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Getting Kids Into God's Word by Bill Emeott

Jodi Skulley-January 18, 2011-Comments (0)

We're thrilled to have Kids Ministry 101 blogger Bill Emeott as our guest blogger today! Since 2003 Bill has served as the Lead Childhood Ministry Specialist for LifeWay. His passions include childhood ministry leadership training and development, leading children’s Bible Study, and being an Uncle! Bill has been teaching children at First Baptist Nashville for seven years. He has some great insight into getting kids into God's Word! Check it out!

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I think one of the most important things parents do is help equip boys and girls to live out their faith, day by day. It’s called DISCIPLESHIP and I’m afraid that many parents have given this responsibility over to the church and are simply hoping/praying that their kids will somehow grow up to be a Christ follower, a mature believer… a Disciple!

It’s really not all that difficult … and to tell you the truth, it’s a whole lot of fun … but somewhere along the way, we’ve lost the “time” to really disciple kids. I’ve often said that children are the greatest blessing in the life of a family. That’s true; BUT WITH EVERY BLESSING COMES RESPONSIBILITY and I believe that parents (partnering with the church) must take on their responsibility to disciple boys and girls not only to conversion but to become growing followers of Jesus (disciples).

So where do you start?
Perhaps the most important part of the disciple-making challenge is helping kids to learn the value of reading God’s Word on a regular basis. The challenge includes not only reading, but learning what they read means (both literally and to them personally). After the hearing and the knowing, we want boys and girls to understand personal application and what that scripture is telling them to do. They cannot know if they have not heard (or read) and they will not do if they don’t understand.

Encourage, lead, teach, and yes, disciple kids to get into God’s Word. Help them know the value of having a daily time with God. Equip them with the tools that will allow them to be all that God plans for them to be.

Bottom Line: If we never teach kids to hear God’s Word for themselves (read and understand what they are reading), it becomes more difficult for them to join God in His plan for their lives.

May I recommend these daily devotional resources for kids:
1st & 2nd Graders: More
3rd & 4th Graders: Adventure
Preteen 5th & 6th Graders: Bible Express

What are some ways you encourage your child to spend time in God's Word?