Family scripture study doesn’t have to be long, perfectly planned, or look the same every week.

Some weeks you may have time for a meaningful discussion around the table. Other weeks, you might read one verse in the car, talk about a scripture story before bed, or share a quick thought between activities.

And that’s okay.

The purpose of Come, Follow Me isn’t to create one more thing for your family to accomplish. It’s to help bring the Savior and His teachings into your home.

Here are 10 simple ways to make Come, Follow Me more meaningful—and more realistic—for your family.

1. Don't Try to Cover Everything

One of the easiest ways to become overwhelmed with Come, Follow Me is feeling like you need to teach everything in the week's reading.

You don't.

Choose one story, one principle, or even one verse that feels especially meaningful for your family.

A five-minute conversation everyone remembers can be more valuable than a long lesson everyone struggles to sit through.

2. Choose a Scripture for the Week

Pick one verse from the week's reading and make it your family's scripture of the week.

Read it together at the beginning of the week, then return to it throughout the next several days.

You could display it somewhere your family will see it—on the refrigerator, bathroom mirror, family bulletin board, or kitchen counter.

Repeatedly seeing the same scripture can help its message become part of everyday life.

3. Ask One Good Question

You don't need a long list of discussion questions.

Sometimes one thoughtful question is enough.

Try questions like:

• What does this teach us about Jesus Christ?
• What do you think God wants us to learn from this story?
• Have you ever experienced something similar?
• What would you have done?
• How could we apply this principle this week?

And don't worry about filling every moment of silence. Give everyone a little time to think.

4. Adjust the Lesson for Your Family

Come, Follow Me doesn't need to look the same in every home.

Young children may learn best through pictures, stories, movement, and simple activities.

Teenagers may respond better to real-life questions and conversations.

Adults may want to explore historical context or related General Conference talks.

Adapt the study to the people sitting in front of you.

That's one of the strengths of studying the gospel at home.

5. Use Visuals

A picture can make a scripture story much easier for children—and adults—to remember.

Try using:

• Artwork
• Scripture story pictures
• Maps
• Timeline cards
• Character cards
• Simple object lessons
• Short Church videos

Ask your children what they notice in the image before you even begin teaching.

You may be surprised by the conversation that follows.

6. Connect the Scriptures to Real Life

Help your family see that scripture stories aren't only stories about people who lived thousands of years ago.

Ask:

“What does this have to do with us?”

David facing Goliath can lead to a conversation about courage.

Joseph forgiving his brothers can lead to a discussion about forgiveness.

Esther can teach about standing for what is right.

Peter walking on the water can lead to a conversation about faith and keeping our focus on Christ.

When family members recognize themselves in scripture stories, the scriptures become much more personal.

7. Let Your Children Teach

You don't always have to be the teacher.

Give children or teenagers opportunities to choose a verse, explain a story, ask the discussion question, or share something they learned.

Even younger children can hold a picture and tell everyone what they remember about the story.

Teaching gives them a different reason to engage with the scriptures—and often you'll learn something from what they notice.

8. Bring in General Conference

When you find a gospel principle that resonates with your family, look for a General Conference message about the same subject.

You don't necessarily need to watch or read the entire talk.

You might share one story, quote, or short video clip and ask:

“How does this help us understand what we just read?”

It also helps children and teenagers see that the same gospel principles taught in scripture continue to guide us today.

9. Leave Something Behind

Try to leave your family with one visible reminder of what you studied.

It could be:

• A scripture card
• A quote
• A picture
• A question
• A word such as faith, courage, or forgiveness

Put it somewhere everyone will see it during the week.

That small reminder can turn a Sunday discussion into something your family continues thinking about everyday during normal activities at home. 

10. Choose Consistency Over Perfection

This may be the most important one.

Some family scripture studies will be wonderful.

Some will be chaotic.

Someone will complain. Someone will be tired. Someone won't want to participate. Sometimes you'll miss a day—or several.

Keep going.

You aren't trying to create a perfect family scripture-study routine.

You're creating small, repeated opportunities for your family to encounter the word of God and feel the influence of Jesus Christ in your home.

Those small moments add up.

Keep Come, Follow Me Simple

Come, Follow Me doesn't have to become another complicated item on your family's schedule.

Read a verse.

Tell a story.

Ask a question.

Share an experience.

Talk about Jesus Christ.

Then look for opportunities throughout the week to return to what you've learned.

The goal isn't simply to finish the lesson.

It's to help what you're studying become part of your family's life, and see how Good God is. because He is so so GOOD! 

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Make Come, Follow Me a Little Easier

Looking for simple, beautiful resources to help bring Come, Follow Me into your home? Explore Joyful Jane's scripture study resources designed to help families focus on meaningful scriptures, conversations, and connections throughout the week.