5 Tips for Telling Compelling Bible Stories

Great children’s ministries are great storytellers. When it comes to capturing kids’ attention and communicating truth . ..story rules.

The Bible contains the greatest stories ever told. And the greatest stories deserve the greatest presentation. Want to up the storytelling skills of your children’s ministry? Here are five tips for sharing compelling Bible stories.

Tip #1: Immediately jump into the story and share the truth connection afterward.  
Instead of saying, “Let me tell you a story that will illustrate God’s love,” dive right into the story and pull them in. Then follow the story with how it illustrates or applies to the truth you want to share. Taking this approach will help you grab kids’ attention from the get-go and then cement the truth into their hearts through application.

Tip #2: Build their anticipation.  
Start with some energy, but don’t bring it all at once. Let the energy and anticipation build as you tell the story. The farther the story goes, the more on the edge of their seat they should be. A good way to do this is to build your voice and energy level as the story goes along. An example would be the story of David and Goliath. When David arrives at the battle scene, your energy level would be at a three. When Goliath makes his challenge, your energy level would be at a five. When David walks out and faces Goliath on the battlefield, your energy level would be at seven. When David kills Goliath, your energy level would be at a 10.

Tip #3: Eye contact. 
Learn to make good eye contact while you are telling the story. Do your best to make brief eye contact with every child in the room over the course of your story. This will draw the kids to you.

Tip #4: Give them the silent treatment. 
Strategic pauses emphasize what you just said or what you are about to say.

Tip #5: Up and down. 
Vary your voice level. There should be times when you are whispering and times when you are shouting. Don’t be monotone. Monotone speaking will put kids in a daze.

What other tips do you have for teaching Bible stories?

What has worked well for you?