Revealing Jesus: How BibleProject is Transforming Lives Worldwide Through Animation
In a quiet neighborhood in Portland, Oregon, a revolution is unfolding—one that is changing the way millions understand and experience the Bible. What began as a simple idea between two college friends has grown into a global phenomenon that opens God’s Word to people of all ages, backgrounds, and beliefs.
BibleProject, an innovative Bible animation studio, has become a beacon of hope and understanding for over 620 million viewers across more than 200 countries. Its mission is simple yet profound: to help people see the Bible as a unified story that leads to Jesus.
A Passion Project with Divine Purpose
The seeds of BibleProject were planted during the college days of Tim Mackie and Jon Collins. The two friends shared a desire to bridge the gap between people and the Bible, helping others navigate its complexity and beauty.
What started as two simple videos posted online in 2014 has blossomed into a library of over 180 captivating animated videos, 350 podcast episodes, and seminary-level courses. With more than five million subscribers and translations into 56 languages, BibleProject is nothing short of a global ministry.
Michael McDonald, the ministry’s Chief Global Focus and Strategic Relationships Officer, marvels at its growth:
“This really was a passion project of two friends who thought, ‘I think this would be helpful to not only just us, but some of our friends.’ And the crowd just caught up so fast… They started helping fund them just with, you know, five bucks here, ten bucks there. And then we had enough funds to make another video, and away we went.”
A Perfect Blend of Expertise and Creativity
Tim Mackie and Jon Collins each brought unique gifts to BibleProject. Tim, armed with a PhD in Hebrew Bible and Jewish studies, and years of pastoral experience, provides the deep theological insights. Jon, a skilled communicator with a background in creating explainer videos for companies, brings the creative edge.
Their process is meticulous and collaborative. Drawing on a whiteboard, they storyboard each video, ensuring every frame and every word resonates with clarity and depth.
Tim explained,
“By the time I sit down to record, I’ve got this in my head and every line and all the wording is connected.”
The result? Animated videos that unpack complex biblical themes, tackle challenging passages, and highlight the Bible’s intricate literary design—all in a way that captivates audiences of all ages.
Transforming Lives, One Video at a Time
BibleProject doesn’t shy away from difficult or confusing sections of Scripture. Instead, it embraces them, encouraging viewers to dive deeper into God’s Word. The response has been overwhelming.
From children as young as ten to seniors in their eighties, BibleProject has sparked a newfound passion for Scripture. McDonald shared,
“We’ve got 85-year-old folks writing in saying, ‘I thought this was for my grandkids. At 85, I never thought I would go back and read the Bible with new eyes.’”
The reach of BibleProject extends even to unexpected places. In Tunisia, Arabic-speaking Muslims are discovering the videos, drawn to their accessible approach to Scripture. McDonald recounted,
“I’m Muslim who has been interested in the Bible and I didn’t know how to engage it. I found your videos on YouTube because they’re free, and now they’re opening up the Scriptures in a unique way and helping me understand what they say about Jesus.”
A Unified Story that Leads to Jesus
At its core, BibleProject’s mission is to unveil the Bible’s overarching story—one that points to Jesus. Jon Collins explained,
“One thing we think God is doing is helping people see the Bible as a really important part of their life. Our contribution is helping people see the Bible through this paradigm of biblical theology, where you appreciate its literary design and understand it as a story that leads to Jesus.”
This vision has not only made the Bible more accessible but has also rekindled faith in the hearts of countless viewers.
A Ministry for the Future
BibleProject’s success lies in its commitment to sharing the timeless truths of Scripture in innovative and engaging ways. As the ministry continues to grow, its impact is undeniable—reminding the world that the Bible is not just a collection of inspirational quotes but a living, breathing testament to God’s plan of redemption through Jesus Christ.
What started as an experiment for a few friends has become a divine tool to help millions around the world engage with Scripture like never before. BibleProject is proof that when creativity meets God’s calling, the results can be nothing short of miraculous.
