Lifeway’s Magnified! VBS 2025 invites kids to explore “the bigness of God in the smallest of things.” That message shines brightest during Bible teaching time, where children get to hear God’s Word and discover His love for them in exciting, memorable ways.
But let’s be real: how do you keep a room full of 4-year-olds through 5th graders—including many who’ve never been to church—engaged, curious, and learning?
Here’s how to make your Magnified! VBS Bible study time both simple and powerful.
🎯 Focus on One Truth Each Day
Magnified! makes it easy with daily Bible truths that reveal a different aspect of God’s character—like how God sees, cares, loves, forgives, and keeps His promises. Don’t try to teach everything. Zero in on that one truth and repeat it throughout the lesson.
Pro Tip:
Write the Bible Point on a big poster and have kids shout it out with you several times. The repetition helps it stick—and keeps energy high.
👶 Make It Age-Appropriate and Outreach-Friendly
Many VBS kids won’t know Bible basics. They may have never heard of Nicodemus, the woman at the well, or even Jesus. That’s okay!
- Use kid-friendly language: Instead of “redemption” say “Jesus makes things right.”
- Avoid churchy phrases: Swap “invite Jesus into your heart” for “Jesus wants to be your friend forever.”
- Explain everything like it’s brand new: Even if a few kids know the stories, this helps unchurched kids feel included—not lost.
🎉 Teach with Energy and Expression
Bible time should feel like the most exciting part of VBS. Use your voice, face, and body to make the stories come alive. If you’re excited, the kids will be too.
- Gasp, whisper, cheer—act out the story!
- Invite them to join: “What do you think happened next?”
- Add interactive phrases: “Whenever I say ‘storm,’ make a big wind sound!”
Kids don’t want a lecture. They want a story adventure—and you’re the storyteller.
🎨 Use Visuals and Object Lessons
Magnified! VBS is all about seeing big truths in small things. That makes visual aids and simple object lessons perfect tools for teaching.
Try These:
- Magnifying Glass Moment: Show a tiny object up close and connect it to how God sees even the smallest details in our lives.
- Flashlight in the Dark: Shine it to show how Jesus lights up our fears.
- Balloon Pop Verse Game: Hide parts of the day’s Bible verse in balloons. Let kids pop and piece it together.
When kids see it, touch it, or do it—they remember it.
🤹♀️ Get Kids Moving
Don’t fight the wiggles—use them!
Add movement to every part of your Bible time:
- Act out parts of the story (march around Jericho, pretend to row a boat, etc.)
- Do motions for the Bible Point or memory verse
- Create “Move Stations” (e.g., storytelling rug, game circle, object lesson corner)
Short attention spans are normal. Keep things moving, and they’ll stay engaged.
💬 Make Room for Questions
Magnified! VBS is about discovering God’s greatness—so expect questions. Some might be silly, others deep. Always make time for curiosity.
Let kids know:
- “There are no bad questions here.”
- “If you’re wondering about something, that’s awesome—ask!”
When they feel safe to explore, spiritual seeds begin to grow.
🎲 Reinforce with Games and Activities
Finish Bible time with an activity that connects the story to their hearts. Reinforcement doesn’t have to mean worksheets. It can be fun, active, and creative.
Try These Ideas:
- Craft with Purpose: Make a promise bracelet after learning “God keeps His promises.”
- Verse Motion Game: Assign an action to each word of the memory verse.
- Story Charades: Kids act out the lesson while others guess.
- Review Ball Toss: Toss a beach ball and ask a question to whoever catches it.
Let them play, laugh, and learn by doing.
🙏 Always Point Back to Jesus
No matter the day’s story—make sure you connect it back to Jesus.
Whether you’re talking about creation, the storm, or the woman at the well, always bring it back to this:
God made you, loves you, and sent Jesus to be with you forever.
Keep it simple. Keep it joyful. Keep it gospel-centered.
🧭 Magnified Bible Time = Meaningful Moments
Magnified! VBS is all about discovering how God’s greatness is visible even in small moments. When you lead Bible time with energy, clarity, creativity, and heart—you give kids a chance to truly see God in their own lives.
They may not remember every game or snack, but they will remember feeling loved… hearing that Jesus is for them… and that they were made to magnify God.
Now that’s a powerful Bible teaching moment.
