In 2024, 54% of U.S. adults had a literacy level at or below 5th grade. Most modern translations of the Bible are recommended at much higher reading levels. For example, the NIV is recommended for a 7th grade reading level — two grades above what over half the adults in the U.S. can easily understand through reading. More than half the adults in the U.S. will struggle to read and understand the Bible for themselves! But the Bible is still what they need — God’s living and powerful Word is what cuts past the noise of our busy lives and straight to our hearts.

We are also seeing a major shift in our culture as we become increasingly oral-preferred. This means that, whatever someone’s literacy level, they will be more likely to seek and engage with truth through oral means. This shift is driven by more than just a desire to move from text to audio; it’s indicative of a desire for a more personal connection with the content. Our culture wants to hear truth from other people, not just text in a book.

These concerns and changes in our culture reveal the growing need for God’s Word to be heard. People need God’s Word, and they need people to share God’s Word with them. Scripture recitation is a profoundly impactful ministry for this reason. But, it is also a very under-resourced ministry. Think about how many books and ministries you know of that encourage and teach Scripture memorization. How many of those resources also teach Scripture recitation?

The Scripture Speakers ministry is ready to meet this need by taking on a new project. We are raising funds to produce “The Scripture Speakers Podcast: Speaking Up for God’s Spoken Word.” Whether you are an amateur reciter who would like to share a Psalm with your Sunday school class or a professional who would like to present a book of the Bible at special events, this podcast is for you!

Twice a month there will be a professionally produced episode featuring wisdom from various Scripture reciters around the world. Each episode will be carefully planned to encourage and equip you to share God’s spoken Word skillfully with others. We will cover a range of topics centered on effective Scripture recitation like facial expressions, intentional body language, diction exercises, and keeping a humble, serving heart.

We are working with PFCAudioVideo as a faith-based, high-quality podcast team. They come with years of experience and have even worked with Dr. Dobson!

Our goal is to equip more people to bring God’s Word to those who need to hear it. But in order to do this, we need to raise additional monthly support of $700.

This means that we only need 35 people to give $20 monthly for us to move forward. Will you prayerfully consider becoming one of those people?

You can join our monthly support team at this link:

You can also sign up to receive ministry updates as we get the podcast launched:

Thank you and God bless!

Scripture Speakers Network is a ministry Department of ACT International.