Are Our Children Bible Illiterate?
There have been many studies in the past 10-15 years regarding the downward slide of the illiteracy of our children in relationship to God and the Bible. Statistics make a frightening show of facts showing that our children are disinterested in God and the Bible. And if children are not interested in the Bible, in a relationship with God, in reading the Bible—how will they grow up and become interested in attending church, serving others, teaching and preaching God’s Word to others, and being the spiritual leaders in their homes?
Let’s start first by defining Biblical literacy. Too often it is defined as knowing the answers to Bible trivia. Not a bad start. But Biblical literacy goes way farther than that. An accurate definition of Biblical literacy includes a combination of knowledge of the facts, regular study and discussion of Bible passages, experience and age of the learner, understanding of the whole picture of the Bible, and even emotional connection to the Bible.
So, let’s apply that definition to Biblical Literacy for kids. Biblical literacy today is a child’s ability to be “at home” with Scripture-- to be comfortable using the Bible and talking about it. A biblical literate child will know how to read the Bible in context and the keys to understanding Scripture. A child should see the Bible as a source of comfort, joy, and answers to their problems. Most importantly, children should see the Bible as God’s story and their story intertwined.
Some will take the stand that facts of the Bible are not necessary for real Biblical literacy. Do we really need to know that it took 6 days for Creation to be completed, or that Noah took 2 animals (male and female) of each kind onto the ark, or that Jesus fed a group of 5000 men plus women and children with 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish? Do the details really matter? Yes, yes, yes! Knowing the stories in the Bible is absolutely necessary to seeing the entire Bible as God’s story. But, knowing the facts is just a stepping stone of seeing God’s hand in His care for His children, of His omniscience and omnipotence, and His desire for each of us to be in a personal relationship with Him.
Biblical literacy starts with the Bible. And if kids don’t open a Bible at church, will they open the Bible in their home? Using the Bible in church and in the home should be the number one focus for any type of children’s ministry and parent-led responsibility in the home. Too often it is easier to turn on a video about a Bible story, than opening the Bible and reading the passage. We need to be better.
Biblical literacy is also a process that involves heart transformation. Children need a place where they can respond to God’s Word. “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God (God-breathed) and is a trustworthy source for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17 The Scripture will change lives! In order for that to happen, the Bible needs to be a part of everyday life. It needs to be natural; it needs to be a priority. Reading, studying, talking about, memorizing, and enjoying the Bible should be as practical as taking time to brush teeth, do the dishes, and feeding the dog. It should be part of daily, family life—not as a chore, but as a necessity.
Formal teaching of God’s Word also happens at church. Listening to a sermon, attending a Pathways class, memorizing Scripture at Awana—all of these are great way to up your child’s literacy. Here at our church, we have lots of opportunities for our kids to increase their Bible literacy. I believe the biggest “church” influence in my life was that Sunday morning Sunday School class where I had a complete overview of the Bible in 3-5 years with learning the Old Testament stories, digging into the Psalms, analyzing Christ’s miracles, finding out about the beginning of the Church, learning the doctrines of our faith through the letters of the apostles, peaking my interest in the events of the end times.
Today we have competent teachers in our Children’s ministry for Sunday Pathway classes, Children’s Church, Awana, and Vacation Bible School. Bring your kids to church. Have them learn the Bible. Set them up to be Bible learners, not Biblically illiterate.
Because Kids Matter to God,
Your Children’s Ministry Director
Shari Coelho