Research findings from recent project relating to young peoples engagement with the bible
Summary of Findings – Youth Group Leaders
The Christian Research Association has recently undertaken a study of young people’s attitudes to
and understanding of the Bible. The overall aim of this ‘Bible Engagement Project’ was to identify
common patterns of Bible reading among young people in Australia, the influences or social drivers
underlying these patterns (catalysts and hindrances), and how Bible engagement might be enhanced.
A ‘Bible Engagement Report’ has been provided to the various organisations who commissioned this
study: the Bible Society, Lutheran Church of Australia, Salvation Army (Southern Territory),
Scripture Union and Youth Works. We sincerely thank you for your contributions to this study, and
hope that this summary of findings stimulates your thinking about this important issue for young
people and youth group leaders across churches and communities, and encourages your practice.
Patterns of Engagement
The researchers visited youth groups, schools and churches across Australia, in almost all States and
Territories and in both metropolitan and rural locations. In total, 264 young people and 69 youth
leaders from all the major denominations were interviewed. The common patterns of Bible
engagement identified among young people, and key characteristics, are as follows.
1. Non-Readers
Many young people were not interested in Bible reading (including many who attend youth groups
and worship services). Some were more focussed on sport, technology or manual activities. Some
were just not into reading, and were into numbers or had difficulties with language. Others did not
see Bible reading as central to the practice of faith, and were more concerned with involvement in
the faith community, their personal experience of God, or social justice and community welfare. A
few indicated antagonism towards religious faith or a particular expression of this, and a level of
discontent with churches or church culture.
2. Occasional Readers
Many young people saw the Bible as important to faith, although not always central. Some read the
Bible occasionally out of curiosity, others had specific moral or ethical questions or a desire for
comfort, and some were inspired by what they did in youth group, church or school. Some wanted to
read the Bible more, but found it difficult to do so. They found the Bible difficult to understand, what
to take literally or not, and even more difficult to know what could be applied to life today and what
was appropriate in other times and places.
3. Sporadic Regular Readers
Some young people frequently read the Bible for a period, but then ceased to do so. Some felt the
pressures of school, TAFE or university study, and succumbed to the reading and work requirements.
Some started to read the Bible from the beginning, but stopped early in the Old Testament or
because they had too many unanswered questions about the content of the Bible.
4. Regular Readers
Most young people who read the Bible regularly saw the Bible as authoritative and Bible
engagement as central to what faith meant to them. Most of them interpreted the Bible quite literally.
They were mostly people who enjoyed reading and were academically oriented. Most had been
encouraged to read by family, school, youth group or church. Many read the Bible as whole books,
and others followed readings recommended by the youth group or church. Some used reading guides,
and some read randomly. Whilst some were confused as to how to apply the Bible to life, many
understood and applied the Bible in various ways: as containing common human experiences and
enduring principles for life; as a reminder of God’s love and care, especially in difficult times; as
offering personal messages or directions; and as the basis for their identity as part of God’s family.
Encouraging Bible Engagement
For many young people showing the contemporary relevance of content in the Bible is vital. There is
a need to more readily interpret and apply the Bible to life today (such as, to everyday or ongoing
experiences, choices and issues, or to current films and television shows). Many young people also
want to know the Bible better. There is an opportunity to facilitate their understanding, and to instil
deeper reflection and discussion (such as, the original context of content, as a part of the process of
applying it to life today, and different ways to read the Bible).
Youth groups and Bible studies are very significant in the encouragement of Bible engagement. Few
young people who are not part of a youth group or Bible study read the Bible frequently. They are
able to cultivate a culture of Bible reading through nurturing relationships, through individual
mentoring, and through building positive peer relationships. The group shapes the ways young
people read and apply the Bible to life. Many young people are also introduced to the Bible by their
parents, and supported by the church. Religious education in school provides additional knowledge
about the Bible. There is a need to maintain and develop these environments to encourage the
internalisation of Bible reading habits.
For many young people the individualism and consumerism in Australian culture are influential. It
seems important to acknowledge the challenge of ‘whateverism’ (it is entirely up to the individual
what they want to believe and what practices to follow), and of consumption (the ‘good life’ is here
and now, available in products and services). Many young people are also engaged with technology
and media, and are highly visual. There is a need to provide the Bible in forms other than books
(such as, videos or clips, magazines, and drama).
Youth Group Leaders
Many youth group leaders had or knew how to access plenty of materials to assist their activities,
whether through book stores or online. Some leaders in rural areas had limited access, and had to
travel to urban areas to peruse and purchase materials. Many youth group leaders felt overwhelmed
by the amount of resources available and lack of direction or indexing, and saw ‘holes’ in what is
available (such as, contextual relevance, and youth commentaries). Some leaders produced their
own materials.
Many youth group leaders were well supported by individuals and groups in their immediate context
and more broadly, by external communities and organisations, although some leaders in small
churches or communities had limited support and felt isolated. Other leaders had simply graduated
from being a member of the youth group, and did not feel well versed in the Bible or had limited
understanding of the faith development of young people. Many youth group leaders would like
further opportunities to exchange ideas and experiences with leaders in other denominations,
churches or communities (involving intentional networks, provision of training, and mentoring).
Many youth group leaders planned and engaged in designated Bible activities (devotions or
teaching), whether involving strong attention to Bible content and/or the discussion of topics. Many
leaders acknowledged the mixed effect of such activities among young people (from disinterest to
the occasional breakthrough), and emphasised the importance of parents modelling Bible
engagement at home, and the potential positive impact on the interest and participation of young
people, and on their role.
The Bible Society is now preparing a book and DVD from the research findings with practical
response strategies. It is likely that these will be available late in 2011. For further information
contact Adrian Blenkinsop
