Today I read a few snippets of articles that talked about the value of scripture memorization when it comes to teaching kids about faith in Jesus and His word. That brought back memories of vacation Bible school in a small eastern Kansas town.
The VBS teacher certainly encouraged scripture memorization.
So, being the eager sort of nerd I was to show teachers and other adults how well my brain worked, I decided I would memorize more than the others in my class. Keep in mind vacation Bible school only lasts two weeks in the summer. And that’s not enough time to memorize the entire Bible. So that wasn’t my goal. Just wanted to impress the teacher. (and Linda, the cute girl who sat on the other side of the table from me). Yeah, I don’t remember a time when I didn’t like girls.
Anyway…
I don’t recall the number of Bible verses I memorized. But I do recall memorizing more than the other kids. I also don’t recall all the verses I memorized. But I do recall memorizing them.
Hmm, I see a pattern forming here.
In case you don’t, the pattern is this. I can remember what I DID. And that leads me to why I’m sharing this with you right now. Because I believe that pattern exposes at least a little too much focus on self. And not enough focus on the meat of the message I memorized.
One article I read, about it, said:
“Scripture memorization is the process of committing Bible verses to memory for easier recall and application in daily life. Techniques include repetition, using flashcards, and engaging multiple senses through writing or listening to the verses.”
My technique, or process, of choice was repetition. I have a method, I developed during my school years, that I used to make that more effective. Remind me to tell you how that came in handy in my junior year for an important music test. But that’s another story for another time.
“OK,” you say, “So if scripture memorization is off the table as a way to teach kids about Jesus and His word, then what in the world do you recommend Mister Tony?”
Well, let’s not take it entirely off the table. But there’s a better process of repetition that’s way more effective.
AND fun.
And I won’t make you guess what it is. In a word, it’s rhymes. Yes, I realize that’s a little bit self-serving. Especially since I’ve used the phrase rhyme and reason, for years to describe what I do here on my website and on my podcast. But even if I didn’t, it would still be true that rhymes are powerful. And you can supercharge those rhymes when you songify them. I just made up that word. Don’t you dare steal it and use it anywhere else.
Songs don’t have to use actual Bible verses word for word.
But they should tell about and point to the nature of God’s holiness, righteousness, justice, and love. And be based on the truth of God’s word. Then the rhymes, the beat, and the joyful sounds make it fun to learn about our creator and what He he’s done for us. And, you never can tell (except when you can), you might get some young voices, singing new songs to the Lord.
Speaking of new songs to the Lord, I’ve written quite a few of those in my lifetime. Many of them aren’t all that new anymore. But they might be new to you or a kid you care about. And the only way you’ll know for sure is if you click or tap the link below and check ’em out. How about that? You don’t even have to memorize the link.
(https://www.tonyfunderburk.com/fundersongs/)
If you’re not ready to do that, then subscribe to my FunderFlash Journal. Because the flashes of light I share on my website come directly to your inbox. So you can spend your valuable time reading instead of searching. And, to show my sincere appreciation for your time and attention, I’ll send you download links to books and music, right away. Kids from 3 to 103 can enjoy these fun goodies.
Stay tuned,
