The Best Bibles for Your Ministry: A Guide for Every Age
Looking for the perfect Bible for your ministry? From toddlers to teens, explore our top picks to help kids connect with God’s Word at every stage of life.
Choosing the right Bible for the kids in your ministry can feel overwhelming. I know the shelves (and online listings!) are full of options, and it’s not always clear which ones will truly connect with your toddlers, children, or teens. That’s why I’ve pulled together my top Bible recommendations for every age group. I believe these bibles will both inspire and equip young people to grow in their faith.
Toddlers (Ages 1–2)
**#1 Pick: **Tiny Truths Bible for Little Ones by Joanna Rivard & Tim Penner
If you need a board Bible for the toddlers in your life, this is the best, beautiful, and brilliant book for you. With sturdy pages and simple truths, it’s perfect for little hands and growing hearts.
Other Excellent Options:
Preschool & Early Primary (Ages 3–6)
**#1 Pick: **The Tiny Truths Illustrated Bible by Joanna Rivard & Tim Penner
This Bible is beautifully written and illustrated, fun to read, and biblically accurate in detail. A wonderful choice for engaging young learners in the big story of God’s love.
Other Excellent Options:
The Big Bible Storybook: 188 Bible Stories to Enjoy Together by Maggie Barfield — This Bible has more stories packed into it than most any other children's illustrated Bible. Barfield does a phenomenal job of making child-honouring content that shares the thorough narrative of scripture.
Middle Elementary (Ages 7–11)
Choosing a number one pick in this age category was a challenge for me as there is such a rich and incredible range of options. In reality, I had two tied for first place since there are different criteria that folks look for in this age group.
#1 Pick (Full Text Bible): The NIV Kids Visual Bible
When I think of myself as a kid, I can tell you that I would have absolutely loved the NIV Kids Visual Bible. This is a full text Bible with incredible images, maps, facts, and more.
#1 Pick (Story Bible): My Big Story Bible: 140 Faithful Stories, from Genesis to Revelation by N.T. Wright
This storybook Bible is beautifully illustrated and authored by the brilliant theologian N.T. Wright. Wright weaves the thread from story to story throughout scripture to help children build connections.
Other Excellent Options:
Older Elementary & Secondary (Ages 12+)
#1 Pick: Jesus-Centered Bible (Group)
I love helping students discover Jesus throughout all of scripture. That is why I have listed this Bible as #1 in this age category. Helping students see Jesus from cover to cover and encounter the incredible, full story of scripture is amazing.
Other Excellent Options:
Final Thoughts
The right Bible can help young people at every stage of life encounter God’s Word in a way that speaks to their hearts and minds. Whether you’re equipping toddlers with their very first board book or guiding teens into deeper study, these Bibles can help your ministry point children to Jesus in meaningful, lasting ways.
Sign up for your Free Sampler account today!
Get instant access to everything you need, and more than you could ever imagine, for every ministry moment. Thousands of lessons, games, activities, crafts, and worship media assets are ready for you!
Create Free Sampler Account