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Since enthusiasm breeds interest, it's a great idea to get our young people encouraging each other to study the Bible. If some of them are particularly keen on it, set up small groups where they meet together regularly, with the specific aim of studying the Bible and praying together. It could take the form of an optional Bible study meeting for the keenies, or something more informal between just three or four of the group.
You may think it’s appropriate for an adult to lead this group or you may want to leave them to it. The former option allows you to shape a Bible study programme for their needs, whereas the latter encourages them to discover Bible truths more for themselves, without being spoon-fed. It also provides them with an environment where they can honestly share their thoughts, worries, problems and prayer requests with each other, without the embarrassment of having a leader around. This way they start to become accountable to each other, plus there’s an element of excitement if they’re starting up something of their own without adult intervention.
For younger children, new Christians, or those asking questions about Christianity, a one-to-one approach could prove more beneficial. You might like to meet up with them once a week to study the Bible together and pray. This allows you to give the child/young person the spiritual food they specifically need. For example, if they’re not yet a Christian, you could work your way through Mark’s gospel, or perhaps a short evangelistic course (there are several good ones around at the moment including the CY youth edition). If it’s a new Christian you’re meeting with, perhaps Colossians or 1 Peter would be a good starting point. Find out if the person you’re meeting with has any particular issues they want to deal with.
If you do meet up for one-to-one Bible study, try not to be too heavy-handed. Make sure they are comfortable. This might involve showing them how to actually find different parts of the Bible. Or it might mean a few ice-breaking questions before you start. Try to get them to do most of the hard work, so that they discover what the Bible is teaching. Don’t just tell them, but let them work it out for themselves, so that they're truly interacting with God’s word. Then stand back and watch God speaking directly to them.
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.
