Scripture distribution: We've done well, but more focus is necessary
by Justin D. Long
| Year | Pop (blns) | Copies | Ratio |
| 1900 | 1.6 | 5.4 mln | 1:300 |
| 1925 | 2.0 | 10.3 mln | 1:200 |
| 1950 | 2.5 | 14.0 mln | 1:179 |
| 1975 | 3.6 | 25.0 mln | 1:147 |
| 2000 | 6.1 | 70.0 mln | 1:87 |
| 2025 | 8.2 | 180.0 mln | 1:46 |
Increasing distribution> means the ratio of people to new Bibles will fall to 46:1 in 2025. That means we're doing better at keeping up with demand. But the bad news is that most Bibles are still being distributed in Christian countries. The main cause of this is two fold: first, a huge selection of Bibles can be easily purchased in countries like Britain and America, with new versions coming out all the time; and, secondly, it is easier to distribute Bibles in World C and B countries, since they are more open.
Bibles are definitely a need of the Christian world. Certainly it is hard to grow as a Christian without one! And it is a good thing that these Bibles can be easily purchased and bought. (In fact, over the course of my life, I've had 8 different Bibles, of which I've purchased two. Moreover, we have a large selection of different Bibles in the GEM library.)
However, Bibles are equally needed in World A. Bibles are a tremendous tool both for evangelization and for discipleship, and there just aren't enough of them in the unevangelized world.
We've had good success in distributing Bibles. Now, we need to fine-tune our focus by improving Bible distribution to World A.
Suggestions
- Agencies should prioritize their Bible distribution efforts by focusing at least one-third of their total distribution effort on World A, or the 10/40 Window.
- Churches could sponsor a "Bible distribution" Sunday with a special offering toward Bible distribution in a World A country.
- Individuals can take short-term trips to serve as Bible couriers or distributors.
- Here's the easiest suggestion to implement: the next time you buy a Bible for yourself, or for a relative, contribute an equal amount to the placement of Bibles in World A. That $50 Bible you buy could place 10 Bibles in China, and on average result in 5 converts for each Bible.
