Created by Bobby Gruenewald, the app’s purpose has never been about money, but about bringing God’s Word to people around the world. From its humble beginnings in 2008 as one of the first free apps on the App Store, YouVersion has grown into a global platform touching millions of lives, all while remaining completely free.

When people think of successful apps in the modern world, they often measure success in terms of profit, market value, or number of downloads. However, the story of YouVersion, the globally known Bible App created by Bobby Gruenewald, challenges that perspective.

Instead of focusing on financial gain, YouVersion has consistently prioritized a higher purpose, spreading God’s Word and transforming lives.

When Steve Jobs first introduced the concept of an app, no one fully understood what it could become. Yet, YouVersion’s team saw an opportunity to make Scripture more accessible.

In 2008, they launched the Bible App as one of the first 200 free applications available on the App Store. The key word was “free.” From the beginning, YouVersion’s mission was not profit, but Kingdom impact, getting the Bible into the hands and hearts of people around the world.

Today, the app has reached nearly one billion installs across its family of Bible applications. Industry experts estimate that if YouVersion operated as a typical tech company, it would be worth billions of dollars, a “unicorn” many times over.

Yet, Gruenewald and his team have chosen a different path. They have rejected monetization to keep the app completely free for everyone. When asked why, Gruenewald’s answer is simple but profound: “We’re not trying to maximize financial return; we’re trying to maximize Kingdom impact.”

The fruits of this mission are evident in countless testimonies. A pastor once shared that he introduced the Bible App to a friend struggling with anxiety and depression. After following its reading plans for a year, that man became a devoted follower of Christ. Millions of others echo similar stories, finding peace, purpose, and faith through the app’s daily devotionals and reading guides.

Comments from believers around the world reflect deep gratitude: “Salvation is free,” wrote one user, “and YouVersion has remained faithful to that truth.” Another added, “Reaching God’s people and winning souls is far more precious than money.” The app has not only provided access to Scripture but also built a global spiritual community united by faith and love.

In an era where technology is often driven by profit and competition, YouVersion stands as a remarkable example of what it means to run a God-centered business. It shows that true success is not measured by billions of dollars, but by billions of hearts touched by God’s Word.

Ultimately, YouVersion reminds the world that when we place faith above finance, we achieve something far more enduring, eternal impact.
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Bobby Gruenewald’s post on the saltandlight.sg Instagram account