3 simple steps for starting a Bible study for kids

Just do it. Nike coined that phrase as their slogan in the late ’80s. Those three words were somehow phenomenal for selling shoes. They also answer the question almost every Christian dad asks, “How do I start a bible study with my kids?” Just do it. Obviously, that’s a bit of an oversimplification, but only a bit.

Many dads hesitate to start a Bible study with their kids because they let the word “enough” trip them up. My kids aren’t old enough or ready enough. We don’t have enough time. I don’t know enough about God or the Bible. None of those things are true.

However old your kids are, they are the perfect age to hear about God.

You can always find a way to make time for what’s important to you.

Because you’re a Christian, you know God and have the Holy Spirit Who can give you the words to say (Luke 12:12)—this verse is in reference to disciples being thrown on trial before religious leaders to defend Christ, which may be precisely how you will feel about trying to teach your kids the Bible.

Here are 3 simple steps to start a Bible study with your kids:

Step #1: Pick a day and time.
Step #2: Keep it simple.
Step #3: Be Consistent.

Step #1: Pick a day and time.

I get it, you’re busy. But somewhere in that weekly family calendar is 10-15 minutes you can set aside for family Bible study. We’re not an early morning family, so we meet on Thursday nights just before bed. Pick a day and time that fits your family, then tell your kids. Now they know. Expectations are set. It’s happening.

Step #2: Keep it simple.

You don’t need a three-point sermon outline that starts with the same letter to lead your kids. They’ll probably enjoy it more if you don’t. As long as you include prayer, Scripture, and conversation, you’ve got everything you need. Just having your kids hear you—their father—pray, read the Bible, and talk about Who God is, will be impactful.

If you still feel a little unsteady about this, there is no shortage of age-appropriate Christian curriculum or Bible studies to help you out. We used The Jesus Storybook Bible when our girls were younger, and it was great. The Art of Survival has been awesome now that they are older. Your church’s children and youth ministries probably even send stuff out weekly as follow-ups to what they’re teaching. Those could be great aids to use. You could also simply share what God is teaching you in your personal devotional time.

Step #3: Be Consistent.

Just keep going. If the first time stinks, keep going. Was the second one bad too? Try again next week. It’ll get better. You’ll find your groove. The Holy Spirit will move. As long as you try to keep this time a priority week after week, you will make a difference in your kids’ spiritual lives. You may not give them a seminary experience each week, but they’ll learn the importance of God in their lives and yours.