January 27 The recent State of Discipleship study found a “discipleship deficit” among U.S. Protestant churchgoers, with an average score of 68.1 across eight spiritual maturity characteristics. While areas like seeking God and obeying God scored high, sharing Christ and living unashamed lagged behind. Pastors acknowledge room for growth, with only 8% strongly satisfied with current efforts. Targeted strategies are needed to address gaps and balance community engagement with spiritual growth. (Lifeway Research)

January 27 A new podcast, Faith Under Siege, launched by Aid to the Church in Need–USA and the Faith & Reason Institute, explores global Christian persecution. Hosted by Robert Royal, the series features firsthand accounts and expert analysis. The inaugural episode includes Sviatoslav Shevchuk, Major Archbishop of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, discussing the unity of Christians in Ukraine amid the ongoing war. Future episodes will spotlight persecuted Christian communities worldwide. (Aleteia)

January 26 Newly discovered Babylonian texts offer a nuanced view of Nebuchadnezzar II, shown in the Bible as a destroyer of Jerusalem and Solomon’s Temple in 586 BC. Two inscribed cylinders from the ancient city of Kish describe him instead as a “restorer,” based on his rebuilding of the ziggurat (temple) dedicated to the gods Zababa and Ishtar. It’s a sobering reminder that even one of Israel’s most terrible villains can be remembered as a hero by his own people. (Biblical Archaeology Society)

January 26 Blessed Gabriele Allegra, a Franciscan missionary commemorated annually today, is known for completing the first full-length Chinese Bible translation in 1968 after four decades of work. Though Christianity had a presence in China as early as the 7th century, there was no complete Bible translation until Allegra undertook the project. Today his translation remains a gold standard among Chinese Catholics. (Aleteia)

January 26 TruPlay Games, a Christian digital media company, has accused Google and TikTok of censoring Christian content and called for a congressional investigation. TruPlay claims Google rejected ads promoting Christian-themed games under its “Religious belief in personalized advertising” policy, despite targeting general audiences, while TikTok allegedly banned TruPlay’s ads for including a cartoon image of Jesus, eventually suspending their account. (Christianity Daily)

January 24 Dei Verbum, Pope Leo XIV’s document on divine revelation, offers five tips for Catholic biblical interpretation. First, Scripture is “without error” in matters of salvation. Second, understanding the human writer’s intention is crucial, as it shapes the text. Third, recognizing literary forms — like poetry or history — helps clarify meaning. Fourth, historical context is essential for grasping the writer’s perspective. Finally, individual passages must be read within the unity of the entire Bible and Church tradition. (Aleteia)

January 23 AI-based tools for biblical engagement are proliferating, forcing Bible teachers and pastoral leaders to wrestle with their implications. On one hand, these tools can enrich Bible study by providing diverse perspectives and convenient resources. However, they pose risks such as replacing pastoral care, reinforcing biases, and hindering spiritual growth. While AI can complement traditional methods, it cannot replace the relational and spiritual depth brought by human souls made in God’s image. (Evangelical Focus)

January 22 Jordan is working to boost Christian pilgrimage by collaborating with global evangelical leaders ahead of the 2,000th anniversary of Jesus’ baptism in 2030. Important Christian sites, like Bethany Beyond the Jordan, are being prepared for this milestone. WEA leaders, including Rev. Botrus Mansour and Rev. Nabeeh Abbasi, expressed enthusiasm for joint projects, organized pilgrimages, and cultural exchange, highlighting Jordan’s historical significance and commitment to faith-based tourism. (Christian Daily)

January 22 Christian leaders in the Middle East report a surge in interest in Christianity, driven by years of war, displacement, and instability. But this rapid growth is outpacing the region’s discipleship support, leaving many new believers without adequate guidance amid tight restrictions on religious freedom. Leaders are calling for locally led discipleship efforts alongside collaboration with global Christian organizations to sustain momentum and nurture the faith of new believers. (Christian Today)

January 21 Archaeological evidence reveals that many “cities” in the Bible were actually small villages or towns. For example, Jerusalem, at its peak in the 8th century BC, had a population of 12,000–25,000, while other Israelite settlements were much smaller — contrasting with the massive populations of cities like Nineveh or Babylon. The confusion arises from translators using “city” for most instances of the Hebrew word ‘ir, which was meant to encompass settlements of varying sizes. (Biblical Archaeology Society)

January 21 The liturgical season of Ordinary Time offers Christians an opportunity to deepen their faith through Scripture and prayer. The term “Ordinary” refers to the numbered weeks in the liturgical calendar, not a lack of significance. It’s an important season for all Christians to reengage with the Bible — especially for Catholics, as only 12% read it weekly compared to 52% of evangelicals. Reflecting on Sunday readings before or after church can transform Ordinary Time into a period of extraordinary spiritual growth. (RNS)

January 21 Pew Research observed a sharp decline in Catholicism across six Latin American countries over the past decade. Colombia experienced the largest drop, with Catholic identification falling from 79% in 2013-2014 to 60% in 2024. Meanwhile, the religiously unaffiliated population has grown significantly, particularly in Chile and Colombia, while spiritual practices influenced by African and Indigenous traditions continue to flourish. Protestantism remained steady, though the share of Pentecostals declined. (RNS)

January 20 At the World Economic Forum in Switzerland, Dr. Jeremiah J. Johnston proclaimed the resurrection of Jesus Christ to global leaders, emphasizing its profound implications for power and authority. He presented the Shroud of Turin as compelling physical evidence of the resurrection, and showcased its unique features such as the photographic negative image and wounds consistent with crucifixion, suggesting it was created by an intense burst of energy. (Christian Thinkers Society)

January 20 Creed, a new Christian AI app, aims to serve as a “digital companion” for believers, blending features of a “youth pastor and best friend.” The app uses AI models fine-tuned with biblical texts, Christian authors, and denomination-specific teachings, providing tailored responses for a personalized faith journey. Creed emphasizes connecting users to local churches and fostering real-world engagement, but faces skepticism for replacing human prayer and pastoral counseling with machine learning. (Christianity Today)

January 20 A recent study found that 36% of Americans believe the Bible is totally accurate, while 39% disagree. About 1 in 4 say the Bible is a “book of teachings written by people.” Still, many Americans remain open to Scripture, with 58% acknowledging its transformative impact on their lives. Authors of the study encourage churches and individual believers to engage with their communities, saying this openness presents an opportunity to confidently share Scripture and its life-changing power. (Lifeway Research)

January 19 Millions of Ethiopian Orthodox Christians celebrated Timkat, the Epiphany, commemorating Jesus’ baptism by John the Baptist. The festivities included symbolic baptisms, processions of tabots (Ark of the Covenant replicas), and prayers. Recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage, Timkat is a significant religious holiday, nearly as important as Easter and Christmas. The celebrations were a needed moment of joy amid famine and regional tensions in the one of the world’s oldest Christ countries. (AP)

January 19 Gunmen abducted over 150 worshippers during simultaneous attacks on three separate churches in Nigeria, all during services. As of now, 168 people remain missing. No group has claimed responsibility, but such incidents are common in Nigeria’s northern regions, plagued by armed groups and limited security. The Nigerian government has denied claims of a “Christian genocide” despite international concerns over religious persecution. (AP)

January 19 Four antiquities robbers were caught damaging a Roman-period burial cave near Hittin in the Galilee, a protected archaeological site. The suspects initially claimed they were hunting porcupines but later admitted to using digging tools. The Hittin site includes remnants of Jewish life from the 3rd century AD, containing artifacts from the Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine periods. Authorities emphasized the importance of preserving such sites for historical and cultural heritage. (Jerusalem Post)

January 16 Robert Wolgemuth, a Christian publishing leader and author, died on January 10, aged 77, from pneumonia complications. Known for his humility and mentorship, he worked with authors like Max Lucado and Joni Eareckson Tada and held leadership roles at Word Publishing and Thomas Nelson. He authored 25 books, often centered on faith and family. His final book, Finish Line, encouraged living with eternity in view. A memorial service is set for January 23 in South Bend, Indiana. (Religion Unplugged)

January 16 Trust in pastors among Americans has hit a historic low, with only 27% rating clergy’s honesty and ethics as high or very high, according to a Gallup survey. That’s a steep decline from 56% in the early 2000s and 67% in 1985, attributed in part to church abuse scandals and coverups. Trust varies by demographics, with older adults, Republicans, and higher-income earners showing higher levels of trust. At the same time, trust in organized religion has rebounded to 36%, up from 31% in 2022. (Lifeway Research)

January 16 Archaeologists in Egypt have uncovered a well-preserved Byzantine monastery in the Sohag region, dating back to the 4th–7th centuries AD. The site includes a basilica, monks’ cells, refectories, courtyards, and storage facilities, offering a rare glimpse into early Christian monastic life. Artifacts such as amphorae, pottery, and Coptic inscriptions highlight the community’s literacy and self-sufficiency, and add to the region’s already rich monastic heritage. (Biblical Archaeology Society)

January 14 Pope Leo XIV has launched a new catechesis series focusing on the documents of the Second Vatican Council, beginning with Dei Verbum, a dogmatic constitution on Scripture. In his address, the Pope noted that divine revelation is a dialogue of love and friendship with Jesus. He encouraged Christians to cultivate listening and prayer in both personal and communal contexts, allowing God’s Word to penetrate their hearts and fostering a deeper relationship with Him. (Aleteia)

January 14 A recent study by MyCross reveals a surge in digital curiosity about faith, with Christianity leading online engagement. While Islam is the most searched religion globally, Christians dominate social media, and the Bible remains the most-researched religious text, attracting 47 million searches monthly. The researchers argue these numbers reveal a shift in how younger generations explore religion, with digital platforms becoming key spaces for connection and discovery. (Christian Today)

January 14 The 2026 Open Doors World Watch List names the 50 most dangerous countries for Christians, with North Korea, Nigeria, Somalia, and Yemen topping the list, while Syria rose to 6th place due to increased violence and extremism following political upheaval. Globally, over 388 million Christians face high levels of persecution. Yet there are glimmers of hope, as some regions, like Bangladesh, showed signs of improvement thanks to advocacy efforts on behalf of persecuted believers worldwide. (Christianity Today)

January 14 Here at Bible Gateway: News & Knowledge we like to watch trends in religious and biblical engagement. But one analyst reminds us that such data can present a muddled picture, as studies show both a resurgence in church attendance and a decline in religiosity. Though seemingly contradictory, these reports reflect different metrics and contexts. The writer cautions against overinterpreting such data. Regardless of trends, the mission to live faithfully and share the Gospel remains unchanged. (The Gospel Coalition)

January 13 The Deaf Bible, a groundbreaking video translation app, is transforming spiritual access for millions in the Deaf community worldwide. Available in 82 sign languages and growing, the app allows users to watch Bible verses signed in their native language, making Scripture clear and personal. Developed by Faith Comes by Hearing and expanded by the Deaf Bible Society, the project hopes to provide translations in all sign languages by 2033. (Religion Unplugged)

January 13 The U.S. saw a net decline in Protestant churches in 2024, with 3,800 new churches opening and 4,000 closures. This 200-church gap is an improvement from 2019, when closures outpaced openings by 1,500, but remains behind 2014 numbers, which had 4,000 openings and 3,700 closures. Church planting remains vital, with newer congregations showing growth, while older ones face challenges like declining attendance and resources. (Lifeway Research)

January 12 Bible sales reached record highs in 2025 across U.S. and UK markets, driven by a growing interest in faith and spirituality, particularly among Gen Z. In the U.S., 19 million Bibles were sold, a 21-year high doubling 2019 figures. (See Jan. 10 below for UK data.) Mark Schoenwald, CEO of HarperCollins Christian Publishing (Bible Gateway’s parent company), said “people are not just buying Bibles, but they’re actually trying to read them and understand them and then apply them to their lives.” (Multiple sources)

January 12 Prison Fellowship International celebrated the one millionth graduate of its in-prison evangelism program. Launched in 2014, the eight-week course is centered on the Gospel of Mark. Participants receive a Bible in their native language upon graduation, and nearly 70% continue into further discipleship programs. Independent research highlights the program’s positive impact, including increased religious engagement, reduced aggression, and improved family connections. (Christian Daily)

January 12 Christians have been among the victims of shootings and arrests by Iranian police forces amid ongoing protests in the country. Yet despite persecution, they continue to provide aid and share the Gospel. American and Iranian Christian leaders are calling for global prayer in support of this “pivotal moment” for Iran’s Christian community, which has proved remarkably resilient under Islamic rule, growing from 3,000 believers in 1979 to hundreds of thousands today. (Baptist Press)

January 12 The Shroud of Turin, one of Christianity’s most revered relics, has entered the digital age with the launch of the Avvolti platform. This initiative, unveiled to Pope Leo XIV by Cardinal Roberto Repole, allows global access to a high-resolution digital reproduction of the Shroud. Users can explore detailed sections of the cloth, accompanied by Gospel passages and explanatory notes, creating an immersive and reflective experience. (Aleteia)

January 12 Renowned Israeli archaeologist and co-founder of the Temple Mount Sifting Project, Prof. Gabriel Barkay has died at age 81. Known for uncovering the Ketef Hinnom silver amulets, the earliest known biblical text, Barkay’s work reshaped our understanding of ancient Jerusalem. His meticulous documentation and discoveries, including insights into Jerusalem’s Babylonian period, earned him accolades like the Jerusalem Prize for Archaeological Research. (Jerusalem Post)

January 11 China has intensified its crackdown on unregistered Christian groups, detaining leaders of the Early Rain Covenant Church, including Li Yingqiang and his wife, Zhang Xinyue, following arrests of members from other underground churches, such as Zion Church. The Chinese government views these groups as disobedient to Communist Party ideology. Early Rain, a prominent house church, has faced persecution since 2018, with its founder, Wang Yi, jailed for nine years. (The Guardian)

January 10 Bible sales in the UK hit a record high in 2025, up 134% since 2019. Younger people are driving the surge, with many seeking spirituality and meaning in a rapidly changing world and social media influencers sparking interest in religious texts. Church attendance in England and Wales has grown, too, with numbers quadrupling since 2018. Experts suggest Christianity is becoming a “counter-cultural” force, appealing to a generation raised in secular environments. (The Guardian)

January 9 The 2026 Red List by Global Christian Relief names the top international persecutors of Christians from 2023-2025. Nigeria leads in killings, with 590 documented deaths, while Rwanda had the most violence against churches (7,700 cases). China leads in arrests and detentions (709 incidents), due to strict registration laws and surveillance. Mozambique saw the highest displacement, with over 13,000 Christians forced to flee, and Mexico recorded the most assaults and abductions (376 cases). (Baptist Press)

January 9 A study of children in the ancient Near East reveals their significant yet often overlooked role in society. Children were seen as assets, contributing to economic activities and family structures — often passively. Legal codes addressed issues of education, abortion, and adoption, while other records describe the harsh realities of forced marriage and child labor. This history is paralleled today, as millions of children in the Middle East continue to face poverty, lack of education, and conflict. (Ancient Near East Today)

January 9 Hundreds of thousands of barefoot Filipino Catholics joined the annual Black Nazarene procession in Manila, venerating a centuries-old statue of Jesus. But this year’s event coincided with public outrage over a corruption scandal involving legislators and substandard flood control projects, leading Bishop Rufino Sescon and other participants to call for resignation of the corrupt officials. (AP)

January 8 The Bnei Menashe, a community in northeastern India, believes it is fulfilling biblical prophecy by moving to Israel. Recognized as descendants of a “lost tribe” of Israel, they have long sought aliyah (immigration to Israel). In 2025, following decades of advocacy and conversion efforts, the Israeli government approved the migration of the entire community — 5,800 people — by 2030. An estimated 4,000 have already made the move. (RNS)

January 8 Turkish geographer Professor Faruk Kaya has cautioned against claims that ceramic fragments found near the Durupinar formation in eastern Turkey confirm the existence of Noah’s Ark. While the fragments suggest ancient human activity, Kaya emphasizes that no conclusive archaeological evidence links the site to the biblical account. Discovered in 1959, the formation has long been speculated as Noah’s Ark’s resting place, but further research is needed to substantiate such claims. (Christian Daily; New York Post)

January 8 Archaeological excavations in the City of David, the ancient core of Jerusalem, continue to yield significant discoveries. Recent finds include a King David-era massive moat, 30 feet deep and 100 feet wide, separating the lower city from the temple and palace, and an eight-room cultic sanctuary near the Gihon Spring, linked to the Middle Bronze Age (around Abraham’s time). The Gihon site includes a standing stone (masseba) and facilities for olive oil and wine production, possibly used for rituals. (Christianity Today)

January 8 Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF) is on track to reach 100 million children globally with the Gospel as part of its “Billion Soul Partnership” initiative. With 3,600 staff and hundreds of thousands of volunteers, CEF currently reaches 25 million children annually through programs like Good News Clubs and online platforms. In 2024, they reached 31 million children and trained 533,000 teachers, aiming to train another million in 2026. (Christian Daily)

January 8 Nearly 9 in 10 surveyed U.S. CEOs identify as Christian or value faith, according to a Barna report. Top-ranked leadership values include excellence (39%), faith (34%), vision, gratitude, and creativity (33% each). Older CEOs prioritize humility and service, while younger leaders focus on diversity and progress. These findings provide an opportunity for pastors to provide spiritual support, helping CEOs integrate Christian values into their organizations. (Barna)

January 7 Millions of Orthodox Christians worldwide celebrated Christmas on January 7, following the Julian calendar, which is 13 days behind the Gregorian calendar used by most of the world. This includes Russian, Serbian, and Georgian Orthodox traditions, while others such as Greek Orthodox celebrate on December 25, aligning with the Gregorian calendar. Worship typically includes rituals like midnight services and, in Serbian churches, the burning of oak branches to proclaim Christ’s birth. (AP)

January 7 Pope Leo XIV convened a consistory of 170 cardinals to outline priorities for the next two years. The cardinals chose to prioritize continuity with Pope Francis’ focus on a missionary and synodal church over liturgical issues. Leo also reaffirmed his commitment to fully implementing Vatican II reforms, leaving Latin Mass off the table. The consistory suggests a move away from Francis’ smaller advisory group toward broader input from the College of Cardinals. (AP)

January 6 Following on Zach Windahl’s live reading of the New Testament on his YouTube channel, Beach Road Church in Southport, North Carolina, kicked off 2026 with a 74-hour public reading of the entire Bible. Running January 1-4, the RISE event featured 239 participants, including families, children, and new believers, each reading Scripture in 30-minute intervals. It was the sixth time the church hosted the event, which concluded with Psalm 119 as the focus of the church’s first worship service of the year. (Baptist Press)

January 6 Bestselling Christian author Philip Yancey, 76, has confessed to an eight-year affair with a married woman and announced his retirement from writing, speaking, and ministry. In a statement, Yancey expressed deep remorse, acknowledging the pain caused to his wife of 55 years, Janet, and committing to counseling, accountability, and rebuilding trust in his marriage. Janet Yancey, speaking from a place of trauma, reaffirmed her marriage vows and prayed for the strength to forgive him. (Christianity Today)

January 6 While Christianity in the U.S. has stabilized at 62% of the population, the religious landscape for Gen Z remains complex. They are less religious than previous generations, with only 57% identifying with a religion and 31% attending services monthly. However, early signs suggest a potential rebound among the youngest adults (born 2003-2007), who show slightly higher rates of religious identification (61%), daily prayer (35%), and service attendance (41%) compared to older cohorts. (Lifeway Research, from Pew)

January 6 Proposed changes to Canada’s hate speech laws have raised concerns among Christian groups. The amendments would remove the “good faith” exemption for statements based on religious texts, potentially criminalizing Scripture quotations. Critics, including the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops, warn this could lead to legal actions against sincere religious expressions. Advocates argue the changes aim to combat antisemitism but fear unintended consequences for religious freedom. (Christian Today)

January 6 The family of U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee uncovered ancient coins and jar fragments during a visit to caves near Na’ale in the West Bank. The artifacts, dating back to the 2nd century AD Bar-Kochba Revolt, suggest the caves were used as hiding places. Huckabee also visited Shiloh, expressing admiration for its biblical significance. (Jerusalem Post)

January 5 According to a recent survey, 1.35 million Australians attend church weekly — a significant recovery post-COVID-19, though still below 2001 levels. The NCLS study, part of the new Church Pulse Check Panel, surveyed 1,005 churches across denominations to provide a comprehensive view of church participation. While attendance is rebounding to pre-pandemic figures, some churches are struggling to adapt to cultural shifts. A full report with deeper insights is expected soon. (Christian Today)

January 5 A South Korean survey showed that although Protestant Christianity has lower public favorability (34.7 points) compared to Buddhism (54.4) and Catholicism (52.7), it has a stronger impact on believers’ daily lives. Among Christians, 84% report their faith influences their lives, compared to 62% of Catholics and 47% of Buddhists. Christians also lead in perceiving religion as fostering emotional stability (91%), ethical behavior (92%), and positive relationships (84%). (Christian Daily)

January 4 Evangelical churches in historically Catholic Spain are growing despite increasing secularization in the country, with 4,763 worship spaces recorded in 2025, according to the Observatory of Religious Pluralism. Catalonia leads with 1,010 churches, followed by Madrid (855) and Andalusia (744). While Catholic churches still dominate with 22,922 locations, evangelical Christianity is the largest minority faith in terms of worship sites. (Christian Today)

January 4  Don’t forget to catch up on all the biggest, strangest, and most inspiring Bible news stories of December 2025!