Why Teens Don’t Like Bible Studies

Why Teens Don’t Like Bible Studies is a concern I hear from parents all the time—and maybe you’ve asked the same thing. You try to gather your kids for a devotional, and you’re met with sighs, shrugs, or silence. If that’s been your experience, let me assure you: you’re not alone, and you’re not doing it wrong.

In this post, I want to walk you through five reasons teens struggle with Bible study and provide practical steps you can take to help your child re-engage with God’s Word without force, fear, or frustration.

“For years, I wondered if my kids were even listening. But I’ve learned that quiet eyes don’t mean quiet hearts. Seeds were being planted, even when it didn’t look like it.” ~ Connie Albers

Perceived Relevance of Bible Studies

Many teens feel like the Bible has nothing to do with the world they live in today.

Parents can bridge this gap by connecting biblical principles to everyday teen challenges, like anxiety about social media, navigating friendships, or finding purpose. Use stories like David’s courage to confront Goliath to talk about facing peer pressure, or Esther’s bravery to discuss speaking up for what’s right.

When teens see that the Bible offers real answers to their everyday questions, they engage with it differently.

But even when Scripture feels relevant, many teens still resist spiritual conversations, especially when they come from us, their parents.

Communication Barriers to Understanding the Bible

It’s tough when every faith conversation feels like a battle—or worse, like you’re being tuned out.

Parents can create a safe, respectful space by replacing lectures with conversations. Ask open-ended questions like “What do you think this verse means today?” or “If you were in that situation, what would you have done?”—and really listen to the answers. Let your teen challenge or wrestle with ideas; growth often starts with tension.

Understanding that heart readiness varies helps reduce parental guilt and reminds you to pray specifically for God to soften the hearts of your children who may be struggling.

Of course, trust alone isn’t enough. We also need tools that speak to how this generation learns best.

Incorporate Mutlimedia

Let’s face it, reading from a printed devotional may not capture your teen’s attention in a digital, fast-paced world. Teens engage best with content that stimulates multiple senses.

Parents can encourage their teens to engage in Bible study by using podcasts, animated videos, interactive Bible apps, and memes to bring scripture to life. Pair a Bible character’s story with a song that captures the same emotional arc, or have teens illustrate a parable through digital art or skits.

Let your teen use Bible journaling, verse mapping, Bible-based art, or even online programs like RVL Discipleship: The Curriculum or apps like YouVersion’s Teen Devotionals. Consider studying stories visually with Bible Project videos or letting them create a worship playlist for the family. When Bible study is dynamic and interactive, it feels more like discovery and less like duty. These creative approaches allow teens to internalize messages through formats that feel natural and exciting to them.

But creativity can’t overcome one of the biggest challenges—finding time.

Busy Schedules and Time Constraints Hinder Bible Studies

Finding Bible study moments between sports, school, part-time jobs, and screen time can be impossible.

Inconsistent routines and busy calendars can derail even the most well-intentioned Bible study plans. Instead of trying to force long, rigid sessions, parents can find short pockets of time that naturally fit into the family rhythm, like 10 minutes after dinner or a quick morning reflection. You can even make it a “scroll and study” where you read one verse together during downtime and discuss it casually.

It should be part of your rhythm, not another task. Keep a Bible verse on the fridge. Read one Proverb during breakfast. Talk about one verse on the drive to practice. It doesn’t have to be long, it just has to be consistent.

Now, with relevance, dialogue, engagement, and consistency in place, families are better equipped to grow spiritually together.

What Can Parents Do to Rekindle Interest in the Bible

Teens may tune out your words, but they constantly watch your life. That is why parents need to model their faith daily.

Let them see you in the Word. Talk about what God’s teaching you, even if it’s something small. Be honest when you mess up and quick to show grace. Deuteronomy 6 reminds us to impress God’s truth on our children as we walk, rise, and rest—not just in scheduled devotions. Use stories like David’s courage to confront Goliath to talk about facing peer pressure, or Esther’s bravery to discuss speaking up for what’s right.

When scripture feels like a mirror rather than a museum, teens are more likely to engage with curiosity and openness. Faith isn’t something you push—it’s something you live, and that’s what sticks.

And when your faith becomes visible, it sets the stage for honest conversation.

Make Teens Bible Studies Relational

Bible study should feel like a conversation, not a correction.

Use simple prompts: “What do you think this verse means?” “What confuses you about this story?” Let your teen have a voice in the process. Explore unfamiliar books of the Bible together so it feels fresh for both of you.

The more relational it feels, the more open your child will be to exploring Scripture at a deeper level.

That openness can lead to a turning point, especially when we shift from controlling outcomes to cultivating connection.

Allow Flexible Study Times

Seeing your children take different spiritual paths can be both confusing and painful. However, understanding that each child has free will, unique personality traits, and various external influences can bring some clarity. Remember that God is at work even when it seems like nothing is happening. Your role is to model faith, pray fervently, and trust God with the outcome.

Continue to love your children where they are, keep the door open, and never give up hope. God’s grace can reach even the most distant hearts, and He specializes in bringing prodigals home.

If this episode encouraged you, share it with a friend who needs to hear these words today. And remember, you are doing a great job, even when the results aren’t what you hoped for. God sees your faithfulness, and He cares deeply for your children.

Closing Thoughts

Helping your teen fall in love with Scripture might not happen overnight, but that doesn’t mean it won’t happen. Be patient and present. Keep showing them what a relationship with God looks like in real life.

Galatians 6:9 says, “Let us not grow weary in doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.”

Why teens don’t like Bible studies is a question rooted in concern and an opportunity. With prayer, consistency, and creativity, you can help your child discover that the Bible isn’t just information—it’s transformation.