VBS SHOP

Kids Ministry

Dedicated to helping Kids Ministry leaders in their mission of making disciples

| Kids Ministry

By: Rachel Coe

It doesn’t happen overnight, but more like a lifetime. I’m a real example of the lifelong pursuit of becoming biblically literate. As a child, I went to church and learned about the Bible from the get-go—at Sunday School (as it was called long ago), VBS, GAs (Girls in Action), Bible Drill, and other church-sponsored activities. Later, I participated in church and home small groups to delve into the Bible and discover its meaning for me. But it wasn’t until later in my spiritual journey that I realized that at no point could I ever know everything there is to know about the Bible! I recognized that I’m learning more and more with each passing day! And I’m loving it!

So, just what is biblical literacy?

  • Knowledge: Being familiar with the Bible.
  • Skills: Becoming comfortable and confident using the Bible.
  • Relevance: Understanding what the Bible is and why it is important.
  • Application: Discovering how the Bible works in life.

Our beliefs about the Bible come from our own personal experiences with it. As adults, we want children to become biblically literate. We want children to have a Bible, use it, learn from it, and love it. How can we initiate, nurture, and guide Bible experiences for preschoolers?

  • Start where each child is and begin with basic skills he can handle. A baby, a 1-year-old, a 2-year-old can hold the Bible and turn its pages. Young preschoolers can learn that the Bible is a special book. Older preschoolers can learn to locate Bible passages. They can point to words of Bible verses and say the verses. They can become familiar with Bible people, places, and events.
  • Set the example. Use the Bible yourself! Open the Bible to story passages. Locate Bible verse Scriptures. Children will connect the words they hear to the words printed in the Bible.
  • Encourage preschoolers to use the Bible. Say Bible verses and lead children to say them after you. The more preschoolers use the Bible, the more comfortable they will feel with it.
  • Talk about the Bible. Sing about the Bible and biblical truths. Connect biblical truths to children’s live through conversation and example.
  • Partner with families to encourage Bible use at home. Parents can model Bible skills when they read the Bible at home and set an example by using their Bibles at church.

Bible literacy begins now! Open the door for preschoolers to step into a lifelong discovery of the Bible.

The Bible is . . .

  • God’s living Word
  • God’s revelation of Himself
  • About God’s Son, Jesus
  • True
  • Trustworthy
  • About salvation
  • Eternal

The Bible . . .

  • Shows us how to live in ways that please God.
  • Helps us know who God is by showing us Jesus’ life as an example.
  • Tells stories that teach us about God, Jesus, creation, family, church, and others.
  • Explains how to treat other people, relate to people, love, praise, be grateful, and live.
  • Helps us learn from the mistakes of others and helps us know God’s commandments.
  • Shows us how to forgive, love, rejoice, and pray.
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