Scripture at Your Fingertips
You are in the middle of a group chat conversation. Someone shares a tough situation, and you want to respond with a verse — something encouraging, something that speaks directly to what they are going through. But you cannot remember the exact reference, or you know the theme but not the words.
That is what Flock's AI-powered verse search is for. Tap the + button, search in plain English or by reference, and share a beautifully formatted scripture card — all without leaving the chat. It is one of the features that makes Flock genuinely different from any other church group app.
How to Search and Share a Verse
Step 1: Open Any Chat Conversation
You can share Bible verses in the main group chat, any chat group, or a direct message. The feature works the same everywhere.
Step 2: Tap the + Button
In the bottom-left corner of the message input, tap the + (add) button. This opens the attachment panel with three tabs:
- Photo — Take or select a photo to share
- GIF — Search and send a GIF
- Verse — Search for a Bible verse (the third tab)
Tap the Verse tab to open the scripture search.
Step 3: Search by Reference or Plain English
This is where Flock's verse search stands apart. It is powered by AI, which means you can search in ways that feel natural:
By exact reference:
John 3:16Psalm 23:1-6Romans 8:28Philippians 4:13
By topic or theme:
love chapter— finds 1 Corinthians 13valley of the shadow of death— finds Psalm 23:4be still and know— finds Psalm 46:10Lord's prayer— finds Matthew 6:9-13
By keyword:
peacestrengthfear notcomfort in grief
You do not need to know the exact book, chapter, and verse. Just type what you are looking for in your own words, and Flock's AI finds it for you. This is especially powerful for newer believers who may know what they want to say but not where to find it in Scripture.
Step 4: Choose Your Translation
Flock supports 12 Bible translations: NIV, ESV, KJV, NKJV, NLT, CSB, NASB20, NASB95, LSB, AMP, NET, and LXX (Septuagint for Old Testament).
Select your preferred translation, and Flock remembers your choice for next time. You will see a "(saved)" label next to the translation selector confirming your preference is saved.
Step 5: Insert or Send
Once you find the verse, you have two options:
"Insert into Message" — Stages the verse below your text input. You can then type a personal message above it, like "This verse has been on my heart for you" or "Read this — it's exactly what we were talking about Tuesday." When you send, your message and the scripture card go together.
"Send Now" — Sends the verse immediately as a standalone scripture card. Perfect when the Word speaks for itself.
The Scripture Card
When a verse is shared in chat, it appears as a beautifully designed scripture card with a warm parchment background and a gold accent border. The card displays:
- The verse text — The full passage in your chosen translation
- The reference — Book, chapter, and verse numbers
- The translation — So everyone knows which version it is
- Expand/collapse — Longer passages start collapsed with the first line visible. Tap the arrow to reveal the full text.
The card is designed to give Scripture the visual weight it deserves. A verse should not get lost in a stream of text messages — it should feel like what it is: the Word of God being shared with people who need it.
Tap to Go Deeper
Here is the part that makes this feature truly special: anyone in your group can tap a scripture card to open it in Blue Letter Bible — one of the most trusted free Bible study tools available.
When you tap a verse card, it opens the exact passage on Blue Letter Bible, where you can:
- Read the full chapter for context around the verse
- View cross-references to related passages throughout Scripture
- Explore original languages — see the Greek or Hebrew behind the English
- Read commentaries from trusted scholars and pastors
- Compare translations side by side
This means a verse shared in your Tuesday night group chat can become the starting point for a member's personal study throughout the week. What starts as a quick encouragement in the chat can lead to a deeper encounter with God's Word.
What Makes This Different
Most church apps — if they have Bible features at all — require you to know the exact reference. Flock is different because:
- AI-powered search understands plain English, not just chapter-and-verse references
- 12 translations with your preference saved automatically
- Insert with context — add your own message alongside the verse, not just the verse alone
- Tap to study deeper — every scripture card is a doorway into Blue Letter Bible's full study tools
- Works everywhere — main chat, sub-conversations, and direct messages
No other church group app offers this combination. It turns casual chat into a space where Scripture is always within reach.
When to Share a Verse
Responding to a prayer need. When someone shares a struggle, a well-chosen verse can be more comforting than any advice. "I do not know what to say, but this verse has been on my heart for you" with a scripture card is one of the most loving responses you can offer.
Starting the week. On Sunday evening or Monday morning, share a verse to set the tone for the week ahead.
During group discussion. If someone mentions a relevant passage, pull it up right in the chat. Everyone can see the full text without having to look it up on their own.
Celebrating answered prayer. Share a verse of thanksgiving when someone marks a prayer as answered. It turns the moment into a shared celebration.
Encouraging a quiet member. Send a verse in a direct message to someone who has been quiet. It is a gentle way to say, "I am thinking about you."
Tips for Sharing Scripture Well
Let the verse speak for itself. You do not always need to add commentary. Use "Send Now" and let God's Word do the work.
Use "Insert into Message" for personal touch. When you want to share why a verse matters to you, stage it and add your own words above it.
Try plain English search. If you want a verse about patience but cannot remember a specific one, type "patience" or "waiting on God" and let the AI find it.
Use it in DMs. The verse search is not just for group chat. A personal message paired with a relevant verse can be incredibly meaningful.
Related Help Articles
- Group Chat: Stay Connected Between Meetings — Full chat features overview
- Chat Groups and Direct Messages — Sub-conversations and private messaging
- How to Encourage Others' Prayer Requests — Supporting your group through prayer