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117. Serving the Global Church as a Church Content Partner
Becoming a Church Content Partner is the next step for churches desiring to create content for their congregation and the whole global church. It’s a commitment to consistently create high-quality Bible Plans.
When Content Partnership Makes Sense
- You’ve been a consistent Church Partner. Your Church Page is active, you Post regularly, your Plans are aligned with your teaching, and your team has sustainable workflows.
- You’ve practiced creating content. You’ve tested devotional writing through existing channels, like Posts, email, or small group curriculum.
- You have writing capacity. Someone on your team can commit to creating Plans on a regular basis.
- You think beyond your walls. Your church sees content creation as a way to serve the global church, not just promote your church.
- You can sustain consistency. Content Partnership is a rhythm, and you need the capacity to create quality content on an ongoing basis.
The Application Process
Step 1: Complete the Application Form. The application is a form that captures your church’s information, your content vision, and a writing sample.
Step 2: Submit a 3-Day Plan Writing Sample. This is the most important part of your application. You’ll be asked to write a 3-day Bible Plan sample on a topic of your choosing. A few things to keep in mind:
- Lean into your niche: Your application will stand out if you lean into what makes your church unique. Think about what your church is known for, what your community needs, and where your pastor’s voice is most distinctive.
- Make it personal: This first sample should be about something close to the heart and DNA of your church. Don’t write what you think YouVersion wants—write what your church is passionate about.
- This becomes your first Plan: Your writing sample isn’t just an audition—it’s designed to become your first published Plan on the app. Write it with that intention. Make it something your congregation would genuinely benefit from.
Writing Guidelines for Your Sample (and All Future Plans)
- Word count: Aim for 300–750 words per day of devotional content.
- Scripture: Include at least 1 passage of Scripture set in the verse selector every day. You can reference additional Scripture in the devotional text, but the verse selector should have at least 1 and no more than 5 passages per day.
- Reading experience: Think through the lens of a typical Plan reading session: 10–15 minutes.
Step 3: Wait for Review (Up to 30 Days). Once your application is submitted, YouVersion’s content team will review your writing sample and application. You should receive a decision within 30 days. The review considers the quality of your writing, the relevance and uniqueness of your topic, your church’s partnership maturity, and your capacity for ongoing content creation.
What’s Expected of Church Content Partners
- Consistent content creation. Publishing new Plans on a regular cadence, whether that’s quarterly, seasonally, or aligned with your sermon calendar.
- Quality over quantity. Every Plan should be Scripture-centered, well-written, theologically sound, and accessible to a global audience.
- Evergreen framing. Content that serves readers beyond your church and beyond this season.
- Responsiveness. Working with YouVersion’s editorial team when feedback is provided on Plan submissions.
- Active Church Partnership. Your Church Page remains active and well-maintained.
Best Practices
- Build a small content team. You don’t have to write every Plan. Choose a skilled writer who captures your voice, an editor for clarity, and a reviewer for theology.
- Track global engagement. Use the data in YouVersion Connect to understand which Plans resonate globally to help you refine your approach and celebrate your church’s broader impact.
- Stay rooted in ministry. Content Partnership is a ministry. Every Plan should be written to help someone encounter God through Scripture.
Ready to get started? Apply to be a Church Content Partner today.
