Megachurch pastor Bishop TD Jakes has launched a new Bible app, hoping to make the Bible more accessible in a digital age.
Jakes, senior pastor of The Potter's House – a church of around 30,000 members – has partnered with content provider Inspired Properties to develop a free multi-dimensional Bible app which aims to open up the gospel in a new way.
"The key to biblical understanding is accessibility," said Jakes in a statement.
"It's critical to get Bibles in the hands of the people in an easy, user-friendly way so that they may experience its power to transform lives in a personal way. Technology allows the Word of God to be experienced fully against the backdrop of the digital language."
The app, "TD Jakes Ministries Bible App", was initially launched to members of The Potter's House in late December 2015 and was downloaded 10,000 times in that period.
The app includes an audio Bible, sermon notes and live streaming from services at the church, and there are plans to develop it further to include themed curriculum plans and other tailored materials.
Dr Antipas Harris, an associate professor of practical theology and ministry at Regent University, has praised the app.
"In the 14th century, John Wycliffe, John Huss and others struggled to make scripture available to more people; William Tyndale was the first to print the English New Testament in the 16th century. Since then, the flood-gate of Bible aids have supported the Christian mission to spread the Word around the world," he said.
"The 21st century, presents us new technology for innovative means of communication. Bishop T.D. Jakes, once again, has broken the mould. His new Bible aid joins a rich Christian tradition of Bible translators and missionaries. The Bible app makes the Word of God more easily accessible to this generation.
"Indeed, the Word has become like one of us and has made its residence in modern technology."
