Every family has a culture… a way of living. And every family is defined by it.
Not purposely of course. It just sort of happens, first internally as the culture shapes and molds the people within the family and then externally as those around us begin to notice our habits and behaviors.
What words define your family?
Who are you when no one is looking?
What foundation are you building your family on?
Some families gather each Sunday for dinner at grandma’s after church. Some families travel the world in an RV. Some families homeschool, take nature walks, and make their own bread. (<– Note that we are not that kind of homeschooling family!)
All families are beautifully unique. God didn’t create any of us to live cookie-cutter lives or do “all of the things” others do. But He did create us to live intentionally.
He created us to pass down the Gospel to our kids.
Have you ever thought much about the family culture you are creating? Do your kids have the foundation of faith they need in order to thrive in a wicked world? Will they cherish the childhood memories and long to be together?
If you are looking for perfect answers to those questions or a money back guarantee, you’ll be disappointed. But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be intentional about building a family culture rooted in a strong foundation of faith.
There are two key things families need to build that culture. First, spend time in the Word as often as possible. Second, be intentional about thinking through and defining their mission.
I’m super excited to introduce you to a brand new resource that with help you with BOTH of those.
Just like our other popular Bible studies, the Best Family Ever is written to help your family enjoy Bible study together while also laying a strong foundation for independent study and time with God.
If that’s not enough, you’ll also develop a family mission statement as you work together to define YOUR unique family culture, beliefs, and non-negotiables!
If a family Bible study is something you’ve always wanted to do or something you absolutely want to do more, click below and sign up for this FREE 5-day Bible study.
The Purpose of Family Bible Study
When we do family Bible study, it’s important to know and keep our purpose in focus. Are we doing this to impress others? Look holy? Fulfill an obligation? Of course not. But sometimes we can slip into that gray area when we don’t stay focused on why we are really doing this.
When we get down to it, the purpose for Bible study is:
- To know God better by knowing His Word.
- To learn, discern, and share truth.
- To enjoy a deeper relationship with God.
Will our kids remember the purpose? Probably not. So when your kids give lousy answers, pick their noses, fight, or even complain during your family time, keep your purpose in perspective. As parents, we’re planting seeds, trusting that God will one day bring the growth. Don’t imagine that other families are doing a better job. Trust God to take our offering of family Bible study – even if it’s a little messy – and work in the hearts of our kids in His time and ways. He’s faithful!
Our Family Bible Study Format
Our greatest goal with our bible studies is to teach kids how to spend time in the Word on their own. This is a skill that will follow them into adulthood to help them navigate the waters of life according to God’s Word. But of course, kids need direction. That’s where family bible study comes in.
This 5-day study is written for the whole family! And it will serve two main purposes. One, it will give your family purposeful time in the Word, complete with a hands-on activity to solidify the day’s teaching. And two, it will give your kids an introductory taste of what it means to spend time in God’s Word on their own. Win-win.
The study includes four different levels:
- Parent Guide (including personal study, discussion ideas, and a daily family activity)
- Primary (ages 4-7)
- Junior (ages 8-12)
- Youth (ages 12+)
Each day you and your kids will find short but meaningful Bible passages to read and later discuss. There is also a daily family activity that’s both fun and purposeful.
- Day 1: Remember God
- Day 2: Your Treasure
- Day 3: Choose this Day
- Day 4: Who We Are
- Day 5: Family on a Mission
How to Study The Bible as a Family
Often families think the best way to study the Bible together is to sit in a circle and have each person read/answer questions. In truth, this is a good way to feel frustrated. Little kids can get lost and older kids can feel like it’s boring.
In order to meet each person where they are, the actual “study” part should be done on an age-appropriate level. To put it simply, any child over the age of 8 who can read on their own, should be spending some time studying the Bible on their own. Once everyone has had the opportunity to study and process, come together to discuss what you’ve learned. Your conversations will be much richer!
Here’s a breakdown of what that might look like for each age level.
Parent Guide:
The parent guide has two aspects. First, there is a personal study for you. You’ll be studying the same thing as the kids, but it’s tailored to help you think through it as a parent. At the conclusion of each lesson, you’ll also find the central Scripture, key truth, and discussion questions. This section is designed to help you lead the discussion with your kids.
In this free study, there is also a family activity to help you develop your own family mission statement step-by-step!
I recommend that you study on your own before beginning your day. Once everyone has completed the day’s study, it’s time to come together and discuss! Below you’ll find a strategy for working with each age level.
For Kids Ages 4-7:
We recommend that each family member has a book, so go ahead and print one out for your little ones! This helps kids feel like they aren’t too young to be a part. Our Primary level studies are written for this purpose. Mom/Dad reads the lesson out loud to the child and the child responds by answering questions verbally, as well as drawing in the space provided.
In our home, I gather all of the kids in this age level and work together with them while the older kids are studying independently.
For Kids Ages 8-12:
This is the premium age for spiritual growth! These kids are sponges soaking up everything possible about God. Be sure they have their own book so they can move at their own pace and take ownership of what they are learning. Encourage them not to get hung up on things they don’t know. They can ask questions during your family time.
The goal of their independent study is to get them in the Bible for themselves and to think deeply about what they are learning BEFORE anyone else puts ideas into their head. This is truly the key to helping kids have authentic life-changing faith.
For Teens Ages 12 and Up:
If you try to think for your teens, you’ll quickly find yourself frustrated. God has uniquely designed this age group to challenge ideas, discern truth, and fight for what they believe. Now is the time to make sure they have many great tools at their fingertips.
Studying independently will provide the opportunity for them to read God’s Word themselves and think through what they believe before discussing it. If you’ve ever felt like your teens weren’t engaged this is why. They need to study and grasp on their own before they can contribute to a discussion, much like you and I!
How to Get Started with Your Free Bible Study
If a family Bible study is something you’ve always wanted to do or something you absolutely want to do more, click below and sign up for this FREE 5-day Bible study.
Our goal is to help you get your feet wet while coming alongside you step-by-step, so your journey is a success. The Best Family Ever is written to help your family develop the habit of Bible study together while also laying a strong foundation for independent study.
If that’s not enough, you’ll also develop a family mission statement as you work together to define YOUR unique family culture, beliefs, and non-negotiables!
No family is perfect. No family gathering is perfect – even if it’s called “Bible study.” But every family can be in the process of becoming a family that loves the Lord and loves one another. This simple Bible study is another step in that process of becoming a family who truly honors the Lord.
Get a Copy of the Free Bible Study Today!
To get your copy of The Best Family Ever bible study, fill out the form below. The study will be sent straight to your email inbox. We’re so excited to hear how the Lord uses it in your family’s life!
Other Family Resources:
If you’d like some other faith-inspiring tips and ideas, check out some of our most popular posts.
Through practical tools & Bible-based resources, Kim Sorgius is dedicated to helping your family GROW in faith so you can be Not Consumed by life’s struggles. Author of popular kid’s devotional Bible studies and practical homeschooling tools, Kim has a master’s degree in education and curriculum design coupled with over 2 decades of experience working with kids and teens. Above all, her most treasured job is mother and homeschool teacher of four amazing kiddos.
Crystal says
What bible version do you use in your studies?
Star Kirby says
Hi Crystal! The studies themselves don’t have the scripture printed in them. We use the reference so that kids can look up that scripture and see what the Bible says for themselves!! The bonus fun kit that comes with the softcover version does include scripture cards written in ESV.