Bored With the Bible?

Bored with the Bible? Helping the Next Generation Engage with God’s Word

“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.”
— 1 Timothy 4:12 (NIV)

As a youth pastor, I hear a lot of things—but two comments, in particular, always make me the most sad:

From students:

“…the Bible is boring…”

From parents:

“…I can’t get my kids to read the Bible…”

There is, in fact, a growing trend of biblical illiteracy. While many still hold a fondness for the idea of the Bible, fewer and fewer people are actually reading it.

So what are we—as children’s ministry workers, youth pastors, and parents—to do?
How do we help this generation rediscover God’s Word?

It’s not an issue of access. The Bible is more accessible than ever before thanks to our devices. It’s literally in almost everyone’s hands.

And let me be clear: this isn’t about guilt.

THIS IS ABOUT HOPE.

Here are a few practical ways families can begin helping their children move from boredom to engagement with Scripture.

1. Engagement

“Now these Jews were nobler than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.”
— Acts 17:11

Engaging your children and family in Scripture should involve creativity. We have to move beyond the simple “sit-and-read” model of Bible time.

Young children can:

• Draw what they read

• Sculpt scenes from stories

• Journal or doodle prayers

• Act out biblical narratives

Older children and teens might:

• Use a color-coding system in their Bibles

• Keep question journals

• Track themes or promises

• Write reflections or modern-day applications

  BONUS NOTE: Check out the Make a Difference Bible! 

Engagement also happens through conversation.

Your child is far more likely to connect with Scripture when they know:

• They can ask questions

• Express confusion

• Share doubts

• Talk openly about faith

One of the biggest reasons pre-teens and teenagers disengage from both the Bible and their faith is simple:

They don’t know how to talk about it.

These conversations don’t have to happen in formal settings. Some of the best faith discussions occur:

• In the car

• Around the dinner table

• After a movie

• During a walk

• Before bed

Engaging with Scripture doesn’t just happen at home—it also happens within your family’s faith community. Growth is something we do together.

2. Excitement

“The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes.”
— Psalm 19:8

We know the Word of God is inspired (2 Timothy 3:16).
But do our children find it inspiring?

Too often, the Bible becomes reduced to:

• Inspirational sayings

• T-shirt slogans

• Decorative wall art

Instead of something to explore daily.

The truth is—the Bible is interesting.

Children and teens just don’t know it yet.

Scripture is filled with:

• Epic adventures

• Betrayal and redemption

• Wisdom and poetry

• Miracles and mystery

• Courageous heroes

• Deep questions

Sometimes, all it takes is helping them discover those stories for themselves.

You might:

• Read through a story together

• Watch a movie about a biblical character

• Then compare it with the actual biblical account

• Discuss what the film got right—and what it didn’t

Throughout their teenage years, students are already:

• Investigating identity

• Exploring purpose

• Asking deeper questions

• Wrestling with truth

It’s the perfect time to teach them how to study the Bible for themselves.

When they learn now, it creates a lifelong habit—and often, a lifelong excitement—for God’s Word.

There are also many helpful tools available today:

• Traditional translations

• Modern paraphrases

• Graphic novel formats

• Devotionals for kids and teens

• Study Bibles

• Bible apps for every device

Apps like YouVersion have made Scripture more accessible and interactive than ever before—especially for students who are already comfortable with digital learning.

A Final Encouragement for Ministry Leaders

As youth pastors and children’s ministry leaders, we have an incredible opportunity to shape how students see Scripture.

Sometimes, increasing excitement about the Bible begins with:

• Our teaching style

• Our storytelling

• Our creativity

• The way we present Scripture in lessons

When students see that we are excited about God’s Word, they begin to believe that maybe—just maybe—

…it isn’t boring after all.