Hello, sisters!
It has been our great joy to walk with you all – some of you for nearly two years now! The time we’ve spent in the word with you, teaching you and learning alongside you, has been precious and challenging and wonderful. The ministry of SheReadsTruth has been so God-driven and God-blessed. We just love doing this with you!
We have loved watching this grow – most of the time more quickly than we could keep up! And now, we are sensing the nudge of the Holy Spirit (and let’s be honest – the nudging of so many of you!) to take the leap into creating our own app-space to more effectively share and learn together!
You heard us – we’re building a SheReadsTruth app!!
(just picture us all doing happy dances all over the country right now)
We’ll be launching a Kickstarter campaign soon (with lots of sweet incentives!) to fund development of the app itself, and we’re aiming for a launch in the App Store in early July. Exciting!
Because you have each been so directly related with the growth of SheReadsTruth, we want to let you in on our plans and invite you to chime in while we’re still in the early stages of development. A new, pay-per (new) plan model is under consideration to “keep the lights on” and allow us to keep providing you with new, enhanced content. The app survey will explain this a bit further and get your feedback.
Mind taking a few minutes to tell us about yourself and your desires for this next big step?
We invite you to join us as we grow together!
xoxoxoxoxoxo,
Raechel, Amanda, Hayley and Diana
P.S. Don’t miss Part Two of the announcement , in which we answer some of your very important questions and explain more about the app, the future of the site, and our hearts about all of it!
Please be sure to take the survey if you haven’t already! It’s the best place for us to keep all the feedback in one place!
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86 thoughts on "we’re hAPPy to announce…"
Some times its a pain in the ass to read what people wrote but this site is rattling user pleasant! .
http://www.edsheeran.co.uk
Amazing.
Eeep!! So excited for this! :)
A SheReadsTruth app would be so wonderful! I’ve actually searched for one…to no avail. So this, this is wonderful news!!
Yay!!!
I realized that my comment might have sounded a little nit-picky. I think though, that the people commenting about a tithe were really trying to say "think of this as supporting a ministry, rather than paying for a product", which is a VERY helpful distinction, in my opinion.
Totally heard your heart, Sarah! You're awesome for coming back to clarify!! YES – Tithes and offerings are different. And you're saying that if folks looked at it as supporting a ministry rather than paying for a product – it would totally make a difference. We absolutely view SheReadsTruth as a ministry, and we really do find ourselves in need of support. We would just rather give our women something to enjoy in exchange for their donation. Time will tell what the Lord has for us!
Just to clarify, I think some people probably call all their giving a "tithe" (charities, ministries outside their local church, ect.). I know we have at times. "Tithe" is a line item on our budget that covers things in addition the traditional "ten percent to your local church" or whatever. Just wanted to explain where I thought some people might be coming from on that :) I certainly do appreciate y'all making it clear that you don't want people supporting y'all with funds that they were intending to use to support their local church, though!
And thanks for the follow up post!
Comments were disabled on the updated post about The App ;) so I wanted to come back here to thank you, Raechel & Amanda, for helping us all to better understand the plans you have in mind and to explain the reasons why some options or aspects of the app aren't possible. I am looking forward to seeing the app and especially the mobile Bible. I also hope and pray that all of us in SRT, myself included, seek to come together in love and understanding as the community changes and grows. Praying that our bond will be strengthened by these changes rather than broken apart. Hope everyone has a wonderful Sunday! It's beautiful here in NC today!
Yes – amen!
Whew…I got busy yesterday and never got around to She Reads Truth, and it looks like I missed quite the party!
I think that – YES – the work that the SRT ladies put into this is very valuable, and that the desire to make money is not a bad thing…they want to be able to do more of this while still contributing to their families. I'm grateful that SRT is on their hearts and that they make it happen for the rest of us!
My only concern with the pay-per-plans is that it would create a separation between those who pay and those who don't, specifically in the comments section. As a fairly broke college student (holla, AnnaLee!) and newly married (a cheapo bottle of wine is an extravagance to us), I wouldn't be able to pay for the plans all the time. Maybe here and there, depending on what they were over, but probably not consistently. I am *very* thankful that the website will remain unchanged, though!
What I would hate to see happen is someone comment and be like "Oh man! Did you see that super sweet thingy-ma-jig?!", referring to part of the special content that came with the app, and then have a whole conversation spring up about the special features. Or maybe pay-per-plan users wouldn't even have the same comments section as the regular website…as a non-technical person, I'm not really sure how that cookie crumbles. Anywho…I would really hate to see a separation between the "haves" and the "haves not" arise, because one of the things I love about this website is that it's one big community.
Praying for you, SRT ladies, and looking forward to this new development!
Hey Rachel – we hear you! To clarify, comments will be synced across platforms. So – everyone will be discussing together! And your concern about missing out – one thing I've loved about our community is their love for God and for one another. Let's see how things shake out – I'm just guessing you might be pleasantly surprised! xoxo
AnnaLee, I LOVE LOVE LOVE you!! I love your heart….so much wisdom for a “broke college student”….I think that’s what you said. The Light of Christ shines thru your comments daily! Thank you for being you…in Christ! ;)
Yay!!! So exciting! You have been a huge blessing to me over the past year+. Thank you, ladies. I look forward to the app and sharing it with many others. Congratulations!
Thanks, Kimberly! We're hopeful that the Kickstarter campaign will be successful and will mark the start of a beautiful new chapter for the SRT community. Glad you're here!
Thank you so much, ladies, for clarifying!! I’m super excited about using this new app…especially knowing that you will have different translations to choose from and possibly (I think I remember reading this) a feature to take notes!! Yahoo!! I think, as with any change, there is a fear of the unknown. I SO want to support this ministry and will do what I can! After all, this body of believers has blessed me in so many ways! I don’t often comment, but when I do, I love the fact that this is one place I can be completely transparent about who I am…my struggles, my successes & failures. That means a lot to this “pastor’s wife”! It feels like family. Thank you, SRT, for what you do! Praying God’s provision for you!! God bless!!
You're so right that change is hard. Our knees are knocking, too! Thanks so much for your encouragement and support, Melissa!
Sooooo exciting!!! And SUCH great news for all of us!
Thanks, Kacey!!
Yes! The daily content will be consistent between the app and the site. The site will remain free. The app will be a way to engage with the daily devotionals in an enhanced, super interactive and feature-rich way. Also, you can absolutely download the app and use its features for free, even if you don’t want to read the current plans there! (With full Bible content, it can become your new, go-to mobile Bible app!) Is this making sense? Thanks for the great questions, Caroline!
Amanda, thanks for clarifying.
Of course! It needed clarification. :)
Friends! Don’t miss the second part of this post — which will answer your questions and clear up some confusion — that went up today! Here is the link: https://shereadstruth.com/2014/03/01/big-ears-big-…
We love you girls so much!! Thanks for sharing your hearts.
xoxo,
Amanda
So Amanda would the same content be available on the website for free?
Yes – exactly!!! (Hi, Caroline!)
The primary goal of the app is to provide an app-Bible space for the women. And that will be FREE (provided we are able to raise the funds in Kickstarter!!!). We're still running into expenses of operating the site as a (giant) whole, and for now, we think paid plans on the app (even though they'll be free on the site) might be a good solution.
It's a way to enhance people's experience, without excluding anyone from the community. Comments will all be synced between the app and the site – the community will stay the same – just GROW!!!!!
xoxo,
Raechel
Thank you so much for keeping the content free on the site. I am a broke single mom so I don’t have a lot of disposable income. I was so worried that those couldn’t afford would get excluded and left out of the community
You are important to us – whether you can support SheReadsTruth financially or not! Oh, there is so much more to every one of our women than that!!! We hope that shows through our words every single day!
Sounds great!
Congrats on the app. Love the idea. Since I’m an android user I was curious if the plans would be on youversion? I know they have not been but I’d love to see them back on there!!
Emily, we will have some plans still on YouVersion, but the current plans will be on our site and the SRT app only. We dream of having an Android app one day, too, but in the meantime you’ll need to access the site through your smartphone browser. I know it’s a bummer. I wish apps didn’t cost thousands and thousands of dollars to build!!
Echoing Amanda! The gentle voices of our Android users are being heard loud and clear! Let's get one app off the ground and if we can Kickstart another one – why not??!
I found srt just a few months ago. I read the devo every morning. I truely enjoy reading the Bible that is promoted by women and for women. Its just a real special thing for me. I was brought up in the church, but havent been going for the past 12 years. I feel the communion with all the women here. I also am blessed reading all the comments. I'm retired now and dont have a lot of money to fund any additional things. I will miss this devo if there are charges and will go back to YouVersion. Blessing to all you in your new growth, but please keep this free one.
No, Pat, don't go! *waving hands frantically in the air* We want you here! We didn't fully explain yesterday, but reading the daily devotionals on the web site will still be free. The paid features of the app will be totally optional. So please keep gathering here with us! xo
well on a positive note – i am SO excited for the new app! i don't mind paying for plans because SRT has been invaluable in my walk with the Lord. i went from barely opening my bible to needing it like the air i breathe. i have fallen in love with Jesus and continue to do so each day. ladies, thank you for all you do! i can't wait to see how God works!
Amber, your kind words are a blessing to us! Thanks so much. So glad you're here. xo
I feel like dancing!!! Words have so much power and your sweet, encouraging note just lifted my spirit! Thanks, Amber!!! xoxo
Yay!! I agree. I LOVE SRT and it has made a huge impact on my scripture reading. As in, now I read scripture at least once per day for the study, and often even more on my own.
I love SRT!! I’ve enjoyed getting to just pull it up on my phone and go from there. I know if this goes to a pay per series I won’t be able to do these studies anymore. I don’t have the finances to be able to do something like that. I would much rather pay upfront or deal with the ads. This is an inspiration for all of us and I’m afraid that it would leave some people out.
Hey Rychelle! Thanks for your feedback – good news! We just answered a handful of your questions in a new post today. In short, we do plan to keep current site content free. We'd like to do whatever we can to avoid in-app ads (they're so distracting!), and we can't charge for the app if we want to keep the Bible content free. I hope that helps resolve your concerns and giive you an idea of where we're coming from! xoxo
I am also crazy about SRT
Glad SRT is inspired to build an app! With God in charge everything will come together perfectly. I’m sure the SRT authors have prayed about this endeavor. Of course, no matter how we look at things (free or paid app) everyone won’t be comfortable with this immediately because change does raise questions for some of us. I pray that SRT goes forth however The Lord leads you!
What a sweet comment, Andrea. Even not knowing all of the details, we are so grateful for your kind support! We are doing the very best we can and we're so excited about what the Lord has!!
Truly sounds wonderful and I wouldn’t mind paying a few dollars a month. But I use Android devices and it sounds like you have no interest to support my devices. You use the term “Droid phone” in your survey which there’s no such thing. Android is an operating system just like IOS for Apple. Sadly, sounds like you are only coming to Apple and everyone doesn’t have a iPhone.
Hey Trina!! We actually have a surprising number of Android users (am I still saying that wrong? sorry!!!!), but according to the survey, they still only make up about 12% of the community as a whole. (or at least of those who have taken the survey). We have no problem developing an app for Android devices – just have to start somewhere and it looks like it makes most sense beginning with iOS. Please don't take it personally – we wish we could do everything all at once! Let's hope this first launch goes beautifully and we can quickly move forward to the Android OS!!!!
Thank you so much for your feedback! Seriously!
Yes you said it right Trina….
What if you made the app with a feature for donations? I agree with tithing and donations would be a great way for your us to tithe if we feel called to do so. Donations could be done plan by plan or month by month. Maybe let the reader decide. It is hard to know what financial struggles some of the readers are facing but I bet we’d donate what and when we could.
I hear this, Liz! Donations are definitely an option, though it's something we haven't ever done. The great thing about our plan moving forward is that if you never knew the app existed, nothing would change at all! BUT, if we are able to build the app, our amazing women will be able to enjoy a FREE Bible app created with them in mind! And (if they like), they can pay just a little (about 15 cents per day) to enhance their experience by reading the plans through the app.
That said – if you'd rather donate, that would be fantastic! We would feel so so supported! But we think this step is also a good one for everyone involved! xoxo
Hi Liz! Be sure to read today's "Part Two" post about the app. It explains how participation on the web site will remain free. So participating via the app is totally optional. And THANK YOU for your kind heart. We want your tithe to remain with your local church, but we hear your generous heart and we're blessed by it. xo
Before anyone else is going to mutter about costs, it might be helpful to know to which extent costs will arise … If we are talking about single figures per month, I don´t see a problem. Don´t we all give tithes to support the work of God? Why not channel a small amount to SRT? I´d rather read my devotions undisrupted, to be honest. It has always annoyed me, visiting certain bible sites, when my thoughts on spiritual things got interrupted by blinking GIFs …
And those who can´t or don´t want to pay – well, surely they could stay with the currant format? :)
@german_janne – Thanks for chiming in! Yes, participating through the web site won't change – that will remain free. Opting to participate via the app will cost *maybe* 5 bucks a month, if not less. I do want to say, however, that we are certainly not hoping to lay claim to any portion of anyone's tithe. (I know you weren't claiming such, I just couldn't let the opportunity pass to clarify for anyone reading along…) Though we who gather here at SRT are THE Church (with a capital C), we are not "a church" and we do not want to do anything to detract even a little bit from your commitment to your local church, financially or otherwise.
Thanks so much for your heart, Sister! We appreciate the loving support. xo
I might rather pay up front for the app versus paying to access the plans. I could support paying for the convenience of having an app. Not sure I could justify paying for the content. That’s not meant to be a reflection on the quality of the content, which is consistently excellent. It just seems odd to potentially pay to participate in a faith community. Not to sound overly dramatic but to me, and perhaps to many other sisters also, SRT has become an online house of worship. It feels strange to think I’d have to pay to enter in. Would a nominal charge to download the app plus relevant ads be enough to offset your costs? I will pray about this as I’m sure you all are/have been. Hoping for the best possible outcome to address the realities of the situation while still honoring the underlying purpose of SRT (or what I assume the purpose to be?). Like Claire said, I’d hate to see a potential cost issue prevent SRT from reaching new people and sustaining those of us who have come to love it here.
Amen, Lauren. I definitely agree. Although I don't have a smartphone so I couldn't be able to pay for it there, I'd be willing to donate to offset the financial burden and to keep letting the content be free.
Hi Lauren! Thank you for the honest feedback! We don't want to see anyone excluded either, which is why the daily content will remain free on the web site. :)
Did you girls get a chance to read today's post with more info? Read it!! You'll feel better, we promise!! xoxo
Thank you for clarifying! :)
I’m also disappointed that a charge for our reading plans is being considered. I would greatly prefer to see relevant ads rather than having to pay to continue to read & participate in God’s word with this faith community.
If the app does indeed feature pay-per-plans, will the website still offer reading plans for free? If so, I would much rather just stick with pulling the website up on my phone for free rather than paying to read the devotion in an app.
Hi Katie! Yes – our goal is to keep the web content free, so even reading from the mobile site is absolutely an option if that's what you'd rather do! And if you like, you can still use the app for Bible reading, etc. for free!! xoxo
I fell in love with this devotional a while back because of how much it taught me and how encouraging each entry was. I absolutely love how quick and easy it is to get the plan, and I was super excited when I heard about the app. Unfortunately, I am so disappointed to hear about that it’ll have to be paid for… There’s hardly any amazing devotion plans that are free. Was really looking forward to the idea of SRT still being free in the app format.
Hi Caitlyn. We hear you and value your feedback. And trust us – we wish we had the money to give all you ladies All The Things for free all the time! The app WILL be free to download and use (it can be your new, pretty mobile Bible, for example), but reading the daily plans there will cost roughly 15 cents a day – which we believe will absolutely be worth it given how awesome we are setting out to make that app! For those who'd rather not, participation on the web site will remain free.
I'm just gonna come out and say it–I am *so* disappointed that it will be a pay-per-plan app. I feel like there are tons of options for paid Bible Studies out there and so few free resources that I have always appreciated being able to refer anyone and everyone to SRT.
I understand that there are costs associated with keeping the lights on, but I feel like almost any option (ads?) would be better than a pay per plan setup…that just feels like it completely goes against the heart of what I thought the She Reads Truth community was about :(
I think I would choose ads too. I don't know if I could afford pay plans
I wouldn't necessarily mind paying for plans, as I buy kindle books and the such often. However, as far as the pay-per-plan idea goes, ads would be so much more tolerable.
I really hope that they keep some plans for free. I know I pay for my monthly influence network membership but that's my only treat for myself. I usually do not buy books for myself because I can't afford it.
My thoughts are I would cancel my influence network cost and pay for srt but would rather know cost (annual/monthly/discounted?) than pay per study- a short study would potentially seem expensive etc where as at the moment the length is driven by the book/topic not cost!
I love srt and am willing to pay just a shame cost may stop the community continuing to grow as it is…
I would probably end up keeping my influence networ subscription and just go and do other devotions on youversion
First of all, it grieves me to see sparks of conflict here (I am including myself in this, as I see it in myself and am alarmed). I do NOT want to see division in this community of women– guys, Satan could be very well using this idea of pay-per plan, change and money to cause bitterness and hurt feelings within this complete blessing of God. DO NOT LET HIM AFFECT YOUR HEARTS THIS WAY, GUYS! Girls, guard your hearts and minds! As SRT is approaching change, what we're learning in these plans will be put to the test! When push comes to shove, we NEED to trust God in this and submit our flesh (even if it is bothered by this) to Him and Him alone, letting HIM be final authority. Really, we are a family, a community of believers– and we need to support and encourage each other through all of this. Before I state my feedback, I just want to say that I give it fully up to God, and that I won't let how my flesh feels about it turn into something catty or ungodly. I'll have none of that!
Like Meredith, the idea of pay-per plan honestly stings a bit. I am a broke college student with no smartphone, but I've found immense worth in SRT and a very welcoming, Godly community of women to share my life with. God has changed my life in countless ways through you guys. If I and others in my relative situation were excluded from this… I believe it would gravely dishonor the work Christ is trying to do here. If pay-per plan is where God ends up leading you, then I pray that he'd either give me the money to keep going or affirm in me that He has something else and that this is a new season. I love you all, and I really do mean that. I'll be praying for you, sisters, that as we're learning now, Christ and His Word alone would be your ultimately authority, and that we would all completely submit to it in all things, no matter where it takes us.
AnnaLee, you have the biggest heart, sweet friend. Thank you for your voice and presence here. Not sure if you’ve seen today’s update post, but site will continue to be free on the web site. (Yay!!) We were college students, too, once and we get it, I promise. Our heart is not to exclude anyone that wants to gather here, and we pray God continues to pave the way for that (and the app is one way He’s doing so). Hope that clears things up a bit! xoxo
Thanks Amanda and Raechel! So thankful for SRT. Bless you all. :)
Bless your heart, AnnaLee! Your spirit just oozes gentleness! Thank you for asking questions and raising concerns in love. So grateful for this community! (I see Amanda has already answered your questions, so I just get to say LOVE!!)
Hi Meredith! Thanks so much for sharing your heart. I know it isn't the easiest to speak up against the grain and we appreciate your willingness to be honest. I hope you've seen today's post which explains everything in a lot more detail. Devotionals will carry on at the SRT web site free of charge. The app will be a fun, feature-rich way to access current content – and we think you guys are going to LOVE it – but you can absolutely still opt to read the current plans for free on the web site.
Our heart is FOR you ladies! We truly believe the app is a huge next step of faith for us and for SRT, to reach more women and encourage meaningful, daily time in God's Word. I hope you can hear the hug wrapped around this comment! xoxo
Can I get in on this hug?? (is that weird?)
Love you girls! And chiming in to own the absence of clarification yesterday!! I hate that people were worried that SheReadsTruth was going to hide behind a paywall! We love y'all! We want to make your experiences BETTER! Not take them away!!! xoxo
Thanks for the clarification and updated post, Amanda!
I think still having the content available of the website for free is a great middle ground :)
Thanks for saying so, Meredith! Glad to have you as part of this community. xo
I agree with you! My relationship with srt would end if there was a charge.
Hi, Jill! Just confirming that you saw all of the information? Everything that you are currently enjoying (current content on the SheReadsTruth site and mobile) will still be free! We'd sure be sad to see you go!
Congratulations! I will be first in kind for this app! I do your devotional a everyday…..I'm so excited!
Love it! Thanks so much, Danica!!!
Yay! Thanks, Danica!! xo
So so excited! Can’t wait. I’ve quietly followed SRT for awhile now. This is a true blessing :)
We are so excited, too! It feels like such a fun next step to take together as a community!!
Good
Yes Jennifer It is relly a true blessing and wgat you followed SRT is also good for you
Congrats you guys!!! This is so exciting!!!!
Thanks, KK! We're so geeked!
Yaa Congrats From my side also