Faith Comes By Hearing

What Faith Comes By Hearing does

Faith Comes By Hearing (FCBH) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit religious organization headquartered in Albuquerque, New Mexico, founded in 1972 by Jerry and Anet Jackson as a Christian cassette tape-lending library and renamed to its current name in 1995. The organization produces and distributes Audio Bible recordings, with a library of 2,713 languages — described in source material as the largest audio Bible library in the world — and 1,700+ Gospel Film adaptations. Its product portfolio spans the Bible.is consumer mobile app (Android and iOS), the Bible Brain API used by developers and partner platforms (Subsplash, Scripture App Builder, United Bible Societies, Gideons, Kolo Africa), the proprietary Render Oral Bible Translation software (Render 3 launched 2023), and dedicated hardware devices including the solar-powered Proclaimer and the battery-powered Acclaimer video projector, plus Military BibleSticks for U.S. troops and veterans.

FCBH operates as a donation-funded ministry with no pricing on any product: the Bible.is app, MP3 downloads, the Bible Brain API, and partner resources are all provided free of charge. The go-to-market model is a hybrid: a channel-partner network of 700+ organizations (translation agencies, mission agencies, church-planting ministries, and national Bible societies) drives distribution and grassroots Bible listening programs, while direct-to-consumer product-led growth runs through Bible.is and developer adoption runs through the API. End-user segments are non-literate and oral-language communities (~70% of the global population), minority language speakers without Scripture in their heart language, refugees and displaced populations, military personnel, and developers building Scripture-engagement applications. The organization has been a Charity Navigator 4-star charity for 17 consecutive years, holds a GuideStar Platinum transparency seal, and is governed by a board chaired by Jeff Solscheid; Clay Jackson serves as COO and Morgan Jackson as SVP. Vision 2033 — recording and freely providing Scripture in every language that needs it by 2033 — is the defining strategic mandate, with 3,107 Audio Bible languages still required to complete the stated objective.

Name

Faith Comes By Hearing

Legal name

Faith Comes By Hearing

Website

https://faithcomesbyhearing.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1972

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Faith Comes By Hearing is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that produces and freely distributes Audio Bible recordings in 2,713 languages via mobile apps, a developer API, partner organizations, and off-grid hardware devices, serving non-literate, oral-language, and minority-language communities globally under its Vision 2033 mandate.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Religious Nonprofit Audio Bible Ministry

NAICS

Religious Organizations (8131), Sound Recording Industries (5122), Record Production and Distribution (51225), Religious Organizations (81311)

SIC

Books: Publishing Or Publishing & Printing (2731), Phonograph Records & Prerecorded Audio Tapes & Disks (3652), Services-Motion Picture & Video Tape Production (7812)

akta.pro primary industry

Faith-Based Media, Publishing & Broadcasting (Radio, TV, Digital, Press) (BPAGAJAI)

akta.pro secondary industries

Religious Radio Broadcasting (MPAIAEAF), International Religious/Faith-Based Broadcasters (MPABAEAH), Faith & Religious Live Streaming Platforms (MPACACAK), Sermon, Homiletics & Ministry Resource Publishing (Preaching Aids, Pastoral Resources) (MPAJAHAD)

Keywords

• Audio bible recordings
• Oral bible translation
• Scripture engagement programs
• Religious content distribution
• Bible translation software

Headquarters

HQ city

Albuquerque

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Donations and Charitable Contributions: Faith Comes By Hearing operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization relying entirely on donations from individuals, churches, and organizations to fund Audio Bible recording and distribution operations worldwide.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion4 records

Distribution channels9 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Faith Comes By Hearing records and freely provides Audio Bible translations in 2,713 languages through a combination of proprietary software (Render for oral Bible translation), free mobile and developer platforms (Bible.is app and Bible Brain API), physical devices (Proclaimer audio player and Acclaimer video projector), and a network of 700+ partner organizations. The organization operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit ministry funded by charitable donations and offers all Scripture engagement resources at no cost to end users.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Bible.is: Mobile app for hearing, seeing, and sharing God's Word - provides Scripture in 2,713+ languages
• Render
• Proclaimer
• Gospel Films
• Bible Brain API
• Acclaimer
• Global Bible Apps
• Military BibleSticks

Products and services

• Bible.is App Free mobile application available on Android and iOS providing Audio Bibles in 2,713 languages with playlist creation, offline listening, and social sharing features for individual listeners worldwide.
• Bible Brain API Free API platform providing developers and organizations access to Bible text, audio, and video content in 2,713 languages, enabling third-party applications to deliver Scripture engagement tools (powers Subsplash, Gideon's Gideon Bible App, SIL's Scripture App Builder, and Kolo Africa).
• Proclaimer Audio Device Solar- or hand-powered audio device that stores the New Testament in up to four different languages, designed for family or community listening in areas without electricity or internet access.
• Acclaimer Video Projector Battery-powered audio video projector designed to play Gospel Films in community settings without electricity, enabling group viewing of Scripture films.
• Military BibleSticks Audio Bible devices distributed to U.S. military service members and veterans through chaplaincy partnerships for spiritual support during deployment and after service.
• Gospel Films Word-for-word film adaptations of Jesus' life and ministry created in partnership with Bible Media Group/LUMO, available in 1,700+ languages for community and individual viewing.
• Global Bible Apps Customizable single-language Audio Bible apps stored on Micro SD cards for internet-free, phone-to-phone sharing of Scripture in remote areas where internet connectivity is limited.
• Render Software Icon- and color-based oral Bible translation software that enables mother-tongue translator teams to render God's Word in oral format without requiring written literacy; Render 3 (launched 2023) provides flexible workflow with color-coded icons for oral users.
• Audio Bible MP3 Recordings Free downloadable MP3 Audio Bible files in 2,713 languages available through the website download portal for individual listeners.

Quantifiable outcome

• 2,713 languages now have Audio Bible recordings available through FCBH
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

Yes

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration7 records

AI capability3 records

Feature5 records

Partnerships

40 partnerships are on record, tiered core and standard.

• American Bible SocietycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for Bible distribution and translation initiatives. American Bible Society collaborates with FCBH to advance Scripture access worldwide.
• Bible LeaguecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for Bible translation and distribution. Bible League works with FCBH to provide Scripture resources globally.
• Bible Media GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for Gospel Films distribution. Bible Media Group (distributors of Lumo Project Films) provides films that FCBH adapts with Audio Scripture in thousands of languages.
• Bible SocietycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for Bible translation and distribution. Bible Society collaborates with FCBH on Scripture access initiatives.
• BiblicacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for Bible translation and distribution. Biblica works with FCBH on providing Scripture resources worldwide.
• City BiblesstandardChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDistribution partnership for Bible resources in urban communities.
• CrosswaystandardStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for Bible publishing and distribution. Crossway collaborates with FCBH on Scripture resources.
• CrucoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for evangelism and Bible engagement. Cru works with FCBH to provide Audio Bible resources for missionary work.
• DavarstandardChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartnership for audio Bible distribution. Davar provides Audio Bible resources to specific language communities.
• Deaf Bible SocietystandardStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership to provide Bible resources for deaf communities through specialized Audio Bible programs.
• Digital Bible SocietystandardStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for digital Bible distribution. DBS works with FCBH on technology-enabled Scripture access.
• Ethnos 360coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for Bible translation among unreached people groups. Ethnos 360 collaborates with FCBH on Audio Bible recording projects.
• Every Tribe Every NationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCoalition partnership for Bible translation. ETEN brings together Bible translation organizations including FCBH to coordinate global translation efforts toward Vision 2033.
• Global Media OutreachstandardChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartnership for digital evangelism and Bible distribution through online platforms.
• Institute For Bible TranslationstandardStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for Bible translation in Russian-speaking regions and other languages.
• In TouchstandardChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartnership for Bible resources and evangelism content distribution.
• JaarsstandardTechnology or IntegrationPartnership for technology and language tools. Jaars provides technical support for Bible translation technology.
• Jesus Film ProjectcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for Gospel Film distribution. Jesus Film Project works with FCBH to provide Audio Bible content alongside video content.
• Lutheran Bible TranslatorscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for Bible translation. LBT collaborates with FCBH on Audio Bible recording projects for specific language communities.
• MegavoicestandardChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartnership for audio Bible device distribution in remote areas.
• One HopestandardStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for youth-focused Bible engagement and evangelism programs.
• Pioneer Bible TranslatorscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for Bible translation among unreached people groups. Pioneer Bible Translators works with FCBH on Oral Bible Translation projects.
• Renew World OutreachstandardChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartnership for Bible distribution and evangelism programs globally.
• Scripture UnionstandardChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartnership for Bible engagement programs in schools and communities worldwide.
• SIL InternationalcoreTechnology or IntegrationPartnership for Bible translation technology. SIL works with FCBH on Render software and language tools for Oral Bible Translation. SIL's Scripture App Builder integrates with Bible Brain API.
• SIMcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for global mission work. SIM works with FCBH to provide Audio Bible resources for missionary activities in unreached areas.
• Sociedade Bíblica do BrasilstandardStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for Bible translation and distribution in Brazil and Portuguese-speaking regions.
• Talking BiblesstandardChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartnership for audio Bible device distribution to visually impaired and non-literate populations.
• The Digital Bible LibrarycoreTechnology or IntegrationPartnership for Bible content management and distribution. The Digital Bible Library provides centralized Bible content for FCBH recordings.
• Theovision InternationalcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for Bible translation and distribution in Africa. Theovision collaborates with FCBH on Audio Bible projects across African nations.
• The Seed CompanycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for Bible translation. The Seed Company works with FCBH on Audio Bible recording projects for specific language communities.
• The Timothy InitiativestandardChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartnership for church planting and Bible distribution programs globally.
• The Word For The WorldstandardChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartnership for Bible translation and distribution in specific language communities.
• United Bible SocietiescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with 146 national Bible Societies operating in 200+ countries. UBS uses Bible Brain API for Scripture distribution and collaborates with FCBH on Bible translation projects.
• Wycliffe Bible TranslatorscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for Bible translation. Wycliffe Bible Translators works with FCBH on Audio Bible recording projects as part of the global translation movement toward Vision 2033.
• Wycliffe Global AlliancecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for Bible translation coordination. Wycliffe Global Alliance brings together Bible translation organizations including FCBH to advance Vision 2033 goals.
• YWAM PublishingstandardChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartnership for evangelism and Bible distribution through YWAM's global missionary network.
• SubsplashcoreTechnology or IntegrationTechnology integration partnership. Subsplash's church app platform incorporates Bible Brain API to provide Audio Bible content to thousands of churches worldwide.
• Gideons InternationalstandardChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartnership for Bible distribution. Gideons International uses Bible Brain API for the Gideon Bible App.
• Kolo AfricastandardTechnology or IntegrationPartnership developed with Digital Bible Project, Bible.is, and Jesus Film Media to bring Word of God in audio, video, and text in 500 African languages.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• American Bible Society: U.S.-based faith-based nonprofit distributing and translating the Bible globally. Directly comparable to FCBH as a 501(c)(3) Scripture engagement organization with overlapping distribution partnerships and a shared Vision 2033 coalition membership.
• Wycliffe Bible Translators: Largest dedicated Bible translation organization worldwide. Directly comparable to FCBH on mission (oral and written Bible translation) and is a named core partner of FCBH through Every Tribe Every Nation and Wycliffe Global Alliance.
• United Bible Societies: Global coalition of 146 national Bible Societies operating in 200+ countries. Comparable to FCBH as a worldwide Scripture distribution umbrella and a direct integration partner through Bible Brain API.
• Bible Society (UK): UK-based Bible charity engaged in translation, distribution, and advocacy. Comparable to FCBH on mission and on presence as a named FCBH strategic partner for Bible translation and distribution.
• Biblica: International Bible ministry focused on translation, publishing, and Bible engagement. Comparable to FCBH as a 501(c)(3) peer with translation programs serving similar language communities and a cross-listed partnership with FCBH.
• Bible League International: Faith-based nonprofit providing Bible translation, publishing, and church engagement. Directly comparable to FCBH as a Scripture engagement ministry that partners with FCBH for Audio Bible distribution.
• Jesus Film Project: Cru-affiliated ministry distributing the 'Jesus' film in thousands of languages. Directly comparable to FCBH on Audio/visual Scripture engagement and a named core partner on the Gospel Films initiative.
• Cru (Campus Crusade for Christ): Faith-based mission organization with global evangelism and discipleship programs. Comparable to FCBH on missionary reach and as a named core partner for Audio Bible engagement in the field.
• Pioneer Bible Translators: Bible translation organization focused on unreached people groups. Directly comparable to FCBH on Oral Bible Translation partnerships and a named core partner for OBT projects.

Broad incumbents

• YouVersion (Life.Church): Largest digital Bible app globally with broad Scripture engagement functionality. Comparable to FCBH as a Scripture content platform that competes for developer and end-user attention in the digital Bible space, though it does not produce Audio Bible recordings itself.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/audiobible
• Facebookfacebook.com/FCBHRomans1017
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/faith-comes-by-hearing

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Faith Comes By Hearing