Acceleration in Spite of Disruption
Our world is becoming increasingly user-centric. Think of how you ordered a pizza 20 years ago. You probably called on a landline and waited in anticipation for your doorbell to ring. Now, you can digitally build your pizza on a mobile app and get updates on its progress. This modern experience puts the power into the hands of the consumer and allows for advanced customization.
Just like pizza delivery isn’t the same as 20 years ago, OneHope’s creation and distribution of Scripture programs for children and youth isn’t the same. Throughout the ministry’s history, we’ve undergone two strategic shifts, and we’re in the midst of a third.
OneHope began as a product-driven ministry. When my dad received an invitation in 1987 to provide Scripture for every child in El Salvador, the first Book of Hope was created to serve an under-resourced market. We were product-focused, and that was the first phase of our ministry.
After some time, while staying true to the mission, we began to shift from a product-focused emphasis to a market-driven emphasis. We were maturing and realized we could do more as we fine-tuned our products. Relying on research, we were able to get God’s Word into the hands of leaders much faster and more customized to their region’s needs.
Now, we’re moving from market-driven to user-driven. There’s an increasing need to be user-focused. We’re bringing Scripture to where kids already are, which these days is online. For this new growth, we’ve built new systems and added new skills to our team. At the same time, remaining true to core values, we’re working with the global Church. User-driven programs pave the way for continued discipleship. We’re expanding current digital programs like the Bible App for Kids and creating new ones like the Kids Bible Experience, with our friends YouVersion. The team is also exploring how to share Scripture programs in limited access nations through online missionaries like with What If It’s True?.
At the beginning of 2020, we were projecting to reach just over 10 million children and youth digitally. After beginning to shift toward user-driven programs, we shared God’s Word with more than 28 million children digitally by the end of the year. I’m excited to see the Lord leading us to expand digital ministry even further. By thinking strategically and being led by the Spirit, OneHope is accelerating in spite of disruption.
