Q 1: How is the Bible Network different from Bible distribution agencies such as Bible Society, Gideons, International Society, etc.?
While Bible societies primarily translate and publish Bibles in different languages, the Bible Network places those Bibles in the hands of seekers and believers.
The Bible Network takes a unique approach to Bible placement. We do not distribute Bibles at random. Rather, we emphasise discipleship. We want to see new converts become active church members. Through the Project Philip program, we train and equip Christians to use the Bible to lead Bible studies, to make disciples and to establish churches if none exist.
We work through local churches, empowering them by providing Scriptures and training. Local church leaders disciple seekers in small group Bible studies. Bible study students receive not only a Bible but also the training to understand it.
We accurately report results of our worldwide ministry to our partners. The Bible Network reports the number of Scriptures placed, of graduates from small group Bible studies, of commitments to Christ shown through baptisms and of new churches planted.
2: Where is the greatest need?
In most of the countries where the Bible Network is working, we could easily double or triple our efforts and impact if we had the resources to do so. For example, in Africa there are an estimated 200 million church members still waiting for their own copy of Scriptures. In Indonesia, there are approximately 2,400 people a day making commitments to Christ and about half of these new converts will not have access to a Bible. Responsiveness to the Gospel in many areas of India is at unparalleled levels and yet our staff in southern India have had to cut their ministry programs so that the Bible Network could begin working in the northern states.
Q 3: How does the Bible Network achieve its purpose?
We accomplish our purpose effectively by:
- providing Bibles and related materials through cost-efficient placement systems
- promoting personal, family and small group Bible study
- partnering with churches and mission organisations, supplying them with Bibles, related materials and training in church planting and Scripture placement
- protecting donor investments through accountability systems that measure and report the results of our ministry through the grace of God
Q 4: What denomination is the Bible Network?
The Bible Network is an interdenominational organisation. We are supported by and work with many evangelical denominations.
Q 5: Does the Bible Network partner with other organisations?
We work with local churches, mission organisations and evangelical denominations worldwide. We provide them with Bibles, related materials and training in church planting and Scripture placement.
Q 6: How does the Bible Network work in countries of persecution?
We have relationships with local believers and churches—including underground house church networks and Christian cell groups—in countries where they risk persecution for their faith. These courageous people share our calling to bring others into relationship with Christ and into fellowship with a local body of believers. They work with us to provide Scriptures and training, so that they may carry out that mission, despite the risk of persecution.
Some believers train with us outside their country and then return home to carry out their training—or to train others inside their country. Some provide the channels for us to get Scriptures into their country, so they can place them into the hands of seekers and believers. Because our Christian contacts could be imprisoned, beaten or killed for their work with us, we are careful to protect their identity and details of our work in their country. You may learn more from our Persecuted Christians Ministry page.
Q 7: How do I know that the money I give is being used appropriately?
The Bible Network’s board, staff and volunteers work hard to make certain that we use the Lord’s money in the most efficient and effective way possible. We believe that the ministry of the Bible Network belongs to God, that integrity is too important to be taken for granted and that we are accountable to God and man as good stewards.
The worldwide average cost to place a Bible through the Bible Network is £3.20. That £3.20 includes all administrative, fundraising, production and placement expenses.
Financial Statements are available on request.
Q 8: What version of the Bible does the Bible Network use?
We provide Bibles in local languages. The issues regarding English versions of the Bible are not relevant for most of our ministries because English is less than ten percent of our total number of Scriptures placed in a given year. There is no such thing as a foreign language King James Version or foreign language New International Version, because they are English versions.
Q 9: Does the Bible Network translate Scriptures? How does the Bible Network provide Bibles if there isn’t a translation available in a certain language?
The Bible Network is not a Scripture translation agency. Rather, the Bible Network’s mission is to provide Scriptures and training to people worldwide, so they can be brought into fellowship with Christ and His church. Our ministry primarily works in countries where, if we were not present, the average person would not have access to God’s Word.
The Bible Network works in 80 countries. Portions of the Bible or the complete Word have been translated into many of these countries’ heart languages. The Bible Network must obtain permission to purchase or print each translation we provide. The Bible Network also partners with Wycliffe Bible Translators to publish, print and transport Scriptures they translate into languages without Bibles.
Q 10: Where does the Bible Network print Bibles?
The Bible Network works with printers from all over the world and considers a number of different issues when choosing where to print Bibles. For example, if we are able to print Bibles within the country receiving them, the cost and delays of shipping, customs, etc. can be reduced or eliminated. Often, however, it is not possible to print within the receiving country for various reasons.
Considerations in printing choice include cost of the Bibles, quality and durability and proximity to the area that will receive them. We have worked very hard to build strong relationships with printers around the world so that we can make the most efficient and effective use of the resources God has entrusted to us.