Building a Bible Reading Culture in Your Church: Complete Resource Guide

Imagine a church full of Christians who are regularly engaging with God's Word and love to share what they are discovering with each other. There are two aspects to this: the regular reading of the Bible, and the excitement and joy at what God says. How can we encourage the pursuit of a church like this?

The start of a new year provides a natural opportunity to encourage Bible reading habits in your church. Here are some practical ways you can help your church develop sustainable patterns of Scripture reading.

Start with Structure: Choosing Your Church Bible Reading Plan

One of the biggest hurdles for many Christians is simply deciding what to read each day. A clear Bible reading plan removes this decision fatigue. The tried and tested McCheyene Bible Reading Calendar ($2.99) has guided believers through Scripture for generations. Available in both calendar and booklet formats (25-pack: $8.99), these affordable resources can be distributed to your whole congregation.

One of the benefits of distributing a reading plan is that it means that all those who commit to the plan will be reading the same parts of the bible at the same time. This can lead to fruitful conversations and a sense of community.

For those new to regular Bible reading, consider starting with something less intensive. The "Explore Time with God" booklet ($3.99) provides a guided introduction through the Sermon on the Mount, an overview of the Bible and an exploration of Jonah, helping readers build confidence in their Bible reading habits.

Add Understanding: Resources for Deeper Bible Study

Many people feel discouraged with Bible reading because they struggle to get much out of what they read. While daily reading plans provide structure, adding resources that aid comprehension can help maintain momentum.

The Explore Bible notes ($11.99/quarter) are particularly helpful here. They provide daily guidance for understanding and applying the text, making Scripture reading more accessible and meaningful for your congregation.

For those wanting to develop deeper Bible study skills, Jeremy Kimble's "How Can I Get More Out of My Bible Reading?" ($9.99) provides practical tools that readers can apply to any passage of Scripture.

Make it Accessible: Bibles for Every Setting

Sometimes simple things can have a great effect. Consider stocking a supply of economical Bibles that church members can carry with them wherever they go – in the car, at work, or in a backpack - without fear of damaging a precious version of the Bible. The ESV Economy Bible ($8.99, bulk discounts available) is perfect for this purpose, making God's Word readily available throughout the day.

For those who prefer having their daily readings laid out, the ESV Every Day Bible ($36.99) integrates a reading plan right into the Bible itself, combining convenience with consistency. Alternatively, Paul Tripp has added his gospel-soaked, practical notes to a 365-day ESV Bible in the ESV Everyday Gospel Bible ($57.99).

Building Momentum: Implementing Your Church Bible Reading Program

As you introduce these resources to your congregation, consider these practical steps:

• Start the year with a sermon focussing on the glory of God's Word
• Share testimonies from church members about their Bible reading journey
• Create reading groups where members can encourage one another
• Regularly follow-up in church communications to maintain momentum

Remember, the goal isn't just to get through a reading plan – it's to help your church develop a lasting love for God's Word.

Need help selecting resources for your congregation? Contact us at Reformers Bookshop (02 9564 3555). We're here to help you choose the right books for your church's needs. Bulk discounts available for church orders.

[Note: All prices in AUD. Contact us for current bulk pricing and availability.]