Music is a gift from the God who created our universe.  In our collective worship, He wants us to speak to one another in Psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. (Ephesians 5:19) Our Bible classes can also benefit from this gift because singing incorporates rhythm, repetition and rhyme. Those 3 elements can greatly enhance learning!

We already do this for many things like learning the books of the New Testament. We also sing the 12 Apostles song and the 12 Sons of Jacob song.

This article presents my all time favorite song resource, Sing A Story by Jewel Kendrick. She went through the entire Bible setting words of Bible stories to familiar folk tunes. She wrote an Old Testament book, a New Testament book and a book for Acts. They may be purchased here: https://store.bibleclassworkshop.com/products/560-sing-a-story/

Her songs are time tested and the kids really enjoy the songs. They retain facts and details because the songs are engaging and even fun. The song below is from Sing A Story by Jewel Kendrick.

My favorite way to include these in Bible classes is to display them on standard poster board which is 22” x 28″.  I display them on an easel so the whole class can sing together.

I have noticed that in the past 10 – 15 years, there has been a marked decrease in the teaching of music in our public schools. Children are not learning to sing the traditional folk songs that have been around for so long. This means that children in Bible classes have become more reluctant to sing. Not only that, but they may not know many of the folk tunes. What a shame!! I don’t TALK about singing much if they are reluctant to sing. Instead, I merely sing these songs and others during class. These songs by Jewel Kendrick are so engaging that the children eventually join in and find they are enjoying singing. This is good for them now and good for the future of the church.

Work to incorporate singing in your classes. I believe you and the children will be blessed richly as a result.

Now, off you go! And remember to Perk Up Your Bible Class with song posters!

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Kathy Petrillo

When Kathy was a high schooler and only 17 years old, she begged the elders of her congregation to let her teach a Bible class. She absolutely loved it and was hooked for life. She is the wife of Denny Petrillo who has been the president of Bear Valley Bible Institute in Denver since 2003. They have been at working with the Institute and Bear Valley church of Christ for 33 years. They have been married 40 years. They have 3 children, 5 grandchildren and one active kitty cat. Kathy currently teaches two women’s classes at Bear Valley Bible Institute. One is a public speaking class. The other is teaching women how to teach children’s Bible classes.

Latest posts by Kathy Petrillo (see all)

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