Philippians 4:13 says, “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” As one of the most commonly searched Bible verses, it has become a motivational slogan for people gearing up to tackle any challenge, like a sports game or a school test. But its true meaning—finding spiritual endurance amidst earthly suffering—is less popular.
With 66 books and endless spiritual lessons, the Bible is often taken out of context, sometimes by the believers who should know it best. It’s all too easy to build a sermon around one inspirational verse, but children’s ministry leaders are called to support children’s growing faith by delivering Scripture in its true meaning.
Let’s explore practical methods church leaders can implement to help kids grasp the context behind the Bible stories they hear each week so they can connect the dots, grow in faith, and marvel at God’s wonder.
Start With the Big Picture
Biblical context is all about understanding the circumstances surrounding a passage of Scripture. For example, understanding that Jeremiah 29:11 was written to a people in exile helps us see God’s promise of long-term hope rather than immediate relief.
To emphasize biblical context, we must show kids that the Bible is not a random collection of disconnected stories, but one big story (in which we have a place!).
First and foremost, the curriculum your ministry uses needs to prioritize context. Wonder Ink’s guide to Bible-based curriculum says each lesson should point kids back to God and should tie to the whole of Scripture without adding to or taking away.
In addition to your ministry’s teaching resources, you can show kids the big picture by:
- Using a visual timeline to illustrate how each lesson connects with others. For example, you may reference a relevant prophecy made in Isaiah during a series on the book of Matthew.
- Reinforce that the Bible is full of true events involving real people. Reference external events, geography, and other contextual elements to place biblical passages in historical records rather than viewing them as a storybook.
- Begin each story with a reminder of preceding events. For example, before discussing the story of Daniel in the lion’s den, remind kids of Daniel’s interpretation of Nebuchadnezzar’s dream.
The bigger picture helps kids see how each part of the Bible fits into an overarching message, whether they’re reading Scripture in your church building or at home on their own. As a result, they’ll become more biblically literate (i.e., able to read and understand Bible passages on their own).
Ask Questions to Prompt Curiosity
Kids are naturally curious, and that’s a great attribute to have when studying Scripture! Instead of simply handing kids the right answer, children’s ministry programs should spark wonder about what each passage really means.
Incorporate thought-provoking questions into each lesson, prompting kids to think critically and consider their own questions about Bible stories. Here are some broadly applicable questions that can encourage kids to think about the context surrounding a passage or story:
- Why do you think this story was written down and included in the Bible?
- What would you have done in this person’s situation?
- How do you think God was working in this story?
Additionally, factor time into your children’s church schedule for kids to ask their own questions about the Scripture you’re studying. Pass around index cards and ask kids to write down at least one question. Then, collect the cards and lead the group in reading and answering each question.
Establishing this ritual during each children’s church time invites kids to self-reflect after reading Scripture and consider their own gaps in understanding. This habit can translate into their personal devotionals at home, leading to deeper learning every time they read their Bibles.
Anchor Vocabulary in Context
Words like “covenant,” “Messiah,” or “prophet” can feel like a foreign language to young learners, but biblical vocabulary is critical for understanding what the author really meant. When leading your children’s ministry program, define key terms and help kids remember them using age-appropriate learning tactics:
- For younger children: Reinforce vocabulary through fun Sunday school games or memorization techniques. Movement and play can make learning fun, and you’ll hold kids’ attention while also helping them remember important information.
- For older kids: Provide deeper context for key definitions, such as offering the original Greek or Hebrew term and explaining what it meant. Revisit these definitions frequently, quizzing kids on their meanings and awarding those who retain the most terms.
Remember to show kids how to find this information on their own, too. Point them to helpful resources for finding relevant definitions. It doesn’t have to be a groundbreaking online tool—just teaching kids how to navigate the index in the back of their Bibles or locate commentaries on specific verses can provide the information they need. You can even create your own “dictionary” for your Sunday school group, composed of the terms your group has covered and any helpful notes for remembering their definitions.
Show Kids Where (And How) They Fit
Biblical context ultimately reveals that Scripture isn’t about us. It’s God’s story, and we’re fortunate to be part of it! By connecting Bible passages to kids’ real lives and helping them understand their identity in light of God’s story, ministry leaders can turn children’s church attendees into more than regular churchgoers, but lifelong followers of Jesus.
Help kids identify the key biblical truths presented in Bible passages so they can draw relevant connections to their own lives. For example, don’t just tell the story of God calling Jonah to go to Nineveh—explain what it means for God to have a will for our lives and to lead us toward that purpose.
When children connect Scripture to their own experiences and spiritual walk, they’ll move beyond biblical knowledge into everyday discipleship and truly grow in their faith.
Teaching biblical context requires a thoughtful shift in how we introduce, explore, and connect Scripture. As a children’s church leader, there are a few steps you can take to prepare for this:
- Browse children’s church lessons to find a curriculum that helps you deliver Scripture with clarity.
- Explain your learning objectives to parents, volunteers, and anyone else who walks alongside the kids in your group.
- Prayerfully consider what the Lord is calling you to teach.
