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 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.

To help meet this growing need for effective Scripture recitation, the Scripture Speakers ministry is collaborating with Scripture Memory Fellowship on a new podcast series focusing on Scripture recitation. 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 series 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. Our conversations will be curated to cover a range of topics centered on effective Scripture recitation like facial expressions, intentional body language, diction exercises, and keeping a humble, serving heart.

More details on this podcast collaboration will be shared soon! Enter your email to get the updates as we get closer to our launch in June, 2026.

You can learn more about our friends at Scripture Memory Fellowship at their website: scripturememory.com. You can also listen to their current and past episodes of their podcast, “The Scripture Memory Podcast,” which is where the new “Reciting with Rachel” series will be hosted.

Thank you and God bless!

For the glory of God and the edification of His Church,

~Rachel Eernisse

Scripture Speakers Network is a ministry Department of ACT International.