BEE World 
The information on this page was last updated 1/30/2023. If you see errors or omissions, please email: [email protected]
Summary
With the exception of the U.S. and Europe, Christianity is expanding more today than at any other time in history. This explosive church growth is wonderful, yet it has resulted in a leadership crisis. In the 10/40 Window alone, more than 5 five million pastors lead their congregations without any kind of biblical training. Often, these pastors shepherd between 5 and 20 congregations.
BEE World missionaries travel three to four times a year to these limited-access regions. Coming in as a servant and in partnership with the leadership of local churches, they spend their time in a country facilitating Bible studies to mentor leaders. As students participate in this interactive learning and are confronted with biblical truths--sometimes for the first time--they often experience personal transformation. As a result, their families, congregations, and even communities become more aligned with Scriptural truths.
Our model is for students to:
Know the truth
Be true disciples
Do what God has revealed in Scripture
Contact information
Mailing address:
BEE World
990 Pinon Ranch View
Suite 100
Colorado Springs, CO 80907
Website: www.beeworld.org
Phone: (719) 488-5837
Email: [email protected]
Organization details
EIN: 742752161
CEO/President: David Semmelbeck
Chairman: James Bobo
Board size: 11
Founder:
Ruling year: 1996
Tax deductible: Yes
Fiscal year end: 12/31
Member of ECFA: Yes
Member of ECFA since: 2000
Purpose
BEE World's objective is to build indigenous BEE (Biblical Education by Extension) ministries by working alongside nationals towards their full ownership of an intentional training path that multiplies servant leaders. From the beginning of training, we work to see that national training ministries become self-propagating, self-financing, and self-governing.
Mission statement
To help the Church fulfill the Great Commission by providing biblical training that results in the multiplication of leading servants, with priority given to countries with limited access to training.
Statement of faith
The Bible
We believe the sixty-six books in the Old and New Testaments to be the fully inspired, infallible, authoritative Word of God, and to be completely free from error (inerrant) in the original manuscripts. We believe the Scriptures should be interpreted according to the intended meaning of the original author, as it would have been understood by those who heard him.
The Person of God
We believe there is one God, one in essence but eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit having precisely the same nature, attributes, and perfections and worthy of precisely the same homage, confidence, and obedience.
The Person of Christ
We believe that our Lord Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God, fully divine and fully human.
We believe 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.
The Salvation of the Lost
We believe that all men are sinful, lost, and destined for eternal judgment. Regeneration by the Holy Spirit is absolutely essential for the salvation of sinful men. Salvation is by grace through faith alone in Christ alone as our personal Savior apart from any works; it is a free gift. Furthermore, justification is not a process, but an event, received by faith when the righteousness of Christ is reckoned (imputed) to the believer's account once and for all (2 Cor 5:21).
Saving Faith
We believe that we receive salvation by faith alone in Christ alone. We believe that saving faith involves believing in Christ as who He is, our Lord and Savior, and confidently trusting in the finished work of Christ for the free gift of forgiveness of sins.
Discipleship
We believe that every believer is called to become a mature disciple of Christ by repenting (turning) from his or her sins and submitting daily to the Lordship of Christ in obedience to His teachings and will. It is impossible to please God
without submitting to His Lordship.
Evidence of Regeneration
We believe that good works will result from saving faith, but not necessarily as visibly as we desire them to appear and as consistently as the Lord desires them to appear. While discipleship and obedience to Christ as Lord is commended in the New Testament, it is possible for a true Christian to lapse into disobedience and finish his course walking as a mere man and saved "so as through fire" (1 Cor 3:15).
The Assurance of Salvation
The assurance of salvation is found by looking outward to Christ and the gospel promises, not by looking inward to the evidences of regeneration in the life of a person (Jn 3:36; 1 Jn 5:11-13; Rom 8:31-39). Assurance comes from the believer's contemplation of the gospel promises and the work of the Redeemer. The fruits of faith are helpful as secondary confirmations of one's regenerate state, but their absence does not necessarily invalidate a man's salvation. If a believer is walking biblically and looking dependently to Christ, he will progressively manifest more and more of the fruit of the Spirit and less and less of the works of the flesh (Rom 6:1, 11; 8:35-39; Heb 11:12).
Eternal Security
Those whom God has chosen before the foundation of the world, and regenerated by His Holy Spirit, can never fall away from salvation. Rather, they shall be preserved in a state of salvation to the final hour and be eternally saved (Jn 6:38-40; Jn 10:2729; Rom 5:9-11; 8:29-30).
The Motive for Godly Living
The motive for godly living is not to be found in either fear of losing salvation or wondering if one is saved. Rather, it is to be found (negatively) in the fear of disapproval at the Judgment Seat of Christ (1 Jn 2:28; 1 Cor 3:15), and (positively) in gratitude for a salvation already assured and in anticipation of hearing the Master say, "Well done!" (Mt 25:21; 1 Cor 9:24-27; 2 Cor 5:10). Salvation and rewards are distinct. Salvation comes to us freely without cost via believing. Rewards come to us by faith working through love (Gal 5:6), a life of perseverance in good
works.
The Ministry of the Holy Spirit
We believe in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit whose indwelling and filling enables the Christian to live a godly life. This work of the Holy Spirit in cooperation with the believer (Phil 2:12-13) is called progressive sanctification.
We believe that all believers are baptized by the Holy Spirit at the point in time they believe (1 Cor 12:13). The Baptism of the Holy Spirit is the ministry of the Holy Spirit by which He places us into the body of Christ, not as a subsequent experience to saving faith.
The Role of Spiritual Gifts and Miracles
We believe that in His sovereignty, God still performs miracles today as He chooses, often in response to prayer, most commonly in areas of the world where the gospel is advancing into new territory, thereby giving testimony to the truth of the gospel of Christ.
The Future Resurrection
We believe in the bodily resurrection and judgment of all individuals. Believers are resurrected to enjoy eternal life with God, and unbelievers are resurrected to eternal suffering apart from God.
The Church
We believe that all who are united to the risen and ascended Son of God are members of Christ's one invisible and universal church. We also believe that local churches exist as expressions of the universal body of Christ, and are essential in the plan and purpose of God.
The Great Commission
We believe it is the responsibility of all who are saved to work toward the fulfillment of the Great Commission. The Great Commission involves four things: (1) witnessing in the power of the Holy Spirit by preaching (i.e., proclaiming) the gospel (Acts 1:8; Mk 16:15); (2) making disciples of all peoples (ethne); (3) baptizing; (4) and teaching all that Christ commanded (Mt 28:18-20).
Donor confidence score
Transparency grade
C
To understand our transparency grade, click here.
Financial efficiency ratings
Sector: Evangelism Support
| Category | Rating | Overall rank | Sector rank |
| Overall efficiency rating | | 858 of 1106 | 27 of 35 |
| Fund acquisition rating | | 683 of 1107 | 26 of 35 |
| Resource allocation rating | | 969 of 1107 | 29 of 35 |
| Asset utilization rating | | 540 of 1106 | 20 of 35 |
Financial ratios
| Funding ratios | Sector median | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 |
Return on fundraising efforts Return on fundraising efforts = Fundraising expense / Total contributions | 6% | 8% | 9% | 7% | 10% | 8% |
Fundraising cost ratio Fundraising cost ratio = Fundraising expense / Total revenue | 6% | 8% | 9% | 7% | 9% | 8% |
Contributions reliance Contributions reliance = Total contributions / Total revenue | 99% | 100% | 96% | 99% | 100% | 100% |
Fundraising expense ratio Fundraising expense ratio = Fundraising expense / Total expenses | 5% | 9% | 9% | 8% | 9% | 8% |
Other revenue reliance Other revenue reliance = Total other revenue / Total revenue | 1% | 0% | 4% | 1% | 0% | 0% |
| Operating ratios | Sector median | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 |
Program expense ratio Program expense ratio = Program services / Total expenses | 84% | 75% | 78% | 77% | 75% | 78% |
Spending ratio Spending ratio = Total expenses / Total revenue | 97% | 86% | 97% | 85% | 102% | 100% |
Program output ratio Program output ratio = Program services / Total revenue | 83% | 64% | 76% | 65% | 77% | 77% |
Savings ratio Savings ratio = Surplus (deficit) / Total revenue | 3% | 14% | 3% | 15% | -2% | 0% |
Reserve accumulation rate Reserve accumulation rate = Surplus (deficit) / Net assets | 4% | 22% | 5% | 34% | -6% | 0% |
General and admin ratio General and admin ratio = Management and general expense / Total expenses | 12% | 16% | 13% | 15% | 16% | 14% |
| Investing ratios | Sector median | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 |
Total asset turnover Total asset turnover = Total expenses / Total assets | 1.17 | 1.17 | 1.71 | 1.74 | 2.06 | 1.98 |
Degree of long-term investment Degree of long-term investment = Total assets / Total current assets | 1.33 | 1.61 | 1.88 | 2.02 | 2.81 | 2.91 |
Current asset turnover Current asset turnover = Total expenses / Total current assets | 1.69 | 1.88 | 3.20 | 3.52 | 5.79 | 5.77 |
| Liquidity ratios | Sector median | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 |
Current ratio Current ratio = Total current assets / Total current liabilities | 39.03 | 39.39 | 24.46 | 22.68 | 14.21 | 3.29 |
Current liabilities ratio Current liabilities ratio = Total current liabilities / Total current assets | 0.03 | 0.03 | 0.04 | 0.04 | 0.07 | 0.30 |
Liquid reserve level Liquid reserve level = (Total current assets - Total current liabilities) / (Total expenses / 12) | 6.59 | 6.22 | 3.59 | 3.26 | 1.93 | 1.45 |
| Solvency ratios | Sector median | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 |
Liabilities ratio Liabilities ratio = Total liabilities / Total assets | 6% | 9% | 10% | 10% | 31% | 31% |
Debt ratio Debt ratio = Debt / Total assets | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 19% | 21% |
Reserve coverage ratio Reserve coverage ratio = Net assets / Total expenses | 79% | 78% | 52% | 52% | 33% | 35% |
Financials
| Balance sheet | |||||
| Assets | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 |
| Cash | $1,699,580 | $1,139,458 | $996,471 | $545,820 | $548,521 |
| Receivables, inventories, prepaids | $73,374 | $54,367 | $24,711 | $52,995 | $43,033 |
| Short-term investments | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Other current assets | $17,789 | $30,015 | $49,236 | $69,122 | $89,556 |
| Total current assets | $1,790,743 | $1,223,840 | $1,070,418 | $667,937 | $681,110 |
| Long-term investments | $207,157 | $189,641 | $162,864 | $182,843 | $168,225 |
| Fixed assets | $877,973 | $885,073 | $927,233 | $1,027,548 | $1,133,000 |
| Other long-term assets | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total long-term assets | $1,085,130 | $1,074,714 | $1,090,097 | $1,210,391 | $1,301,225 |
| Total assets | $2,875,873 | $2,298,554 | $2,160,515 | $1,878,328 | $1,982,335 |
| Liabilities | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 |
| Payables and accrued expenses | $45,465 | $50,032 | $47,200 | $47,003 | $39,087 |
| Other current liabilities | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $168,225 |
| Total current liabilities | $45,465 | $50,032 | $47,200 | $47,003 | $207,312 |
| Debt | $0 | $0 | $0 | $360,000 | $410,000 |
| Due to (from) affiliates | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Other long-term liabilities | $207,157 | $189,641 | $162,864 | $182,843 | $0 |
| Total long-term liabilities | $207,157 | $189,641 | $162,864 | $542,843 | $410,000 |
| Total liabilities | $252,622 | $239,673 | $210,064 | $589,846 | $617,312 |
| Net assets | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 |
| Without donor restrictions | $602,578 | $515,109 | $534,453 | $116,701 | $285,229 |
| With donor restrictions | $2,020,673 | $1,543,772 | $1,415,998 | $1,171,781 | $1,079,794 |
| Net assets | $2,623,251 | $2,058,881 | $1,950,451 | $1,288,482 | $1,365,023 |
| Revenues and expenses | |||||
| Revenue | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 |
| Total contributions | $3,913,735 | $3,876,040 | $4,391,288 | $3,774,623 | $3,924,201 |
| Program service revenue | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Membership dues | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Investment income | $6,745 | $19,885 | $6,212 | $2,710 | $170 |
| Other revenue | $11,714 | $134,611 | $33,027 | $14,532 | $9,557 |
| Total other revenue | $18,459 | $154,496 | $39,239 | $17,242 | $9,727 |
| Total revenue | $3,932,194 | $4,030,536 | $4,430,527 | $3,791,865 | $3,933,928 |
| Expenses | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 |
| Program services | $2,530,879 | $3,050,207 | $2,895,403 | $2,905,305 | $3,043,797 |
| Management and general | $529,896 | $518,428 | $553,521 | $604,395 | $555,260 |
| Fundraising | $307,049 | $353,471 | $319,634 | $358,706 | $328,097 |
| Total expenses | $3,367,824 | $3,922,106 | $3,768,558 | $3,868,406 | $3,927,154 |
| Change in net assets | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 |
| Surplus (deficit) | $564,370 | $108,430 | $661,969 | ($76,541) | $6,774 |
| Other changes in net assets | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total change in net assets | $564,370 | $108,430 | $661,969 | ($76,541) | $6,774 |
Compensation
| Name | Title | Compensation |
| Al Bridges Part-year Chairman | Board Member & Advisor | $108,613 |
| David Semmelbeck | President | $106,329 |
| Sandra Heritage-Culbertson | Corporate Secretary | $60,959 |
| Joseph Dillow | Board Member | $18,000 |
Compensation data as of: 12/31/2019
Response from ministry
No response has been provided by this ministry.
The information below was provided to MinistryWatch by the ministry itself. It was last updated 1/30/2023. To update the information below, please email: [email protected]
History
It all began in 1979 when a few men had a vision for supporting the church behind the Iron Curtain. Knowing the church was struggling, they connected 12 Christian mission organizations to consider how to support the church at risk. In a great collaboration, they developed a comprehensive biblical training program for those beleaguered pastors. That partnership became known as Biblical Education by Extension (BEE) and allowed them to leverage limited resources to meet this great need. The new curriculum was purposefully written to be effective across denominational and cultural boundaries.
Additionally, the curriculum was packaged and delivered in a mentorship/discipleship model--called Facilitation--that allowed the pastors and church leaders to replicate the training with their fellow countrymen. Using the 2 Timothy 2:2 biblical directive of "training faithful men who will train others," students who received training were encouraged to start their 2nd generation groups. This dynamic is known as Multiplication, a strategy to address the overwhelming need to deliver biblical training to pastors who did not have access to traditional means.
Once the material was translated into the language of the country, the potential for training became limitless. Though the training began with pastors and church leaders, eventually pastor's wives--often called on to teach other women and children--also wanted to receive training, and a Women's Ministry was born.
When the Iron Curtain fell, God opened the door for the ministry to expand into East Asia, Southeast Asia, Central Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. This model has proven effective for over 40 years, on 4 continents, in over 34 countries--and hundreds of thousands of students have been trained. Praise God!