Bible Reading Surges Among Young Adults, Reports Barna Group

A recent survey conducted by the Barna Group reveals a notable increase in Bible reading among young adults, particularly among Millennials and Generation Z. Nearly half of these individuals are now engaging with the Scriptures on a weekly basis, contributing to an overall rise in Bible readership among U.S. adults to **42 percent**, up **12 percentage points** from last year. This marks a significant recovery from a **15-year low** in engagement.

The findings, presented by Barna’s CEO, suggest a broader resurgence of spiritual interest among younger generations. Many express a desire for spiritual growth and a renewed belief in God, indicating what he describes as a “reset moment” for Christian faith and practice. Despite this trend, Barna also highlights a disconnect: while more Americans are reading the Bible, only **36 percent** strongly affirm its authority.

The Bible is traditionally regarded as the inspired word of God, central to Christian doctrine, which posits that it carries the same authority as God Himself. This authority underpins both divine law and the Gospel, which promises forgiveness to those who acknowledge their sins and seek redemption through faith in Jesus Christ. Significant passages, such as **John 5:39** and **Luke 24:46-47**, emphasize the Scriptures’ testimony of Christ’s suffering, resurrection, and the call for repentance and forgiveness.

Despite the rising interest, many congregations only cover a fraction of the Scriptures during Sunday services. The standard three-year cycle of appointed readings often leaves much of the text unexplored, and weekly Bible studies may not encompass every aspect of the Scriptures.

To address this gap, some churches are promoting daily Bible reading plans. For instance, Pilgrim Lutheran Church in Kilgore offers a program that guides participants through the entire Bible in one year. This plan includes repetitions of the Psalms and seasonal canticles, aligning with the Church Year, and begins anew on **December 1**. Individuals are encouraged to start at any time, and the congregation provides resources through newsletters and other communications.

Rev. Dr. Jayson S. Galler, the pastor of Pilgrim Lutheran Church, invites community members to join in this reading plan. He emphasizes the importance of discussing any questions that arise during the reading, particularly in the context of Sunday Adult Bible Class, which takes place at **9:30 a.m.**

As interest in the Scriptures continues to grow among younger generations, the challenge remains for many to translate that curiosity into a strong conviction regarding the Bible’s authority. The ongoing dialogue in congregations and communities will likely shape the future of Bible reading and spiritual engagement in the years to come. For more information, individuals can reach out through the church’s website at **www.pilgrimlc.org**.