Scripture engagement pastor alert!
Bible reading research.
Studies by the Barna Group, Gallup Poll, and others reveal that regular Bible reading in North America is in sharp decline. There are approximately 25% fewer people than a generation ago who would be characterized as even occasional Bible readers and about 700 people in the USA quit Bible reading every day!
The drop in Bible reading contrasts sharply with the finding that 87% of church attendees want practical help understanding the Bible. Unfortunately, only 20% of churches offer the help required.
Equipping congregations to read the Bible with understanding.
Pastor, are you giving God’s people what they need to understand the Bible? Scripture Union can help equip your congregation with the means to read the Bible with understanding. Here are some proven resources you can recommend to your church:
- Encounter With God and Daily Bread are excellent Bible Reading Guides for adults. These guides take the reader through the entire Bible in about four years. Many Christians testify to how they grow in understanding and meet with God daily through using these resources. Among many great examples of faith who use Scripture Union reading guides, Billy Graham says, “I am totally, completely and forever a Scripture Union man.”
- Essential 100 Challenge is based on carefully selected short Bible passages – 50 from the Old Testament and 50 from the New Testament – that help Bible readers grasp the essence of the text. The E100 Challenge is the systematic Bible reading challenge your congregation will love to complete. Consider doing it together as a congregation
- theStory™ – a free daily online adult Bible reading guide that emphasizes the biblical narrative, utilizes a chronological reading plan, engages the mind and ignites the soul. One of the great features of theStory™, apart from the fact that it’s free, is software that tracks each individual’s progress – allowing a person to read and reflect on the Bible at their own pace. Available at: theStory.scriptureunion.ca
Bible engagement advocacy and support.
Giving your congregation the help they require doesn’t require much effort. Here are a few suggestions to get the ball rolling:
- Feature the above information in newsletters, bulletins, PowerPoint announcements, your Facebook and church website
- Preach on the importance of connecting with God’s Word. Emphasize how Bible reading and reflection are the primary catalysts in spiritual health and growth. Apply the teaching by inviting the congregation to join you in the E100 Challenge or asking them to turn on their phones and sign up for theStory™. [Note: Scripture Union will send you logos and promotional jpgs, slides, banners – everything you need to promote the E100 Challenge or theStory™. E-mail us at: info@scriptureunion.ca]
- Invite a staff member from Scripture Union to set up a promotional display of Bible engagement resources with free samples of Encounter With God. Phone (905) 427-4947 to book one of the SU staff to present the latest research on the Bible and culture or share an inspirational and invitational message on Bible engagement
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Summary
Scripture engagement pastor alert! Bible reading in North America is sharply declining, with 25% fewer people reading the Bible regularly compared to a generation ago, despite 87% of churchgoers wanting practical help to understand it. Only 20% of churches currently offer the necessary support for Bible engagement. Scripture Union provides resources like Encounter With God, Daily Bread, and the E100 Challenge to help congregations engage with the Bible more effectively. Pastors are encouraged to promote these resources through various church communication channels and consider inviting Scripture Union staff to foster Bible engagement within their congregations.
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