Revealing God's Story: The Power of Biblical Art for Kids
We all have stories that shape us. We carry them with us as we grow, and they have the power to affect how we see ourselves and the world in which we live. As kidmin leaders, we have the privilege of introducing kids to the most important story of all: the story of God's great love for us. But how we present that story matters, and the images we choose are as important as the words we use.
Think of a story that you loved as a child. Something that delighted and inspired you, excited you, showed you something about how the world is (or could be).
We all have stories that shape us. We carry them with us as we grow, and they have the power to affect how we see ourselves and the world in which we live.
Working with kids means that we have the incredible privilege of introducing children to the biggest, most enduring and most important story of all: the story of God’s great love for us. But how we present that story matters, and the images we choose are as important as the words we use.
Good artwork will engage and draw children in, but more significantly, it has the power to convey to a child that this story is:
A very good story
A timeless story
A story for everyone
A Very Good Story (so let's fill our artwork with joy)
The story we have to share is an exciting story!
It’s the story of a God who created everything with love; a God who is faithful, forgiving, and loving; a God who has filled us with his love to reflect and share in the world!
Of course it’s full of nuance and complexity, but at its core it is a message of hope, of new beginnings, of incredible grace and unstoppable love.
So the images we use in telling that story should be equally joyful and inspiring. When kids are excited about and engaged with the artwork because it makes them feel something, they are more likely to understand that this is a good story, full of joy.
As a quick aside: we’re not saying everything is sunshine all the time. Our artwork doesn’t always need to be bright and colourful to engage kids emotionally. In fact, we want to equip kids to face the hard things in life too. Hope and joy can come out of sadness in profound ways, and our artwork can reflect that too.
A Timeless Story (but when and where it happened matters)
The stories of the Bible have endured for thousands of years. They have lasted because the truths they carry are timeless and still speak to us now.
When we read a Bible story to kids, it’s important that they understand that families, friends, faith communities and churches have been sharing and learning from these stories for millennia.
But they will only be able to appreciate the enduring value of these stories if they understand exactly where, and just how long ago they took place. Being as historically and culturally accurate as possible in the artwork and images we use is the only way for that to happen. These stories take place in the ancient Middle East and Africa and should look like they do.
When kids understand the historical context of the Bible, it speaks to how timeless and lasting its truths are. These stories are still being told today and are still relevant because God’s promises and love haven’t changed, and they never will.
A Story for Everyone (so let's include everyone)
Our artwork should always be inclusive, because God’s love is inclusive.
Historically, the Bible has been taught in ways that haven’t included everyone. So it matters more than ever that every child—regardless of identity or situation—knows that they are a child of God, uniquely known and loved.
Representation in our artwork can challenge stereotypes and broaden perspectives. It creates opportunities for all children to see beyond their own experience and culture. Inclusive imagery is critical if we want to raise children who are curious, empathetic, understanding and loving.
The story of God’s love is the best, most exciting story in the world!
It’s joyful, it’s timeless, and it’s for everyone!
When we’re creative and intentional about using artwork that makes these truths clear, we are giving kids something they can love, return to and carry with them for the rest of their lives.
Tim Penner and Jo Rivard have been making kids’ content together since 2011 (though they’ve been friends for much longer) and are the co-creators, illustrator, and authors of all the Tiny Truths books and print-ready resources.
You can see more of what they make at tinytruthsbible.com
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