People who read are a dying breed.
Fact is, if you read much of anything, you are in a distinct minority in America….just because you read.
One in four Americans didn't read even one book last year. More than 50% of today's teens never read for pleasure.
According to a 2012 study by the National Endowment for the Arts, the number of Americans reading fiction has fallen to 44%–down from 50% only four years ago. Just a decade ago, about a third of us were “light readers” (between one and five books a year). That number shrank to 23% by 2012. More disturbing yet, the Pew Research Center suggests nearly 25% of Americans didn't read any books last year (whether print, digital or audio), a number that has tripled since 1978.
The two largest circulating magazines in the United States are AARP–The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. The number three slot, formerly occupied by Better Homes and Gardens, now belongs to Game Informer—the fastest growing magazine in America. Ironically, it is a magazine that encourages readers to stop reading and play video games!
What does all this mean to followers of Christ?
After all, we have a message we want to get out there.
First, there is no need to panic.
But there IS a need to change. Evolve. Strategize.
In Isaiah 55:11, God promises, “My Word will not return to me void.”
Digital platforms…mobile delivery…YouTube…and yes—traditional paper and ink books–are ALL going to be needed. Because that's where people are going…and that's where God's Word needs to be.
Thankfully, the destiny-changing gospel message is equally true whether conveyed in a papyrus, paperback, pdf, podcast…or erson!