Some of us are wired to learn best when we can see it. Visual learners thrive on images, diagrams, colors, and spatial relationships. They’re the ones doodling in the margins, mapping out timelines, or color-coding their notes with the enthusiasm of a Sunday school teacher with a new pack of markers. If you’re leading a Bible study group, it’s a sure thing that you’ve got a visual learners in the mix. So how do you make Scripture come alive for them?

Here are three creative, doable ways to engage visual learners and help them not just hear the Word—but see it, too. Try some of these the next time you teach.

1. Paint the Picture—Literally and Figuratively

Visual learners love imagery, so give them something to look at! Start by incorporating visuals into your teaching. That could mean:

• Using a whiteboard or flip chart to sketch out timelines, family trees, or maps of biblical locations.
• Bringing in artwork that depicts biblical scenes—classic paintings, modern illustrations, or even children’s Bible art can spark discussion and deepen understanding.
• Creating “visual metaphors” to explain abstract concepts. For example, use a flashlight and a mirror to demonstrate how we reflect God’s light (Matthew 5:14–16). Or build a small house on sand and one on a rock to illustrate Matthew 7:24–27. Bonus points if you let group members help build them!

You don’t have to be Picasso. Stick figures and simple sketches go a long way when paired with a good story and a little humor. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s connection.

2. Make It Interactive with Visual Tools

Visual learners don’t just want to see—they want to interact. So why not turn your Bible study into a hands-on experience?

• Use sticky notes to map out key themes, characters, or questions on a wall or table. Let group members move them around to show connections or progression.
• Try a “Bible verse puzzle”: print a verse in large font, cut it into pieces, and have the group reassemble it. Then discuss what each part means.
• Create a visual prayer wall. Provide index cards or small pieces of paper where people can write prayer requests or praises, then pin them to a board or tape them to a wall. It becomes a living, breathing testimony of God’s work in your group.

These activities aren’t just fun—they help visual learners process and retain what they’re learning. Plus, they get everyone moving and thinking together, which builds community.

3. Invite Them to Capture the Message

Here’s a twist: let your visual learners be the artists. Encourage them to respond to Scripture through creative expression.

• After reading a passage, ask them to draw or sketch what stood out most. It could be a scene, a symbol, or even a feeling.
• Invite them to create a visual journal—combining Scripture, doodles, and reflections in a notebook.
• Use photography prompts: “Take a picture this week that represents grace,” or “Find something that reminds you of Psalm 23.” Share and discuss the images next time you meet.

These practices help visual learners internalize truth in a way that’s personal and memorable. And who knows? Their creativity might just inspire the whole group.

Visual learners are a gift to your Bible study group. They help us see Scripture in new ways—literally. By incorporating images, interaction, and imagination, you’ll not only engage their minds but also enrich the experience for everyone.

So go ahead—grab the markers, print the maps, and let the Word come to life in full color. After all, Jesus himself was a master of visual storytelling. He painted pictures with parables, pointed to lilies and sparrows, and turned everyday objects into eternal truths.

Let’s follow his lead—and help our groups see the gospel with fresh eyes.