In 2024, the American Bible Society released a “State of the Bible” survey. A shocking 57% of adults in America responded that they don’t engage with the Bible. The scriptures compete for attention in a time-starved world, and the consequences are unpleasant.

Engaging with the Bible can reassure you of God’s love and support in this stressful world. The timeless tales have plenty of pertinent lessons even for the contemporary world. Love and forgiveness top the list. Participating in Bible lessons can bring you together with the community and promote spiritual growth.

We recommend these ideas to add more intrigue and warmth to your usual Bible classes. Jesus, who always advocated joy, would have approved.

Make Study Sessions Fun For Children

If you’ve started teaching the Bible to young children, you have a rewarding but challenging path ahead. Kids can fall in love with Jesus in a wink, but they need a push to concentrate on the chapters.

The International Network of Children’s Ministry recommends enlivening things with art, videos, and Legos. Take a leaf from the kindergarten teacher’s book and use props and visual aids to share the stories. You could make it a bedtime or breakfast routine, slowly transforming this time into something the kids eagerly await

Another guideline is using simple language to avoid overwhelming children. Kids’ attention spans will struggle to accommodate too much information. It can be understandably hard for them to see why everyone must be guilty because of a sin Adam committed.

Until your children are old enough to discuss complicated concepts, consider classically “fun” tales like Noah’s Ark or Daniel in the Lion’s Den. Usually, children enjoy learning about the animals in the Bible: the abundant sheep, the cheetahs, and the deadly crocodile.

The Creation story that happened over seven glorious days is another eternal choice. These tales have beautiful lessons: not doubting God and trusting in his power.

Refer To Customized Study Material For Your Group

Your approach to studying the Bible can change with time. How you view Jesus as a middle-aged man might differ diametrically from your ideas as a teenager. It is only logical that the books you select should reflect these altered mental states.

Many beginners enhance their understanding of the Bible at church ministries and Sunday school groups. When choosing textbooks for Bible studies, explore customized options for your social group, age, and life stage. It will let you make the most of the book’s gifts.

A simple but effective idea is to let authors like Priscilla Shirer and Matt Chandler guide you with their immensely readable books. Consult texts tailored to your needs, like understanding scripture stories or tackling personal issues. It could be as simple as finding love and belonging.

Lifeway recommends exploring books from the Old and New Testaments that align with your church’s context. You should pick a curriculum adapted to the needs of its audience, from kids and adults to mercurial teenagers. 

Consider Formal Biblical Education

You can enroll in a graduate or postgraduate program to pursue religious education. You may select an elective focused on the gospels, the historical context, or Paul’s letters. 

Pursuing advanced studies can help you interpret the Bible in a real-world setting. Some prefer digital material like video sessions and personal study guides. These formats are flexible, letting you pace spiritual understanding with everyday demands.

Scholars have several career options, from professors to administrators of publishing companies. You can take up editorial roles focused on religion, culture, and theology.

Dig Deeper Into Ambiguities Around Biblical Reading

As you progress in your religious studies, you may find issues that divide people and cause doubts. For example, can women lead these teachings as senior pastors or deacons?

Christianity Today reports that most pastors in different denominational groups agree that women can be ministers to children and teenagers. They can also become adult study teachers at church. But a few pastors have different interpretations. Their apprehensions stem from Apostle Paul’s instructions about these roles.

Interestingly, the US Catholic argues for distinguishing between a historical record and a moral parable since both appear in the Bible. It asks for faith in the long-term research by Bible scholars while ensuring that these lessons promote justice and peace.

So, how can the Bible reach out to skeptics? An insightful New York Times feature notes how, as of 2023, more Gen Z men than women express affiliation with a church. It could be because young men seek leadership, clarity, and meaning. 

On the other hand, many women were traumatized by the #MeToo revelations. Are there concrete ways to reignite lost faith in people who have undergone such difficult life situations?

These are the kinds of issues you can help to clarify once you become a scholar in this field. It will entail discipline around reading the scriptures and noting the intention and the subtext.

Spiritual growth is a process; one can argue it is never a destination. Reading the Bible and imbibing its essence into everyday life can make you happier, calmer, and more connected to the world. Whether you are starting or are an expert, here’s wishing you an enlightening and wholesome journey.