Let’s be honest.

When you announce, “We’re going to do a scripture activity tonight,” some teens brace themselves for boredom.

Why?

Because they’ve sat through enough “read-around-the-circle” lessons and fill-in-the-blank worksheets to assume scripture = stale.

But it doesn’t have to be that way.

With a little creativity, you can turn scripture into a challenge—and challenges unlock engagement, ownership, and curiosity.

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🔥 Why Use Scripture Challenges?

• They connect gospel principles to real-life action.
  
• They spark spiritual discovery in personal, unexpected ways.
  
• They show youth that the scriptures are alive, not just assigned reading.
  
• They give them something to do, not just something to listen to.
  

Teens crave meaning and movement. Scripture challenges give them both.

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💡 5 Scripture Challenge Formats That Work

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1. Find It First (Speed Drill with Purpose)

Give a gospel question or scenario and have youth race (individually or in pairs) to find a scripture that applies.

“You’re struggling to forgive someone who really hurt you—go.”

“You feel totally alone and like no one gets you—find the verse.”

Let them read what they found, and briefly explain why. Then you share one too.

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2. Scripture in Action

Assign a verse or story, and challenge them to live it for a week.

Matthew 5:44 → “Pray for those who persecute you.”
1 Nephi 3:7 → “Act on a prompting this week, even if it’s scary.”
Mosiah 2:17 → “Find three real ways to serve this week and report back.”

Next week, ask what they noticed. This builds testimony through experiment, not just study.

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3. Scripture Scavenger Hunt

Hide clues around the church or outdoors that reference scriptures. Each one leads to the next and teaches a principle.

Add physical challenges or puzzles for variety. End with a group debrief and spiritual message.

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4. Rewrite and Reflect

Have youth take a verse and rewrite it in their own words, then illustrate it or write a journal entry about what it means to them.

This deepens understanding and invites personal connection.

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5. Scripture Showdown

Give two teams the same gospel question or scenario. Each team must:

• Find a supporting scripture
  
• Explain how it applies
  
• Convince the judges (other youth or leaders)
  

Let them laugh. Let them dig. Then wrap up with a short spiritual insight.

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🧠 Final Thought

When scripture becomes a quest—not just a quote—it transforms hearts.

Let your youth discover that the word of God is exciting, challenging, and deeply personal.

You don’t have to beg them to open the scriptures. Just hand them the map… and let them find the treasure.