DOOR International
DOOR International is a Christian non-profit ministry founded in 1983 that translates Scripture into sign languages and plants Deaf-led churches across approximately 20 countries, serving the 70 million Deaf people worldwide whom it states are largely unreached by the gospel.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1983
- HeadquartersGrand Rapids, United States
- Headcount251–500
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What DOOR International does
DOOR International is a Christian non-profit ministry founded in 1983 that focuses on reaching the world's Deaf communities with the gospel through sign-language Bible translation and Deaf-led church planting. Headquartered in Lansing, Michigan with an operational office in Grand Rapids, MI, and a primary training/translation hub in Nairobi, Kenya, DOOR operates across approximately 20 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and Eurasia. The organization frames its beneficiary base as the 70 million Deaf people worldwide, of whom it states less than 2% know and follow Jesus; its primary customer segments are Deaf individuals and communities, unreached Deaf people groups in specific geographies, Deaf church leaders and missionaries, Deaf women in marginalized cultural contexts, and Christian donors and prayer supporters.
The organization's core methodology is the Chronological Bible Translation (CBT) framework, which structures biblical narrative into three segments — "Know God How," "Follow God How," and "Serve God How" — and renders them as signed video passages in native sign languages. As of the input data, DOOR has ongoing or completed translation work in 15+ sign languages, including ASL, Kenyan, Tanzanian, Nigerian, Ghanaian, Ugandan, Burundian, Mozambican, South Sudanese, Ethiopian, four Indian variants (Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala), Russian, and Chiwit. Translation quality is validated through a FOBAI-aligned community-check process (CANA — Clear, Accurate, Natural, Acceptable) in which translation teams travel to multiple towns in their home country to verify clarity with local Deaf community members; the Ghanaian Sign Language project alone has produced 110 passages. Supporting programs include the Nehemiah School (Deaf adult training), the CEDAR leadership-development program, and a "2-by-2" ministry model in which Deaf teams plant churches and relocate to start new ministries elsewhere. Distribution of ministry outputs is primarily digital and free, via DOOR's website, dedicated YouTube channels (including language-specific channels), and Rutube for Russian/CIS audiences.
DOOR is funded entirely through charitable donations, with administrative overhead capped at 5–15% per project. Revenue streams include individual donations (one-time and recurring), foundation grants, and restricted/unrestricted funding from institutional and ministry partners. The organization is ECFA-accredited (Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability) and publishes audited financial statements referenced for 2022, 2023, and 2024. Key strategic partners include SIL International, Wycliffe Global Alliance, United Bible Societies, Seed Company, the Deaf Bible Society, ETEN, and Finishing the Task, alongside regional Deaf ministries such as ADMA, APSDA, EDCA, and ADLSA. There is no disclosed revenue, no public funding rounds, no parent company, and no cap-table data in the source material.
DOOR International firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- DOOR International
- Legal name
- DOOR International
- Website
- https://doorinternational.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1983
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 251–500 employees
- Short description
- DOOR International is a Christian non-profit ministry founded in 1983 that translates Scripture into sign languages and plants Deaf-led churches across approximately 20 countries, serving the 70 million Deaf people worldwide whom it states are largely unreached by the gospel.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
DOOR International industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Faith-based Christian Ministry Services
- NAICS
- Religious Organizations (8131), Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations (813), Translation and Interpretation Services (54193), Educational Services (611)
- SIC
- Services-Educational Services (8200), Communications Services, Nec (4899)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Assistive Hearing & Communication Access (Captioning, Hearing Support, Transcription) (EDAFAKAC)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Open Localization, Translation & Cultural Adaptation (EDAGAJAK), Interpretation, Translation & Language Access Training (Community Interpreting) (EDAAADAJ), Note-Taking, Interpreting & Communication Access Services (EDALAGAD)
Keywords
Where DOOR International is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Grand Rapids
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices3 records
Markets served
DOOR International business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Others
Revenue model
- Charitable Donations: Primary funding from individual donors, foundation grants, and faith-based partners who give online, by check, or via recurring gifts. DOOR commits to limiting administrative charges on donations to between 5% and 15% depending on partnership and project engagement.
- Institutional & Ministry Partner Funding: Restricted and unrestricted funding provided by strategic ministry and translation partners (e.g., ECFA-accredited channel organizations, Deaf Bible Society, SIL, United Bible Societies, Finishing the Task) for specific translation and church-planting projects.
- Online Content Distribution (Free Access): Bible translations, training videos, and ministry stories are freely distributed via DOOR's website, YouTube, and Rutube channels — not monetized as a revenue stream but used to support donor cultivation and prayer support.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Annual | Donor-funded non-profit; administrative overhead capped at 5–15% per project |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels7 records
DOOR International product offering
Product offeringCore offering
DOOR International is a Christian non-profit ministry that partners with Deaf believers to translate Scripture into national sign languages and plant Deaf-led churches globally. Its core work centers on two pillars: (1) Sign Language Bible Translation using a proprietary Chronological Bible Translation (CBT) framework validated through FOBAI-aligned community-check methodology, and (2) Evangelism and Church Planting delivered through Deaf 2-by-2 missionary teams across Africa, South Asia, and beyond. All Scripture translations, training content, and ministry resources are provided free of charge to Deaf communities.
Product overview
DOOR International ("Deaf Reaching Deaf for Christ") operates as a unified ministry platform rather than a discrete software product. Its offering centers on two interrelated pillars: (1) Evangelism and Church Planting — delivered through the 2-by-2 Ministry and CEDAR Program and supported by the Nehemiah School for Deaf adult education — and (2) Sign Language Bible Translation, organized under the Chronological Bible Translation (CBT) framework ("Know God How," "Follow God How," "Serve God How"). The translation work is realized as a portfolio of language-specific sub-products, including the ASL Chronological Bible Translation, Kenyan, Ugandan, Tanzanian, Nigerian, Burundian, Ghanaian, Mozambican, South Sudanese, and Ethiopian Sign Language Bibles, four Indian sign language editions (Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala), the Chiwit Sign Language Bible, and the Russian Sign Language Bible (РДГ / Библия за глухи - БЖЕ). Supplementary public-facing outputs include the annual DOOR Annual Report and a steady stream of impact stories ("I Want to Know" series, "40 Years and Counting," etc.).
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Evangelism and Church Planting DOOR's flagship outreach initiative that plants and supports Deaf-led churches and evangelism/discipleship efforts in countries around the world, complemented by the 2-by-2 ministry and CEDAR training program. Targeted at unreached Deaf populations and supported by Deaf pastors, missionaries, and 2-by-2 teams across roughly 20 countries.
- Sign Language Bible Translation Core program that translates Bible passages into multiple national sign languages using a Chronological Bible Translation (CBT) framework organized into Know God How, Follow God How, and Serve God How segments. Translation is performed by Deaf-led teams using FOBAI-aligned community-check methodology; all content is provided free to Deaf communities.
- ASL Chronological Bible Translation American Sign Language edition of DOOR's Chronological Bible Translation, distributed via the partner Deaf Harbor platform and the DOOR International YouTube channel, with a Daily Access Bible story library used across generations of Deaf believers.
- Ghanaian Sign Language Bible (KGH/GSL) Ghanaian Sign Language Bible translation comprising 110 passages plus book-by-book stories (Genesis through Revelation) organized under Know God How, Follow God How, and Serve God How. All 110 passages are available on YouTube channel UCGA_n0hO9ohb-zGLpbeuJvQ and doorinternational.org following FOBAI-aligned community checks in Tamale, Ghana.
- Kenyan Sign Language Bible Kenyan Sign Language translation of Scripture produced by Deaf-led translation teams at DOOR's Kenya campus, including portions such as Genesis 3 and other chronologically organized passages, with translation activity coordinated by consultant Jared.
- Nehemiah School DOOR's training program for Deaf adults, staffed by an Instructional Coordinator responsible for designing, implementing, and evaluating curricula aligned with Biblical teachings to develop Deaf leaders globally. Targets existing or aspiring Deaf pastors, missionaries, and church-planting leaders across DOOR's countries of operation.
- 2-by-2 Ministry Discipleship and church-planting ministry model in which Deaf 2-by-2 teams are sent to unreached Deaf populations, raise up local Deaf leaders, then relocate to plant new ministries elsewhere. Active in countries including Burundi, Tanzania, India (South Asia), and others, with Africa coordination by Benard Thuku and Tanzania team leadership by Oscar and Eliatosha.
- CEDAR Program Deaf leadership development and scripture engagement program that supports the global Deaf-led Bible translation movement. Referenced in DOOR's Video Editor job description and aligned with the Chronological Bible Translation framework for multiplying Deaf-led Scripture engagement.
Quantifiable outcome
- Less than 2% of the world's 70 million Deaf people know and follow Jesus — the gap DOOR exists to close.
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use DOOR International
Customer profileSegments5 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
DOOR International technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature5 records
DOOR International partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
20 partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.
- Africa Deaf Mission (ADMA)coreListed as an Organizational Partner. ADMA is a fellow Deaf-focused ministry working across Africa; DOOR partners with ADMA to reach Deaf communities in African countries, combining strengths and multiplying reach.
- Asia Pacific South Deaf Association (APSDA)coreOrganizational Partner that extends DOOR's reach across Asia Pacific Deaf communities; cited as a like-minded ministry alliance partner.
- Deaf Bible SocietyflagshipDirect partner in advancing sign-language Scripture access; co-distributes translated Bible content and aligns on Deaf-led translation standards.
- Deaf HarborcoreDeaf-focused media/communications partner featured as both an Organizational Partner and a destination platform DOOR links to for distributing signed content.
- Ethiopian Deaf Christian Association (EDCA)coreNational Deaf Christian association partner supporting DOOR's Ethiopian Sign Language Bible translation and church-planting activities.
- ETEN (Eternal Word Television Network translation partner)minorBible translation and dissemination partner listed at eten.bible; co-develops and distributes Scripture translation outputs.
- Finishing the TaskcoreMovement alliance aimed at finishing the Great Commission among unreached people groups, including Deaf communities; cited as a like-minded ministry partner.
- Seed CompanyflagshipMajor Bible translation acceleration partner supporting sign-language translation projects and methodologies alongside DOOR.
- SIL International (Sign Languages)flagshipLinguistics and translation partner supporting DOOR's sign-language translation work and methodology; one of the largest external Bible translation agencies.
- United Bible Societies (UBS)flagshipGlobal alliance of Bible societies partnering with DOOR on distribution and recognition of translated Scripture in sign languages.
- ADLSA (African Deaf Leadership Southern Africa)coreListed as an Organizational Partner supporting Deaf leadership development in Southern Africa; co-advances the Deaf-led ministry model.
- Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA)flagshipDOOR is a member of ECFA and complies fully with its rules for Christian ministries; provides external accountability and donor confidence.
- Forum of Bible Agencies International (FOBAI)flagshipFOBAI sets the Translation Basic Principles and Procedures (CANA — Clear, Accurate, Natural, Acceptable) standards that DOOR uses for sign-language Bible translation community checks.
- Forum of Bible Agencies International — North America (FOBAI NA)minorRegional FOBAI affiliate listed under DOOR's affiliations.
- Alliance for the UnreachedcoreAffiliation network focused on unreached people groups, including Deaf communities; co-advocates for completing the Great Commission.
- Billion.globalminorListed as an affiliation partner supporting global gospel access initiatives.
- GACX (Global Alliance for Church Multiplication)minorChurch multiplication network listed as an affiliation; aligns with DOOR's church-planting mission among Deaf communities.
- International Orality Network (ION)minorOrality-focused mission network listed as an affiliation; relevant for sign-language storytelling methodology.
- Missio NexusminorMission-sending network affiliation providing peer collaboration for North American mission agencies.
- Wycliffe Global AllianceflagshipMajor Bible translation alliance affiliation; provides linguistic expertise and infrastructure that supports DOOR's sign-language translation work.
Scale indicators8 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
DOOR International competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- SIL International: Large established linguistics and Bible translation agency that partners with DOOR on sign-language methodology. Comparable in Bible-translation output but operates across all language types (spoken and signed), not exclusively Deaf.
- Seed Company: Major Bible translation acceleration partner supporting DOOR's sign-language projects. Comparable as a translation funder and accelerator but serves all language types and is broader in scope.
- Wycliffe Global Alliance: Global Bible translation alliance that DOOR is affiliated with. Comparable in mission (Scripture translation for underserved language communities) but operates broadly across spoken languages and is much larger in scale.
- United Bible Societies (UBS): Global alliance of Bible societies partnering with DOOR on distribution and recognition of translated Scripture. Comparable in Scripture dissemination mission but operates across all languages and geographies at much greater scale.
- Pioneer Bible Translators: Bible translation and ministry organization sharing the Scripture-translation-for-underserved-languages mission. Comparable in product category but does not specialize in sign language or Deaf-led delivery.
- Gallaudet University: Premier university for Deaf and hard-of-hearing students. Comparable in serving the global Deaf community through education and research, but operates as an academic institution rather than a Bible-translation ministry.
Direct peers
- Asia Pacific South Deaf Association (APSDA): Direct peer Deaf-focused association extending Deaf ministry reach across Asia Pacific. DOOR's listed Organizational Partner; comparable in serving Deaf communities via church planting and leadership development.
- Africa Deaf Mission (ADMA): Direct peer Deaf-focused ministry working across Africa; listed as a DOOR Organizational Partner. Shares the Deaf-led ministry model and overlapping geographic footprint, making it a close operational comparable.
- Deaf Bible Society: Direct peer focused on producing and distributing sign-language Bible translations globally. Shares the same beneficiary population (Deaf communities) and co-distributes content with DOOR, making it the closest comparable in mission and product.
Others
- Finishing the Task: Movement coalition of ministries working to complete the Great Commission among unreached people groups, including Deaf. Listed as a DOOR affiliate; comparable as an ecosystem enabler rather than a direct ministry operator.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
DOOR International social profiles
Digital presenceDOOR International compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance2 records
DOOR International financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
DOOR International leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles4 records
DOOR International funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
DOOR International M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about DOOR International
What does DOOR International do?
DOOR International is a Christian non-profit ministry that partners with Deaf believers to translate Scripture into national sign languages and plant Deaf-led churches globally. Its core work centers on two pillars: (1) Sign Language Bible Translation using a proprietary Chronological Bible Translation (CBT) framework validated through FOBAI-aligned community-check methodology, and (2) Evangelism and Church Planting delivered through Deaf 2-by-2 missionary teams across Africa, South Asia, and beyond. All Scripture translations, training content, and ministry resources are provided free of charge to Deaf communities.
Is DOOR International a public or private company?
DOOR International is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was DOOR International founded?
DOOR International was founded in 1983. It employs 251 to 500 people.
Where is DOOR International based?
DOOR International is headquartered in Grand Rapids, United States, in the North America region.
How does DOOR International make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Charitable Donations are the primary driver. The others are institutional & Ministry Partner Funding and online Content Distribution (Free Access).
Who are DOOR International's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are SIL International, Seed Company, Wycliffe Global Alliance, United Bible Societies (UBS), Pioneer Bible Translators and Gallaudet University. Direct peers are Asia Pacific South Deaf Association (APSDA), Africa Deaf Mission (ADMA) and Deaf Bible Society. Finishing the Task is listed as an others.
Does DOOR International have an API?
No public API is recorded for DOOR International.
What industry is DOOR International in?
DOOR International's product category is Faith-based Christian Ministry Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAFAKAC, Assistive Hearing & Communication Access (Captioning, Hearing Support, Transcription), with a secondary code of EDAGAJAK, Open Localization, Translation & Cultural Adaptation. Its NAICS code is 8131 and its SIC code is 8200.