Global Bible News | January 2026

Week 4: January 22-31, 2026

• Discipleship Gaps Challenge Modern Churches A newly released discipleship assessment highlights uneven spiritual development among Protestant churchgoers in the United States. While personal devotion practices such as prayer and obedience score relatively strong, outward expressions of faith—including evangelism and confidence in public witness—remain significantly weaker. Church leaders acknowledge that current discipleship models are not fully meeting expectations, with only a small minority expressing strong confidence in their church’s effectiveness. Researchers emphasize the need for more intentional, outcomes-focused discipleship strategies that integrate spiritual formation with everyday life.

• New Media Projects Spotlight Persecuted Christians A recently launched podcast series is drawing attention to the realities faced by Christians living under persecution. Produced by faith-based humanitarian and academic organizations, the program features firsthand testimonies and expert commentary from church leaders in conflict zones. Early episodes focus on unity, resilience, and faith under pressure, with future installments planned to explore overlooked Christian communities across the Middle East, Africa, and Eastern Europe.

• Archaeology Continues to Reframe Biblical Figures Fresh analysis of ancient Babylonian inscriptions is offering a more complex historical portrait of King Nebuchadnezzar II. While Scripture records his role in the destruction of Jerusalem and the First Temple, newly studied texts emphasize his identity as a builder and restorer of sacred sites within Babylonian culture. Scholars note that such discoveries do not contradict the biblical account but instead illuminate how historical figures were perceived differently by the societies they ruled.

• Milestones in Global Bible Translation Remembered Christian communities marked the legacy of a pioneering missionary scholar responsible for completing the first full Chinese-language Bible translation in the 20th century. After decades of linguistic and theological work, the translation fundamentally shaped Catholic biblical study in Chinese-speaking regions. Church historians note that his efforts laid the groundwork for modern Scripture engagement in China, where access to complete biblical texts had been historically limited.

• Christian Tech Companies Push Back on Content Restrictions A Christian digital entertainment company has called for greater transparency from major tech platforms after alleging discrimination against faith-based advertising. The company claims that ads promoting Christian-themed games were rejected or removed under content moderation policies, despite being suitable for general audiences. The dispute has reignited broader conversations about religious expression, platform governance, and equal treatment for faith-based creators in digital marketplaces.

• Bible Engagement and Study Tools Expand in Early 2026 Publishers and digital Bible platforms report strong early-year interest in Scripture study resources, including study Bibles, audio Scripture, and structured reading plans. Industry observers note that January remains a critical period for habit formation, with users showing increased openness to tools that combine theological depth with accessible formats. New releases and updates in early 2026 reflect a growing emphasis on helping readers not only read the Bible, but understand and apply it within daily life.

Download Manna! Try Gamified Bible Study Today!

Week 3: January 15–21, 2026

• Mixed Views on Biblical Authority in the U.S. A recent survey shows that about one-third of Americans consider the Bible entirely accurate, while another third view it as interpretive, and roughly a quarter see it as a collection of moral teachings authored by humans. Despite differences in perception, a majority recognize its influence on personal decisions and ethical behavior. Researchers suggest this presents an opportunity for churches to engage communities in meaningful discussions about Scripture’s relevance.

• Major Christian Celebrations Highlight Faith Resilience Millions of Ethiopian Orthodox Christians celebrated Timkat, the Epiphany festival honoring Jesus’ baptism, with processions, symbolic baptisms, and prayers. Recognized by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage, Timkat is a cornerstone of Ethiopian religious life, offering joy and spiritual renewal even amid famine and regional tensions. These events reflect the enduring power of communal worship and cultural tradition.

• Religious Persecution and Security Challenges Attacks on churches in northern Nigeria resulted in over 150 worshippers being abducted during services, with many still missing. While no group claimed responsibility, such incidents underscore the security risks faced by Christians in conflict-prone areas. Observers continue to call for protection of religious minorities, highlighting the broader global concern for freedom of worship.

• Preservation of Biblical and Historical Sites Israeli authorities
  intervened to stop the looting of a Roman-era burial cave near Hittin in the Galilee, a site containing Jewish, Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine artifacts. The suspects initially claimed to be hunting animals before admitting to excavation attempts. Officials emphasize that safeguarding archaeological sites is crucial for maintaining historical and cultural heritage.

• A new analysis from Christian publishers reveals that Bible sales in the UK hit a record high in 2025, with a significant increase driven especially by interest among younger adults seeking spiritual meaning. The number of Bibles purchased has risen sharply over recent years, suggesting a broader cultural re?engagement with Scripture beyond digital formats. Observers note that this trend reflects a renewed curiosity about faith among Gen?Z and others, with Bible sales growing even faster than traditional book sectors.

Week 2: January 8–14, 2026

• Sign Language Bible Access Expands Worldwide A growing digital Scripture initiative is making the Bible more accessible to Deaf communities by offering signed video translations instead of text-based formats. Now supporting over 80 sign languages, the platform enables users to experience Scripture in their native visual language. Organizers behind the project say the long-term mission is to represent every sign language globally, marking a significant step toward inclusion in Bible translation efforts.

• Church Planting Slows Decline but Challenges Remain New research shows that while Protestant churches in the U.S. continue to close at a slightly higher rate than new congregations open, the gap has narrowed compared to previous years. Analysts note that recently planted churches are more likely to see growth and community engagement, while long-established congregations face difficulties tied to aging memberships, resource limitations, and changing worship habits.

• Bible Sales Reach Multi-Decade Highs Bible publishers report record-level sales across English-speaking markets, with demand rising sharply since the pandemic era. Industry leaders point to renewed spiritual curiosity—especially among younger adults—as a key driver. Beyond purchasing, readers are increasingly seeking study guides, reading plans, and digital tools to help them engage with Scripture consistently and meaningfully.

• Prison Bible Programs Reach Historic Milestone A faith-based prison ministry announced that more than one million incarcerated individuals have completed its Gospel-centered discipleship program. Participants follow a structured study rooted in the Gospel of Mark and receive a Bible in their first language. Independent evaluations associate the program with improved emotional well-being, reduced conflict, and stronger family relationships after release.

• Iranian Christians Persevere Amid Heightened Pressure Reports from international observers highlight continued arrests and intimidation of Christian believers in Iran during ongoing political unrest. Despite these pressures, underground churches remain active in mutual aid and evangelism. Christian leaders worldwide are urging prayer and support, emphasizing the resilience and steady growth of Iran’s Christian community over recent decades.

• Historic Christian Relic Enters the Digital Era A newly launched digital platform now allows global audiences to explore an ultra-high-resolution reproduction of the Shroud of Turin. Designed for both reflection and study, the experience pairs detailed imagery with Gospel passages and historical commentary. Church officials describe the project as part of a broader effort to connect ancient Christian heritage with modern technology.

• Biblical Archaeology Loses a Pioneering Scholar The passing of renowned archaeologist Gabriel Barkay marks the end of an era for biblical studies. His discovery of ancient silver amulets bearing priestly blessings reshaped scholarly understanding of early biblical texts and Jerusalem’s history. Colleagues credit his meticulous work with strengthening dialogue between archaeology and Scripture.

• Bible Apps See January Engagement Surge Faith and Bible app developers report a seasonal rise in daily Scripture engagement at the start of the year. Features such as verse widgets, gamified reading plans, and community challenges are drawing users seeking manageable spiritual habits. Industry observers see January as a key moment for long-term Bible engagement through digital platforms.

Week 1: January 1–7, 2026

• Australia: Church Attendance Rebounds After Pandemic A major new survey finds that around 1.35 million Australians now attend weekly church services, showing a strong recovery from the COVID-19 downturn in participation. The study covers more than 1,000 congregations across denominations and offers a broad view of how worship life is returning, even as some communities continue to face cultural challenges.

• Faith’s Impact on Daily Life in South Korea A national survey in South Korea reveals that although Protestant Christianity is less favored publicly than Buddhism and Catholicism, it has the strongest influence on believers’ daily decisions and emotional support structures. Christian respondents also report higher perceptions of faith shaping ethical behavior and relationships.

• Growth of Evangelical Churches in Spain New figures show that evangelical Christian worship spaces continue to increase across Spain, with nearly 4,800 recorded locations in 2025. This growth places evangelical Christianity as the largest non-Catholic Christian presence in terms of congregational sites, especially in Catalonia, Madrid, and Andalusia.

• Catholic Church Concludes the 2025 Jubilee The Catholic Church officially closed its year-long 2025 Jubilee celebration on Epiphany (January 6), a liturgical milestone focused on mercy, reconciliation, and spiritual renewal.

• Bible Translation & Study Highlights in Church Media A prominent church podcast released on January 6 featured a BYU Bible scholar discussing how different Bible translations can enrich understanding and study, highlighting growing interest in biblical literacy.

• Bible in a Year Plans Gain New Followers As 2026 begins, many believers and digital communities are adopting year-long Scripture reading plans, joining accountability groups and structured journeys to grow in daily engagement with the Bible.

Reflecting on December’s Scripture Stories

Don't miss to revisit major Bible-related developments from December 2025, including archaeological insights, translation milestones, and global Christmas celebrations.