An Evening with The Gideons
We are probably all familiar with the Bible in the hotel room part of this evangelical ministry but there is a whole lot more. Tonight Amy and I were invited to their Pastors appreciation dinner. In addition the the great food, gospel table conversation, and compelling testimony from a Pastor in Ripon, Ca who was led to the Lord via circumstances and a Gideon Bible, I learned a whole lot about an organization we’ve all been in contact with but too few know about. Here’s my report on the evening.
The Gideons International: A Vital Partner in Baptist Evangelism
From a Baptist perspective, The Gideons International stands as a powerful and faithful ministry committed to the Great Commission. Their tireless efforts to distribute Bibles worldwide align closely with Baptist convictions about the authority of Scripture and the necessity of evangelism. By providing God’s Word freely to individuals in hotels, hospitals, prisons, schools, and military institutions, the Gideons play a crucial role in spreading the Gospel, making them a valued ally to Baptist churches.
Commitment to the Authority of Scripture
Baptists hold a high view of Scripture, believing that the Bible is the inspired, inerrant Word of God, sufficient for salvation and Christian living. The Gideons share this conviction by ensuring that millions of people, including those who might never own a Bible otherwise, receive a copy of God’s Word. Their distribution of the King James Version (KJV) and New King James Version (NKJV) aligns with the preference of many Baptists who believe in the reliability and doctrinal integrity of these translations. This unwavering commitment to the power of Scripture makes The Gideons International a natural partner for Baptist churches seeking to spread biblical truth.
Faithful to the Great Commission
Jesus’ final command to His disciples was to “go therefore and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). Baptists have historically placed a strong emphasis on evangelism and missions, sending out missionaries and supporting efforts to reach the lost. The Gideons function as an extension of this mission by ensuring that the Word of God reaches people in places where churches or missionaries might not always have access. Whether it is a prisoner in a jail cell, a traveler in a hotel, or a soldier preparing for deployment, the Gideons place Bibles in the hands of those who need the Gospel most.
Furthermore, their method of evangelism is deeply biblical. Isaiah 55:11 states, “So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please.” The Gideons trust that simply making the Word of God available will lead to conversions as the Holy Spirit works in the hearts of those who read it. This reliance on the sufficiency of Scripture is a principle that aligns with Baptist theology, which affirms that faith comes by hearing the Word of God (Romans 10:17).
A Ministry That Supports the Local Church
Unlike some parachurch organizations that operate independently of local congregations, The Gideons International actively partners with churches rather than replacing them. They rely on faithful church members to serve as Gideons and on congregations to support their mission through prayer and financial gifts. Many Baptist churches welcome Gideon representatives to speak and share testimonies of how God’s Word has transformed lives through their ministry.
Moreover, The Gideons’ focus on personal evangelism resonates with Baptist teaching on the priesthood of all believers. Every Christian is called to share the Gospel, and Gideons encourage their members to personally distribute New Testaments and witness to others. This aligns with Baptist beliefs that evangelism is not just the job of pastors or missionaries but the responsibility of every believer.
