Frequently Asked Questions

Members must be 21 years of age or older. 

The Gideons International is a diverse association representing many Protestant and evangelical denominations—all with a common interest in spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ. 

All Gideons uphold these core beliefs:

• The Bible is inspired, infallible, and inerrant Word of God
• The Lord Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God

All Gideons must also:

• Have received Jesus as their personal Savior
• Endeavor to follow Him in their daily lives
• Believe in the lake of fire for the unsaved
• Believe in the Biblical standard of marriage between one biological man and one biological woman
• Not be generally accepted or recognized as a practicing clergyman, pastor, minister of a church, evangelist, or missionary
• Be members in good standing of a local evangelical or Protestant church
• Have the recommendation of their pastors

Gideons must be Christian business or professional men who meet specific occupational standards in addition to spiritual qualifications. A businessman is one who owns, manages, or leads a business with a consistent local presence and demonstrates key leadership and decision-making responsibilities. A professional man is one who holds a bachelor’s or advanced degree (or equivalent experience) and applies it in a recognized field, such as law, medicine, engineering, education, or military/government leadership (E5 rank or higher).

These occupational requirements are essential because the day-to-day ministry of The Gideons International is done at the grassroots level by business and professional men serving together in local camps. Their roles often involve building relationships with institutional leaders and pastors—most of whom are also business or professional people—and their training and flexible schedules enable them to carry out ministry during normal business hours. 

Wives of Gideons support their husbands’ calling and assist him in his ministry endeavors through membership in The Auxiliary of The Gideons International. Through prayer, fellowship, and service, they play a vital role in winning others for Christ. Auxiliary members stand firm in faith—offering encouragement, discernment, and steadfast support. 

 No. Just as there are many organizations designed for women, our unique focus is equipping Christian business and professional men, with their wives alongside them. If would still like to support the ministry of Gideons worldwide through prayer and financial support, plus access resources to help you share your faith with others, we encourage you to join Friends of The Gideons. Learn more by visiting FriendsOfGideons.org. 

Members must be 21 years of age or older. 

The Gideons International is a diverse association representing many Protestant and evangelical denominations—all with a common interest in spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ. 

All Gideons uphold these core beliefs:

• The Bible is inspired, infallible, and inerrant Word of God
• The Lord Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God

All Gideons must also:

• Have received Jesus as their personal Savior
• Endeavor to follow Him in their daily lives
• Believe in the lake of fire for the unsaved
• Believe in the Biblical standard of marriage between one biological man and one biological woman
• Not be generally accepted or recognized as a practicing clergyman, pastor, minister of a church, evangelist, or missionary
• Be members in good standing of a local evangelical or Protestant church
• Have the recommendation of their pastors

Gideons must be Christian business or professional men who meet specific occupational standards in addition to spiritual qualifications. A businessman is one who owns, manages, or leads a business with a consistent local presence and demonstrates key leadership and decision-making responsibilities. A professional man is one who holds a bachelor’s or advanced degree (or equivalent experience) and applies it in a recognized field, such as law, medicine, engineering, education, or military/government leadership (E5 rank or higher).

These occupational requirements are essential because the day-to-day ministry of The Gideons International is done at the grassroots level by business and professional men serving together in local camps. Their roles often involve building relationships with institutional leaders and pastors—most of whom are also business or professional people—and their training and flexible schedules enable them to carry out ministry during normal business hours. 

Wives of Gideons support their husbands’ calling and assist him in his ministry endeavors through membership in The Auxiliary of The Gideons International. Through prayer, fellowship, and service, they play a vital role in winning others for Christ. Auxiliary members stand firm in faith—offering encouragement, discernment, and steadfast support.