How Can We Encourage More People to Read the Bible?

One of the greatest opportunities facing churches today is helping more people develop a consistent habit of reading God’s Word. While many Christians own multiple Bibles, studies continue to show that regular Bible engagement remains a challenge for many believers. Healthy churches understand that lasting spiritual growth begins when people personally encounter Scripture on a regular basis. Strengthening church health often begins by strengthening the Bible-reading habits of the people who make up the church.

Creating a culture of Bible reading starts with leadership. Pastors, elders, ministry leaders, and small group facilitators should regularly share how Scripture is shaping their own lives. Personal testimonies about God’s faithfulness through His Word often inspire others far more effectively than simply telling people they should read their Bible. When leaders model joyful, consistent Bible reading, they give others permission to begin their own journey.

Churches can also make Bible reading simple and achievable. Rather than overwhelming people with complex reading plans, encourage manageable daily habits. Reading one chapter each day, following a Gospel together as a congregation, or working through a New Testament reading plan can help people experience success. Consistency is usually more important than quantity. A person who faithfully spends ten minutes in Scripture each day will often experience far greater transformation than someone who reads large portions only occasionally.

Technology provides remarkable opportunities to encourage Bible engagement. Churches can share daily Scripture passages through email, text messages, social media, or church apps. Many excellent Bible apps also provide reminders, audio Bibles, devotionals, and reading plans that make it easier than ever to stay consistent. These simple tools help keep God’s Word in front of people throughout the week instead of limiting Bible engagement to Sunday mornings.

Small groups and Bible studies provide another powerful source of encouragement. Reading the same passages together creates opportunities for discussion, accountability, and mutual encouragement. As people ask questions and learn from one another, they often discover that the Bible is both understandable and deeply relevant to everyday life. This shared experience contributes significantly to long-term church health because spiritually growing believers naturally strengthen the entire church community.

Celebrating Bible reading can also make a meaningful difference. Churches often celebrate baptisms, mission trips, and ministry milestones, but they can also celebrate Scripture engagement. Invite members to share testimonies about what God has taught them through their daily reading. Recognize those who complete a reading plan or finish reading through the New Testament or the entire Bible. These stories remind everyone that God continues to speak through His Word today.

Above all, churches should continually remind people why reading the Bible matters. Scripture is not merely a textbook to be mastered but God’s living Word that reveals His character, His purposes, and His invitation to know Him more deeply through Jesus Christ. As believers regularly read, reflect upon, and apply Scripture, their faith grows, their lives are transformed, and their love for Christ deepens.

Encouraging Bible reading is not simply another church program. It is one of the most effective investments any church can make in developing mature disciples. As more people faithfully engage with God’s Word, families become stronger, disciples become more grounded, leaders become more equipped, and churches become healthier for generations to come.

Bible Institute Network exists to help students at every stage of their spiritual journey discover trusted Bible study resources, ministry training, and educational opportunities from a growing network of Bible institutes and seminaries.

Bible Institute Network was founded by Steve Lawes, who is also the founder of Church Encourager and Christian Practices, ministries dedicated to helping individuals and churches grow in biblical understanding, spiritual formation, and Christ-centered ministry.