Nearly all U.S. Protestant pastors (99%) actively promote independent Bible reading, employing multiple strategies to engage their congregants in Scripture. The most common include providing free Bibles (93%) and reminding congregants during sermons (92%), according to a report from the Baptist Press based on a Lifeway Research study.

Additionally, 73% of pastors incorporate Bible readings during worship services beyond the sermon passages. Other approaches include printed Bible reading plans (59%), social media reminders (56%), and email encouragement (49%). Digital Bible reading plans are also becoming more popular, and they are used by 37% of pastors surveyed.

Lifeway Survey Captures Shifting Bible Reading Trends

The Lifeway Research study surveyed 1,003 Protestant pastors across the U.S. from August 8 to September 3, 2024, using a stratified random list of Protestant churches nationwide. The findings reveal pastors are increasingly adopting methods to encourage Bible reading, compared to results from 2016.

Since 2016, there has been a 7-percentage point rise in providing free Bibles and a 6-point increase in sermon reminders. However, printed Bible reading plans have declined from 64% to 59%. Other engagement methods, including social media and email reminders, have remained stable.

Congregation Size Impacts Bible Engagement Methods

Pastors from larger congregations are more inclined to employ digital methods. In churches with 250 or more attendees, 66% of pastors use email reminders, and 65% offer digital Bible reading plans. These larger churches are less likely to incorporate additional Bible readings during services, with just 58% doing so.

In contrast, smaller congregations, particularly those with fewer than 50 attendees, are less likely to use digital tools. Only 40% of pastors from these churches use email reminders, and 44% rely on social media prompts to engage their congregants.

Free Bibles Reflect Accessibility Focus

Scott McConnell, executive director of Lifeway Research, said pastors are increasingly focused on accessibility. “In an increasingly secular culture, pastors are not assuming people have a Bible,” he noted. He added that distributing free Bibles is a key strategy in ensuring Scripture is available to those who need it.

Source:

Most Pastors Encourage Bible Reading Through Free Bibles and Sermon Reminders

Photo by Rod Long on Unsplash

About Post Author

Faith on View

Faith on View’s staff includes academics, journalists, and professional authors who at times collaborate with technology to produce content designed to best serve our readers.

See author's posts