About Bible
League International
Mission and Vision

Mission of Bible League

Serving the under-resourced Church with Bibles and training to transform lives worldwide through God’s Word.

Vision for the Future

We desire to see thriving local churches around the world offering salvation, life change, and hope through biblically-based training and resources that meet the spiritual, moral, and social needs of their communities.

Statement of Faith

Bible League International offices and staff worldwide adhere to this statement of faith, established by the National Association of Evangelicals.

  1. We believe the Bible to be the inspired, the only infallible, authoritative Word of God.
  2. We believe that there is one God, eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
  3. We believe in the deity of our Lord Jesus Christ, in His virgin birth, in His sinless life, in His miracles, in His vicarious and atoning death through His shed blood, in His bodily resurrection, in His ascension to the right hand of the Father, and in His personal return in power and glory.
  4. We believe that for the salvation of lost and sinful people, regeneration by the Holy Spirit is absolutely essential.
  5. We believe in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit by whose indwelling the Christian is enabled to live a godly life.
  6. We believe in the resurrection of both the saved and the lost; they that are saved unto the resurrection of life and they that are lost unto the resurrection of damnation.
  7. We believe in the spiritual unity of believers in our Lord Jesus Christ.
Core Values

Bible League’s Leadership Philosophy

Prayer – Our relationship with Jesus Christ

Bible League began with a prayer and today, more than 80 years later, prayer and our commitment to Jesus as Lord and Savior remain the firm foundation upon which our leaders act. We instill a culture that is focused on prayer and rooted in Scripture, and spiritual leadership is at the very center of leaders’ responsibilities at Bible League International.

Calling – God’s call into His work

God called Bible League’s founder, William Chapman, to start this ministry. He has also called our employees around the world to use their God-given gifts and abilities to help fulfill the Great Commission as they serve Him here at Bible League International. We recognize the importance of God’s calling. This ministry is His work, and we do it for His glory.

Service – Serving God and others

Bible League employees are called to serve. Those whose positions are higher on the organizational chart are expected to serve more. In Mark 10:43, Jesus says, “Whoever wants to be your leader must be willing to serve the rest of you.” Everyone is made in the image of God and must be treated with dignity and respect. Building relationships is an essential part of a leader’s service. It includes assisting direct reports, taking appropriate action whenever necessary, and recognizing that no task is too menial.

Unity – Working together in unity

Although Bible League is a diverse global organization, we are united by the mission and vision we share—we work together as part of the body of Christ, providing Bibles and training to fulfill the Great Commission. Our leaders encourage the participation of everyone within this organization and ensure that all perspectives are heard and respected. Doing so expands our thinking, fuels innovation, and creates a stronger, more effective organization.

Integrity – In line with God’s Word in word and deed

Bible League’s leaders create a culture of integrity—they do the right thing even when it is not acknowledged or convenient. Through their character and actions, our leaders demonstrate that they are fully aligned with Bible League’s values and philosophies. They are honest and trustworthy in their day-to-day activities and in their management of Bible League resources. They also promote a culture of accountability through their own transparency and teamwork.

Vision – A Christ-centered hope and perspective

Bible League’s leaders cast the vision for the organization and clearly communicate that vision to staff around the world. This ensures that every employee understands how he or she contributes to the direction and goals of the organization. Inspired by the vision we share, those across the organization are united in their efforts, remain focused on the mission, and think strategically.

From Bible League’s bylaws

  1. We believe this ministry belongs to God.
  2. We believe the world needs a relationship with Jesus Christ, God’s Word, more than anything.
  3. We believe integrity is the foundation of all our decisions and actions.
  4. We believe we are accountable to God and people to steward wisely the resources God entrusts to us.
  5. We believe that building strong relationships with our colleagues, ministry partners, donors, and vendors is essential to the fulfillment of our ministry commitments.
  6. We believe that all our employees should be valued and respected.
  7. We believe our employees should be encouraged in their faith-walk and professional growth and development.
  8. We believe that innovation and adaptability are essential for efficient and effective ministry.
History

“In 1936 I became seriously ill and landed in a hospital in Chicago. An elder from my church came to visit me and prayed that my life might be spared and that I would be led into the service of Christ.

At the time, it seemed a strange prayer. Why should God be asked to give me health and strength for this purpose? What could I possibly do for Christ?

I came to the conclusion that this was a ridiculous prayer.

But as the night wore on toward morning, it became increasingly apparent that my elder’s prayer could not be easily forgotten. That’s when I made my commitment to God.

If God would restore my health, I would give all my strength in any avenue of service God would lead.”

These are the words of our founder, William Chapman.

In 1938, Bill and Betty Chapman purchased 100 Bibles and went door-to-door in Walkerton, Indiana. They asked, ‘Do you have a Bible?’ And if the home didn’t, ‘Will you promise to read this Bible?’

Today, Bible League International offers the hope of God’s Word, sharing Bibles, and Bible-based study and training tools with those in need of salvation. Beginning with the Chapmans’ simple act of faith, Bible League International has faithfully provided God’s Word around the world for more than 80 years.

That ridiculous prayer is being answered today.

God’s promise

Bible League International measures the success of its ministry in the lives of men, women, and children transformed through God’s Word. The effectiveness of the ministry is in equipping under-resourced local churches through training in evangelism, discipleship, and church planter training. And the strength of this ministry is seen in the blessing God promises through His Word.

We gratefully confess God has blessed Bible League International through your prayerful and generous support – your gifts provide God’s Word to the world.

Board of Directors

Bible League International’s board of directors oversees the organization’s overall ministry. The committed individuals who voluntarily serve are united in following God’s Spirit and focusing on mission effectiveness and efficiency.

Board Of Directors

Board Of Directors, left to right: Tom Van Prooyen, Daniel Chapman, Peter Lindemulder, Russell Paarlberg, Brian Dobben, Barry Huebner, Richard Brouwer, Floris Van Den Dool, Adam Reitsma, David Harvey, and Martika Gartman. Not pictured: Jan Turkenburg and Jarrod Thompson

Richard Brouwer
Saint John, IN
Russell T. Paarlberg
Secretary, Schererville, IN
Daniel A. Chapman
Chairman, Bourbonnais, IL
Adam Reitsma
Sydney, Australia
Brian Dobben
Flossmoor, IL
Jarrod Thompson
Auckland, New Zealand
Martika Gartman
Westmont, IL
Jan Turkenburg
Amersfoort, Netherlands
David Harvey
Treasurer, Crown Point, IN
Floris Van Den Dool
Almere, Netherlands
Barry Huebner
Bourbonnais, IL
Tom Van Prooyen
Vice Chairman, Saint John, IN
Peter Lindemulder
Schererville, IN
Executive Team
President and CEO
Executive Vice President of People and Culture
Executive Vice President of Scripture Engagement
Executive Vice President of Advancement
Executive Vice President of Finance