Overview
This session introduced the Logos Bible study platform, highlighting its foundational tools and features for both new and experienced users. John Haley, a national presenter, demonstrated core functionalities aimed at making Bible study more efficient, engaging, and resource-rich.
Importance of Bible Engagement
- Regular engagement with scripture (4+ times/week) significantly boosts positive life outcomes according to a large study.
- Bible study benefits include increased faith sharing, memorization, reduced loneliness, and healthier life choices.
Core Features of Logos Platform
- Logos offers a unified digital library of thousands of theological resources, accessible across devices.
- Key time-saving: eliminates the need to manually search physical books or rely on unvetted online sources.
Factbook Tool
- Factbook acts as a "Christian research assistant," delivering reliable articles, media, and references for any biblical topic, person, or place.
- Factbook provides safe, curated research for sensitive topics, suitable for all ages.
- Integrated Bible verse previews and direct links to relevant library resources streamline study.
- Factbook supports advanced paper-writing with automated citation generation.
Advanced Search and Study Tools
- Passage Guide aggregates comments, cross-references, word studies, and cultural concepts for any Bible passage.
- Customizable layouts allow users to pair Bibles, commentaries, and study tools in side-by-side views.
- Bible Word Study tool enables deep dives into original language terms and their semantic ranges.
Visual & Interactive Tools
- Psalms Explorer visualizes themes, authors, and structures in Psalms, aiding teaching and preaching.
- Weights and Measures Converter helps translate ancient units into modern equivalents for better comprehension.
- Bible Books Explorer shows genre, key figures, events, and intertextual connections between Old and New Testament.
- Before-and-After tool presents visual reconstructions of biblical locations across history.
Platform Flexibility & Accessibility
- Most features are available on desktop; mobile app includes Factbook, reading plans, and powerful search but lacks some visual tools.
- Custom highlighting systems can be created and synced across devices.
- Translation tool supports over 100 languages for global users and missionaries.
Counseling and Ministry Tools
- Built-in counseling guide offers quick access to biblical counseling resources and assessment questions.
Purchasing & Packages
- Different package tiers (Bronze, Silver, Gold) offer progressively larger libraries and toolsets with permanent ownership and payment plans.
- Special event discounts and a week-long coupon offer were available.
Q&A Highlights
- Some features, like certain visuals and advanced tools, are limited to desktop versions.
- Notes and highlights are searchable; some export limitations exist.
- Logos collaborates with publishers and accepts self-published works; it houses extensive digital resources.
Decisions
- Partner with Logos for resource recommendations.
- Host future webinars for additional training and deeper feature exploration.
Action Items
- TBD – John: Respond to follow-up questions about exporting notes/highlights as PDFs.
- TBD – Jason: Share further tutorials and Q&A videos as personal Logo proficiency increases.
Questions / Follow-Ups
- Can custom highlight exports be improved or enabled as PDF?
- Further details about Logos’ data validation and language support for specialized academic use.