Life.Church with Craig Groeschel God Used This Question to Change History | From One to a Billion
Nov 16, 2025
Bobby Gruenewald, founder of the YouVersion Bible App, shares the remarkable journey from a single question about using technology to engage with the Bible to an incredible one billion downloads. He discusses early challenges, including the app's initial struggles and the hurdles of securing publisher permissions. Bobby emphasizes the app's free access, driven by a spirit of generosity and faith. Additionally, hear inspiring stories like Dia's transformative experience, showcasing the app's profound impact on lives and communities.
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Domain Bought In A Security Line
- Bobby Gruenewald registered the domain YouVersion in an airport security line with a $25 step of faith.
- That small action led to launching a website in 2007 and later a Bible app after initial failure.
Bible App On Day One Of App Store
- The Bible app launched on day one of the App Store on July 10, 2008 and was installed by dozens immediately.
- The team built it as a part-time project led by a 19-year-old developer with passion for Apple.
Text Rights Complicate Digital Access
- Bible translations are often owned and monetized to fund translation work, so permission was required.
- YouVersion needed unlimited, royalty-free licenses and relied on networking and faith to secure them.