By Kayla DeKraker
The number of people reading the Bible is rising, and that’s something to celebrate!
The YouVersion Bible app recorded a record number of users this Easter season, with CEO Bobby Gruenewald reporting they hit 18.9 million people on the app on Easter. That is 11% higher than the app’s numbers last year.
“We’re in awe of what God is doing, but we’re not entirely surprised,” Gruenewald said. “Even before Holy Week, we’ve been seeing a growing hunger for God’s Word — not just through Bible App use, but in print Bible sales and momentum across the global Church.”
He added, “We’re thrilled that this Easter Sunday was the biggest day for Bible engagement in YouVersion’s history.”
Although one might expect the day that celebrates Jesus’ resurrection to have high numbers of Bible-readers, something else exciting is happening.
“What’s even more incredible is that many of our record days for engagement have happened on seemingly ordinary days this year, with no specific reason for the spikes — except that God is on the move,” Gruenewald explained. “We’re celebrating because this isn’t just a data trend. It’s about more people encountering the hope and love of Jesus and being transformed by the power of God’s Word.”
Gruenewald’s theory is fitting with YouVersion’s recent Instagram post, which reads, “Only God makes things grow,” taking inspiration from 1 Corinthians 3:7.
Gruenewald may be on to something. Faith is on the rise, especially among younger people.
Barna reported, “Although Millennials (and, emerging behind them, Gen Z) are known for declines in religiosity, data show that, since 2019, the percentage of Millennials reporting weekly church attendance has increased from 21 percent to 39 percent. Among Gen X, attendance has increased 8 percentage points (24% to 32%).”
The increase in Millennials attending church may explain the rise in the use of Bible apps like YouVersion. Forbes previously said, “Though millennials use social media, most turn to other apps for music streaming, games and navigation. This group values information and is willing to use a variety of apps to remain up to date about current events, entertainment news and even weather information.”
The State of the Bible: USA 2025 report confirms these claims. The report reads, “We see the greatest increases [of Bible use] among Millennials and men, populations that have previously scored low in Bible Use and Scripture Engagement.” The report also noted 41% of Americans use the Bible, a rise from last year’s 38%.
This is all great news, and as Christians, we can continue to encourage one another in our relationship with God and to grow through reading His word, whether through an app or a book.
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