How to tell a Bible story
with a difference
The power of a story
A story is like a picture brought to life in one’s imagination. It has the potential to inspire, create interest, enlighten, and correct wrong conduct. A Bible story has the power to change a heart and the ability to clarify abstract truths. Jesus used stories, called parables, to teach spiritual truths to adults. All the more, as we teach these same truths to children, we should harness the power of stories to bring about spiritual understanding.
Telling the story
Whether you are telling an event from the Bible or using a contemporary story to illustrate a truth, the way you tell the story can either make it come alive or cause it to fall flat.
Especially when it comes to well-known Bible stories, children who have heard a story many times tend to ‘switch off’ when they hear it again. When that happens, the value of the story in relating a spiritual truth is diminished. It is important, therefore, especially when telling a familiar story, to spend some time thinking of a fresh approach.
Use a different perspective
Tell the story from a different point of view; for example, tell it the way a bystander—or even an animal in the story—might have seen the event. Imagine what the donkey was ‘thinking’ when it was untied and brought to Jesus, and what it thought as it passed through the crowd-lined street.
How about a group of ants sitting around a huge pile of breadcrumbs, discussing what they heard and saw as Jesus fed the five thousand? When telling the story of Elijah and the widow, you could let the boy tell his friend how he saw his last meal being prepared—and the amazing miracle that followed. Be original, but stick to the facts and refer to the Bible passage.
Tell the story differently by starting at an unusual point (not at the beginning). For example, begin with the shepherds arriving at the birthplace of Jesus and telling Joseph and Mary what they had just experienced out in the field.
Expression
Children tend to look at your face most of the time, so use your eyes and facial expressions to hold their attention. Smile when your character is happy; frown when they are worried or deep in thought. Make a mean, angry, or sad face to show the emotions of the character in the story.
Your hands can further express what your face is saying. Wipe sweat from your brow or tears from your eyes. Chew your fingernails when you’re worried. Place a hand on your chin when you’re thinking deeply, and cover your mouth when you’re amazed.
Use your whole body to act out the story. Jump around when you’re excited, let your shoulders droop when you’re discouraged. Sit on the floor, fall to your knees, or row a boat—whatever your character is doing.
Voice
Project your voice by looking up and toward the children.
Varying your voice is a powerful way to manage both attention and noise. When you speak with energy and volume, then suddenly drop to a soft whisper, children instinctively quiet down to listen. This contrast keeps them engaged and prevents your voice from becoming monotonous.
You can also build excitement by quickening your pace, then slowing down or pausing at key moments. If attention starts to drift, stop mid-sentence with a phrase like, “And then…” or “Suddenly…” The unexpected silence draws every eye back to you, ready to hear what happens next.
Dialogue
Using dialogue is a lively way to bring a story to life. It helps children follow who is speaking, which is especially useful in more complex tales like Esther and the king. Dialogue can include a little acting, but the main focus is on the interaction between characters. Another option is to have a narrator tell the story while two or more people mime the actions.
If you’re performing alone, you can still act out a conversation by changing your voice, gestures, and mannerisms for each character. Simple props—like a coat or walking stick—can make each character distinct and add fun as you switch roles. Changing your position on stage or in the room—for instance, one character on the left speaking to an invisible character on the right—also helps children follow who is talking.
Involvement
Involve children in the story by letting them make appropriate sound effects at the right moments. This keeps them engaged and helps bring the scene to life.
Let children act out simple parts while you tell the story. The acting doesn’t need to be perfect, but the storyline should remain clear and well told.
A story, however, remains just a story unless it moves beyond the narrative to a point where it can change children’s lives. Gently guide them from the story into a meaningful spiritual or moral lesson. Keep this transition natural—perhaps by asking a thoughtful question or highlighting a key moment.
From there, help children connect the story to their own lives. Encourage them to imagine themselves as one of the characters and explore how they might feel—afraid, relieved, joyful, or unsure. Ask simple questions and allow them to respond. This not only deepens their understanding but also helps them see how the truth of the story can shape their own choices and actions.
Most of all, have fun telling your next story!