Australia: Bibles for Youth

Overview

Bible Society Australia (BSA) is equipping the next generation with the life-changing message of Scripture through the ‘Read this.’ Bible, designed specifically for Australian youth. This project aims to make the Bible accessible, engaging, and relevant for teenagers navigating today’s complex world by distributing copies of the Bible and subsidising the cost for youth ministry.

The Need

Australian youth face increasing pressures — mental health challenges, identity struggles, and the constant noise of social media. In this environment, many have never owned a Bible, let alone read one. Yet, the Bible offers timeless wisdom, peace, and hope.

Less than one in three Gen Y Australians own a Bible (McCrindle, 2014), and while 59% of teens hold a high view of Scripture (Barna, 2022), many lack access to a Bible that speaks to their context. That’s why Bible Society Australia partnered with youth ministers and theologians to create the NLT ‘Read this.’ Bible, designed specifically for Australian teens.

This Bible is more than a book; it’s a tool for transformation. With engaging design, accessible language, and contextual notes, it invites young people to explore the Christian faith for themselves. In a culture where distractions are constant, this Bible helps young people focus on what truly matters — discovering Jesus and growing in their relationship with him.

Goals

BSA aims to expand the reach of the ‘Read This’ Bible in FY25–26 by printing and distributing 20,000 additional copies to churches across the country.

A key focus is distributing these Bibles through Youth Alive events, where 7,000 Bibles will be given directly to young people who have decided to follow Jesus, an essential step in equipping and stewarding new believers.

BSA is committed to expanding its reach even further, continuing to subsidise this beautiful Bible to make it as affordable as possible for outreach and evangelism, enabling more young people to open the Bible.

This project is not just about Bible distribution, it’s about discipleship. Each Bible placed in a young person’s hands is a step toward lasting transformation.

Impact

After publishing the ‘Read this.’ Bible in 2024, it is already in its third reprint, with the most recent 18,000-copy run selling out between February and April 2025. Demand continues to grow as churches and ministries see the impact.

In 2025, 6,850 ‘Read this.’ Bibles were distributed by Youth Alive across 60 events. In May 2025, Dave Edgar, Director of Youth Alive Victoria, is promoting this Bible across 20 locations, giving away hundreds more to new Christians. This is not only happening in VIC but across every state in the nation and stands as one of the most significant seasons of Bible distribution for the next generation. Youth Alive has seen over 342,000 faith commitments since 1982. From 2022 to 2024, decisions for Christ at their events doubled from 5,223 to 10,333. Having a Bible readily available for new believers plays a vital role in helping them grow in faith.

Resources

Australia: Bibles for Youth

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Overview

Resources

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