When you think of how the Bible relates to the teenagers in your youth ministry, what are some important factors? For instance, does it matter that your teens can understand the words? What about resources — does the perfect Bible need to include practical tools and activities for application? Well, we’ve got good news for you, and we’re not just talking about the Gospel. We’re going to give you the best tips on how to choose a Bible translation for your youth ministry. Let’s take a look at some options to choose from!
Why Are Translations Important?
Before we tell you about the Bible translations that might be best for you, it’s important to quickly touch on why choosing a Bible translation is important for your entire ministry to reference.
- Consistency. For starters, it keeps everyone on the same page. Whether teaching or learning, it’s important that the teens and volunteers are all familiar with the same phrases and terms. As translations differ, so will specific words and phrases. It can be easier to understand the Bible when everyone can agree to use the same terminology in discussions and teachings.
- Understanding. Bible translations are most helpful when they provide understanding. It makes all the difference when you can select a translation that is age appropriate and fits your youth ministry’s reading level.
Translations for Teens!
Now that we’ve gone over the “why,” let’s get to the “which.” When it comes to your youth ministry, here are some Bible translations that we think will work best.
- NLT — The NLT or New Living Translation is a great option for teenagers because its writing is suitable for individuals that read at a middle school level. The New Living Translation effectively translates the original languages of the Bible into modern English phrases — not just words. This makes the NLT a perfect candidate for teens.
- CEB — Another option for teenagers who want to understand and connect with the Bible is the CEB or Common English Bible. Often found with study guides included, this translation is beneficial for teens because it was written to be at a comfortable reading level for the majority of English readers. Bible scholars began translating this version in 2008 and it was completed as recently as the year 2011. The teens in your youth ministry will definitely appreciate reading the Bible with ease when using the CEB translation.
- NIV — When it comes to teenagers who like a bit of a challenge, the NIV or New International Version can be helpful. It reads with maturity and doesn’t back down from heightened vocabulary usage, which makes Bible reading exciting for teens who rely on descriptors and details to build up their reading experience.
What Does An Ideal Translation Have?
Choosing the best Bible translation doesn’t have to be overwhelming. When it comes to the teens in your youth ministry what’s most important is that the Bible is easy to read, easy to understand, and resourceful for applying to their lives. Here are some Bibles you can purchase today that come with helpful tools and resources for the teens in your youth ministry.
- Like the idea of including a NLT Bible for your teenagers? Try the Tyndale NLT Teen Life Application Study Bible. This Bible was written to address the issues and needs of high school students today and helps navigate the ‘so what’ and ‘now what’ prompts that often challenges teens,
- Did the CEB Translation catch your attention? Consider purchasing the The CEB Student Bible! This Bible comes packed with articles, discussions and prayers for the teens you love and serve.
- Do you think the NIV could work for teens in your ministry? You might want to include the NIV Teen Study Bible in your next gathering. Dating, bullying, depression — this student Bible covers it all with inclusive discussion sections and guides.
Conclusion
If deciding how to choose a Bible translation was difficult for you, then we hope these suggestions were helpful! Remember that deciding on a translation can be easy once you can identify the reader and the resources they need to make the Bible understandable and relatable.
