09/09/2026
WHO ARE THE GIDEONS?
*The Gideons International is an association of Christian professional and business men together with their wives who are committed to winning others for Jesus Christ.*
The Gideons bring together Christian men from different professions and walks of life who desire to use their faith, influence, skills, relationships and opportunities to advance the Gospel.
1. WHAT DO THE GIDEONS DO?
The work of the Gideons can be summarized in three main areas:
1. Strengthening One Another
Gideons meet for *prayer, fellowship, encouragement, accountability and spiritual growth*. We help one another become stronger Christians and more effective witnesses for Christ.
2. Sharing the Gospel
Gideons personally share their faith and give testimony about what Jesus Christ has done in their lives. We seek opportunities in our workplaces, communities, churches and everyday interactions to point people to Christ.
3. Sharing God's Word
Gideons place and distribute *Bibles, New Testaments and portions of Scripture* in approved places where people can encounter God's Word.
These include places such as:
* Schools and colleges
* Hospitals and medical facilities
* Hotels
* Prisons and correctional facilities
* Police and other institutions
* Shelters and other strategic places
The Bible distribution is not an end in itself. *It is a tool for reaching people with the Gospel and winning them for Jesus Christ.*
2. HOW CAN ONE JOIN THE GIDEONS?
Membership is primarily for *Christian business and professional men* who meet the spiritual and occupational requirements of the Association.
A prospective Gideon should:
* Have personally received *Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour*.
* Believe in the Bible as God's inspired Word and uphold the fundamental beliefs of the Association.
* Be actively seeking to follow Christ in daily life.
* Be a member in good standing of an evangelical or Protestant church.
* Have the recommendation of his pastor.
* Meet the required business or professional qualifications.
* Be willing to participate actively in the ministry of The Gideons.
A Gideon's wife can participate through The Auxiliary of The Gideons International, supporting her husband's calling through prayer, fellowship and service.
3. WHAT IS EXPECTED OF A GIDEON?
Becoming a Gideon is more than receiving a membership card or wearing a badge. It is accepting a calling to serve Christ.
A Gideon is expected to:
1. Live a Christian life that provides a credible testimony.
2. Pray for the ministry, fellow Gideons and those who need Christ.
3. Attend and participate in Gideon meetings and activities.
4. Share the Gospel personally whenever God provides an opportunity.
5. Participate in Scripture distribution and other approved ministry activities.
6. Support the work of the Association through faithful participation and giving as God enables.
7. Build relationships with pastors, churches, professionals and community leaders.
8. Encourage and strengthen fellow Gideons.
9. Use one's profession, influence, skills and resources for God's Kingdom.
10. Remain faithful to the mission: WINNING OTHERS FOR THE LORD JESUS CHRIST.
IN SIMPLE TERMS
A Gideon is a Christian professional or businessman who says:
> “God has blessed me with a profession, relationships, opportunities and resources. I will use them to point people to Jesus Christ.”
Therefore, being a Gideon is not simply about distributing Bibles. It is about living for Christ, sharing the Gospel, strengthening one another, and putting God's Word into the hands of people who need to hear the Good News.
THE GOSPEL IS OUR MISSION.
