A Story Our Kids Need to Hear
One of the most specific instructions the Bible gives parents about teaching their children is also one of the most neglected. I and my family are spending some time in…Read more
Bible teaching
The Gospel in… a Puppet Story?
Can a puppet story explain the deeper aspects of the good news of Jesus? This one seemed to help. With summer ended, I’m looking back on a season of teaching…Read more
Recapturing a Wonder at Jesus
Too easily, the wonder of the gospel gets lost. Here’s how an 11-year-old at summer camp helped me find it again. The summer camp season is here, and I’m busy…Read more
Why Believers Obey God
Motivation matters to a Bible teacher. We need to know why our students—or anyone—would decide to obey God. There are an increasing number of Bible teachers (myself included) who say…Read more
What’s Better for Kids than Self-Esteem?
The gospel says there are two things we need to know about ourselves. Together, they produce a dynamic far greater than self-esteem. One difference between a gospel mindset and a worldly one…Read more
A Bible Lesson for the Teacher
It’s a familiar lesson, I thought. Perfect for the kids. But it turns out that this lesson (about gold) may have even more to say to teachers. On Sunday I…Read more
The Three Approaches to Serving God
I’ll bet you recognize these mind-sets. If you or your kids try to obey God, you’ll at times have some—maybe all—of them. But only one brings true joy. Most kids…Read more
The Cure for Prayer Show-Offs
When you pray aloud, are you secretly driven by what others who hear you will think? I love it when kids pray, but most Bible classes I teach include some…Read more
Two Paths to Jesus from the Old Testament
How do you teach something exciting about Jesus from a passage that’s just “boring” instructions about church furniture? Here are two ways to go. I’ve just finished teaching through Exodus,…Read more
Learn a Verse, Win a Prize. Good Idea or Bible Bribery?
Should Bible teachers use rewards to encourage kids to get with the program? Here are four reasons to be wary. I’ve recently been asked a few times what I think…Read more