Theology in the Raw Can You Really Learn the Bible on Social Media? Colby F. Maier
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Apr 16, 2026 
Colby F. Maier, pastor, speaker, and founder of the Academy of the Bible, helps people grow in biblical literacy and digital ministry. He recounts his conversion story and journey from athlete to theologian. They debate short-form social media vs long-form discipleship. He explains building a scholar network, online formation, and connecting digital learners to local churches.
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Injury Led To Intense Summer Bible Reading
- Colby F. Maier described his conversion at 17 after a basketball injury led him to watch DreamWorks' Joseph and then read the Bible from Genesis to Revelation over three months.
- That summer transformed the Bible from an artifact into living words and launched his commitment to baptism, church involvement, and theological study.
Church Launched In A Studio Then On A Rooftop
- Colby recounted moving to Portland after seminary, starting a Bible study in his studio, and later launching Bloom Church during the pandemic.
- The church began with home meetings, outdoor gatherings, and masked rooftop services of 30–40 people.
Portland Is De Churched But Spiritually Hungry
- Portland is highly de-churched but spiritually engaged, with many seeking transcendence through occult or postmodern avenues.
- This creates receptivity to honest biblical teaching that corrects caricatures and addresses prior toxic religious experiences.
