I can still remember my stomach churning and palms sweating as I stood with a few of my friends in front of my home church, a tall 10-year-old girl in her first Bible Drill. Although that was many (I won’t say HOW many) years ago, the Bible skills I learned as a child founded a lifetime of experiences with the Word of God. Bible skills are an essential element of Explore the Bible: Kids and each session contains a Bible skills activity to help leaders guide children through Bible discovery. Below are a few of the reasons we believe Bible skills are essential to Explore the Bible: Kids.
1. Experience the Word. From babies touching the pages as a leader reads a verse to older kids learning about the five Ws of each Bible book, it is important that the Bible becomes a comfortable, regular part of kids’ lives. We want kids to know that they can do more than read the Bible. The Bible speaks for itself and they can experience it daily.
2. Navigate the Word. 66 books, 10 divisions, 6 genres, 2 Testaments—Do you remember learning these for the first time? This can be a difficult task for some kids. But knowing the basic information of the Bible books and implementing and practicing these skills can jumpstart a life-long journey through the Scriptures. (Hint: The song “Shine on Me” found on the Enhanced CD and Worship Kit is a great tool to help kids memorize the Books of the Bible.)
3. Know the Word. The Word of God is living and active. Scripture interprets itself, and it is important that kids realize that the Bible is its own best commentary. Kids can experience the Word of God as one story of redemption. Knowing Bible skills helps kids know the Bible, what it is about, who it is about, and how to properly read it in its context.
4. Apply the Word. Once kids are able to experience, study, and know the Word of God, they are able to apply it to their lives. We want the Word to dwell deeply. We want them to know that they can trust it, love it, and live it.
Kids today experience trials and temptations never before faced. We want to provide kids with the skills necessary to dig deep into the Word of God and seek out His truths from Scripture. And once learned, these skills last a lifetime!