Scripture memory

Bible Study, Devotional, Leadership, Small Groups, Sunday School

January 8, 2016

Ways to Incorporate Scripture in Bible Study

by Tim Pollard

Bible stories are super cool. God gave us His Word to help us know Him better, and we can do that through Bible study. However, what do we do in our Bible study when we tell kids a Bible story with our Bibles open, but then never refer to it again? Are we showing how important God’s Word is to us? Or to them? Probably not.

Here are some ways to keep kids in the Bible while in the classroom and help kids appreciate the truths of God’s Word to take it outside the classroom.

Bible Skills. This seems obvious, but many times when leaders are looking to drop something from a session, this is the first thing to go. Bible skills, however, are important to teaching kids not just what is in God’s Word but how to use God’s Word.
Devotionals. Using a classroom devotional as part of your teaching will help kids to unfold truths from Scripture that might get overlooked. Using devotionals also gives kids a way to see why these are such valuable tools and may get them using these tools with their Bible study during the week.
Dramatic Play. Most of the time, we think this is only for preschoolers. Older kids, however, still enjoy imaginative play and you can guide your kids to engage with Scripture by acting out the adventures within the text.
Reflective Interpretation. There are a variety of learning styles and reflective learning is one of those styles. Reflective learners will enjoy the opportunity to sit quietly with their Bible open and think about the Bible story they heard.
Small Groups. Peer-led groups are sometimes a great idea—most kids relate to one another better than they relate to adults. Find older kids who might want to lead a small group discussion on biblical topics and give them an opportunity to do just that.
Journaling. Journaling is an important skill for kids to develop as they dive deeper into God’s Word. Let kids decorate a journal that they can use as they engage God in the study of His Word.

I’ve given you a few to get you started, and many other methods can be used to help God’s Word infiltrate our kids’ lives. Feel free to comment with some of your favorite strategies for incorporating God’s Word into your teaching environment.

Tim Pollard teaches 3rd-6th graders Explore the Bible: Kids Worship on Sunday nights at Tulip Grove Baptist Church. Tim leads the team that produces Explore the Bible: Kids.

Fun, Games, Kids Ministry

May 29, 2014

Game of the Week: Pins and Pans

By Bill Emeott

Help kids learn and memorize Scripture with this fun game.

GATHER:

Two 9” aluminum pie pans
Traditional spring-loaded clothespins
Two different colored Fine-Point permanent markers
Optional: Bike Horn

PREPARE:

Determine a Bible verse that you want your kids to learn and memorize (20 or less words seems to work best).
Using the permanent marker, draw a “notch” for each word from the Bible verse (you can include a “notch” for the reference, too)

On separate clothespins print each word of the Bible verse selected.

Create a second set using a different colored permanent marker.

PLAY:

Separate and place two sets of the Bible verse on opposite sides of the table.
On “go” players will race to see who can clip the Bible verse words in correct order around the prepared pie pan.
For added excitement, include an old-fashioned bike horn. The player who completes the verse first will grab and blow the horn.
Continue playing allowing the winner of each round to be challenged by a new player.
OPTION: Make the game into a relay race by placing the prepared clothespins in a container on one end of the room and the pie pan on the other.

Bibles, Encouragement, Training

January 28, 2014

7 Reasons Why Kids MUST Memorize Scripture

By Jana Magruder

If you know kids at all, you know that the average kid can memorize just about anything!

Toddlers learn their ABC’s, numbers, shapes, and a variety of silly songs. I even knew a two-year-old who could recite the names of the presidential cabinet! Preschoolers can take it even farther and read sight words, say the pledge, and sing longer sillier songs! Grade schoolers memorize the Gettysburg address, their multiplication tables, and plenty of lyrics from the radio.

So, for the average kid — scripture memory should be no sweat! For the most part, however, kids do not know much scripture. We as parents and KidMin leaders have to help them. Here are seven reasons why Kids HAVE to know scripture:

1. To Know Christ.

Help kids develop a relationship with Jesus by leading them to the verses that tell them the truth. Start with John 3:16 or Romans 6:23.

2. To Fight Sin.

Most of us know that as we get older, the choices of life present themselves and temptation faces us at every turn. Help kids “hide God’s Word in their hearts, so that they might not sin against (Him)” (Psalm 119:11).

3. To Glorify God.

Help kids understand that they were put on this earth to glorify God in all they do. That means fellowship with Him in prayer and obedience to Him in action. Scripture can help them give glory to God in all they do (Psalm 86:12).

4. To Feel Safe.

Kids struggle with fear often. The Bible is full of verses that remind them that God is close and to not be afraid (Philippians 4:6).

5. To Know they are Loved.

The Bible is God’s love letter to us. Help Kids understand that God loves them so much that there is nothing that can separate them from His love through Jesus (Romans 8:38-39).

6. To Love Others.

God uses children to show His love. If a child understands that they are to love God with all their hearts and their neighbor as themselves, what a vessel they can be to shine His light throughout the world (Luke 10:27).

7. To Persevere.

Kids need to know that there will be hard times that they go through in life. The Bible teaches us to press on in the faith, run the race and persevere (Hebrews 12:1-2).

Our kids need spiritual ammo to get through their lives. The Bible, our “sword of the spirit”, is what we MUST give them. Scripture memory might sound optional, but indeed it is essential to run the race — no matter how old you are!

Jana Magruder serves as the Director of Kids Ministry Publishing. Jana, her husband, and their three kids moved to Nashville from Austin, Texas where she served as the director of children’s ministry at the west campus of Austin Stone Community Church. Jana brings a wealth of experience and passion for kids, kids ministry, and the local church.

Ways to Incorporate Scripture in Bible Study

Game of the Week: Pins and Pans

7 Reasons Why Kids MUST Memorize Scripture

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