American Bible Society
Who we are
The American Bible Society is a donor-supported non-profit ministry with a purpose of presenting the Bible in compelling ways so that people may experience life in its fullness through faith in Jesus Christ. The American Bible Society focuses on advocacy and resourcing through strong relationships with strategic partners.
History
The American Bible Society was founded in New York City in 1816 and has a number of ‚"firsts‚" in its record: first Bibles in hotels; first charitable gift annuities; first pocket Bibles for soldiers (during the Civil War); supplying the Bible given to the riders of the Pony Express; first Bibles provided to the U.S. Military in the 1817 provision of Bibles for the fledgling U.S. Navy; the first translation done by the Bible Society was in 1818 into a Native American language.
Partnerships
The Bible Society conducts worldwide evangelization by partnering with the global fellowship of the United Bible Societies and other Christian ministries. The purpose of the American Bible Society is carried out, both nationally and internationally, through advocacy of the Scriptures, partnerships with like-minded organizations and by providing resources.
Fiscal Responsibility
The American Bible Society continues to grow in its mission of impacting lives with the life-changing message of the Bible because of the ongoing partnership and support of thousands of generous donors. Throughout the past and continuing today, these donations provide the critical support needed for all of the American Bible Society's global and domestic ministry projects.
In order to maximize the impact of each donation, the American Bible Society works hard to keep the costs of all administrative support low, directing over the last ten years, 77 percent of all dollars spent to a wide range of Bible-based ministry projects.
What we do
International Activities
The American Bible Society extends its outreach internationally through the United Bible Societies (UBS), a fellowship of 147 national Bible Societies. The American Bible Society was instrumental in founding this global fellowship in the interest of greater ministry impact and efficiency. Begun in 1946 with 12 member Societies, the UBS has grown to number 147 National Bible Societies that cooperate with all Christian churches and church-related organizations for Bible outreach in more than 200 countries and territories.
Domestic Activities
The Bible Society partners with other ministries to enable their mission and extend a Scripture component. For instance, the Bible Society presents a Bible to each new Habitat for Humanity homeowner, and adds the Bible to "rapid deployment kits," distributed by military chaplains serving around the world. Through partnerships, Bibles are also provided in correctional facilities and schools.
The Hispanic/Latino Ministries serves the growing U.S. Hispanic community with a variety of programs, including La Biblia Es Mi Guia (The Bible is my Guide), which partners with prominent Latino figures to promote Bible literacy, and Elementz of Life™, which seeks to reach youth who are not engaged in a traditional church experience.
The American Bible Society also publishes a quarterly magazine, The RECORD, and collaborates in the work of Scripture translation and other resources through the Nida Institute.
