On Sunday mornings, between 8 and 11 a.m., you may have somewhat of a captive audience as you stand at the pulpit, leading your congregation through a worship service. But after the service, once church members are finished mingling over coffee and cookies outside of the sanctuary and head to their cars in the parking lot, how are they engaging with the Bible in between now and next Sunday? Or, what about the members who didn’t make it this Sunday, and haven’t been to church in… awhile?
For so many, engaging with the Bible starts and stops on Sundays. Our church communities are full of families, professionals and students who have never been this busy, overworked and distracted. Even for the most well-intentioned Christian, finding the time and space to read Scripture outside of church seems impossible.
The Bible Is Important, But Who Is Engaging With It?
Recent findings from Pew Research Center’s Religious Landscape Study showed that 63% of adults in the United States agree that the Bible is important, but only 22% engage with God’s word on a weekly basis. Additionally, another study by Pew found that in 2023-24, only 51% of adults attended church at least a few times a year. Both studies prompt the question, “How can we help people grow in their faith outside the four walls of church?”
We must identify new ways to engage with the Bible that help bring its stories to life in an inspiring, effective and accessible way and meet people where they are.
Graphic novels and comic books may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about how to increase Bible engagement. But we’re seeing more and more individuals beginning to engage with alternative formats of God’s Word. Younger generations specifically are more compelled to read these Bible stories because they’re told in a way that speaks to them, with colorful graphics and quick-moving, easy-to-follow narratives.
How The Action Bible Sparks Bible Engagement
The Action Bible is a comic-book style Bible that uses vibrant illustrations and captivating, conversational pacing to share the stories of Scripture. This format has continued to reach people of all ages who want to engage with the Bible in a fresh and exciting way.
Religious Book Sales Are Increasing
In recent years, physical books across nearly all genres have experienced a dip in sales. Shockingly, one category that has seen an increase in sales has been religious books. This spring, in the weeks leading up to Easter, The Action Bible ranked in the Top 10 of all book sales on Amazon, even holding the number one spot for all Christian Bibles on the site. Additionally, for 20 weeks in a row, The Action Bible was in the Top 100 of all books–across all categories– sold by Amazon. It’s clear there is an increased demand for faith materials in immersive formats, as people of all ages and backgrounds look for messages of hope and faith.
Whether you’re an avid comic book fan or if you’ve never read one in your life, The Action Bible could be a bridge for your church community to grow more deeply in their faith beyond Sundays. There are new and exciting ways to equip our communities to connect with God every day of the week.
About David C Cook
Since 1875, David C Cook has been dedicated to equipping the global church with leadership, discipleship and worship resources to help Christians grow in faith and pass it along to the next generation. Read more about David C Cook and its global ministry outreach online at www.davidccook.org.
