Reading the Bible as a Family
by Kristen Stevenson, Children, Youth and Family Development Lead, Bible Society
As a family, we go through many seasons. Seasons of joy, frustration, triumph and pain. During one of our more difficult seasons, we regularly reflected on Matthew 6.25–34. The image of a lily standing in a field was able to give us strength that on some days we did not know we had. I don’t remember how we came upon that verse at that time. As so often happens, it was just where our Bible led us that day. God our Father knew we needed that verse at that time and so with an open Bible and an open heart we were supplied with what we needed.
Families are a beautiful gift and come in all shapes and sizes, and with a variety of definitions. My sisters and I live in different countries so some of my close friends are very much family to me. When I was growing up I called my dad’s best friend Uncle Ken and I still use the term uncle for him even as an adult. That familiar relationship of a friend, relative or God is one that can only be described by the word family. It provokes a feeling and emotion like no other.
Family Edition
As the Children, Youth and Family Development Lead at Bible Society, the role of family and how we help families to engage with the Bible is central to what we do. Listening, learning with and walking alongside families is vital. One of our resources, designed for the entire family to gather around and explore together, is our Good News Bible – Family Edition. We partnered with our friends at Youth for Christ and listened to children and families as they told us what they wanted to see in a Bible. Every item was designed with you and your family in mind. We also know that every family is unique, so some items may not be in the Bible but are on our resource webpage, or after we’ve learned more, more of what you want to see will be uploaded in the future. You can access the resources and 26 videos by scanning the QR codes in the Bible. Within the Bible you will find hundreds of interactive elements, tips on how to read the Bible, maps and lots of space for drawing and colouring as well as prayers for your family and questions to chat about. This Bible is designed to bring you closer to God and closer to each other as well.
Time
I know very few families that haven’t struggled with finding time for the Bible and prayer in their daily lives. Life gets in the way of living. If we don’t find a way to bring the Bible into our daily routine, the Bible can become that auntie we only see at Christmas and weddings. That is why I have been so encouraged hearing from families telling us how by leaving the GNB Family Edition as an open book in their house it has become normal for someone to just start reading or colouring in it or adding a picture of family members tucked inside next to a favourite passage. I have also enjoyed hearing how some families have explored lesser-known books of the Bible and learned together. As parents sometimes we feel like we need to have all the answers, but by journeying through the Bible together alongside our family members we can learn not only about how the Bible speaks to us but also our family unit.
Summer reading challenge
Often I am asked how to get a family started in reading the Bible. I have found it helpful to read the Bible one book at a time. I know some people love a reading plan that takes them through different verses each day but for me that just hasn’t worked, especially with my children. Just as I would read a chapter from their favourite fiction or fairy-tale each day at bed time, why not pick a book of the Bible and read some from that book each day? By reading from a book of the Bible, it helps us understand the context and what is happening and see the big picture of the Bible. Every summer when my kids were in primary school we would take part in the library summer reading challenge. This was a great way to keep reading and of course some friendly competition. So, this summer Bible Society is challenging you to read the Gospel of Mark. The Gospel of Mark tells the story of Jesus’ life and ministry. We hear stories of Jesus’ actions; we see healing, serving and teaching. We will share some activities for you to do as a family if you want to take your reading further as well as a way to mark your journey through Mark’s Gospel. In addition, of course it wouldn’t be a challenge without a certificate at the end. All the information about the summer reading challenge can be found here.
Once you have completed Mark, maybe you will fancy the Gospel of Luke or maybe something from the Old Testament. Whatever you decide, I hope that you realise the importance of spending time reading the Bible as an important time for you and your family. One of my colleagues has stated that if Jesus needed the Bible as the Son of God, then we really need it as the people of God.
Kristin is the Children, Youth and Family Development Lead for Bible Society. She is passionate about listening to young people and finding ways for their voices to be heard and sees her role as key in equipping a new generation as well as growing confidence in the scriptures for all members of the family.