
Recommended YouVersion Bible Study Plans for New Believers
I created this page because I know firsthand how overwhelming the Bible can feel, especially when you’re just starting out. When I was a new believer, there were no Bible apps or study plans to guide me. I didn’t know where to begin.
My pastor gave me a simple structure that made all the difference—one chapter from the Old Testament, one from the New, one Psalm, and one Proverb each day.
That daily rhythm helped me build a habit of reading God’s Word and grow in faith. Today, we are blessed with so many tools like Bible apps, structured plans, and video guides. This page is designed to help you find the right Bible study plan that suits your pace, strengthens your walk with God, and makes reading Scripture a joyful and consistent part of your life.
YouVersion – My Favorite App
YouVersion is one of my favorite apps I use regularly for my Bible Study Plans. There are many others Bible Study tools like the Sword, Logos, Blue Letter Bible, and more. But with YouVersion, I have it on my mobile phone and my iPad. I carry them with me and have access to it anywhere and any time. I recommend you download YouVersion from the App store or Google Play Store and then you can search for the recommended Bible Study plans and download them and commence your personal walk with the Lord.
Bible Study Plans
I like to go through the entire Bible once every year. Therefore I love the 365 day plans and my personal favorite is from The Bible Project.
1. BibleProject – Old Testament in a Year
This plan is perfect for anyone who wants to understand the rich, foundational story of the Old Testament without feeling overwhelmed. With short daily readings, paired with beautifully illustrated videos from BibleProject, you’ll find it easier to connect the dots and see how God’s story unfolds from Genesis through the Prophets. Each day offers just enough to reflect on, leaving you with a sense of progress and deeper understanding.
2. BibleProject – New Testament in a Year
Ideal for new believers, this plan takes you through the life of Jesus and the early Church one chapter at a time. It’s gentle in pace, rich in insight, and makes Scripture easier to grasp through supporting videos. With just a few minutes a day, you’ll not only complete the entire New Testament in a year but also grow in your relationship with Jesus and your knowledge of the gospel message.
3. The Bible in One Year with Nicky Gumbel
This popular plan is a great mix of Scripture readings and thoughtful daily commentary by Nicky Gumbel. It includes passages from the Old and New Testament, Psalms, and Proverbs each day—very similar to what my pastor once suggested to me when I was a new believer. It gives structure, variety, and context, all while making daily Bible reading feel personal and doable. You finish each day feeling fed both spiritually and practically.
4. Foundations: New Testament
This 5-day-a-week, 260-day plan is perfect for those who want to build the habit slowly but steadily. You won’t feel burdened by daily pressure, and the simple readings allow space for reflection and journaling. Each entry includes a few chapters from the New Testament, giving you time to digest the text and end each day feeling like you’ve made meaningful progress.
5. Whole Bible in Under 30 Days (Sampler Plan)
For the curious or the time-strapped, this sampler offers selected highlights from across the Bible. Though it’s not a full read-through, it gives a sweeping overview of major themes and key stories in a short time. You won’t feel overwhelmed, and yet you’ll walk away each day with new insights and a broader understanding of God’s redemptive story.
6. The Gospels in 90 Days
This plan helps you focus entirely on the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus across Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Reading the Gospels over three months gives enough time for reflection without dragging the pace. It’s perfect for those wanting to know Jesus more deeply and who prefer a clear start and finish point in a short timeframe.
7. Bible in 90 Days (Chronological)
For those wanting the big picture fast, this plan gives a straight-through, chronological journey through Scripture in just three months. Although the pace is quicker, the plan is thoughtfully structured so that you’re not bogged down. It’s intense, yes—but highly rewarding, and each day ends with a true sense of achievement and momentum in your spiritual journey.
If you are like me, just looking at the title of some of these Bible Study Plans and realizing they are for a whole year makes me hesitate, because I don’t trust myself. And I don’t like to start and not finish. Well, that used to be me before. Not anymore. But if you are anything like that, then start small with these shorter plans. It is easy to digest, is in small bites, and a great motivator to develop your hunger for God’s Word.
1. Finding Peace – A 7-Day Devotional by Life.Church
If your heart feels restless or anxious, this gentle 7-day plan helps you center your thoughts on God’s peace through His Word. It’s short, simple, and incredibly relatable, offering daily verses and reflections that speak directly to life’s pressures. Each day brings just enough content to ponder deeply—without overwhelm—and ends with a sense of calm assurance in God’s promises.
2. Rooted – A 7-Day Study to Begin Discipleship
Designed especially for new believers, this plan walks through the basics of following Jesus. It’s a great “starter” plan that feels like having a personal mentor. In just a few minutes a day, you’ll discover foundational truths about God, faith, prayer, and the Holy Spirit—leaving you encouraged, confident, and ready to go deeper.
3. Start – A 10-Day Bible Plan for New Believers
This plan is a gentle handhold for someone just beginning their walk with Christ. Over 10 days, you’ll be introduced to essential scriptures and themes such as grace, salvation, faith, and identity in Christ. Each day is manageable and practical, with helpful application points that allow readers to not just learn but live out their faith—one small step at a time.
4. The Gospel of John – A 14-Day Reading Plan
Want to get to know Jesus personally? This plan walks you through the entire Gospel of John in 14 days. It’s a brilliant introduction to who Jesus is, His love, His miracles, and His message. Each day brings a new chapter, easy to read in under 10 minutes, with enough to leave you spiritually nourished and drawn closer to Him.
5. YouVersion Verse of the Day – A 7-Day Devotional
Perfect for someone who feels intimidated by long reading plans, this devotional offers reflections based on just one verse a day. Each short message is bite-sized yet powerful, helping readers meditate on one truth at a time. It’s an easy win for each day—a small commitment that builds a consistent habit and keeps God’s Word at the forefront of your mind. Alternatively, you can also visit my devotions page for short daily devotions.
No matter where you are in your spiritual journey—whether you’re a brand-new believer or someone trying to return to the habit of reading God’s Word—having a clear and manageable Bible study plan can make all the difference. When I first started, I felt overwhelmed by the size and structure of the Bible. But a simple plan my pastor gave me helped me build a daily rhythm that changed my life. Today, with tools like YouVersion, we’re blessed with even more accessible and thoughtful study plans to guide us. My hope is that this page inspires you to take the first step—start small, stay consistent, and allow the Word of God to shape your heart and mind day by day. Don’t wait for the perfect moment—choose a plan and begin today. Let God meet you in His Word, one page at a time.
In addition to choosing a plan, I strongly recommend you also choose a specific bible study topic. When we choose a specific Bible study topic, it’s like setting the GPS for a destination. We know where we’re headed, and every verse we read is a step toward that goal.