How to Spark Curiosity About the Bible in a Distracted Youth

When working with children in any capacity (as an entrepreneur with a young target audience, a youth ministry leader, etc.), we’re all seeing the same pattern: kids’ attention spans are shrinking. Reaching a generation of youth whose attention is constantly pulled by screens and social media can seem like an impossible challenge.

This struggle is real, but it presents a beautiful opportunity when sharing God’s Word: Our goal isn't to compete with the latest trends, but to present Scripture with the wonder and intentionality it deserves. 

Even in a fast-paced world, we can thoughtfully engage kids in biblical conversations—all while trusting God to renew our body, mind, and spirit in the process. Let’s look at a few ways to spark curiosity about the Bible.

Cultivate a Sense of Discovery

Desensitization isn’t age-exclusive; kids and adults alike can outgrow their excitement about Scripture, especially if we feel like we’ve heard the same Bible stories a hundred times. Instead, cultivating a sense of discovery around God’s story and its evolving applications to real life makes kids eager to continue reading.

The best children’s church curriculum practices this by encouraging critical thinking about key Bible stories. For example, Wonder Ink’s lessons provide experiments and hands-on activities to spark curiosity about focus passages and verses. Other ways to shut down distractions and initiate critical thinking include:

• Asking questions like "What if?" or "Why do you think?" to apply verses to real life.

• Role-play as a person from the Bible to think through their choices, fears, and motivations.

• Connect the historical context of Scripture to a similar modern dilemma or decision.

The key to cultivating a sense of discovery is making kids the discoverers. Encouraging young people to take initiative in their learning makes them more likely to open their Bibles on their own, and this doesn’t have to be strictly in a teaching environment. For example, getting kids to lead a fundraiser for your church or new business startup helps them feel like equal partners in big initiatives—a value that can translate into their personal faith as well.

Foster Conversations About Identity

Our formative years are a journey of self-discovery, during which we all seek to understand who we are and how our lives will unfold. As Christians, we know that our lives serve as a reflection of God to the world. Viewing the Bible as God’s story prompts curiosity about how this story shapes who we are.

Scripture clearly defines this identity in verses like 1 Peter 2:9 (NIRV), which calls the body of Christ:

• Chosen by God

• Royal priests

• A holy nation

• God’s special treasure

• Created to give Him praise

A sense of belonging and purpose can break through the barrier of distraction, getting young people excited to grow their faith through Bible-based learning. Create space for kids to reflect on their God-given purpose by sharing key passages and hosting open conversations. 

Connect Biblical Lessons to Games and Media

Distraction among youth is commonly attributed to the intake of digital media. The internet and mobile devices aren’t necessarily enemies of youth engagement, but you need to use them thoughtfully to capture attention rather than to simply get content into young people’s feeds.

Connecting biblical lessons to engaging activities is the best way to attract attention while pointing kids back to the Bible. For example, a Sunday school game in which kids must stay completely frozen until they’re told to move creatively ties to the story of Jesus healing the paralyzed man in Mark 2.

When choosing or designing games, ask yourself: Does this lead to a theological question? For example, instead of a simple memory verse drill, try a "People of Scripture" investigation.

You can also blend Bible verses and media, like by sharing images and videos on social media. Approach this strategy like you would marketing a business—think about the information your audience members (kids) are looking for and likely to respond to, then thoughtfully create content that resonates with them.

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Reaching a distracted generation is not about becoming louder or trendier—it’s about being more intentional. When we move past generic stories and invite children to cultivate a sense of discovery around God's Word, we empower them to become active participants in their faith.