You’ve heard from others at Lifeway recently about the importance of Bible skills and why they matter. For the next few months I’ll be giving you some fun tips for helping kids learn Bible skills, but first, let’s recall why Bible skills are important.
My daughter has been involved in Bible Drill in our church. This is her second year taking part in this wonderful program and one of the verses she memorized this year is a verse that speaks right to the heart of having great Bible skills; 2 Timothy 3:16. I really like the first nine words in this verse because it encapsulates what we talk about when we discuss God’s Word. Those words simply say, “All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable.” This verse goes on to list a few things for which Scripture is profitable with verse 17 really kicking it into high gear by telling us these things are profitable “so that the man of God may be complete.”
With that in mind, isn’t it exciting to pursue “completeness” by falling so in love with God’s Word that our desire is for it? How can we begin this journey with kids? The best place to start developing Bible skills is in the beginning. My desire as we walk through the next few months is to give you tips for building the foundation of Bible skills upon which boys and girls can become more knowledgeable and passionate about God’s Word.
Bible Skills from the Start
Familiarize boys and girls with the Bible. Early Bible skills begin by introducing boys and girls to the two main parts of the Bible, the Old Testament and New Testament. Help kids know that the Old Testament tells about things that happened before Jesus was born. The Old Testament is in the front of the Bible. Help girls and boys know that the New Testament tells about things that happened when Jesus was born and after His death and resurrection. The New Testament is in the back of the Bible. Depending on the age of the kids you teach and their Biblical knowledge you can share this appropriately.
Once kids are comfortable recognizing the two main parts of the Bible you can begin to build on this foundation by breaking down a Scripture reference into it’s basic parts. The book name always comes first in the “address.” Following the book name will be the Chapter reference (also sometimes called the “big” number in the pages of the book.) The final number following a colon is the verse to be found within the chapter. The verse will be the “little” number that follows the “big” number already found.
These simple drills will begin to build the foundations for successful Bible skills and can be done quickly using any Bible reference. Kids don’t need to look anything up, just know how to when the time comes. Find suggestions for age suitable skills on the Bible Skills for Kids chart available at Lifeway and use Explore the Bible: Kids curriculum that intentionally highlights these skills for four specific age groups.
Tim Pollard teaches 3rd graders at Tulip Grove Baptist Church. He’s passionate about helping kids dig deep into Scripture, which he pursues through his daily work as leader of the Explore the Bible: Kids team. Tim lives with his wife and daughters in Mount Juliet, TN.
