Why Openness to the Bible is Up (But Bible Reading is Down)

Latest Episodes

1. Ep. # 12: Why Openness to the Bible is Up (But Bible Reading is Down)
   Apr 9, 2026

   44m
2. Ep. # 11: How to Diagnose Your Church Health — The Spiritual X-Ray | Featuring Pastor Coach Cally Parkinson
   Feb 24, 2026

   31m
3. Ep. # 10: Connecting Your Faith to Relationships with Dr. Heath Adamson
   Nov 20, 2025

   38m
4. Ep. # 9: The 5 Essentials of Trust with Dr. Henry Cloud | State of the Bible Podcast
   Oct 13, 2025

   54m
5. Ep. # 8: Gen Z Identity Crisis: Navigating Adulthood & Faith in the Digital Age
   Sep 22, 2025

   41m
6. Ep. # 7: Living Your Faith: A Conversation with Pastor Peter Englert
   Aug 12, 2025

   45m

   Dr. John Plake sits down with Pastor Peter Englert to discuss the art of living out your faith. As an adult discipleship pastor, Peter is passionate about helping people apply biblical teachings to their daily lives. Tune in for a powerful discussion on faith, discipleship, and practical steps you can take to strengthen your walk with Christ.

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7. Ep. # 6: Soul Care for Leaders: How the Bible Builds Spiritual Strength with Mindy Caliguire
   Jul 10, 2025

   58m

   How can church leaders cultivate deep spiritual strength and vibrant soul health in the demanding world of ministry? In this compelling conversation, Dr. John Plake of American Bible Society sits down with the renowned spiritual formation expert, Mindy Caliguire.Mindy, the visionary behind Soulcarean organization committed to restoring soul health and fostering meaningful connection with Godbrings her wealth of knowledge to the table. With a background spanning executive roles at GLU and the Global Leadership Network, and as the author of impactful books like Discovering Soulcare and Stir and Ignite Your Soul, Mindy offers invaluable guidance.This episode delves into the profound ways the Bible intersects with our soul care journey, offering a powerful blueprint for spiritual growth that resonates deeply with pastors and church leaders. Don't miss Mindy's insights on fostering a resilient spirit and a thriving relationship with God, even in the busiest seasons.Discover more about Mindy's transformative work at SoulCare.com.

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8. Ep. # 5: Why Self-Care Matters: Dr. Christine Arnzen's Guide to Healthy Living & Faith
   Jul 9, 2025

   43m

   Dr. John Plake, Chief Innovation Officer at American Bible Society and Editor-in-Chief of the State of the Bible Research Study, sits down with counseling expert Dr. Christine Arnzen. With over three decades in counseling and counselor education, Dr. Arnzen brings a wealth of experience to this discussion on the essential nature of self-care.Explore why personal well-being is fundamental for both personal and professional success, and how it directly impacts our ability to live out our faith. Dr. Arnzen, a professor at Concordia University's Townsend Institute, shares her journey and practical wisdom on balancing a demanding career with simple joys, family life, and spiritual grounding.This episode is packed with unique insights for anyone looking to prioritize their mental, emotional, and spiritual health.#stateofthebible #selfcare #faith #americanbiblesociety

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9. Ep. # 4: Religion & Well-being: A Global Look at Human Flourishing with Dr. Kate Long
   Jun 12, 2025

   46m

   Join Dr. John Plake, Chief Innovation Officer at American Bible Society and Editor-in-Chief of the State of the Bible Research Study, as he speaks with Dr. Kate Long, a researcher with Harvard University's Human Flourishing Program.In this insightful conversation, they delve into the Global Flourishing Study, a groundbreaking multi-year research project spanning 22 countries, exploring what leads to meaningful, holistic well-being. Dr. Long shares her expertise on the intersection of religion and well-being, discussing key findings from the study.Learn more about the Global Flourishing Study at globalflourishingstudy.com and download the State of the Bible report for free at stateofthebible.org.

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10. Ep. # 3: Unpacking Global Bible Engagement: Insights from the Patmos Study with Dr. Rhiannon McAleer
    Jun 10, 2025

    54m

    Join Dr. John Plake of the State of the Bible podcast as he speaks with Dr. Rhiannon McAleer from the British and Foreign Bible Society. They delve into the groundbreaking Patmos Global Study, a collaboration with Gallup, exploring Bible engagement worldwide. Discover key findings and what they reveal about faith across different cultures.#americanbiblesociety #stateofthebible #gallup #bible #bibleengagement #christianity

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11. Ep. # 2: The Rebirth of Belief? Justin Brierley on Faith & Skepticism | State of the Bible Podcast
    May 7, 2025

    37m

    Dr. John Plake (American Bible Society) interviews Justin Brierley (author of "The Surprising Rebirth of Belief in God") about the changing landscape of faith, the decline of New Atheism, and why secular thinkers are reconsidering Christianity. Join this insightful conversation exploring belief and skepticism in the modern world.#americanbiblesociety #justinbrierley #bible #bibleengagement #stateofthebible #godsword

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12. Ep. # 1: State of the Bible, The Podcast | Navigating Today's Bible Landscape with Jennifer Holloran
    Apr 9, 2025

    22m

    State of the Bible Podcast: New Insights on Bible Engagement! In this episode, we interview Jennifer Holloran, President & CEO of American Bible Society, to explore the latest trends in Bible engagement. Discover how Millennials and Gen X are interacting with Scripture, and learn about the surprising rise in Bible engagement among men. Key Topics:* Millennial & Gen X Bible engagement* Data on increased male engagement with the Bible* Current trends in Scripture interaction* Insights from American Bible SocietyDon't miss these valuable insights! Subscribe for more State of the Bible Podcast episodes.#BibleEngagement #AmericanBibleSociety #Millennials #Genx #MenAndBible #Scripture #Podcast #StateOfTheBible

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