To help churches stay connected and minister to their members during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, Back to the Bible is offering a free digital app for churches. The BttB.App platform offers churches the ability to integrate their existing websites with various functions such as coordination of online groups and classes, live streaming as well as taped sermons, direct email correspondence with congregants, social engagement between members, among other uses. Arnie Cole, CEO of Back to the Bible, says this app meets the needs of churches of any size.
“This is a good time to remember that the New Testament meaning of ‘church’ never referenced a building,” says Cole. “Rather, it referred to the believers themselves — people who often met every day. We have the same need to connect daily now, and the BttB.App platform meets that need. It’s a timely offering designed to quickly and easily fill a variety of digital gathering needs during this time of social distancing. Because we know many churches are being hurt by the financial crisis this pandemic is causing, this app is 100% free for them to use.”
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Releasing this week, the BttB app provides multiple ways for congregations to connect digitally, drawing congregants together for worship, teaching, and fellowship. The livestream feature integrates with twelve existing services including Facebook Live, YouTube Live, Zoom, Join.Me, Vimeo, TikTok, Twitch, SurveyMonkey, among others. Kevin Barron, Pastor of a church outside St. Louis, Missouri, says the BttB app has allowed him to not only continue to serve people during this time of quarantine, but to do so without further burdening the church’s limited budget.
“Back to the Bible should be commended for supporting local churches in practical ways and offering these services at no charge,” says Barron. “Financial shortfalls are hitting churches hard as giving declines during this stressful time. This app has given me viable ways to reach out and encourage the people I serve.”
Founded in 1939 as a radio ministry, Back to the Bible is now a global leader in digital discipleship. Their efforts have led people to engage with the Bible in over 180 countries, and their resources have been used by over 156,000 congregants in the U.S. Back to the Bible’s Center for Bible Engagement has used research initiatives and peer-reviewed studies to develop discipleship tools such as goTandem and the BttB.App. In six months, 83% of users of the goTandem app move from zero interaction with the Bible to engaging the Bible four or more times per week.
For further information about the free digital app for churches, or other services of Back to the Bible, visit www.backtothebible.org.