As a nonprofit, every year the Chara Project hosts a ministry update to go behind the scenes and take a heartfelt look at how God has been at work through our growing community. Instead of a live virtual event, this year’s update comes in podcast form, packed with reflections on what God has done and where He’s leading next.

Over the past six years, The Chara Project has continued to empower people to study the Bible with confidence—on their own and with their neighbors. In this episode, you’ll hear how that mission is thriving: from a brand-new website, new podcast episodes and online resources, to expanded partnerships with churches and schools using the CHARA Bible Study Guide as a teaching resource.

Heather and Sarah also share exciting plans for 2026—including a mobile app and what new guide is coming next. You’ll also hear encouraging stories of impact from the community and learn how you can help sustain this ministry through prayer, partnership, and giving.

Whether you’re a longtime supporter or new to the Chara Project, this episode will inspire you with what God is doing through this community—and invite you to join in helping people everywhere, not just read the Bible, but understand and share it.

This podcast is also released as a video podcast on YouTube here.

The Chara Project is a nonprofit organization with a mission to help build confidence in studying the Bible on your own and with your neighbor. Chara is the Greek word for JOY, and the Chara team offers resources and teaching to empower people to find joy as they explore the Bible, grow in their Biblical understanding, and help others do the same.

For more information about The Chara Project and how to study the Bible, including a download of the CHARA Bible Study Guide, visit www.thecharaproject.com. 

To support The Chara Project, visit https://www.thecharaproject.com/give

#bible #biblestudy #biblestudytools #scripture #scripturestudy #christianpodcast #biblepodcast #ministryupdate #givingtuesday #nonprofit #charaproject #chara #giving #prayer #churchpartner #christianschool

Support the show

Have you ever heard someone say that the Bible was meant to be read “literally”? Yet the Bible is filled with language that is figurative and symbolic in nature. So, how are we really supposed to decipher between what text is to be taken literally versus figuratively?

Join the Chara Project team as they explore how to discern literal versus figurative language in the Bible. They provide practical guidance for interpretation, including how to consider the author’s intent, literary genre (e.g., poetry, prophecy), and historical context.

You won’t want to miss the introduction to common figures of speech used in the Bible, including metaphors, hyperboles, and personification - so you can easily spot them as you dive into God’s Word. For anyone interested in navigating tough-to-read passages to know if they should be taken literally or not, this episode is for you!

Additionally, check out the corresponding article on determining Literal vs Figurative passages at www.thecharaproject.com/literalvsfigurative

This podcast is also released as a video podcast on YouTube here.

The Chara Project is a nonprofit organization with a mission to help build confidence in studying the Bible on your own and with your neighbor. Chara is the Greek word for JOY, and the Chara team offers resources and teaching to empower people to find joy as they explore the Bible, grow in their Biblical understanding, and help others do the same.

For more information about The Chara Project and how to study the Bible, including a download of the CHARA Bible Study Guide, visit www.thecharaproject.com. 

To support The Chara Project, visit https://www.thecharaproject.com/give

Support the show

Ever wondered if a Bible verse applies to your life today or was meant for its ancient audience? Maybe you've asked yourself, “Well, that’s fine for them back in Biblical times, but does that really apply to me today?” You're not alone in asking this question - it's actually a VERY common question and not always the easiest to answer.

Join the Chara Project team as they dive into the art of discerning cultural versus timeless truths in the Bible. They share practical tools to help you navigate the Bible’s stories and instructions, ensuring you apply its wisdom accurately. Discover how to ask yourself 4 important questions to identify which passages transcend time and which reflect the customs of long ago. From thought-provoking examples to a simple framework, this episode equips you to study the Bible with confidence. Don’t miss out—tune in to learn how to unlock the Bible’s timeless messages.

Additionally, check out the corresponding article at www.thecharaproject.com/culturevstimeless

This podcast is also released as a video podcast on YouTube here.

The Chara Project is a nonprofit organization with a mission to help build confidence in studying the Bible on your own and with your neighbor. Chara is the Greek word for JOY, and the Chara team offers resources and teaching to empower people to find joy as they explore the Bible, grow in their Biblical understanding, and help others do the same.

For more information about The Chara Project, including a download of the CHARA Bible Study Guide or the Neighbor Guide, visit www.thecharaproject.com. 

To support The Chara Project, visit https://www.thecharaproject.com/give

#bible #biblestudy #biblestudytools #scripture #scripturestudy #christianpodcast #biblepodcast #howto #oldtestament #newtestament #biblescripture #culturalvstimeless #culturalbiblestudy #culturalbible #biblehistory

Support the show

Curious about how artificial intelligence (AI) tools like ChatGPT can transform your Bible study? In this culturally relevant episode, The Chara Project team explores safe and effective ways to use artificial intelligence to enhance your engagement with the Bible. 

Discover how AI can simplify research, spark insightful questions, and uncover historical context, making Bible study more approachable—especially for beginners. From crafting reading plans to exploring original languages, this episode reveals practical tips to leverage AI without compromising the depth of personal study. 

The team also shares crucial warnings to avoid pitfalls, ensuring AI remains a helpful aid, not a replacement for the Holy Spirit’s guidance. Tune in to learn how to use AI wisely, deepen your connection with God’s Word, and grow in confidence as you study the Bible. 

Additionally, check out the corresponding article at www.thecharaproject.com/AIforBiblestudy

This podcast is also released as a video podcast on YouTube here.

The Chara Project is a nonprofit organization with a mission to help build confidence in studying the Bible on your own and with your neighbor. Chara is the Greek word for JOY, and the Chara team offers resources and teaching to empower people to find joy as they explore the Bible, grow in their Biblical understanding, and help others do the same.

For more information about The Chara Project, including a download of the CHARA Bible Study Guide or the Neighbor Guide, visit www.thecharaproject.com. 

To support The Chara Project, visit https://www.thecharaproject.com/give

#bible #biblestudy #biblestudytools #scripture #scripturestudy #christianpodcast #biblepodcast #howto #oldtestament #newtestament #biblescripture #ai #aibiblestudy #aibible #artificialintelligence #artificialintelligencetechnology #aitechnology

Support the show

Probably one of the most common questions people have when they start exploring the Bible is “How did we get the Bible?” 

Often, there are a few questions behind that question, like "Where did the Bible come from?", "How do we know what we’re reading is the same as what was originally written?", "How was the Bible preserved and passed down over thousands of years?", or "Why these 66 books and not others?"

Join the Chara Project team as they explore this topic and discuss how we got the Old Testament and New Testament, what's not included in the Bible and why, and how we got our modern versions of the Bible today. 

This podcast is also released as a video podcast on YouTube here.

The Chara Project is a nonprofit organization with a mission to help build confidence in studying the Bible on your own and with your neighbor. Chara is the Greek word for JOY, and the Chara team offers resources and teaching to empower people to find joy as they explore the Bible, grow in their Biblical understanding, and help others do the same.

For more information about The Chara Project, including a download of the CHARA Bible Study Guide or the Neighbor Guide, visit www.thecharaproject.com. 

To support The Chara Project, visit https://www.thecharaproject.com/give

Support the show

What is the Bible? This is a question many ask, as the Bible is a pretty large book that can feel overwhelming at first glance. 

Join the Chara Project team as they unpack the Bible's purpose, its layout, and what story it tells. Along the way, the team will discuss how the Bible isn't one book, but 66 books broken into two parts - the Old and New Testaments, and how it tells the story of God's love for us. You won't want to miss this encouraging and helpful episode that will get you excited to open up and explore your Bible more!

This podcast is also released as a video podcast on YouTube here.

To access more resources on the layout of the Bible, check out https://www.thecharaproject.com/biblelayout

The Chara Project is a nonprofit organization with a mission to help build confidence in studying the Bible on your own and with your neighbor. Chara is the Greek word for JOY, and the Chara team offers resources and teaching to empower people to find joy as they explore the Bible, grow in their Biblical understanding, and help others do the same.

For more information about The Chara Project, including a download of the CHARA Bible Study Guide or the Neighbor Guide, visit www.thecharaproject.com. 

To support The Chara Project, visit https://www.thecharaproject.com/give

Support the show

Want to build confidence in studying the Bible? One way to do this is from learning from other people's stories–hearing the impact of the Bible and it's message on people's lives that can encourage us in our faith journey.

Join the Chara Project team as they interview long-time friend Lynfield Hines, a pastor for more than twenty years. Driven by a deep family legacy of faith, Lynfield shares how he encountered Jesus at seven, lead Bible studies on the playground in junior high, and through it all, approached the Bible with curiosity and passion. In his journey with the Bible, he discovered the redemptive narrative threading through scripture - a story of God's relentless love and desire for relationship with us. Lynfield's story will inspire you to embrace biblical study as a transformative, personal relationship with God, and be bold and brave in sharing your faith with others.

This podcast is also released as a video podcast on YouTube here.

The Chara Project is a nonprofit organization with a mission to help build confidence in studying the Bible on your own and with your neighbor. Chara is the Greek word for JOY, and the organization offers resources and teaching to empower people to find joy as they explore the Bible, grow in their Biblical understanding, and help others do the same, no matter their faith background.

For more information about The Chara Project, including a download of the CHARA Bible Study Guide or the Neighbor Guide, visit www.thecharaproject.com. 

To support The Chara Project, visit https://www.thecharaproject.com/give

Support the show

Want to build confidence in studying the Bible? One way to do this is from learning from other people's stories–hearing the impact of the Bible and it's message on people's lives that can encourage us in our faith journey.

Join the Chara Project team as they interview Bruce Juhlin, a long-time friend and board member of The Chara Project.  Bruce shares his unique journey of coming to faith in Jesus before engaging with the Bible, marked by a challenging religious upbringing and a tragic loss as a teenager. Discover how a moment of despair led him to invite Jesus into his life, and how, through C.S. Lewis’ Mere Christianity and learning interpretive principles, he overcame doubts and embraced the Bible as a story of God’s relationship with His people. Bruce’s insights highlight the transformative power of studying scripture to know and love God deeply.

This podcast is also released as a video podcast on YouTube here.

The Chara Project is a nonprofit organization with a mission to help build confidence in studying the Bible on your own and with your neighbor. Chara is the Greek word for JOY, and the organization offers resources and teaching to empower people to find joy as they explore the Bible, grow in their Biblical understanding, and help others do the same, no matter their faith background.

For more information about The Chara Project, including a download of the CHARA Bible Study Guide or the Neighbor Guide, visit www.thecharaproject.com. 

To support The Chara Project, visit https://www.thecharaproject.com/give

#bible #biblestudy #biblestudytools #scripture #scripturestudy #christianpodcast #biblepodcast #howto #testimony #jesus #impactstories #catholic #purpose #hermeneutics

Support the show

Want to build confidence in studying the Bible? One way to do this is from learning from other people's stories–hearing the impact of the Bible and it's message on people's lives that can encourage us in our faith journey.

Join the Chara Project team as they interview Ashley Readenour, a long-time Bible study friend of Sarah and Heather's. Ashley shares her journey from a childhood marked by abuse and relgious hypocrisy, to a life-changing encounter with God’s Word that sparked a pivotal shift in her life. Discovering God’s love transformed her view of scripture from a rigid manual to a vibrant story, guiding her from trauma to trust and inspiring a life of compassion for others. If you’re someone who has experienced trauma in your own life, Ashley’s story will resonate with you!

This podcast is also released as a video podcast on YouTube here.

The Chara Project is a nonprofit organization with a mission to help build confidence in studying the Bible on your own and with your neighbor. Chara is the Greek word for JOY, and the organization offers resources and teaching to empower people to find joy as they explore the Bible, grow in their Biblical understanding, and help others do the same, no matter their faith background.

For more information about The Chara Project, including a download of the CHARA Bible Study Guide or the Neighbor Guide, visit www.thecharaproject.com. 

To support The Chara Project, visit https://www.thecharaproject.com/give

Support the show

Want to build confidence in studying the Bible? One way to do this is from learning from other people's stories–hearing the impact of the Bible and it's message on people's lives that can encourage us in our faith journey.

Join the Chara Project team as they interview Kass Wessman who shares how as an adult, a children’s storybook Bible first introduced her to Jesus—and how its message deeply transformed her heart. Listen as Kass recounts her powerful journey of discovering truth in scripture and how daily time in God's Word renews, sustains, and sets her free. Her story is a moving reminder of the life-changing power of abiding with Jesus and will inspire you to make space for regular connection with God through His Word.

This podcast is also released as a video podcast on YouTube here.

The Chara Project is a nonprofit organization with a mission to help build confidence in studying the Bible on your own and with your neighbor. Chara is the Greek word for JOY, and the organization offers resources and teaching to empower people to find joy as they explore the Bible, grow in their Biblical understanding, and help others do the same, no matter their faith background.

For more information about The Chara Project, including a download of the CHARA Bible Study Guide or the Neighbor Guide, visit www.thecharaproject.com. 

To support The Chara Project, visit https://www.thecharaproject.com/give

Support the show