"Our goal is to have 2,000 churches across Australia signed up to the campaign," said Bible Society's Chris Melville. "With the campaign starting on October 1st it looks like we're right on-track to achieve that, which is very encouraging," Chris said.
"We're also pleased to announce that we have been joined by 13 para-Church organisations and ministries as partners who will promote the campaign to their supporters," he said.
They include: Scripture Union Australia, Centre for Public Christianity, City Bible Forum, AFES. Bush Church Aid and Wesley Institute. (see web site for full list)
Bible Society Australia CEO Greg Clarke said that, "this Australia-wide campaign is an invitation to Christians simply to make a fresh start on their Bible reading habit with just 25 words. It can grow from there. And when they do, they'll begin to experience more of what Jesus promises â€" to lighten the burdens we all carry."
Bible Society has released details of the resources which have been created specifically for churches to use during the campaign.
"We have been serving the Australian church for almost 200 years and our prayer is that these resources will help the church encourage people to get back into the habit of reading the Word of God," said Chris.
The resources include:
The Good Book Talks
Nine, 20 minute talks, delivered by Australian Christian leaders, will be available to download from our website (www.biblesociety.org.au/25words) and on DVD for the campaign month of October. The talks can be used during church or for small groups etc. Each talk will focus on a different aspect of the Bible. Speakers and topics include:
Rev Dr John Dickson, Director of the Centre for Public Christianity. Why trust the Gospels? Dr Greg Clarke CEO, Bible Society Australia. Why it's important the Bible is a book. Archbishop Mark Coleridge, Metropolitan Archbishop of Brisbane, The Metaphor of Journey in the Bible. Pastor Guy Mason, City on a Hill, Melbourne. The Sword of the Spirit. Dr Jacqueline Gray, Alphacrucis College, Sydney. Why the Old Testament is important
Four Bible Studies for small groups (Available end of July)
A discussion guide based on the Good Book Talks, as well as four Bible studies, will be available for use by churches and small groups during October. The Guide will focus on generating discussion in response to The Good Book talks on DVD, while the Bible Studies will look more broadly at the topic of the Bible, with discussion questions based on Scripture passages.
30-day Bible Reading guide (Available end of July)
This resource will provide a guide for anyone wanting to read the Bible every day for the month of October. The reading guide will highlight Scripture passages which reflect on God's Word: it's character, meaning, and role in the Christian's life. Available online, it aims to provide a framework for daily Bible reading.
"Read the Bible with…" online Bible devotions
It's like reading the Bible with a friend or respected Christian mentor! We have asked our friends and 'influencers' in the Christian world to read and reflect on a passage of Scripture. These Christian influencers will create daily devotions that you can access on our website and use each day in the month of October.
A full list of resources are available at: www.biblesociety.org.au/25words
Churches are also encouraged to register at www.biblesociety.org.au/25words to ensure they receive the regular updates from the campaign.
Registration is free of charge.