America Reads the Bible: A Nationwide Call to Faith Before the Nation’s 250th Birthday

In every generation, there are moments when a nation pauses to reflect on its foundations—moments that invite people to remember where they came from, what they believe, and what truly sustains their future. As the United States approaches its 250th birthday, one nationwide movement is calling Americans back to something timeless, unchanging, and deeply powerful: the Word of God.

That movement is America Reads the Bible, a week-long national event taking place April 19–25 at the Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C. More than a gathering, it is a spiritual invitation—one that reaches beyond politics, denominations, and cultural differences to focus on a simple but life-changing act: opening Scripture and listening for God’s voice.

A Call Back to the Word

America Reads the Bible was organized by Bunni Pounds, founder of Christians Engaged, with a clear and heartfelt purpose—to encourage daily engagement with Scripture across the nation. In a time when distractions are endless and division often dominates headlines, this initiative offers a different path: unity through God’s truth.

The timing carries deep significance. As America nears 250 years of independence, many are asking profound questions:

• What shaped this nation’s beginnings?

• What sustains freedom across generations?

• Where can true hope be found for the future?

For organizers and participants alike, the answer begins in God’s Word.

Voices Joining in Faith

This nationwide event is bringing together a remarkable coalition of Hollywood actors, ministry leaders, and government officials—people from different callings who share a common belief in the transforming power of Scripture.

Among those appearing at the opening ceremony are:

• Patricia Heaton

• Candace Cameron Bure, serving as the official spokesperson

• Cameron and BJ Arnett

• Members of Congress

• Representatives from the Administration

Their presence sends a powerful message:

Faith is not confined to one sphere of life.

It belongs in homes, churches, workplaces—and even the public square.

For those unable to attend in person, the entire gathering will be livestreamed on Great American Pure Flix, with the kickoff ceremony airing April 18, making participation possible for families and believers across the country.

More Than an Event—A Spiritual Invitation

At its core, America Reads the Bible is not about celebrity appearances or political visibility. It is about something far quieter—and far more eternal.

It is about Scripture.

Organizers emphasize a simple truth often overlooked in a fast-moving world:

Reading and hearing the Bible can transform hearts.

Not through force.

Not through argument.

But through the gentle, powerful work of God’s Spirit speaking through His Word.

History is filled with revivals that began not with grand programs, but with ordinary people returning to Scripture—reading it, believing it, and living it. Families healed. Communities restored. Hope renewed.

This event seeks to spark that same renewal again.

Freedom and Faith

Bill Abbott, CEO of Great American Media, described the gathering as a reminder that America’s freedoms are deeply connected to the truth found in God’s Word.

From the earliest days of the nation, Scripture shaped language, law, and moral vision. While history is complex and imperfect—as all human stories are—the influence of biblical truth on ideas of dignity, justice, and liberty is unmistakable.

America Reads the Bible does not attempt to rewrite history.

Instead, it asks a forward-looking question:

What kind of nation could we become if hearts returned to God’s Word today?

Unity in a Divided Time

Perhaps one of the most meaningful aspects of this initiative is its focus on unity.

The Bible has a unique ability to gather people who might otherwise never stand together—young and old, different cultures, different churches, different life stories. When Scripture is opened, the ground becomes level. Every reader stands equally in need of grace, truth, and hope.

In a season marked by polarization, this quiet act of reading together becomes profoundly countercultural.

Not shouting.

Not debating.

Just listening.

And sometimes, listening is where healing begins.

The Transforming Power of Scripture

Why does reading the Bible matter so much?

Because Scripture does more than inform—it transforms.

• It speaks peace into anxious hearts.

• It brings clarity to confusion.

• It offers forgiveness where shame once ruled.

• It reveals purpose where emptiness lived.

Hebrews 4:12 describes the Word of God as “alive and active.”

Not merely ancient text.

Not distant history.

But living truth that still speaks today.

Countless lives across centuries testify to this reality. Addictions broken. Marriages restored. Callings discovered. Hope reborn.

All beginning with a page opened.

A National Moment of Reflection

As the 250th anniversary of the United States approaches, celebrations will include fireworks, speeches, and ceremonies. Yet America Reads the Bible offers something different—reflection before celebration.

It invites the nation to pause and consider:

• What truly sustains freedom?

• What anchors justice and compassion?

• What guides a people through uncertainty?

For millions of believers, the answer is not found in power or prosperity, but in God’s unchanging truth.

Psalm 119:105 declares:

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”

A nation, like a person, needs light to walk forward.

Participation Beyond Washington, D.C.

One of the most beautiful aspects of America Reads the Bible is that participation is not limited by geography.

You don’t need to travel.

You don’t need a platform.

You don’t need recognition.

You only need a Bible and a willing heart.

Families can read together at the kitchen table.

Churches can host community readings.

Friends can share verses online.

Individuals can begin again in quiet prayer.

Revival often starts this way—

small, unseen, but sincere.

Hope for the Next Generation

Perhaps the greatest impact of this movement will be felt not in headlines, but in hearts—especially young hearts.

Children and teenagers growing up in a confusing world are searching for:

• Identity

• Truth

• Purpose

• Hope

Scripture speaks to each of these longings with clarity the culture cannot provide.

If America Reads the Bible helps even one generation rediscover God’s voice, the ripple effects could last far beyond a single week in April.

The Quiet Power of Turning a Page

In a noisy world, the act of reading the Bible can feel almost too simple. Yet history—and faith—tell us that God often works through simple obedience.

Turning a page.

Reading a verse.

Whispering a prayer.

These small moments open space for something eternal.

And sometimes, that is where transformation begins.

Looking Ahead With Faith

America Reads the Bible is ultimately about hope.

Hope that hearts can soften.

Hope that families can heal.

Hope that unity can grow.

Hope that God is not finished with this nation—or any life within it.

As April approaches, the invitation is clear and gentle:

Come back to the Word.

Come back to truth.

Come back to hope.

Because long after events end, livestreams fade, and crowds disperse, one thing remains unchanged:

God’s Word still speaks.

God’s Word still heals.

God’s Word still leads us forward.

And perhaps, in this moment of national reflection, opening the Bible together could become more than an event—

It could become the beginning of renewal.