International Bible Society

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The Purpose of International Bible Society

The purpose and passion of International Bible Society (IBS) to faithfully translate, publish and reach out with God's Word so that people around the world may become disciples of Jesus Christ and members of His Body.

International Bible Society translates and reaches out with the Word of God so that people around the world can meet and become disciples of Jesus Christ. Our goal is to use the resources God provides to reach as many people as possible with accurate, readable, understandable translations of His life-transforming Word.

The Ministry of IBS

Founded in New York City in 1809, IBS carries out its ministry through centers in more than 50 countries around the world. In 1978, IBS published the New International Version translation of the Bible; the NIV is now the most widely read contemporary English translation in the world.

Translation

Of the more than 6,500 languages spoken globally, Scripture exists in only about 2,500. Many of the Scriptures that do exist are in outdated language that is virtually impossible for today's readers to understand.

We currently have translation projects underway in some 50 languages. To date, IBS has completed 78 New Testament translations, as well as full Bible translations in 33 of these languages. IBS, in partnership with Wycliffe Bible Translators/Summer Institute of Linguistics, has published Scriptures in more than 600 languages globally. As a producer of some of the most-read and trusted translations in the world, including the New International Version (NIV), IBS translates with unwavering commitment to accuracy.

Some translations have been in development for as many as 20 years. Many of those who speak these languages have limited, if any, access to Scriptures in formats that are understandable both linguistically and culturally. IBS translates God's Word with a commitment to uncompromised accuracy and cultural clarity. This effort represents more than 600 million people who will have access to God's Word

OutReach

Believing that God's Word is the single most-effective tool for reaching people for Christ, IBS distributes resources for "Scripture-based" evangelism and discipleship worldwide.

Evangelism:

IBS, both independently and in partnership with churches and other ministries, provides God's Word to numerous cross-sections of society around the world. There are currently more than 250 of these outreach projects in progress.

Discipleship:

Leading people to Christ through Scripture is only the first step in a process. The second step is to facilitate spiritual growth in the Scriptures through discipleship. IBS participates in numerous initiatives intended to aid in the discipleship process and ultimately produce "disciple makers."