If you have ever been involved in children’s ministry for any period of time, you will realize how diverse and rich the Word of God can really be. Bible stories are simply the best tools we can use in teaching the Word. The Bible is full of drama, heroism, tragedy and redemption. One of the basic qualities of children’s ministry is learning how to shift through all of these stories and use them to apply to our students’ lives. How exactly can Jonah and the whale relate to 6 year-olds? Or what kind of message do we want our fifth graders to get from Samson’s hair? It is not simply teaching a story, but it is making that story jump off the pages and into their lives that really counts.
These are three basic guidlines to use when teaching a story:
1. Find your character
You can find several lessons from just one Bible story. Take the Prodigal Son in Luke 15 for example. The young son ran away from home and soon realized the only place he’d find love was in his father’s arms. He ran back home, and we see that his father was waiting the whole time his son was gone. He wasn’t critical or mad at his son, he was just simply waiting for him to return. You can then use this point of view and tell the children that no matter what’ve they done or said, Jesus isn’t mad. He’s not going to blame you or turn you away, all He is simply doing is waiting for you to come to Him.
I can then use this same story in another lesson and talk about the older brother. The young son came back and everybody had a party. The oldest son was so upset because he had been so faithful and obedient but yet there was never a party for him. The father took his oldest son to the side and reminded him that everything he ever needed was right there. All he had to do was ask. You can then take this message and show the children who have been in church that everything they ever need is right in the Father’s house. They don’t have to go outside of their Father’s arms to find love or joy. Living for Christ is the most rewarding thing they will ever do.
If you notice, I just taught two different lessons from the same story. The difference is I chose two different characters. When teaching a bible story, find your message and use the character to base that lesson around. What character are you focusing on? If there is only main character in the story, then ask yourself, “What point of view or theme do I want to get across?”
2. Focus on your message
Remember, you do not have to teach the whole story! Yes, there will be times when you will want your students to learn the entire story, but most of the time you will want to focus on a simple thought rather than the surrounding facts. In the first lesson on the prodigal son, I didn’t even mention the older son. It wasn’t my focus. I was then able to focus on the older son in my next lesson, and was able to teach a completely different side of the story. Once you know your main thought, use the story to build around your message.
3. Be sensitive
The Word of God is the most powerful thing you will ever teach your students. Everytime you prepare a lesson, ask God to direct your words. Ask God to use your message to speak where your students are right now. You are going to have children that can relate to the prodigal son and you’re going to have those that can relate to both characters. Spend time in prayer and be sensitive to what God would have you say. Don’t just go through the motions, but allow the Holy Ghost to guide your every step. When you do this, the story becomes more than a story. It becomes alive and it can change your students forever.
