With social distancing and stay-at-home orders being implemented across the country, it is more difficult than ever to stay connected and engaged with your small group. That’s why many of us are turning to technology to stay connected, share prayer requests, and/or dig deeper into the meaning of Scripture.
You can download seemingly endless resources and apps to make every aspect of your life easier. But what apps are really helpful? Our team decided to share eight of our favorite apps for studying Scripture and staying connected to our small groups.
- YouVersion: The YouVersion Bible app offers 2,058 Bible versions in 1,372 languages for free. Take your Bible with you anywhere and share Scripture art with friends via text or social media. The YouVersion Bible app also lets you search for reading plans by topic or book of the Bible. Click here for several YouVersion reading plans through Lifeway Resources!
- Wordsearch Bible: The Wordsearch Bible app allows you to read and study the Bible online wherever you go. Compare different translations of the Bible or current translations with original Greek or Hebrew language using the app’s study tools. Use any device to access your library of Bibles, commentaries, and more. (You can also view any eBooks you buy on Lifeway.com on the Wordsearch Bible app!)
- Doodle: This smart scheduling app can make it easier to find a meeting time that works for everyone and can help your group avoid the awkward back-and-forth when trying to find a time that works.
- Marco Polo: This video messaging app helps you connect with the most important people in your life without sharing your news with the entire world. Send short video messages to your group, and everyone can respond on his or her own time. (This is great when your schedules don’t always match.) It’s more like having a conversation in real life but, unlike other video apps, you don’t have to be live.
- GroupMe: The GroupMe app works like a private chat room for your small group, making it easy to stay in touch with your group no matter how big or small.
- Pray: The Pray app offers daily prayer plans, inspirational audio shows, bedtime Bible stories, and other uplifting content to help share the joy of regular prayer. This app can help your group build a healthy habit of prayer and strong community.
- Bible Map: This app brings hundreds of locations mentioned in the Bible to life and allows you to see real photos and information about the artifacts we have today that support the Bible.
- Zoom: It seems everyone these days is using Zoom video chats to stay connected, and for good reason. From birthday parties to prayer meetings, Zoom is bringing people together in an easy-to-use video environment that almost feels like you’re meeting face-to-face.
Read more of our favorite ways to stay in community while social distancing here.
What are your favorite apps for staying connected with your small group? What apps are you using to dig deeper into God’s Word together?
