According to the Barna Group, a leading researcher offering insights about faith, culture, and generational demographics, weekly Bible reading is rising – no, spiking! – in America.
Surprise!
According to Barna, “In 2000, 39 percent of U.S. adults reported reading the Bible weekly—a number that fluctuated for years before falling to 30 percent in 2024. Now, based on interviews with more than 12,000 adults, it has climbed back to 42 percent. Among self-identified Christians, the rate reaches 50 percent—the highest level in over a decade.”
In addition, the surge is being led by younger generations. “Millennials (born 1980-1996) jumped an unprecedented 16 points, reaching 50 percent—half now say they read the Bible weekly. Gen Z (born 1197-2012) mirrors this pattern, rising from 30 percent to 49 percent in just one year.”
Surprise!
Per Barna: “Historically, women have been more likely than men to read Scripture weekly. For example, Boomer women have outpaced Boomer men in Bible reading every year for the last eight years. But 2025 data tells a different story. Younger men are outpacing younger women in engaging Scripture.”
Among Gen Zers, 54% of men are reading the Bible weekly; 46% of women do so. Among Millennials, 57% of men read Scripture weekly compared to 43% of women. (www.barna.com/trends/bible-reading-trends)
Surprise, again!
Polls and surveys are not the same as the inspired Word of God. Which leads to this question: Regardless of what others are doing (or not doing) when it comes to reading Scripture, what are you doing? Are you reading weekly? Daily? Don’t know? Does it matter?
Surprise! Though this shouldn’t surprise God’s people – it does matter! Why? How?
Go back and read Pastor Schwanke’s devotion last week (Jesus: Side Effects?) He lists a number of blessings there. In fact, you could browse through the last five years of these Wednesday Encouragements and find a multitude of overflowing blessings offered…through God’s Word. Consider, for now, the following:
Forget what others are doing. Forget the statistics drummed up by those who compile them. What matters to you is your heart and faith. Are you reading God’s Word? Are you enjoying the uncountable blessings, strength, and encouragement that awaits?
Don’t be surprised! Be strengthened! Find joy! Go, read, and grow in faith and hope and love.
In Christ Jesus,
Pastor Stephen Luchterhand
Surprise!
According to Barna, “In 2000, 39 percent of U.S. adults reported reading the Bible weekly—a number that fluctuated for years before falling to 30 percent in 2024. Now, based on interviews with more than 12,000 adults, it has climbed back to 42 percent. Among self-identified Christians, the rate reaches 50 percent—the highest level in over a decade.”
In addition, the surge is being led by younger generations. “Millennials (born 1980-1996) jumped an unprecedented 16 points, reaching 50 percent—half now say they read the Bible weekly. Gen Z (born 1197-2012) mirrors this pattern, rising from 30 percent to 49 percent in just one year.”
Surprise!
Per Barna: “Historically, women have been more likely than men to read Scripture weekly. For example, Boomer women have outpaced Boomer men in Bible reading every year for the last eight years. But 2025 data tells a different story. Younger men are outpacing younger women in engaging Scripture.”
Among Gen Zers, 54% of men are reading the Bible weekly; 46% of women do so. Among Millennials, 57% of men read Scripture weekly compared to 43% of women. (www.barna.com/trends/bible-reading-trends)
Surprise, again!
Polls and surveys are not the same as the inspired Word of God. Which leads to this question: Regardless of what others are doing (or not doing) when it comes to reading Scripture, what are you doing? Are you reading weekly? Daily? Don’t know? Does it matter?
Surprise! Though this shouldn’t surprise God’s people – it does matter! Why? How?
Go back and read Pastor Schwanke’s devotion last week (Jesus: Side Effects?) He lists a number of blessings there. In fact, you could browse through the last five years of these Wednesday Encouragements and find a multitude of overflowing blessings offered…through God’s Word. Consider, for now, the following:
- “See the kind of love the Father has given us that we should be called children of God, and that is what we are!” (1 John 3:1)
- “(God) is able, according to the power (namely, the Holy Spirit working through God’s Word) that is at work within us, to do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine, to him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever!” (Ephesians 3:20,21)
- “My righteous God, answer me when I call. When I was under pressure, you gave me relief. Be merciful to me and hear my prayer…In complete peace I will lie down, and I will sleep,
for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.” (Psalm 4:1,8) - Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we also have obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand. And we rejoice confidently on the basis of our hope for the glory of God.” (Romans 5:1-2)
Forget what others are doing. Forget the statistics drummed up by those who compile them. What matters to you is your heart and faith. Are you reading God’s Word? Are you enjoying the uncountable blessings, strength, and encouragement that awaits?
Don’t be surprised! Be strengthened! Find joy! Go, read, and grow in faith and hope and love.
In Christ Jesus,
Pastor Stephen Luchterhand
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