Christian Living: The Learning-Together Parent , Discipling When You're Still Learning Yourself

You don’t have to be a Bible scholar to lead your child to Jesus. In fact, one of the most powerful things you can ever say at the kitchen table is, "I don’t know, let’s look it up together." When you stop trying to be the expert and start being a fellow explorer, you teach your child that faith isn't a destination to reach, but a lifelong relationship to grow into.

Is it okay to learn the Bible alongside my child?

Yes, it is more than okay to learn the Bible alongside your child; it is actually a profound discipleship strategy that models humility and curiosity. When you show your children that you are still growing, you give them permission to be lifelong learners who aren't afraid of hard questions or deep study.

According to the American Bible Society’s 2026 State of the Bible report, only 16% of parents are considered "Scripture engaged." If you feel like a beginner, you are not alone. Most parents (nearly 97%, according to Barna) desperately want their children to have a lasting faith, but only about 45% actually read the Bible with them. The gap isn't a lack of love; it’s a lack of confidence.

At Boundless Online Church, we believe that "24/7 Church When Life Doesn’t Pause" means meeting you right where you are: even if you're on page one of your own spiritual journey. You don’t need a degree to disciple; you just need a posture of discovery.

The Power of "Let's Look It Up"

Many parents stay silent because they are afraid of being asked a question they can't answer. Who made God? Why did that happen in the Old Testament? Is Jesus really with us right now?

When we feel we must have every answer, we turn discipleship into a performance. But the Bible describes the Word of God as a "lamp to our feet": it’s meant to be walked with, not just memorized like a textbook. By saying "Let's look it up," you are teaching your child how to use the "sword of the Spirit" (Ephesians 6:17) for themselves.

Think of it like the Bereans in Acts 17:11. They didn't just take someone's word for it; they "received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily." When you and your child open the Bible together to find an answer, you are training them to be "noble" explorers of God’s truth.

The 5-Step Discovery Method

You don't need a complicated curriculum to start. Whether you are reading a story from the Boundless Family Faith Library or a chapter from the Gospel of Mark, you can use the Discovery Method to navigate any passage.

1. Pray for Wisdom

Start by asking the Holy Spirit to help you understand. A simple "God, show us something new today" is all it takes. This reminds everyone that God is the real Teacher.

2. Read it Together

Read the passage out loud. If your children are young (ages 3–6), use an illustrated Bible. If they are older (7–12), let them take turns reading verses.

3. Observe the Story

Ask: "What did we just see?" Don't worry about deep theology yet. Just talk about what happened. Who was there? How did they feel? What did Jesus do?

4. Discuss the Meaning

Ask: "What does this tell us about God?" This is the core of discipleship. We want our kids to see God’s character: His love, His holiness, and His grace.

5. Apply to Life

Ask: "What can we do because of this?" Maybe it’s being kind to a neighbor, praying for a friend, or remembering that God is with us when we are afraid.

Low-Energy Discipleship for Busy Parents

We know you’re tired. Between Memphis traffic, work deadlines, and school activities, the idea of a "family devotion" can feel like one more chore on a never-ending list. Discipleship doesn't have to be a 30-minute sit-down event. It can happen in the "rhythm of the road" (Deuteronomy 6:7).

• The One-Question Dinner: Ask one question related to a Bible story you read earlier in the week.

• The Car-Ride Prayer: When you see an ambulance or hear about a friend’s struggle, pray a 10-second prayer together right there.

• The Bedtime Blessing: Instead of just saying "goodnight," speak a specific blessing over your child. "I love how God made you brave today."

As 2 Timothy 3:16-17 reminds us, "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness." This means the Bible is designed to do the heavy lifting. You are the guide; the Word is the power.

Talk About It: Family Conversation Starters

Ready to start tonight? Here are three simple prompts to get the conversation moving:

1. For Ages 3–6: "If you could ask Jesus one question right now, what would it be?" (Then, look for a story in the Bible that might answer it!)

2. For Ages 7–9: "What is one thing about God that is hard for you to understand? It's okay: some things are hard for me, too!"

3. For Ages 10–12: "When you read the Bible, do you feel like it's a rule book or a love letter? Why do you think that is?"

FAQ

What if I don't understand what we just read? That is the perfect time to model curiosity! Say, "That’s a great question. I’m not totally sure yet either. Let’s ask our pastor at Boundless or look at a Bible commentary together this weekend."

My kids get bored during Bible time. What do I do? Keep it short and tactile. For younger kids, give them coloring pages while you read. For older kids, let them find the location on a map or act out the scene. Discipleship should feel like a gift, not a lecture.

Which Bible version should we use? Use a version that is easy for your family to understand. The NLT (New Living Translation) or NIrV (New International Reader's Version) are excellent for children, while the ESV (English Standard Version) is great for deeper study as they grow.

Do I need to do this every day? Consistency is better than intensity. Start with two nights a week. As it becomes a habit, you’ll find that these moments become the best part of your family’s routine.

Connect with Us

You don’t have to walk this path alone. Boundless Online Church is here to support your family with resources, community, and prayer 24/7. Whether you are in Memphis or halfway across the world, we are your church family.

• Explore more resources:www.boundlessonlinechurch.org

• Connect with our local roots:www.famemphis.org

• Need prayer right now? Text us at: 1-901-213-7341

• 24/7 AI Prayer & Support: +1 (901) 668-5380

• Ministry Hours: CST 9–4, Monday–Friday

• Join us Sunday: Watch our service streaming online!