A new app that aims to make studying the Bible simple, alone, or in groups, has seen a tenfold increase in users during the coronavirus pandemic.

WordGo, launched by Bible Study Fellowship, is a free resource providing two to six week Bible courses, consisting of Scripture readings, study notes, questions and audio teachings.

The app can be customised thereby enabling participants to decide how much time they want to study and providing the right amount of content to match their requirements.

Simon Lennox, Director of WordGo, told Premier how the app works:

"The primary target of WordGo right now is to help people not only to study by themselves, but to study in community, and we believe that is the best experience of bible study when you are before the Lord with other trusted friends."

Between January and July 2020, the app's users grew by one thousand per cent. Three quarters of users were women.

The global coronavirus pandemic has left many church congregations bereft of their normal worshipping habits and Christians have turned to online resources as many churches worldwide remain unable to gather in person.

Lennox told Premier that they had been developing the app for the past year and were just ready to launch and market it when the pandemic hit.

"Suddenly we had a resource that would meet the needs of many stranded at home or lonely, or churches wondering ... how do we stay in community when we can't see each other face to face."

WordGo allows people to gather online or meet in person, or both.

With frequent changes in worship restrictions worldwide, the app has been designed to cover all eventualities. It permits an online group and an in person group. The two can also mix.

The app is created and supported by Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) which has been in operation since the 1960’s and currently serves and supports 400,000 people.