Media Style Bible Storytelling
1. KEEP EYE CONTACT
2. BE ANIMATED, AND ALIVE
3. SPEAK UP
4. CHANGE YOUR VOICE AND USE SOUND EFFECTS
5. INVOLVE YOUR AUDIENCE
6. USE DRAMA, PUPPETS, VIDEO, OR BACKGROUND MUSIC
7. USE GAMES
8. BE FAST PACED AND ENTHUSIASTIC
9. ASK QUESTIONS (BEFORE, AFTER AND DURING)
10. LOVE YOUR AUDIENCE
Keeping it fresh!
TV cameras change every 5 seconds, today’s children are used to this type of stimuli,
to tell a bible story and make it stick, we need to follow this style of bible storytelling.
Take a look at the world through the eyes of a child, and take notice of what they
notice, and the length of time media has grabbed and held their attention.
COMMERCIALS- 30-90 SECONDS
MUSIC VIDEOS- 1-4 MINUTES
SHORTS (INTERLUDES)- 5-10 MINUTES
SITCOMS- 30 MINUTES (WITH 3 COMMERICAL BREAKS)
MOVIES- 75-125 MINUTES
When Sesame Street first broadcast on TV it changed the face of children’s television
forever, and many successful shows after followed the same type of format. (Electric
Television, You Can’t Do that on Television, Get Set 4 Life, Ready Set Learn, Zoom!,
and even TreeHouse an 18 hour day network to name a few. Between the Lions, Nick
Jr., and Family networks all got on board knowing this format works. It draws their
attention and holds it until the point sticks.
Try telling a bible story in different acts (depending on length) and changing what
media you use, puppets, songs, acting, mix it up. Mix up the length of time you use a
media too. Change the media not the main lesson point to make learning fun, after all
we learn all our lives- keep it fresh.
Permission granted by Teachable Heart Ministries to photocopy for church use only,
not for profit or resale. Written by N.H. Beaman.
Teachable Heart Children's Ministry Articles