With e-reading on the rise and the publishing industry in decline, many wonder whether physical books are on the brink of extinction. But Rev. Dr. Stephen Lee, Senior Pastor of Saddleback Church Hong Kong, believes the opposite: print books will not die but will instead experience a renaissance through transformation. He predicts three categories of “rising star” books—those centered on experience, those that counter digital fatigue, and those that inspire learning—will shape future market trends and bring new opportunities for publishers.

In the digital age, the publishing world has long debated whether print books will fade away, as publishers face a sluggish market. Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Christian United Book Fair, Dr. Lee addressed “The Future of the Print Book Market,” encouraging fellow Christian publishers.

“Print books will not disappear,” he said, “but their role must change. Without transformation, they will face elimination.” He believes practical books will decline in popularity—such as mass-market paperbacks, reference books, and textbooks that merely provide information. Books that are difficult to collect will also struggle to survive.

In contrast, Dr. Lee identified three types of books poised to thrive. The first are experience-centered books. These go beyond information gathering, offering readers a multisensory experience through elements like paper texture, weight, ink, and binding—allowing “knowledge to merge deeply with feeling and create an immersive reading experience.” Such experiences, he said, are uniquely personal and irreplaceable.

The second type are books that combat digital fatigue. “In the digital world, multifunctional reading can be exhausting,” said Dr. Lee. “Books with collectible value can restore the joy of reading.” For example, readers who gather in cafés to hold and share physical books can rediscover the pleasure of reading, adding market value to tangible books.

The third type are books that inspire learning. Reading, he noted, stimulates the brain and encourages curiosity. A book that prompts readers to further research or conduct surveys on a topic extends the learning journey and makes reading more engaging and meaningful.

Dr. Lee emphasized that print books possess permanent value because they can be lent, sold, and passed down—unlike e-books, which serve primarily as information carriers. As digital life becomes increasingly fleeting and virtual, the permanence of physical books becomes more significant. “The books on your shelf are personal—they express who you are,” he said.

He also believes that reading habits should evolve with technology, becoming more fluid. Introducing Study Gateway, a streaming Bible study platform that features video content from globally recognized authors, Dr. Lee explained how such tools can complement traditional reading and even encourage the purchase of physical books.

Promoting Reading: Churches as Hubs for Book Culture

At the community level, Dr. Lee said independent bookstores must be revitalized—not just as retailers but as community centers that offer curated selections, host events, and provide spaces for book lovers to connect.

Within the church, he encouraged the establishment of libraries so that members can read when they gather each week. He also introduced a discipleship curriculum jointly developed by Saddleback Church Hong Kong and Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary in the U.S., which integrates theological education and leadership training to help churches grow in health and maturity.

Dr. Lee called on Christian publishers to unite around the church to promote a culture of reading: “May print books strengthen believers’ spiritual lives, shape their character, and serve as bridges connecting knowledge, the church, and the community.”

The 40th Christian United Book Fair is being held October 22–28 at the Kowloon Welfare Association Hall in Tsim Sha Tsui. Celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, the week-long event features a series of programs under the theme “Stand by Me”, highlighting how words accompany readers throughout their journeys of growth.