(RNS) — Bobby Gruenewald, an online entrepreneur turned pastor, is the mastermind behind the popular YouVersion Bible app, which has been downloaded more than 700 million times in the U.S. and around the world over the past 15 years.
According to Gruenewald, when people log on to the app, they are typically seeking reassurance and hope rather than political or social commentary from the Bible.
Gruenewald told RNS in a recent interview, “People are turning to Scripture as a reminder of God’s faithfulness or hope.”
The search for hope is evident in the top 10 verses that users looked for in 2023. For the third year in a row, the No. 1 verse was Isaiah 41:10, which begins, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God,” in the New International Version.
Popular searches also included verses like John 3:16, Jeremiah 29:11, and Philippians 4:6, all offering messages of hope and comfort.
Family of Apps Daily Bible Use on YouVersion around the world. Graphic Courtesy Life.Church
YouVersion is a place where people can engage with the Bible without engaging in heated discussions about God and politics. Gruenewald emphasized that the app’s goal is to draw people into engaging with the Bible, not driving them away with political or cultural controversies.
As the CEO of YouVersion, Gruenewald mentioned that the app has evolved significantly since its launch. It now includes hundreds of Bible translations in multiple languages, reading plans, devotionals, and a platform to share prayer requests, aiming to provide a more holistic Bible experience.
Originally envisioned as a website to access Bible verses, it has since transformed into an app with a range of features, including daily devotionals, prayer guides, and tools for sharing prayer requests and receiving reminders to pray.
