Dr. Floyd Godfrey

Why This Matters
Encouraging young men to engage deeply with the Bible is a vital responsibility for parents and youth leaders. In a world increasingly filled with distractions and competing ideologies, grounding young men in the Word of God provides them with spiritual strength, moral guidance, and a sense of purpose. The Apostle Paul reminds us, "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness" (2 Timothy 3:16, ESV). Equipping young men with the tools and desire to study Scripture helps them to live faithfully and boldly in their walk with Christ.

Make It Personal
One effective strategy to inspire Bible engagement is to make it personal. Encourage young men to see Scripture as more than a religious text—it is God's living Word, relevant to their unique struggles, dreams, and questions. Youth leaders can guide discussions by focusing on relatable biblical stories, like David's courage, Joseph's integrity, or Paul's transformation. Parents can lead by example, sharing how Scripture has shaped their lives and strengthened their faith. Consider setting up one-on-one devotionals where young men can ask questions and explore passages in an intimate setting.

Build a Bible Habit
Building consistent Bible-reading habits can transform a young man's spiritual life. Encourage manageable goals, such as reading one chapter a day or focusing on a particular book of the Bible, like Proverbs or John. Offer practical tools like Bible apps, reading plans, or devotional journals. Youth leaders can create accountability through small group settings or Bible study challenges. By breaking down the task into achievable steps, young men can develop a lifelong rhythm of Bible engagement.

Incorporate Technology and Creativity
Young men often connect with technology, so why not use it as a gateway to Scripture? Many Bible apps offer interactive features like verse-of-the-day notifications, study guides, and digital highlighters. Some even include gamified elements that appeal to younger audiences. Youth leaders can incorporate these tools into their ministry, fostering engagement during Bible studies or encouraging personal exploration. Creativity is also key—whether through dramatized readings, artistic journaling, or even creating content inspired by Scripture, such as short videos or blog posts.

Encourage Peer Support
Peer influence is powerful, especially during adolescence. Create spaces where young men can grow spiritually with others their age. This could include small group Bible studies, mentorship programs, or fellowship events. Encouraging young men to lead discussions or present on a Bible passage fosters ownership of their faith journey. Parents can support this by fostering connections with other families and helping their sons form Christ-centered friendships.

Celebrate Spiritual Milestones
Finally, acknowledge and celebrate progress in a young man’s spiritual journey. Whether he completes a Bible reading plan, memorizes key verses, or leads a devotional, recognition affirms the importance of his efforts. Parents and youth leaders can present symbolic rewards, such as personalized Bibles or journals, to mark milestones. Celebrating these achievements emphasizes the value of God’s Word and encourages continued growth.

Encouraging young men to read and study the Bible takes intentionality and love. Through personal connections, creative strategies, and spiritual mentorship, parents and youth leaders can plant seeds that will grow into a lifelong relationship with Christ and His Word.

Floyd Godfrey PhD is a Board Certified Christian Counselor and has facilitated groups within different churches and denominations over the past 30 years. He worked as a licensed counselor for 23 years and provided supervision and training for other counselors as they worked toward independent licensure. You can read more about Floyd Godfrey PhD at www.FloydGodfrey.com.