Biglife International 
The information on this page was last updated 2/3/2023. If you see errors or omissions, please email: [email protected]
Summary
Biglife trains believers to make disciples of Jesus, leading to disciple-making movements. Biglife empowers believers worldwide to reach and disciple their own people for Jesus, so that disciple-making movements of God can grow and grow all over the world. We've seen these movements of God happen in places where it takes great faith to even be a Christian, let alone share your faith. It can happen anywhere.
Contact information
Mailing address:
Biglife International Inc.
P.O. Box 110431
Naples, FL 34108
Website: big.life
Phone: 855-244-5433
Email: [email protected]
Organization details
EIN: 651060939
CEO/President: John Heerema
Chairman: Patrick Stuart
Board size: 9
Founder:
Ruling year: 2003
Tax deductible: Yes
Fiscal year end: 12/31
Member of ECFA: Yes
Member of ECFA since: 2009
Purpose
We envision radically obedient disciples in every nation turning the world upside down for Jesus Christ.
Mission statement
Empowering believers worldwide to reach and disciple their own people for Jesus Christ. Biglife is a faith-based ministry committed to spreading the good news of Jesus Christ through personalized interactions, one-on-one training, and the commitment to ongoing discipleship and multiplication.
Statement of faith
Scripture
Scripture is the inspired Word of God, comprised of the 66 books of the Bible, which are entirely reliable and truthful. Scripture stands as the central authority over our lives, our faith and the direction of our ministry. It is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training. (2 Peter 1:19-21; 2 Tim 3:16-17)
God the Father, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit
Three persons eternally share the Divine Nature as One God. The Bible refers to these persons as the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. God is both self-existent and personal. (John 14:10, 26; 15:26)
Jesus Christ, the Son, born of a virgin, is fully God and fully human. He lived a sinless life, died for the sins of humankind, was resurrected bodily on the third day, ascended into heaven and is coming again as King and Judge. Jesus Christ is the only provision that God has given for people to be reconciled to Him. Jesus' life on earth, is the Father's revelation of His nature, and also serves as the model for the Christian life. (John 14:6; Acts 4:12)
The Holy Spirit is God. He draws us to Christ, and indwells us at the moment we place our faith in Christ. He empowers us to live an effective Christian life by affirming our salvation, encouraging us and giving us the strength to live a life that is pleasing to God and personally fulfilling. (John 14:16-17; Ephesians 1:13-14)
People
Human beings are created in the image of God. As such, we are unique among all of God's creation. However, people have turned against God and disobeyed His commands. Sin's consequences result in physical and spiritual death for all humankind. Humanity lives in a state of alienation and profound need which can only be satisfied by reconciliation with God through Christ. Without this reconciliation, all people stand under God's righteous judgment. Humanity, although fallen, maintains the image of God and is, therefore, still dignified and unique. God continues to love us and reach out to us, even though we are hostile to Him. Believers in Jesus Christ receive a new nature that becomes the foundation for a process of transformation. (Genesis 1:27-31; John 3:16; 2 Corinthians 5:17)
Salvation
Salvation is reconciliation with God through the atoning work of Jesus Christ on the cross. God offers us salvation by His grace alone and we receive it as a gift through personal faith in Jesus Christ. This right standing before God must be received and cannot be earned. God freely offers salvation to all people, and our salvation is secure. (Ephesians 2:8,9; Romans 8:38,39; Ephesians 1:13; 2:4)
Marriage
Marriage is between one man and one woman. Anything outside of this is a willful act of rebellion against how God wants the people he created to live. (Genesis 2:20-24; Romans 1:26-27)
The Church (Ekklesia)
The church (Greek word: Ekklesia) is composed of all those throughout history who place saving faith in Jesus Christ. It also is used in a local context as "Those who Christ has called out to gather together". The Ekklesia is not an institution, but a people. God wants all Christians to live out their spiritual lives in a corporate context. This context of Christian relationships is a crucial feature of our witness for Christ as it reflects God's character to the world. The Ekklesia is God's chosen instrument through which the message of salvation is spread to all people. This mission is the central purpose for the Ekklesia. All believers are commanded to carry the good news locally and worldwide, making disciples as we go and also demonstrating the gospel by relevant social love and action through our words and deeds. (John 13:34-35; 1 Corinthians 12:12-26; Matthew 28:19; Matthew 18:20; 1 Peter 2:5,9)
The Second Coming
This age will conclude with the personal, bodily return of Christ. At that time, He will complete God's plan to reestablish His just and righteous rule over all humanity. There will be a resurrection of all humankind. Those that are saved through Jesus Christ will spend eternity with God in the new heaven and earth and those who are not will spend eternity in torment separated from God. Therefore, because eternal issues are at stake, there is an urgency to communicate the gospel. (Matthew 25:46; 2 Thessalonians 1:5-10; Matthew 24:29-31; Revelation chapters 20-22)
Donor confidence score
Transparency grade
A
To understand our transparency grade, click here.
Financial efficiency ratings
Sector: Foreign Missions
| Category | Rating | Overall rank | Sector rank |
| Overall efficiency rating | | 865 of 1104 | 111 of 143 |
| Fund acquisition rating | | 1064 of 1105 | 135 of 143 |
| Resource allocation rating | | 948 of 1105 | 124 of 143 |
| Asset utilization rating | | 198 of 1104 | 26 of 143 |
Financial ratios
| Funding ratios | Sector median | 2022 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 |
Return on fundraising efforts Return on fundraising efforts = Fundraising expense / Total contributions | 6% | 18% | 11% | 20% | 7% | 12% |
Fundraising cost ratio Fundraising cost ratio = Fundraising expense / Total revenue | 5% | 19% | 11% | 19% | 7% | 12% |
Contributions reliance Contributions reliance = Total contributions / Total revenue | 99% | 102% | 99% | 98% | 102% | 100% |
Fundraising expense ratio Fundraising expense ratio = Fundraising expense / Total expenses | 5% | 19% | 13% | 18% | 14% | 13% |
Other revenue reliance Other revenue reliance = Total other revenue / Total revenue | 1% | -2% | 1% | 2% | -2% | 0% |
| Operating ratios | Sector median | 2022 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 |
Program expense ratio Program expense ratio = Program services / Total expenses | 84% | 75% | 81% | 76% | 76% | 79% |
Spending ratio Spending ratio = Total expenses / Total revenue | 99% | 100% | 87% | 105% | 50% | 91% |
Program output ratio Program output ratio = Program services / Total revenue | 82% | 74% | 70% | 80% | 38% | 72% |
Savings ratio Savings ratio = Surplus (deficit) / Total revenue | 1% | 0% | 13% | -5% | 50% | 9% |
Reserve accumulation rate Reserve accumulation rate = Surplus (deficit) / Net assets | 2% | 0% | 16% | -6% | 71% | 20% |
General and admin ratio General and admin ratio = Management and general expense / Total expenses | 8% | 7% | 6% | 6% | 11% | 8% |
| Investing ratios | Sector median | 2022 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 |
Total asset turnover Total asset turnover = Total expenses / Total assets | 1.35 | 2.31 | 1.05 | 1.09 | 0.70 | 2.15 |
Degree of long-term investment Degree of long-term investment = Total assets / Total current assets | 1.22 | 2.00 | 1.29 | 1.18 | 1.04 | 1.07 |
Current asset turnover Current asset turnover = Total expenses / Total current assets | 2.02 | 4.62 | 1.36 | 1.28 | 0.73 | 2.30 |
| Liquidity ratios | Sector median | 2022 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 |
Current ratio Current ratio = Total current assets / Total current liabilities | 19.08 | 5.76 | 70.60 | 29.14 | 41.32 | 0.00 |
Current liabilities ratio Current liabilities ratio = Total current liabilities / Total current assets | 0.05 | 0.17 | 0.01 | 0.03 | 0.02 | 0.00 |
Liquid reserve level Liquid reserve level = (Total current assets - Total current liabilities) / (Total expenses / 12) | 5.58 | 2.15 | 8.73 | 9.03 | 16.10 | 5.23 |
| Solvency ratios | Sector median | 2022 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 |
Liabilities ratio Liabilities ratio = Total liabilities / Total assets | 7% | 12% | 1% | 3% | 2% | 0% |
Debt ratio Debt ratio = Debt / Total assets | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
Reserve coverage ratio Reserve coverage ratio = Net assets / Total expenses | 68% | 38% | 94% | 89% | 139% | 47% |
Financials
| Balance sheet | |||||
| Assets | 2022 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 |
| Cash | $3,036,039 | $4,320,005 | $3,988,687 | $4,774,818 | $1,239,066 |
| Receivables, inventories, prepaids | $45,172 | $51,537 | $144,931 | $170,785 | $0 |
| Short-term investments | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Other current assets | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total current assets | $3,081,211 | $4,371,542 | $4,133,618 | $4,945,603 | $1,239,066 |
| Long-term investments | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Fixed assets | $2,863,054 | $1,275,940 | $752,907 | $188,578 | $51,232 |
| Other long-term assets | $228,342 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $35,500 |
| Total long-term assets | $3,091,396 | $1,275,940 | $752,907 | $188,578 | $86,732 |
| Total assets | $6,172,607 | $5,647,482 | $4,886,525 | $5,134,181 | $1,325,798 |
| Liabilities | 2022 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 |
| Payables and accrued expenses | $535,000 | $61,921 | $141,831 | $119,683 | $0 |
| Other current liabilities | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total current liabilities | $535,000 | $61,921 | $141,831 | $119,683 | $0 |
| Debt | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Due to (from) affiliates | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Other long-term liabilities | $229,246 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total long-term liabilities | $229,246 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total liabilities | $764,246 | $61,921 | $141,831 | $119,683 | $0 |
| Net assets | 2022 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 |
| Without donor restrictions | $2,836,809 | $4,916,166 | $3,967,500 | $3,891,371 | $498,469 |
| With donor restrictions | $2,571,552 | $669,395 | $777,194 | $1,123,127 | $827,329 |
| Net assets | $5,408,361 | $5,585,561 | $4,744,694 | $5,014,498 | $1,325,798 |
| Revenues and expenses | |||||
| Revenue | 2022 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 |
| Total contributions | $14,530,449 | $6,778,673 | $4,943,525 | $7,314,788 | $3,111,298 |
| Program service revenue | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Membership dues | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Investment income | $10,326 | $39,631 | $91,475 | $54,198 | $2,888 |
| Other revenue | ($273,483) | $0 | $0 | ($196,865) | $0 |
| Total other revenue | ($263,157) | $39,631 | $91,475 | ($142,667) | $2,888 |
| Total revenue | $14,267,292 | $6,818,304 | $5,035,000 | $7,172,121 | $3,114,186 |
| Expenses | 2022 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 |
| Program services | $10,626,846 | $4,786,033 | $4,011,175 | $2,727,611 | $2,240,695 |
| Management and general | $945,245 | $362,399 | $315,897 | $381,427 | $231,350 |
| Fundraising | $2,671,992 | $777,397 | $977,732 | $486,996 | $373,523 |
| Total expenses | $14,244,083 | $5,925,829 | $5,304,804 | $3,596,034 | $2,845,568 |
| Change in net assets | 2022 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 |
| Surplus (deficit) | $23,209 | $892,475 | ($269,804) | $3,576,087 | $268,618 |
| Other changes in net assets | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total change in net assets | $23,209 | $892,475 | ($269,804) | $3,576,087 | $268,618 |
Compensation
| Name | Title | Compensation |
| John Heerema | CEO | $261,046 |
| Jeff Gibson | President | $201,766 |
| Matthew Schneider | NE Training Coordinator | $185,022 |
| Forrest Head | COO | $184,566 |
| Jim Evans | CFO | $168,731 |
| Gregory Pawlowski | Advancement Officer | $130,502 |
| Burt Twomey | Advancement Officer | $128,831 |
| Beau Vore | Advancement Officer | $120,542 |
Compensation data as of: 12/31/2022
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 2/3/2023. To update the information below, please email: [email protected]
History
In 1999, a small group of people came together after reading that statistic, and were also derailed by the question, "Am I living a small life in my small little world? Or am I willing to live a big life, a life with big Kingdom impact?" Fearing the former and desiring the latter, they set out on a journey to discover what it means to live a big life for God.
Initially, their journey took them to Iran, Turkey, India and Pakistan in search of evidence that God was still at work in some of the most anti-Christian strongholds in the world. Once rich in faith, Europe and the Americas were also experiencing a steady shift toward apathy and unbelief. Nevertheless, this growing band of followers brought with them all that they had seen and heard as they experienced God moving mightily everywhere they went.
They began to study and follow the early gatherings of disciples outlined in the book of Acts. They devoted themselves to fellowship, teaching, prayer, and to the breaking of bread. They met together in homes, in villages, under trees, and in coffee shops. They shared their lives with one another daily, and ministered to those who had need wherever they might be found.
In response, God raised up more and more people and bound them together in ways so unlikely that only He could have orchestrated what would happen next. Since that first call to action in 1999, Biglife has seen the unprecedented, unified mobilization of God's people in over half of the nations on earth.
Through obedience to His commands to go, make disciples, baptize and teach, we are transcending cultures, languages, traditions, and denominations with a singular focus. We are a remnant of ordinary people, crisscrossing the globe with nothing more, nothing less, than the good news of Jesus Christ. And we are pushing forward together until the whole world knows.
This is the story of Biglife.
Program accomplishments
Needs
The world is full of entire nations that are lost and yearning for the redemptive hope and peace of Jesus Christ. These are the places where God is currently opening doors for Biglife-nations and states where the "return" on your investment is truly exponential. In fact, they are eternal.