions, you’ll have a sense of what tools you can provide to support your teen’s unique abilities and cultivate daily Bible reading while also allowing them space to make that sacred time with the Lord their own.
