Faith-based apps see a surge in usage

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – It wasn’t all that long ago that looking at a smartphone screen during church would be frowned upon.

In the last few years, churches have embraced technology and devices as part of their teaching resources.

Many churches have smartphone apps, and it isn’t unusual for someone in a pew to follow along with the pastor’s sermon from a phone or tablet. Many church apps make it easy for people to tithe.

And many churches encourage people to take and share photos of worship services on social media.

Faith-based apps have seen a surge in usage this year, and as we are now in the Lenten or Holy season, downloads and daily installs of religious apps have increased.

The YouVersion Bible app is one of the first smartphone apps to provide the entire Bible on a smart device.

Launched 15 years ago by LifeChurch, the YouVersion apps have been downloaded and installed over 760 million times worldwide.

The app offers over 30,000 Bible Plans in 84 languages, and over 3,000 versions or translations in some 2,000 languages.

The YouVersion Bible app is free and available for both iPhone and Android devices. You may have also caught a commercial for another faith-based app during the Super Bowl starring actor and producer Mark Wahlberg.

Wahlberg is involved with the “Hollow” prayer app that has an emphasis on Catholic prayer and Bible study.

“Hollow” (as in ‘hollowed be Thy name) features meditations, devotions, Bible readings, and music. Wahlberg himself prays the Rosary each day and millions of people pray with him.

A running tally on the “Hollow” app shows over 412 million prayers have been prayed by people using the app. “Hollow” has a free 30-day trial but after that, there is a $ 10-a-week subscription or $70 for the year.

It’s available for iPhone and Android devices.

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