
As children’s ministry leaders, we carry the incredible responsibility of helping the next generation grow in their understanding of God’s Word. But when it comes to teaching the Bible, there’s often a tension we feel between teaching Bible skills and teaching Bible truths. Which is more important? Where should we focus our time?
First, what’s the difference?
Bible skills are the practical tools that help kids navigate and understand the Bible. These include knowing the books of the Bible, knowing how the Bible is organized (testaments, books, chapters, etc.), understanding how to find chapters and verses, and sometimes even recognizing different genres of Scripture (e.g., history, poetry, prophecy) or learning how to use a concordance or cross-references (for older kids).
On the other hand, Bible truths are the foundational principles and spiritual truths found in Scripture. These are the big-picture lessons about who God is, who we are in Christ, and how we are called to live. Bible truths are often the “main point” or the “big idea” for your lesson – the thing you want kids to walk away remembering.
I’ve seen some conversations around how technology has changed the Bible skills kids need, and I agree to some extent. It’s less important now for kids to memorize the books of the Bible in order when they (and their parents) are often looking up the verse on their Bible app or even just googling it. The resources available today make some Bible skills less necessary. That’s not a bad thing, but it doesn’t eliminate the need for us to teach Bible skills completely.
Both Bible skills and Bible truths are essential for helping kids grow in their faith. But here’s the thing: they’re not meant to be taught in isolation. Too often, one focus is elevated over the other, giving the kids in our ministries an imbalance of faith development.
Think of it like this: teaching Bible truths without Bible skills is like handing kids a treasure chest without giving them the key. They may know the Bible is full of incredible truths, but they won’t know how to find or explore them for themselves.
On the flip side, teaching Bible skills without Bible truths is like giving kids a key with no treasure chest. They might know how to navigate the Bible, but if they’re not learning the life-changing truths within it, they’ll miss the whole point.
When we teach both Bible skills and Bible truths, we empower kids to not only understand Scripture but also engage with it personally and live it out practically. We’re equipping them for a lifelong faith journey.
So how do we strike this balance? Here are a few practical ways:
- Incorporate Skills into Truth Lessons (and Vice Versa) – During your regular Bible lessons, include opportunities for kids to practice Bible skills. For example, when telling the story of David and Goliath, have kids find the passage in 1 Samuel, or at least ask them if they think 1 Samuel is in the Old or New Testament. Or when choosing a memory verse or a verse for a child to look up in their Bible, choose one with an important Biblical truth, like Deuteronomy 31:6.
- Use Engaging Activities – Make learning fun! Turn Bible skills into games, like Bible book races or verse scavenger hunts, and then follow up with a discussion about the truths behind the verses they find. This keeps kids excited about engaging with Scripture while also giving them the time and space to process the truths they find. (We’ve got lots of Bible skills games and resources here!)
- Celebrate Progress – Encourage kids as they grow in both skills and truths. Celebrate when a child memorizes the books of the Bible or a new verse, and also celebrate when they share how a Bible truth impacted their week. This shows them that both are valued.
When we teach Bible skills and Bible truths together, we equip kids to encounter God’s Word in a way that transforms their lives. We’re not just giving them head knowledge or heart knowledge—we’re giving them a holistic approach to engaging with Scripture.
As you plan your next lessons, take a moment to evaluate: Are you teaching both Bible skills and Bible truths? If not, what’s one small step you can take to bring balance to your teaching? It doesn’t have to be perfect—just intentional.
One Comment
great insight, wish it was downloadable to use for training