August 1, 2022

Try Our "Share" Bible Study and App

Share is designed to lead you to become fishers of men through reaching others with the good news of Jesus. You can download the Share Bible Study by selecting the digital PDF version below, or request to receive a print version by emailing training@josiahventure.com. Along with the study we’ve created a free companion mobile app for iPhone and Android that you can download now.

Share Bible Study

Learn the core principles of effective gospel sharing and practice them with your church or small group.

Download the Digital PDF

Share PLUS Bible Study

Expand your gospel sharing potential by engaging with a wide range of relationships with this 6 lesson version.

Download the Digital PDF

The Mobile App

The Share Bible Study app will help you quickly reference the core teachings of the Bible study and help you keep up with the people you are sharing Jesus with regularly. No data from the app is loaded into cloud servers so that you can use it in a completely private way. It has features such as a 6 lesson version that matches the Share Plus Bible Study. It also has custom translated versions in 15 different languages. Download it and get started sharing more of Jesus today!

Try the Mobile App Today for Free on iPhone or Android!

 

 

John Kloosterhuis International Team

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