Why I Don't Like Bible-in-a-Year Reading Plans

Confession: I’ve never actually finished a Bible-in-a-Year reading plan.

Early in my Bible study journey, I gave one a shot, but it just didn’t work for me. I got so caught up in checking off the daily reading box that I completely missed the real point—spending meaningful time in God’s Word. Instead of feeling inspired or connected, I felt rushed and disconnected.

Don’t get me wrong—these plans are made with the best intentions, and they can work really well for some people. But for me, they fell flat. And that brings up an important question: What’s more important—being able to say you’ve read the entire Bible, or truly understanding what it teaches and learning how to apply it to your life? For me, it’s an easy answer. In this post, I’ll share four reasons why Bible-in-a-Year plans might not be the best fit for everyone and some alternatives to help you grow deeper in your faith.

Why I Don’t Like Them


They Focus on Quantity Over Quality

One of the biggest issues I have with Bible-in-a-Year reading plans is that they tend to focus more on speed than depth. The goal becomes finishing the daily readings instead of really diving into what the text is saying. It’s easy to skim over passages just to keep up, without taking the time to reflect on their meaning or ask questions about what God might be teaching you. When we rush through Scripture, we miss out on the chance to connect with it in a meaningful way—letting the Holy Spirit guide us, unpacking context, or meditating on key truths. Instead of drawing closer to God, these plans can start to feel like a checklist, leaving us feeling unfulfilled and disconnected from the very thing we’re trying to grow closer to. 

They Can Lead to Guilt and Burnout

Bible-in-a-Year reading plans can also lead to guilt and burnout, which is something I’ve felt firsthand. Missing a few days can feel overwhelming because the readings start piling up, and suddenly, you’re so far behind that catching up feels impossible. That guilt can hit hard, making you feel like you’ve failed before you’ve really gotten started. For a lot of people, that’s enough to make them want to quit altogether. Instead of being excited to spend time in God’s Word, it starts to feel like a chore or another thing you’re not doing “right.” And honestly, that’s not what Bible study is supposed to be about—it’s meant to be life-giving, not draining! 

They Often Ignore Context

Another issue with Bible-in-a-Year plans is that they don’t give you much time to dig into the context of what you’re reading. You’re often jumping from one passage to the next without stopping to consider the historical, cultural, or literary background that helps bring the text to life. Context is so important because it helps us understand what the passage meant to the original audience and how it applies to us today. Without it, it’s easy to misinterpret Scripture or only scratch the surface of its meaning. When we don’t take the time to unpack these layers, we risk missing out on the richness and depth that God’s Word has to offer. Instead of gaining clarity, we might walk away confused or even holding onto ideas that don’t align with the true message of the text.

Too Much Information To Process

Reading the entire Bible in one year can also feel like trying to drink from a firehose—it’s just too much information to take in all at once. The Bible is rich with history, poetry, prophecy, teachings, and stories, all woven together to reveal God’s character and plan for humanity. Trying to absorb all of that in 365 days doesn’t leave much room for processing or truly understanding what you’re reading. Instead, you’re often left with a blur of names, events, and teachings that don’t fully sink in. It’s like rushing through a five-course meal without stopping to savor any of it—you might finish, but you’ll miss the depth, beauty, and meaning along the way. Slowing down allows you to take Scripture piece by piece, giving you the space to reflect, pray, and truly let it transform your heart and mind.

What I Suggest Instead

Start by Defining Your Goal

Before diving into any Bible study plan, take some time to reflect on why you want to study the Bible in the first place. Is your goal to grow closer to God, to understand the overarching story of Scripture, or to gain deeper insight into the context behind Biblical teachings? Maybe it’s a combination of these things—or something entirely different. Whatever your reason, getting clear on your “why” will help you choose a study method that actually aligns with your spiritual growth. When you know what you’re working toward, it’s easier to stay focused, motivated, and intentional. Plus, having a clear goal means you’re more likely to engage with Scripture in a way that feels meaningful and personal, rather than just following a plan for the sake of it.

Get a Bible Study Routine in Place

A solid Bible study routine can make all the difference in staying consistent and engaged. Start by choosing a time and place that works well with your schedule—whether it’s early in the morning, during a lunch break, or winding down in the evening. Keep it simple and start small, with just 15-20 minutes a day, and let it grow naturally as you get more comfortable. Incorporate tools like a journal for notes and reflections, highlighters to mark meaningful passages, or even a commentary to help with deeper understanding. The goal isn’t to create a rigid system but to establish a routine that becomes a life-giving habit. If you’re looking for more ideas, we’ve got a blog post that walks you through how to set up a doable Bible study routine step by step—it’s a great resource to help you get started!

Study One Book at a Time

Instead of tackling the entire Bible at once, try focusing on just one book at a time. This approach lets you dive deeper into the themes, context, and message of a single book, helping you truly absorb what it has to offer. For example, starting with John is a great way to explore the life and teachings of Jesus, while Psalms can guide you in prayer and worship. Taking your time with one book allows you to connect more personally with its message and gives you the space to reflect and grow. It’s not about rushing to the next thing—it’s about letting God’s Word sink into your heart and mind, one step at a time.

Suggestions for Where in the Bible to Start

If you’re not sure where to begin your Bible study, don’t worry—there’s no wrong place to start! Here are some practical suggestions based on different goals:

• For understanding Jesus’ life: Start with the Gospels, perhaps John or Luke, for a clear and personal introduction to His teachings and ministry.
• For exploring the early church: Acts or Romans are great options, offering insight into the growth of the church and foundational Christian beliefs.
• For context and God’s promises: Begin with Genesis or Exodus to see how God’s plan unfolds from the very beginning.

Remember, it’s okay to take your time and move at a pace that works for you.

If you’re looking to add more structure to your Bible study time, we’ve got plenty of tools to help! Check out our free resources, Bible study journals to guide your study, and if you’re ready to transform your Bible study experience with live teachings and a supportive community, take a look at the Bible Study Collective Membership.

Whatever path you choose, the most important thing is simply to start! Embrace Flexibility and Grace Bible study doesn’t have to follow a rigid plan—it’s okay to adapt and let your approach evolve as you grow.

There’s no “right” way to study the Bible; what matters most is connecting with God in a meaningful way on a personal level. Remember, the goal isn’t to check every box or finish a plan—it’s about drawing closer to God and allowing His Word to shape your life. When you embrace flexibility and grace, you open the door to a Bible study experience that’s both transformational and uniquely yours.

Bible study is such a personal journey, and there’s no “one-size-fits-all” method that works for everyone. The key is finding what resonates with you and helps you connect with God on a deeper level. Whether it’s focusing on one book, setting up a routine, or exploring a theme that speaks to your heart, the most important thing is to start in a way that feels meaningful to you. Try out some of these suggestions, and don’t be afraid to adjust as you go—you’ll discover what works best for your unique walk of faith. I’d love to hear from you! Share your goals or where you plan to start in the comments. Your journey might inspire someone else to take that next step in their own Bible study adventure.