Choosing and Adapting Bible Lessons for Kids
- Eljoh Hartzer, MTh
- Jun 27, 2025
- 5 min read
Updated: Jan 6
Choosing the right Bible story to teach to kids can be strangely challenging and endlessly frustrating. The question this blog post wishes to address is this: How do we adapt Bible lessons to make them kid-friendly while not losing the true meaning.
There’s no shortage of kids’ church resources out there. But not every lesson plan fits every group of kids and that’s okay. The goal isn’t to race through a curriculum. It’s to help kids encounter God in ways they understand.
What makes a 'good' Bible lesson?
A good lesson connects the truth of Scripture with a child’s real, everyday world.
I remember at one point, the church I was volunteering with did all the so-called right things.
They bought an expensive American curriculum
They had the right volunteers (and trained them)
They printed out the lessons, prepared well, and even bought all the props
Yet... They were met with blank stares every Sunday morning
Instead of laughter, curiosity, learning and play - the Kids Church space was filled with awkward silence. You could hear a needle drop; not because the kids were transfixed but because they were nearly asleep from boredom!
A good Bible lesson is not just about jumping through the right hoops or ticking the right boxes; there's much more to it.
A good Bible lesson is not just telling them a "Story" that happened thousands of years ago without any application. It has to be converted into a practical response, a life-skill, an application.
As disciples of Jesus, the children need to do more than hear Bible stories. They need to be taught how to live like Jesus, how to welcome His transformation into their little hearts, how to live differently.
Start with the Children in Front of You
When choosing a curriculum or preparing your next lesson, think about your group’s age range, energy levels, learning styles, and spiritual hunger.
Ask yourself:
Do they need more structure or more movement?
Are there language barriers or learning differences?
What questions are they asking?
A curriculum is a tool, not a rule. It’s okay to tweak it. You know your kids best. Or actually, scratch that, do you know WHO really does know them best??? Their parents! If you're out of ideas of what to teach about, how to choose relevant topics, and which Bible stories will resonate - (brace yourself, this is going to be controversial) ASK THE PARENTS!
Working with parents in kids ministry sounds so different from how we usually do it, but it makes so much sense. Imagine this:
A father is standing at the kitchen sink with his young daughter. It's a Tuesday morning before school. Nyla already slept in (even though he called her three times); she picked a fight with her brother at the breakfast table; and now it was her turn to do the dishes and she is acting... less than pleasant.
This father will have countless ideas of what to teach his daughter at children's ministry. "She needs to learn about participation, peace, and the value of family" - It is your job at the person choosing the lessons or coordinating the kids ministry to help the parent identify these pain points.
How do you do it?
Frustration is often a flag showing us where the growth point is.
Now, the parent might only say: "She is ungrateful!" But you get to have an outside perspective and teach the kid a valuable life skill based on Biblical wisdom.
Here are a few more general notes for when you are trying to choose the perfect Bible lesson for Kids Church:
Don't just read them a story from the Bible and leave it at that
Follow a Bible story with some questions and discussion
Have them act out the story to see it come to life
Try to do a craft activity or a game that is somehow related to the story
Keep It Sensory and Simple
Kids engage best when they can see, touch, hear, taste, and move. A story becomes unforgettable when it’s paired with playdough, puppets, worship, or snack time that ties in.
You don’t need fancy materials. You just need heart and creativity.
Choose one main idea per lesson. Keep it focused. Kids remember the feel of a lesson more than the fine details, so create a loving space where they feel safe, valued, and curious.
For example: A BIBLE STORY ADAPTED FOR KIDS
If I were to do a lesson on David and Goliath, I would not only read them the violent story. What does that teach? Throw rocks at bullies? No!
I'd start with young David, the small shepherd boy in the field. Even though great things were spoken over him years ago by a great prophet, David's ordinary life was... boring. I'd ask the kids if they had a big dream that felt just out of reach.
Then we'd follow David into the battlefield when he brought his brothers their food. He was a side-character - Do they sometimes feel like less-than in comparison to their siblings or other friends?
Now, watch what God does. While everybody else is super afraid of the giant, Goliath. God gives David something - a gift. BRAVERY! By saying God's name out loud, David defeats the huge giant. Help the kids make it practical by declaring God's name over the "giants" in their own lives...
Do you see it? The story of David and Goliath becomes a teaching moment when we pull out these important facets from it.
Let the Bible Speak
Sometimes we get so caught up in crafts and games that the Word itself gets lost. Read Scripture aloud. Let kids hear the rhythm of God’s voice in the story.
Ask open-ended questions. Let them wonder. Let them think. Help them see that God’s Word isn’t just for adults—it’s for them too.
Use kid-friendly translations of the Word (I like the ERV Easy-to-Read Version or the NLT New Living Translation)
Have a real Bible in the Kids Church space - let them read from it, touch it, approach it with boldness and curiosity (Read more about Bible games for kids)
Stay Rooted and Spirit-Led
The Holy Spirit knows exactly what your group needs. Be willing to slow down if a moment calls for prayer or conversation. Don’t be afraid to pause the lesson plan if God is doing something deeper in the room.
We’re not just delivering content. We’re creating space for kids to meet Jesus.
If this really isn't your strongsuit, I want to invite you to consider ordering a Custom Kids Min Curriculum from me ( priced at $25 for 4 lessons / R400 in South Africa )
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