Five tips for healthy Family Bible Studies!
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- 1. Set a specific appointment for your Family Bible Study Time. And keep it!
Setting an appointment shows your children that you put a priority on the Word of God and on your family. Regardless of the age of your children, this should not be an option for them or for you. 
If one of you (parents) has a busy work schedule, take that into consideration as you select the time and frequency that works best for your family. Having one parent who travels or works long hours makes this “family first time” even more precious and important.
It does not matter how often the appointment is for, as long as it is dependable. A monthly appointment that is written in stone is much better than a weekly one that no one takes seriously.
2. Open and close family time with prayer.
How often does your family pray together outside of blessing your food? Starting and ending your Bible lesson with a prayer will begin to unify your family on a spiritual level.
During the prayer, invite the Holy Spirit in to join and guide your study. This will help your children to begin to understand that the Holy Spirit wants to be present and important in their lives.
After a few Family Bible Study sessions, encourage members of the family to take turns saying the opening prayers. As you close, ask each person one at a time if he or she would like to pray about something specific.
Note: I would also suggest that the parents get together and pray over this family time before hand. This will allow you to reconnect as a couple and to get on one accord about what will be taught.
3. Keep it natural, relaxed and fun.
You don’t have to sit at the kitchen table or office desk. Find a place where your family will be able to sit comfortably and won’t feel like their in place for a boring lecture. Sit in the living room or even in Mom and Dan’s bed. If your children are small and have a playroom with a reading corner, it can make a perfect spot for Family Bible Study.
4. Make Family Bible Studies a BIG deal!
Whether you decided to do your family time once a week or more often, as you get closer to the day, Talk It Up! Tell your kids how much fun it will be and how excited you are to spend this special time with them.
- If you have a family calendar, add this special date.
- Put a decorative sign on the fridge announcing the upcoming event.
- Lay neat invitations on your children’s pillows inviting them to join in on this special family event!
5. Keep it REAL!
Keep the conversation up beat and exciting. Give examples of how the Bible Study topic applies in your own lives. Tell stories of how God has done similar things in your life. Be careful not to tell the stories of the Bible like fairy tales. Tell them like stories that really happened – Because they did!
