American Bible Society today announced that four Christian universities will receive grants as part of their inaugural 2025 Faculty Grant initiative. Dallas Theological Seminary, Houghton University, Los Angeles Pacific University and MidAmerica Nazarene University will each receive a grant ranging from $10,000 to $15,000 to develop new programs designed to boost Scripture engagement among younger generations and foster positive impact on flourishing.
Each recipient will track and measure progress to demonstrate scalability and potential for replication, concluding with a final report detailing the research and key insights. The change in Scripture engagement will be measured using American Bible Society’s Scripture Engagement Scale, also used in its annual State of the Bible research series.
“Our younger generations have a deep desire for authenticity, belonging, and purpose, and are discovering the Bible as an unshakable foundation for a pathway to flourishing. American Bible Society is proud to partner with these institutions as a response to the unique contexts and longings of the next generation,” said Jennifer Holloran, President and CEO of American Bible Society. “We believe this investment will uncover innovative and replicable ways to connect a generation searching for hope and meaning with the answers waiting for them in the life-changing Word of God.”
The four projects, beginning in the fall of 2025 and concluding in the spring of 2026, take a variety of approaches. Dallas Theological Seminary will study best practices for emerging adults across diverse church networks. Houghton University will use the Lectio Divina prayer practice to facilitate meaningful interactions with Scripture. Los Angeles Pacific University will explore the intersection of AI and Scripture engagement by implementing a Bible-specific AI assistant. Finally, MidAmerica Nazarene University will create a theologically accurate and visually unique television show to promote Bible engagement among young adults.
American Bible Society plans to distribute new grants annually. Applications for the 2026 grant cycle will open later this year. For more information and to apply, please visit StateoftheBible.org/facultygrants.
