Scripture and Tea: A Fun Way to LEAD Family Bible Study

Start a new Family Bible Study tradition with Scripture and Tea! A fun way to connect with each another and God. Download your free planning guide.

Okay, I’ll say it. Family bible study hasn’t always been our favorite time of the week. There have been groans, eye rolls, and excuses. It felt pressured and often added stress to an already full week with spirited kids who couldn’t sit still for more than 2 minutes.

But something wondrous happened when we added “tea”. Our practice was modeled after Julie Bogart’s learning theories. And do you know what happened? My children started eagerly looking forward to this special time together and fully engaged in our devotions. Give it a try! You’ll see what I mean!

What is Scripture and Tea?

Scripture and tea is a time to connect around your table with a pot of tea (or hot chocolate or smoothies), delicious snacks, and your bibles. There are no expectations and it doesn’t have to be complicated. Some weeks may be elegant with china, a beautifully set table, and fresh baked treats. Others a collection of random mugs of hot chocolate and what ever you find in the pantry. Either way – it’s a moment set aside to be present with your family and discover and enjoy listening to God’s Word. It can be as simple as that.

You may want to follow a structured bible study and activities – but you don’t have to. Just sitting together, reading the bible, and allowing curious minds to question and explore is enough. This has quickly become the highlight of our week and I know the holy spirit is transforming our hearts and minds in the process. Sign up for our NEWSLETTER and STAY CONNECTED at the end of this post to receive your FREE SCRIPTURE AND TEA PLANNING GUIDE.

How to Start your Family Bible Study

1. Choose a time

Decide how often you would like to have family devotions – daily, weekly, or even monthly. While we incorporate Scripture into many of our activities, we like to host our family bible study on Fridays. It’s a break we all look forward to and helps us decompress after our work week. We like the consistency in our routine and it keeps me accountable. Try a few different times and find your own family rhythm.

2. Set your ‘table’

Our family bible study is a special time where we take a step away from the rush and stress of our day to simply be with each other and God.

First, we set our table with a colorful table cloth, runner, or tray. It helps to set our family devotions apart from our normal routine. It’s a subconscious signal to leave behind our distractions and focus on embracing God’s truth and guidance.

Next, my girls like to add a centerpiece. This might be flowers or treasures found in our latest nature walk, or a craft we’ve made for the season. Include a candle (real or electric) to light at the start of your bible study. As always, the most important thing is this time of connection. If it adds stress, don’t do it! Add a stack of bibles. Different types (a kids bible, illustrated bible stories, study bible) and a variety of translations can spark interesting questions and new insights.

You don’t need an expensive or fancy tea set. Ours is a mismatched collection of china cups and tea pots found in garage sales. My girls love picking out which teacup they will use each week. Some are elaborate with roses and gold trim. Others are more plain with muted colors and simple designs.

3. Pray

The Bible isn’t an easy read. There’s archaic language and tough lessons throughout. Before we begin our family bible study, we quiet our souls and we pray to S.E.E. God’s truth and purpose for our lives.

S – Spirit: We pray for God’s Spirit to guide our readings and understanding. ( John 16:13)

E – Enter: That we will enter this time with open hearts and through God’s written Word be led to the Living Word in Jesus (Colossian 3:16) 

E – Empower: And that we will realize God’s plan for us and be empowered to follow His Call. (1 Peter 4:10)

4. Tasty ‘tea’

Scripture and Tea starts with the ritual of serving your tea. This is the perfect opportunity to help kids learn to be gracious and practice etiquette around the table: taking turns, listening to each other, asking questions, as well as being respectful, generous, and grateful for the food and people who prepared it.

You can explore all sorts of herbal teas. For children who are new to tea you might try a mild blend of Chamomile. Check with your doctor to confirm which teas are safe for your child and their age. I recommend avoiding those with caffeine and choosing organic options if possible. My children’s favorites are fennel and ginger. We always include a small “sugar bowl” of xylitol (as a tooth friendly sugar substitute) and a silver baby spoon. It’s a my guilt free way of letting my youngest add as many spoonfuls as she likes!

Other times, Scripture and Tea might be a big mug of hot chocolate. Spiced apple cider is a delight in the fall. Or mix it up with a picnic and tall glasses of raspberry iced tea to chase away the summer heat.

5. Scrumptious snacks

Next is enjoying your treats! The possibilities are endless. Give your children an opportunity to contribute by helping you prepare your food. Older kids can choose the menu and practice their cooking skills.

Bake healthy carrot muffins or banana bread. Pick up some blueberry scones with creamy butter from the market. We often have our family bible study during afternoon snack. Naan bread and hummus, cucumber cream cheese sandwiches, or even a basket of goldfish crackers and cheese sticks for our youngest members. We always include a tray of fresh cut apples or pears. Go savory and serve empanadas with chutney, mini quiches, or a top pick- pigs in a roll!

6. Family bible study topics and activities

As everyone is enjoying their tea and snacks, begin your bible readings. It can be overwhelming to figure out how to introduce God’s Word to our children. You can follow a scripture reading plan or let your children open their bible and choose at random. The bible is a living text through which God reveals and interacts with us. There’s no right or wrong way to study his Word. You don’t have to be an expert. Reading directly from the bible, even a short story or few verses here and there, will plant seeds and help us grow in faith. There are also many resources to help you lead discussion, including the study notes in your bible.

7. Give thanks

We close our family devotions again in prayer. We thank God for His unfailing love and grace given to us in Christ Jesus. We pray that His revelation and goodness will indwell our hearts and guide our actions. Last, we thank Jesus for our family and for inviting us to be a part of his.