Pioneer Bible Translators — Organization Profile
Pioneer Bible Translators (often abbreviated PBT) is a Christian missions organization focused on Bible translation for spoken and signed languages that do not yet have Scripture, paired with church planting and discipleship among least-reached people groups. The ministry is based in Dallas, Texas, and has been serving in Bible translation work since 1976.
PBT describes its mission as discipling the Bibleless by mobilizing God’s people to provide enduring access to God’s Word. In other words, translation is not treated as the finish line. Pioneer Bible Translators emphasizes that a project is not considered complete until translated Scripture is accessible and being used by a local church community in ways that strengthen disciples and support church multiplication.
The organization’s “Pioneer” identity highlights who they prioritize: communities at the margins, including people who are marginalized, those in hard-to-access places, and those who are Deaf. Alongside spoken-language translation, Pioneer Bible Translators maintains a distinct focus through its Deaf Ministries, addressing the reality that many Deaf communities worldwide still lack Scripture in the sign languages they understand best.
PBT’s ministry model integrates several connected strategies. Their work involves translation and consultant support, but also literacy and Scripture engagement so communities can actually use the translated text. PBT also emphasizes incarnational ministry—long-term presence and relationships—along with discipleship and evangelistic efforts that help new believers and emerging churches grow around God’s Word in their heart language.
Pioneer Bible Translators also works to mobilize churches and individuals to engage with the Bible translation movement. Opportunities include giving toward translation work (including a “translate a verse” giving emphasis), praying with the ministry, exploring careers and roles, and partnering through church-based initiatives and events. One example of a church-facing resource is the Bible Translation Display, a visual tool designed to help congregations understand global translation progress and the remaining need.
As a global ministry, Pioneer Bible Translators reports active work in 29 countries and 123 languages, with a stated impact across 189 million language speakers. Through partnerships in the broader Bible translation movement, PBT’s long-term vision is to see churches using Scripture to grow, mature, and multiply in every language community on earth by 2050.
Key Links
- Website: https://pioneerbible.org/
- About: https://pioneerbible.org/about
- Who We Are: https://pioneerbible.org/about/who-we-are
- Leadership: https://pioneerbible.org/about/leadership
- Deaf Ministries: https://deaf.pioneerbible.org/
- Donate: https://pioneerbible.org/donate
- Pray: https://pioneerbible.org/pray
- Careers: https://pioneerbible.org/careers
- Bible Translation Display: https://pioneerbible.org/bibletranslationdisplay/
- Contact: https://pioneerbible.org/contact/
Contact Information
- Phone: 214-699-4300
- Mailing address: 7255 West Camp Wisdom Road, Dallas, TX 75236
Socials
- https://www.facebook.com/PioneerBible/
- https://www.instagram.com/pioneerbible/
- https://www.linkedin.com/company/pioneer-bible-translators
- https://www.tiktok.com/@pioneerbible
- https://x.com/pioneerbible
- https://www.youtube.com/pioneerbible
Leadership
- Greg Pruett — President
- Jeff Wilhoit — Executive Vice President
- Mark Lowenstein — Vice President of Deaf Relations
- J.R. Bucklew — Chief Advancement Officer
- Scott Graves — Chief People Officer
- Anthony Parker — Global Mobilization Officer
- Clint Stringer — Chief Financial Officer
- Chris Vickio — Field Ministries Officer
- Mike Chambers — Chairman of the Board
- Paul Turner — Vice Chair
- Janet Hayes — Corporate Secretary
- Jack Straus — Corporate Treasurer
- Mike Armstrong — Board Member
- Bill Bourland — Board Member
- Jerry Chubb — Board Member
- Clif Davis — Board Member
- Tom Ewald — Board Member
- Doyle Jennings — Board Member
- Susan Jennings — Board Member
- Patricia Magness — Board Member
- Jonathan Ott — Board Member
- Bridget Schnautz — Board Member
