Most of the kids in our ministries live very full lives. They have family schedules and all the obligations that come with them. They go to school, where they navigate friendships, learn new skills, and juggle homework. Then they often have sports and extracurricular activities that fill their evenings and weekends. For some, their parents' work schedules mean time with babysitters and after-school programs. And, of course, they are surrounded by technology—video games, YouTube, streaming shows, social media, and endless digital distractions.

And yet, in the middle of all that noise, their minds are memorizing constantly. They memorize song lyrics to their favorite tunes. They know lines from TV shows. They remember the names, numbers, and stats of their favorite athletes. They can tell you the order of every level in a video game or every feature of the newest device.

But for so many kids, if you ask them to quote a Bible verse, they are stumped. They might know stories in the Bible and maybe even where to find them. But the living, breathing Word of God is not always something they can call to mind.

And often, it’s not just the kids. Many parents struggle with the same thing. Their life is full and busy, and they just don’t prioritize memorizing Scripture in their family. They are often well-meaning Christ-followers who have every intention of memorizing God’s Word and knowing it, but then it just doesn’t happen.

So why should Scripture memorization be a priority in our ministries? And how do we help the next generation hide God’s Word in their hearts?

Why It Matters: Scripture Changes Everything

The Word of God is not just words on a page. It’s living, active, and powerful. Hebrews 4:12 reminds us that “the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword…” When kids know Scripture, they carry that sword with them into every situation they face.

• It anchors them in truth. The world is full of changing opinions, loud voices, and confusing messages. Scripture gives kids a firm foundation of what is true and right. Jesus said in John 8:31-32, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

• It equips them to fight temptation. Jesus used Scripture to fight temptation in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11). When kids have God’s Word stored in their hearts, they have a powerful weapon against sin and lies.

• It shapes their worldview. Memorizing Scripture doesn’t just fill their minds; it transforms how they think, act, and respond. It helps them to see the world the same way God sees it.

How Can We Help: Practical Ways to Make Scripture Stick

It’s not enough to want kids to memorize Scripture. We need to intentionally make it part of our ministry culture. Here are a few ideas:

• Make it fun and memorable. Use songs, hand motions, or games to help verses come to life. Kids love challenges, so turn memorizing into something they look forward to.

• Celebrate progress. Recognize and reward memorization milestones or accomplishments. A little encouragement goes a long way.

• Tie verses to real life. Don’t just have kids recite verses. Talk to them about what the verse means and how it applies to their daily lives and yours.

• Memorize with them. What Kids Ministry leader or volunteer doesn’t need to memorize more Scripture? Learn Scripture alongside your kids, and they will love it.

A Legacy Worth Building

As ministry leaders, we have a brief but powerful window of time with the kids God has entrusted us to lead, shepherd, and love. The world will offer them plenty of things to memorize, but only one thing will change their lives forever—God and His Word.

This week, choose one verse and commit to memorizing it with the kids in your ministry. Talk about it. Review it. Celebrate it. Then build on that habit until hiding God’s Word in their hearts becomes part of the culture of your ministry and a legacy that will last a lifetime.

Let’s make sure that the words they carry into middle school, high school, and adulthood are not just lyrics and stats, but living words from the God who loves them.

Melissa Anderson has had the joy of serving as the Director of Kids Ministries at Bethel Church in Crown Point for 20 years. She is passionate about ministry leadership, shepherding parents, and loving kids. Melissa has been blessed to be married to her husband, Jeff, for 42 years. Together, they have raised three wonderful children, who are now married and have given them eight adorable grandchildren. Her family and ministry are the heart of her life, and she is grateful for the opportunity to pour into both every day.