Increase in Bible Engagements via YouVersion App

January 4, 2023247 views0

Increase in Bible Engagements via YouVersion App

2023-01-04T08:01:55+01:00

By Church News

Each year, YouVersion dives into the Bible app’s top data trends. In 2022, Ukraine provided one of the most interesting Bible engagement stories.Following the Feb. 24 invasion of the country by Russian forces, Bible engagement rose in Ukraine by 55%.As Ukrainian people fled the war and relocated to other European countries, YouVersion saw Ukrainian-language Bible engagement across Europe increase by 76% when comparing year-over-year third-quarter data.In several countries, Ukrainian-language Bible engagement increased by triple digits. For example, Poland saw a 241% increase and Germany saw a 733% increase when comparing third-quarter data from 2021 and 2022.“These [Ukrainian] families are going through something most of us can’t imagine. In the middle of what’s likely the most difficult time of their lives, they’re turning to the Bible for comfort, peace and hope,” said Bobby Gruenewald, founder and CEO of YouVersion.He added, “It’s an honor that we get to be a part of making God’s word available to His people in their greatest moments of need.”Earning the top spot as YouVersion’s 2022 Verse of the Year is Isaiah 41:10: “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”In a year where news of political unrest, financial instability and natural and humanitarian disasters were all too common, it’s not surprising a verse highlighting God’s presence, strength and help emerged as the most popular.“The popularity of this verse speaks to our desire to be reminded that even when we feel like we’re alone in our struggles, we’re not,” Gruenewald said. “As this verse says, God is our strength, and He’s always with us.”Among global YouVersion users, Cuba stands out as the country with the greatest increase in Bible engagement with an increase of 76% compared to 2021. The fastest regional growth for Bible engagement is in Europe and Africa.In the U.S., Isaiah 41:10 was the Bible verse shared, bookmarked and highlighted most often in the YouVersion app during 2022, followed by:

Jeremiah 29:11
Romans 8:28
Philippians 4:6
John 14:27
Joshua 1:9
John 16:33
1 Peter 5:10
2 Timothy 1:7
John 3:16