In today's world, it seems like fewer people are "readers" than ever before. As a pastor, I’ve found that this trend can be a real obstacle in discipleship, especially when it comes to reading the Bible. Some people just aren’t naturally inclined to read, while others might struggle due to learning disabilities, a poor education, or even mild dyslexia. Then, there are those who think they’re reading, but they're so used to scanning content on their devices that they struggle to comprehend what they’re actually reading. How do you help these people develop a faithful, Bible-reading habit? And hopefully, move from just Bible reading to Bible engagement?
I've seen pastors struggle with this. After all, we're supposed to "men of one book" and teach our new believers to love and read the Word of God.
About 10 minutes ago, I had a conversation with a pastor who was frustrated because of a man who has gotten saved in his community, but genuinely struggled with reading the Bible. He said, "My eyes touch all the words, but they don't seem to make sense."
What to do about this?
Tackling the Decline in Reading
It's no secret that people don’t read as much as they used to. The Barna Group’s research on the state of discipleship indicates that busyness and distraction are two of the top barriers to spiritual growth, including Bible reading.
It’s not just the fact that people don't read—there’s also a deeper issue. Many of us have become conditioned by digital media, absorbing information in sound bites rather than deep, meaningful reading. This affects comprehension and the ability to meditate on Scripture.
So, when I encounter people in my congregation who tell me, “I’m just not a reader,” I recognize it’s not a matter of desire, but one of discipline and tools. Let me share some things that have helped me work with non-readers.
We're not the first society to struggle with this.
Has it ever occurred to you that the dominant way that people experienced the Scripture in the first several hundred years of church history... was audible?
This is why Paul exhorted Timothy, "Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching." (1 Timothy 4:13, ESV) Before their were many copies, the ones that the early church had were read aloud to people!
I would suggest that we need to rediscover this fact in today's world.
Practical Solutions for Non-Readers
1. Leverage Audio Bibles:
Not everyone can easily sit down and read through the Bible, but nearly everyone can listen to it. This is why NewStart Discipleship includes daily Bible reading assignments that link directly to an audio Bible. Listening to the Word of God can help those who struggle with reading maintain a steady habit.
When they’re commuting, doing dishes, or mowing the lawn, they can absorb the Word of God, on the go. The beauty of modern technology is that it’s easy to integrate the Bible into everyday life. For instance, NewStart Discipleship's daily readings are structured so that listeners know exactly when to stop for the day—removing the pressure of trying to "get through" too much.
2. Pair Reading with Teaching Videos:
Sometimes it’s not about reading the Bible—it’s about understanding it. NewStart includes teaching videos that break down complex Scriptural concepts into simple, digestible lessons. For non-readers, these videos are a game-changer. Watching a brief teaching video can open the door for them to understand and engage with the Bible in a more meaningful way.
3. Set Manageable Goals:
I often encourage people to start small. For those who struggle with reading, even a few verses can seem daunting. But by breaking the reading into bite-sized chunks, people gain confidence. Small wins can build momentum. I’ve found that assigning shorter readings with an accompanying discussion or prayer helps ease people into the habit.
One other question: Do you have a clear Bible reading plan for new believers, or do you use some sort of open-and-point method?
4. Create a Visual or Hands-on Bible Study:
Some learners are more tactile or visual. Encourage the use of Bible study tools like journals, coloring pages, or even drawing out what they’ve read. I’ve used methods like these in small group settings where people share what they “see” in the Scriptures. This engages different learning styles and makes the Bible more accessible to those who don’t absorb well through traditional reading.
Helping Non-Readers Grow Spiritually
The key to helping non-readers grow in their faith isn’t just getting them to read—it’s helping them develop a relationship with the Bible. Jesus called us to make disciples, not just scholars. The Bible is the living Word of God, and it’s meant to transform us, no matter how we engage with it.
To illustrate, let me ask you: What if you could walk alongside someone for a year, guiding them through daily Bible listening and teaching, and by the end, they knew how to feed their soul with the Word? You don’t need to feel the weight of being the only teacher. In fact, NewStart Discipleship's structure is built to equip you with tools to take this journey together.
NewStart Discipleship Resources for Non-Readers
NewStart includes:
Audio Bible links for every daily reading
Teaching videos to break down Scripture
A clear, day-by-day plan that anyone can follow, including non-readers
By offering options that engage beyond the written word, you can help people who "aren’t readers" become faithful Bible-engagers. The Word of God is alive and active, and it will find a way to reach their hearts.
"We need to ask ourselves: Are we giving people the tools to engage with Scripture in ways that match their learning styles and abilities?"
So, if you're facing the challenge of discipling non-readers, don’t be discouraged. Try these tools and see what God does through the power of His Word! Let’s keep making disciples who know and love the Bible—whether they’re reading it or listening to it.
Here’s a verse to reflect on:
“Faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” (Romans 10:17, ESV).
Did you notice? Hearing!
Let’s make sure everyone in our church has the opportunity to hear the Word, even if they have a hard time reading it.
Do you have any non-readers in your congregation? What steps have you taken to help them engage with the Bible?