If you’re a youth leader in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, you’ve probably asked yourself how to help teens make scripture study more than a checklist item. With distractions coming from every direction and homework piling up, it’s no wonder that reading the Book of Mormon can feel more like another assignment than a source of revelation. But the truth is: scripture study isn’t supposed to be a burden. It’s meant to be a lifeline.

Make It Personal, Not Performative One of the key barriers to real scripture study is the pressure to perform. Youth often feel like they have to find “the right answer” when what they really need is a place to wrestle with questions, explore spiritual feelings, and hear the whisperings of the Spirit. Instead of asking, “What did you learn?” try asking, “What did you feel?” or “What confused you?” These open the door for vulnerability and connection.

Turn Reading Into Storytelling Scripture study should feel alive. Try letting youth re-tell a scripture story in their own words. Have them act it out. Or give them five minutes to imagine themselves in Nephi’s shoes—or Sariah’s. Suddenly, the scriptures aren’t dusty old records—they’re blueprints for life.

Add One Powerful Element to Mutual Night Here’s an easy 5-minute add-on to any youth activity: Ask each youth to write one verse they loved recently on a notecard and why it stood out. Let them exchange with someone else in the group. This small moment creates a powerful habit of sharing and bearing quiet testimony.

Use Come, Follow Me—but Keep It Light Come, Follow Me isn’t meant to be another lesson—it’s a conversation starter. Choose one short section for Mutual Night and let a youth lead a 5-minute discussion. Keep it authentic. No over-prepping. Let them struggle and grow.

LDS Youth Activities Should Spark Spiritual Strength This is part of your larger purpose as a leader: to provide gospel-centered youth activities that build spiritual strength for teens without making it feel forced. Scripture study should inspire, not intimidate.

Want more ideas like this? Our paid guides at Forged in Faith include lesson packs and teaching prompts that make it easy to keep scripture relevant, real, and resonant. Help your youth stay on the covenant path—without burning out.