5 Engaging Ways to Get Your Teen Interested in the Bible

Teenagers often struggle to see how ancient texts relate to their modern lives. By connecting biblical stories to situations your teen faces, he or she can see that the Bible is really relevant. For example, the story of David and Goliath in 1 Samuel chapter 17 shows how faith in God empowers people to face gigantic and overwhelming challenges. Ask your teen about the “Goliaths” in his or her life. Are they facing peer pressure, anxiety, academic stress, or something else that’s especially challenging? Discuss how David’s confidence came from his trust in God’s power rather than from his own limited human strength.

Another powerful story to discuss together is Joseph’s journey from betrayal to redemption (Genesis chapters 39-41). Joseph endured being sold into slavery by his brothers, being put in prison unjustly, and years of uncertainty about his future. Yet Joseph trusted God and worked to discover and fulfill God’s good purposes for his life. That ultimately led to his rise as a leader who saved many lives during a famine. Encourage your teen to see parallels in his or her own life. You can emphasize how setbacks and disappointments can lead to growth and blessings when your teen sees them through the lens of faith. As you talk about God’s plans, you can discuss Jeremiah 29:11-13, where God talks about his good plans and encourages praying and seeking him: “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.’”

Use real-life situations from your teen’s life to talk about these promises from God. Another powerful story to discuss is Jesus calming the storm (Mark 4:35-41). Ask your teen to imagine himself or herself in the boat with the disciples. How would it feel to hear Jesus say: “Quiet! Be still!”? Reflect on how your teen can peace by trusting God in any stressful situation. Help your teen see that the Bible is filled with relatable, real-life lessons that address every part of your teen’s life – from managing stress to building relationships. Invite your teen to share their thoughts about the inspiration and guidance in these stories.

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Doing service work together is one of the most practical ways to show your teen how biblical wisdom can come alive in our world. It can help your teen experience God’s power at work firsthand and understand Jesus’ teachings more personally. Start by identifying opportunities to serve. Ask God to show you how to help others in ways that meet the needs that are close to your teen’s heart.

For example, if your teen is passionate about environmental sustainability, volunteer to clean up one of your local parks together. Or, if your teen loves to cook, serve at a local food bank together. Let your teen choose the service work you take on together, and help you plan it, as well. If possible, try to serve on a regular basis rather than just as a one-time service project. After each time you serve alongside your teen, reflect together on Jesus’ words in Matthew 25:40: “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”

Discuss how serving others is a way to serve Jesus himself. Point out how a lifestyle of kindness has lasting positive impacts, both for those served and for the people offering service. Remind your teen of Colossians 3:23: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” This verse highlights how everyday acts of kindness – like helping a sibling or classmate or doing chores – are important ways of serving God. Serving with your teen reinforces the Bible’s call to live out faith through action. As your teen does so, he or she can experience the Bible’s living, active guidance in powerful ways.

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Introduce your teen to Bible apps that offer interactive reading plans, daily devotionals, and multimedia features. These apps often have customizable reminders to help them stay consistent in their Bible study. Suggest Bible-based podcasts or YouTube channels where engaging speakers discuss scripture in ways that relate to modern issues. Consider recommending a podcast or video about Bible verses that point to the Bible’s power, such as Psalm 119:105 (“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”) and Hebrews 4:12 (“For the Word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”).

Interactive tools like Bible trivia apps or quizzes can also make learning the Bible enjoyable. Your teens can challenge friends or family members to take Bible quizzes together. Encourage your teen to explore praise and worship music based on Bible verses, as well, through streaming playlists or elsewhere online. Songs based on scripture can help them connect with the Bible in emotional and memorable ways. Make it as fun and creative as you can for your teen to learn more about the Bible through technology and media. The more you do so, the more it will feel like an engaging part of their daily routines rather than an awkward obligation. 

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Give your whole family regular opportunities to talk about the Bible together. Try to host a weekly family Bible study or devotion time every week, where each family member takes turns leading discussions or reading passages. Include creative activities like games and music. When you can, discuss Bible verses that talk about young people, such as Proverbs 22:6: “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.” Reflect on how your family’s values and spiritual practices are helping you all grow closer to God, and share stories of how God has worked in each of your lives lately.

Ask your teen to share what aspects of faith are most meaningful to him or her, and discuss ways to incorporate those into your family’s traditions. Also, come up with ways of bringing biblical culture to life together. For example, cook dinner together and prepare a meal inspired by a Bible story – such as lentil stew with unleavened bread, while discussing the story of Esau and Jacob (Genesis 25:29-34). This can help you all connect the Bible to your everyday activities, which can help encourage your teen to apply biblical truth to his or her life more. Encourage your teen to share his or her own insights or questions about the Bible during your family activities. Try to listen more than you talk, so help your teen know that you value his or her thoughts and feelings about the Bible passages you’re discussing.

If your teen hesitates to participate much in family discussions, consider creating a question jar where family members can anonymously submit questions about the Bible or other faith topics for open discussion. This can create a safe and welcoming environment for talking together. Also, find opportunities to participate in church or community events as a family. Shared experiences like a Bible quiz night, a faith-based movie outing, or a service project to help people in need can reinforce the importance of living out biblical values in your family’s identity. Over time, these activities can become traditions in your family that your teen looks forward to enjoying with you all.

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Teens often connect well with concepts that spark their curiosity. If you present the Bible to them in ways that emphasize God’s wonder and give them opportunities to explore that wonder using their creativity, they should pay attention. Discuss awe-inspiring Bible stories (such as Jesus’ miracles) and thought-provoking Bible verses about God’s wonderful work (such as Psalm 65:8: “The whole earth is filled with awe at your wonders; where morning dawns, where evening fades, you call forth songs of joy.”). Do activities together that help you experience God’s wonder, such as taking a nature walk and paying attention to how creation shows you more about the Creator. Ask your teen to create something about a wonderful experience they’ve had – a song, a poem, a drawing, or something else that expresses the experience in creative ways.

You could also discuss God’s mysteries together, and if you do, be sure to listen more than you talk. Aim to understand your teen’s perspective rather than preaching to him or her. Let your teen know that it’s okay to have doubts and to ask questions. Encourage him or her to keep seeking God in all situations – including the ones they don’t understand. You can also encourage your teen to keep a gratitude journal, highlighting how they see God at work day by day. That can help your teen develop a habit of seeking God and thanking God, day by day.

Another idea is to encourage your teen to imagine the scenes and emotions in wondrous Bible stories, such as the parting of the Red Sea (Exodus 14). What might it feel like to walk through high walls of water on a path that suddenly opens up? What would your teen say to Moses or the others experiencing the miracle? Reflecting on amazing Bible stories can help your teen connect to those personally and inspire him or her to seek our wonderful God more. 

In conclusion, getting your teen interested in the Bible may seem challenging, but with loving creativity, you can help your teen discover its relevance in his or her life. Be patient and keep praying for God to open your teen’s heart and mind to his Word.   Remind your teen that spiritual growth is an ongoing journey that can bring him or her many blessings. As you keep reaching out to your teen, you can help your teen enjoy a relationship with the Bible that connects him or her powerfully to God!

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