Deuteronomy 6:6–7 gives fathers a clear assignment: teach God’s Word to your children when you sit down, when you walk, when you lie down, and when you wake up. That is not a suggestion for the spiritually gifted. It is a call for every dad. A family Bible study is one of the most direct ways to fulfill it, and it does not require a seminary degree or a perfectly behaved household to pull off.
Key Takeaways
- Dads Are Called to Lead This: Scripture places the primary responsibility for teaching God’s Word on fathers, which means family Bible study starts with you, not the church.
- Weekly Is the Goal: Committing to one consistent family Bible study per week is a realistic starting point and builds the kind of rhythm that shapes kids over time.
- Keep It Simple: The best family Bible study plans focus on the Word, prayer, and honest conversation, not elaborate preparation or perfect execution.
- Let the Kids Talk: Family Bible study lessons land deeper when kids are given space to engage, ask questions, and say what resonates with them.
- This Is Discipleship: Regular time in Scripture together is one of the most practical ways a dad can raise kids who own their faith rather than just inherit it.
What Is the Point of Family Bible Studies?
A family Bible study is more than a devotional. It is a regular, intentional time where parents and kids go deeper into what God says about following Him in the world. Bible study plans come in different shapes and use a variety of methods. Some follow the SOAP approach: Scripture, observation, application, and prayer. Others use frameworks like PLANT: prepare your heart, learn from God’s Word, ask questions, name a relevant truth, and take action.
Whatever method you use, the goal is the same. You are a disciple and a disciple-maker, and your family is your primary mission field. Making your home a place of prayer and Scripture is not a program. It is a posture.
How Often Should Families Study the Bible Together?
Once a week is a realistic and sustainable starting point for most families. Pick a consistent night, protect it on the calendar, and treat it like any other standing commitment. Sunday evenings after church work well for many families because the material is still fresh. Others prefer a weeknight when the pace is slower.
The goal is not perfection. Miss a week, get back on track. What matters is building a rhythm that your kids will remember long after they leave your house. Deuteronomy 6 does not describe a once-a-year event. It describes a way of life. A weekly family Bible study is how you start building that.
Where to Start: 10 Family Bible Study Plans
As you think about leading a family Bible study, keep things simple. Focus on the Word and prayer. Talk about how your family can apply Scripture in practical ways. And make sure you are not doing all the talking. Give your kids room to dig in and share what resonates with them. Here are ten resources to get you started.
1. YouVersion Bible App
The YouVersion Bible App has a wide variety of family Bible study plans that allow you to focus on the basics while still getting into the depth of God’s Word. It is free, accessible, and easy to use on a phone or tablet, which makes it a practical starting point for most families.
2. The Truth About Temptation (Today in the Word)
This daily devotional from Today in the Word walks families through what Scripture says about temptation in a format that is accessible and discussion-friendly. It is a solid option for families who want to tackle this difficult topic.
3. Homegrown
Homegrown, by Josh and Christi Straub, takes families through the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22–23. It speaks directly to parents while also including activities that help kids interact with Scripture and understand what the Spirit’s fruit looks like in everyday life.
4. Object Lessons
Few things keep kids engaged in family Bible study lessons like a good object lesson. Everyday objects can illustrate biblical truth in ways that stick. There are plenty of “Bible Seeker” curricula found on Christianbook that often offer hands-on object lessons that are easy to shape into a family study.
5. Sunday School and Wednesday Night Reviews
Children’s ministry curriculum often comes with parent guides that allow families to review and go deeper into what kids learned at church. If your church offers these tools, they are a quick and natural way to launch a weekly family Bible study without starting from scratch.
6. Manhood Journey 1-on-1 Bible Studies
If you want to go deeper with your son specifically, the Manhood Journey 1-on-1 Bible Study Bundle is designed for fathers studying Scripture one-on-one with their son. It is a focused, relationship-building approach that complements your weekly family study and gives your son dedicated time in the Word with you.
7. Advent Studies
The weeks leading up to Christmas are one of the most natural times to start a family Bible study. Many churches and sites like Lifeway Kids offer free Advent family guides. If this sounds like a good entry point, talk with your pastor or children’s minister about using a shared study to connect families in your congregation during the season.
8. Topical Studies
Many family Bible study plans zero in on specific themes and challenges in family life. One plan from Not Consumed teaches siblings how to relate to one another in Christlike ways. Topical studies may require a little research to find the right fit, but they are effective because they address what your family is going through.
9. The Bible Made Easy for Kids
This family Bible study guide by Dave Strehler walks kids through the major biblical stories in a way they can understand and apply. While the content focuses on children, parents can use it to guide conversations and lead the study for the whole family.
10. Manhood Journey Group Bible Studies
For dads who want to study alongside other men and their sons while also leading at home, the Manhood Journey group Bible studies are built specifically for men who want to go deeper in Scripture together. Studying with other dads and their sons sharpens your own understanding and gives you more to bring back to your family each week.
The Bottom Line
Starting a family Bible study does not require the perfect curriculum, the perfect night, or a perfectly cooperative household. It requires a dad who is willing to open the Bible with his family on a regular basis and trust God to do the rest. That kind of consistent investment in family Bible study lessons is one of the clearest ways a father can disciple his children and point them toward a faith they will carry long after they have left home.
Related Questions
How do you start a Bible study with your family?
Pick a consistent time each week, choose a simple family Bible study plan, open with prayer, read a passage together, and ask your kids what they noticed and how it applies to their lives.
What is a powerful Bible verse about family?
Deuteronomy 6:6–7 is one of the clearest: it calls parents to teach God’s Word to their children in every part of daily life, not just in formal settings.
What Bibles should Christians not read?
Christians should avoid heretical works, such as the New World Translation used by Jehovah’s Witnesses, which alters key passages to fit a different theology.
What is a good book of the Bible to read as a family?
The Gospel of Mark is a strong starting point for families because it is fast-paced, action-driven, and gives a clear picture of who Jesus is and what He came to do.
