In 2026, the pastoral staff is inviting our entire church family into a shared journey through God’s Word. In the video below, Pastor Joe shares his heart behind this initiative—why reading Scripture can transform our lives, deepen our unity, and help us grow together as a church. We believe this year will be marked by spiritual renewal, deeper relationships, and countless stories of how God meets His people through His Word.

To guide our entire church through Scripture in 2026, we’ll be using The Bible Recap by Tara-Leigh Cobble. The Bible Recap pairs each day’s reading with a short recap that helps explain what you just read, making Scripture feel clearer, more accessible, and deeply encouraging no matter your stage of faith.

Every age group at Joy will be reading through the Bible with The Bible Recap—each following a pathway designed specifically for them. Adults and teens (6th grade & up) can choose between two tracks: a full 365-day chronological journey through the whole Bible, or a New Testament–only track for those who are newer to their faith. Kids (5th grade & below) will follow their own age-appropriate 365-day track designed just for young readers.

Although these pathways differ in pace and format, each one follows the same overarching biblical story, allowing our entire church to journey through Scripture together as one unified family.

For Adults and Youth
(6th Grade & Up)

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I have to start on January 1st?
No. Starting on January 1st helps you stay aligned with the church family, but you can begin any day. The plan is designed so you can pick up at any point and move forward. If you find yourself starting late or restarting, that’s totally okay.

2. What if I fall behind?
Everyone falls behind at some point. Don’t quit — just jump back in on the current day. You’re not “failing” if you skip readings; you’re succeeding every time you open God’s Word. Don’t let catching up keep you from continuing.

3. How long does each day’s reading take?
Most adults spend 12–20 minutes reading the passages and 6–10 minutes listening to the recap. Kids in the TBR Kids program can expect 5–10 minutes depending on their age and reading level.

4. Which Bible translation should I use?
Use any translation you can understand and enjoy reading. The Bible Recap recommends ESV, CSB, or NIV, but you can participate with whatever translation is most helpful for you.

5. Is this beginner-friendly?
Yes — The Bible Recap was created to help anyone understand Scripture, even if you’ve never read the Bible before. The recap videos and podcasts explain the context, big ideas, and meaning behind each day’s reading in simple terms.

6. Can my kids participate?
Yes! That’s why we’re using TBR Kids for our youth. Kids will get age-appropriate readings and recaps designed specifically for them. They can participate independently or alongside a parent.

7. Do I need to listen to the recap every day?
Listening or watching the recap is highly recommended because it explains what you just read. But if you’re short on time, you can still read the passages and catch the recap whenever you’re able.

8. Is there a cost to join?
No. The YouVersion plan, recap podcasts, and TBR Kids resources are all free. Optional purchases like the Bible Recap book or study guide are helpful but not required.

9. Do I have to read chronologically?
For this initiative, yes — we’re all reading the same chronological plan so the whole church can move through the same story together. Chronological reading helps you see the Bible as one unified narrative.

10. What if I prefer listening instead of reading?
That works great too. YouVersion has an audio Bible option, and The Bible Recap recap is available in podcast form. Many participants listen in the car or while doing daily activities.

Helpful Resources