The simplest way to encourage regular Bible reading is to promote daily Bible reading notes. Do some reconnaissance work to find Bible notes that are suitable for the age range in your group. Most important is finding notes that teach the Bible faithfully, that encourage the reader to interact with God’s word and apply it to their lives. That’s much more important than finding ones that look the part.
If you’ve got the funds, buy everyone in your group an issue to get them started. If you haven’t got the cash, maybe a few people in your church will sponsor subscriptions. It’s a good way for older church members to get involved with children and young people in your church, and it provides a link between them. Maybe they’ll even ask them how they’re getting along with the notes (there’s nothing wrong with a little friendly pressure).
The reason why Bible reading notes are so good is that they encourage children and young people to read the Bible regularly. Hopefully, the notes will also take them through different books of the Bible, explaining the tough parts along the way, and highlighting the specific relevance of God’s word to their lives. Remember there are horses for courses, so not everyone will take to the notes you choose, and you might have to try a different approach with them.
Try to emphasise that they needn’t worry if they miss a few days or weeks. They can pick it up and start again. It doesn’t matter whether or not they’re reading the notes allocated for that specific day, as long as they are reading the Bible. And if those notes aren’t working for them, maybe it’s time to try something else.
If a number of children/young people in your group are regularly reading their Bibles, get them to feed back what they’ve read or learned that week. Perhaps you could prime someone different every week to report on what they’ve been reading, and to share some of what God has taught them. This will encourage them to read the Bible and hopefully will encourage others in the group to give it a go too. It might even spark off discussions and questions about specific passages or certain teaching in the Bible. Enthusiasm breeds interest.
And do check back on Friday for some great offers on daily Bible reading notes!
Martin Cole was a staff writer at The Good Book Company for many years working on Discover and Engage. He now works for a children's charity. Martin is married to Kirsty and has two children. He is a passionate lifelong supporter of Chesterfield FC.
