We’re excited to share that Deaf Bible Society is relocating its headquarters to Tulsa, Oklahoma.
As we step into this next season of growth and ministry, we’ve compiled answers to frequently asked questions about the move and what it means for our work around the world.
Why is Deaf Bible Society relocating from Arlington, Texas to Tulsa, Oklahoma?
In 2015, Deaf Bible Society was formally incorporated and moved to Arlington, Texas. Since that time, we have seen the organization grow and flourish, by God’s grace. Ten years later, doors have opened to allow us to step into the next chapter of growth, and we are humbled and grateful for the opportunity to do that in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Relocating our headquarters to Tulsa will allow Deaf Bible Society to plant deep roots in a city uniquely suited to offer us broader ministry opportunities, while remaining mission-focused.
Some of the factors that played a part in the decision to relocate include the growth occurring in Tulsa, the presence of strategic partnerships, and the opportunity to build a unique pipeline of Deaf leaders due to the concentration of Deaf education and Christian leadership development that already exists locally. The city of Tulsa has a strong philanthropic ecosystem for long-term growth strategy. We strongly believe the work of Deaf Bible Society will be enhanced through this relocation, and we couldn’t be more thrilled about the potential impact as we continue our work to make the Bible accessible and engaging in every sign language.
We are expectant and excited for what is ahead, and for all the ways God will continue to lead our work through this move to Tulsa!
When will the move occur?
Staff members will begin relocating as early as this summer, with the transition completed by the end of 2027. However, since we also have many virtual team members and partners, the work will continue as usual throughout the relocation process.
Although we are a flexible and remote staff, key staff positions will be based in our new headquarters. In the coming months, we look forward to fostering relationships and building connections in our new home state of Oklahoma.
Does the relocation have the support of the board of directors for Deaf Bible Society?
Absolutely. The board of directors for Deaf Bible Society was unanimous in their agreement of the organization’s move to Tulsa. They are excited about the opportunities for growth that we will have in Oklahoma.
How will the work of Deaf Bible Society be impacted through this move?
We are more passionate than ever about the work God is doing through Deaf Bible Society, and we believe this move will only strengthen it. Our mission remains the same: to make the Bible accessible and engaging in every sign language.
We believe Tulsa offers fertile ground for growth. Its concentration of Christian Deaf education and Christian leadership development gives us a home base to build a sign language–centric leadership pipeline of Deaf leaders—from Deaf children encountering the Bible for the first time, to university students preparing for ministry, to Deaf pastors and innovators shaping the future Church.
Will Deaf Bible Society’s work continue to focus on Sign Language Bible translation?
Yes, Bible translation remains central to the mission of Deaf Bible Society as we seek to reach Deaf communities around the world. We remain highly engaged in this work as only 22% of sign languages presently have access to portions of Scripture. While the organization will always be committed to Bible translation and the vision of Bibles in every language, we are also deepening our work in areas like product development, cultivating Christian communities, strengthening Deaf churches, leadership development, and other ministry initiatives.
What are Deaf Bible Society’s strategic priorities, and will they be enhanced with partner organizations based in Tulsa?
We are excited about the network of ministry organizations present in Tulsa and look forward to deepening our existing relationships with them as we work toward our strategic priorities. These priorities encompass the Deaf Bible app expansion; a new Deaf Bible Kids app; faith and community partnerships including the launch of a Global Serve Day; and enhanced training and technology systems that include our first-ever Global Deaf Bible Translation Summit. Tulsa is growing Deaf leaders that are making local and global impact, and we look forward to joining partner organizations in this endeavor.
