In two previous posts, I wrote about why I love the Jesus Storybook Bible (JSB) and some technical observations about Bible translation and the JSB. In this post, I want to pass along some practical ideas about utilizing the JSB, particularly for Capernaum campaigners (but all campaigners can benefit from this post too). I should mention that I have never led a Capernaum campaigners. However, the principles of clear communication, visual engagement, and tactile reinforcement help all people (for example, see my Bible study for Wyldlife: Wyld Questions)
1. Campaigners through the Jesus Storybook Bible Animated Videos
I came across a wonderful resource while I was preparing to speak at Capernaum camp: Jesus Storybook Bible animated videos. These videos utilize the text of the JSB and the fantastic illustrations in the JSB. Some of the videos are available on Youtube. I have created a Youtube playlist of the available videos that I could find, it is HERE. The complete set of videos is available HERE and HERE. Here is an example:
2. Campaigners Ideas from Pinterest & VBS Projects
As you might imagine, the JSB is a great resource for children’s ministries and also for Vacation Bible Schools (VBS). The JSB has an official curriculum you can buy from Zondervan, you can find out more about it HERE. Perhaps even better, I found a fantastic free resource which provides a VBS-style, hands-on activity for each of the 44 stories in the JSB. I strongly recommend checking it out, HERE. Another helpful resource can be found HERE.
3. Ask: “Why?” Compare the ESV and JSB
My final suggestion might be a good fit for a YL leadership team or an in-depth Campaigners group.
Simply take a passage in the JSB and compare it to a word-for-word English translation such as the ESV. Then ask the following questions:
- Why did the JSB word the passage the way it did? Pick our key words and phrases.
- What are other words or phrases that could be used that stay faithful to the ESV?
- Who is my audience? What specific words or phrases resonate with them that might fit in this passage?
Here is an example from when Jesus calmed the storm:
| Mark 4:40 (ESV) | Jesus Story Bible |
|---|---|
| He said to them,
“Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?” |
Then Jesus turned to his wind torn friends.
“Why were you scared?” he asked. “Did you forget who I Am? Did you believe your fears, instead of me?” |
- The JSB uses the word “scared” when the ESV uses “afraid.”
- The JSB uses the word “believe” when the ESV uses the word “faith.”
- The JSB adds in the object of belief: do we believe Jesus or our fear?
2. What are other words or phrases that could be used that stay faithful to the ESV?
- Instead of “afraid” (ESV) one might be able to use “nervous” or “anxious.”
- Instead of the word “faith” (ESV) one might be able to use the word “trust.”
3. Who is my audience? What specific words or phrases resonate with them that might fit in this passage?
My leadership team tends to be those in their early 20’s, of which many have a lot of uncertainty about their future. Words like “uncertain” and “anxious” and “unclear” and “confused” and “pressure” are words that they often use. We might be able to ask if the JSB could word the passage something like this for them:
Then Jesus turned to his confused and anxious friends. “Why were you scared of all the pressure?” he asked. “Did you forget who I Am? Did you believe your uncertain future, instead of me?”
A reminder: We shouldn’t push too far in the re-wording of the Bible, review the principles I explained in THIS POST.
However, by thinking carefully through these questions it could generate a dynamic Campaigners or leadership discussion.
I’ve learned so much about ministry, especially recently, from my friends in Capernaum Young Life. If you ever get the change to be involved in Capernaum, I highly recommend it!