What’s In My Church Bag & Personal Bible Study Setup

One thing I’ve learned is that ministry and Bible study rarely look perfectly organized all the time.

Some days it looks peaceful and beautifully planned out.

Other days it looks like sticky notes everywhere, half-finished coffee, snacks stuffed into side pockets, and carrying way too many pens around in a tote bag. But honestly, those ordinary little moments are often where faith grows the most.

Since I teach kids church and Sunday school, my church bag goes almost everywhere with me. Over time I’ve slowly figured out which things actually help me stay prepared, organized, and intentional during ministry and my personal Bible study.

So here’s a little peek inside my church bag!

Church Bag Essentials (items linked below)

My church bag is honestly part Bible study tote and part survival kit for kids ministry. Here’s what usually stays packed inside:

• iPad for teaching notes and presentations  

• Presentation clicker  

• NKJV thinline Bible  

• Journal and prayer folder  

• Pens and highlighters  

• Washi tape, stickers, bookmarks, sticky notes, and paper clips  

• Clear zipper pouches for organizing supplies  

• Clip-on book light  

• Small first aid kit with bandaids, alcohol wipes, and sanitizer spray  

• Keys

• Handheld fan because the kids room gets HOT  

• Snacks (usually apple crisps or something easy to carry)  

• Owala 30oz water bottle because running after 15–20 kids requires hydration 

I’ve found that keeping everything together in one place helps ministry days feel less chaotic. It also makes it easier to quickly grab my bag and go without forgetting important supplies.

Personal Bible Study Tools (items linked below)

When it comes to personal Bible study, I try to keep things simple and practical. While I use the items from my church bag, these are the tools I reach for the most:

• NKJV Journaling Bible  

• Moody Bible Commentary  

• Bible dictionary    

• Current devotional: “You Are Made for This” by Melissa Horvath

I love tools that help me slow down and really interact with Scripture instead of rushing through it. Sometimes Bible study looks very organized with in-depth notes and carefully highlighted verses. Other times it’s messy handwriting, prayers scribbled in the margins, reading while dinner cooks, or trying to focus while life happens loudly in the background.

But I’ve learned that faith does not grow through perfection. It grows through consistency. Through showing up again and again, and opening your Bible even on the busy days.

At the end of the day, you do not need an expensive setup or the “perfect” quiet time routine to spend time with God.

Sometimes faith grows in the quietest ordinary moments, a Bible open on the kitchen table, a child asking questions, or faithfully serving week after week.

Little by little, God works through ordinary moments!