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Bible Broadcasting Network / BBN/ Lowell Davey

Rating
Sector:

Radio/ TV Stations

Total
Revenue:

$14,217,000

Total
Expenses:

$8,434,000

Net
Assets:

$62,118,000

Profile Changes

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Profile Contents

Research Analysis
Financial Information

Ministry Pie Chart

Database Avg This Ministry
Program 82.1% 44.2%
General & Admin 12.7% 21.3%
Fundraising 6.3% 2.4%
Savings -1.1% 40.6%


Ministry Pie Chart

Ministry Pie Chart

Age Size Box:

>50
Yr(s)25-50
<25
<$1m$1m-
$5m
>$5m

Summary

The Bible Broadcasting Network ("BBN") is a radio broadcasting network concerning things of the Bible, God and Christians. This ministry has chosen not to be open and transparent with MinistryWatch.com. As such it is difficult to understand all aspects of its ministry.

Contact Information: [ Back to top ]

Mailing Address:P.O. Box 7300 11530 Carmel Commons Blvd. 28226
Charlotte, NC
28241-8241
Website: www.bbnradio.org
Phone:(800) 888-7077, (704) 523-5555
Email:You need to enable javascript to see the email

Organization Details [ Back to top ]

EIN: 540888863
CEO/President: Mr. Lowell Davey Tax Deductible: Yes
Chairman: Fiscal Year End: December 31
Board Size: 6 Financial info from: 990
Founder: Member of ECFA: No
Year Founded: Member of ECFA since:

Purpose [ Back to top ]

The Bible Broadcasting Network ("BBN") is a radio broadcasting network concerning things of the Bible, God and Christians.

This ministry has chosen not to be open and transparent with MinistryWatch.com. As such it is difficult to understand all aspects of its ministry.

Prudent donors want to understand what it is they are going to support. Some ministries claim they have no legal obligation to share financial or other information — but they do have a moral obligation to do so. Without access to comprehensive ministry information it is not possible for donors to make optimal giving decisions. Ministries that seek to obscure critical information from scrutiny undermine the faith and trust of donors and damage attitudes that have a long term negative impact. For those few ministries that state it has no legal obligation, it should be noted that donors are even less so obligated with any legalist obligation to give, but they do have a moral obligation to give in a prudent and wise fashion. Transparency is a consensus of practical sound wisdom. Many Christians are willing to live ethically without a governmental entity mandating that they do so. Transparency is the key component to a growing and prosperous donor — ministry relationship and fundamental to long-term ministry success. Information, however, must be timely, relevant, accurate and complete for it to be used effectively.

Christians should have nothing to fear by being open. All will be judged at a future date, and with this thought in mind, how are we to conduct ourselves before God today? Organizations described as “Christian Ministries” are at least giving people an image of God. Is God characterized as closed, impartial and hidden; or, open, personable and knowable? Scripture enjoins Christians to conduct themselves honestly (1 Thes. 4:12; 1 Tim. 2:2), with due candor (Jms. 5:12) and grace (Col. 4:6), without deliberate offense to Jew, Gentile or the Church of God (1 Cor. 10:32), with decency and orderliness (1 Cor. 14:40), blameless, giving no occasion for rebuke (Phil. 2:15), and offering no opportunity for false accusation (1 Pet. 3:16). Responsibility for the resources God has placed in the trust of His saints is called “stewardship” in the Bible (1 Pet. 4:10), the person responsible for the resources is called the “steward” (Lk. 12:42; 16:1-8). Most Christians would not argue with the principle that the chief aim of man is to ...”to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.” However, how can a “Christian Ministry” “glorify God” if they are not open? Are not organizations that hide things characterized as cults? Should not Christian ministries lead by example? Besides being characterized as a steward, Christians can be characterized as ambassadors and as light because God is light. Just these few summary ideas indicate that Christian ministries should be open and transparent. In addition, responsibility to God is linked to responsibility to government and mankind.

MinistryWatch.com's hope is that Christian ministries are indeed an example to follow and not otherwise. It is one of our premises that Christians should be light in a world of darkness and as such, Christians should be setting the standard by their conduct.

It is not enough for ministries to live up to the minimum of any written law, or to give all men their due. Ministries ought to give them more than their due. Ministries should be concentrating on the good of others, seeking reward in self-denial and sacrifice, and not of personal advantage. Therefore ministries should treat others as they would want to be treated by them, regardless of unworthiness and ingratitude.

Donors should be seeking information before they give as well as after. Before in order to have an idea where the money is intended, as well as if it corresponds to the donors values. And then after to see if it really happened. Trust but verify, so that they know if they would desire to continue to give.

Mission Statement [ Back to top ]

Need Mission Statement

Program Accomplishments [ Back to top ]

Need Program Accomoplishments info

Statement of Faith [ Back to top ]

BBN uses the following to express its Doctrinal Statement:

We believe in the Bible, which is verbally inspired by the Holy Spirit in the original manuscripts and is the infallible and authoritative Word of God. It is the sole authority for the Christian faith and conduct.

We believe in the Triune Godhead in Three Persons-Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

We believe in the personality of Satan, called the Devil, and his present control over unregenerate mankind.

We believe in the fall and lost estate of man, whose total depravity makes necessary the new birth.

We believe in the deity of Jesus Christ, His virgin birth, death, bodily resurrection, present exaltation at God’s right hand, and personal, imminent, and pre-millennial return.

We believe in the atonement by the substitutionary death and shed blood of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.

We believe in the resurrection of the saved unto everlasting life and blessedness in heaven, in the Church, the Body or Bride of Christ, consisting only of those who are born again, for whom He now makes intercession in heaven and for whom He shall come again.

We believe in the resurrection of the unsaved unto everlasting punishment in hell.

We believe in Christ’s great commission to the Church to go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature, baptizing and teaching those who believe.

History [ Back to top ]

On May 28, l968, Lowell Davey, President of the Bible Broadcasting Network, made an offer to purchase a radio station in Norfolk, Virginia. As he stated in that letter, "We sense the need of a quality station that is Christian oriented and has quality music, both classical and Christian. We are, therefore, in the process of looking for the availability of such a station."

That was the beginning of the Bible Broadcasting Network. Lowell Davey was not able to purchase that station but the idea of BBN was underway. Official incorporation took place about a year later on March 28, 1969, when God led BBN to purchase a radio station that had gone bankrupt and was off the air.

Through several miracles, God began BBN with that radio station in Norfolk, VA. WYFI signed on October 2, 1971 at 5:00 in the evening.

Since that beginning so many years ago, we have played our theme song every morning at 5:57 AM - "To God Be The Glory. Great Things He Has Done." We give God the glory for moving and opening doors to reach the hearts of people everywhere using the tool of radio.

Ministry Needs [ Back to top ]

This organization has not offered MinistryWatch.com with specific needs to be posted on the profile. At such a time that MinistryWatch.com receives a response from the ministry, it will be posted immediately.

Research Analysis

Transparency Grade [ Back to top ]

Transparency Grade of : F
Criteria categoryGradeOther Comments
Timeliness:0
Financial Information:0
Foundational Clarity:0
Level of Cooperation:0
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MinistryWatch.com 5 Star Financial Efficiency Ratings [ Back to top ]

Ranking CategoryRatingOverall RankRadio/ TV Stations Sector
Overall Efficiency RatingStarStarStar235 of 357    5 of 11
Fund Acquisition DecisionStarStarStarStar85 of 357      2 of 11
Resource Allocation DecisionStarStar258 of 357      6 of 11
Asset Utilization DecisionStarStar302 of 357      7 of 11
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Donor Alert [ Back to top ]

Non-Transparent Ministries: Are they Faithful in the Small Things?

Ministry Statement or Response [ Back to top ]

This organization has not offered MinistryWatch.com with an official statement or response for their profile. This area is meant as a mechanism for the profiled ministry to communicate anything they may choose. It is open ended as to the topic, issues, facts or news to address. It is not negative if there is no official statement as many don’t have anything to add than what is already on the profile. This section is not tied to transparency or to communication in general. Many very open and talkative ministries with us choose not to post an official statement. This section is just an open ended offering to the profiled ministry for anything extra to say as they may choose.

Financial Information:

Financial Ratios[ Back to top ]

Funding RatiosDatabase Average20072006200520042003
Return on FR Efforts9%3%7%6%0%0%
Fundraising Cost Ratio6%2%6%6%0%0%
Contributions Reliance83%88%88%94%0%0%
Fundraising Expense Ratio6%4%10%8%0%0%
Other Revenue Reliance17%12%12%6%0%0%
Operating RatiosDatabase Average20072006200520042003
Program Expense Ratio81%75%67%69%0%0%
Spending Ratio101%59%65%69%0%0%
Program Output Ratio82%44%43%47%0%0%
Savings Ratio-1%41%35%31%0%0%
Reserve Accumulation Rate2%10%9%8%0%0%
General & Admin Ratio13%21%24%22%0%0%
Investing RatiosDatabase Average20072006200520042003
Total Asset Turnover2.61x.14x.16x.17x0x0x
Degree of L-T Investment3x1.99x2.17x2.24x0x0x
Current Asset Turnover4.93x.27x.34x.38x0x0x
Age of Assets9.6yr(s)0.0yr(s)0.0yr(s)0.0yr(s)0.0yr(s)0.0yr(s)
Liquidity RatiosDatabase Average20072006200520042003
Current Ratio116.98x663.45x751.76x0x0x0x
Current Liabilities Ratio.32x0x0x0x0x0x
Liquid Reserve Level5.67x44.49x34.76x31.5x0x0x
Solvency RatiosDatabase Average20072006200520042003
Liabilities Ratio.23x0x0x.01x0x0x
Debt Ratio.06x0x0x.01x0x0x
Reserve Coverage Ratio86%703%599%561%0%0%

Financials[ Back to top ]

Balance Sheet
Assets20072006200520042003
Cash$16,734,000$13,612,000$9,278,000$6,772,000$5,258,000
Receivables, Inventories & Prepaids$5,910,000$6,024,000$6,051,000$7,353,000$7,364,000
Short-Term Investments$8,673,000$6,502,000$7,811,000$7,032,000$5,673,000
Total Current Assets$31,318,000$26,140,000$23,141,000$21,159,000$18,297,000
Long-Term Investments$0$0$0$0$0
Fixed Assets$21,634,000$21,629,000$21,190,000$20,341,000$19,933,000
Other Long-Term Assets$9,283,000$8,876,000$7,546,000$6,352,000$6,352,000
Total Long-Term Assets$30,918,000$30,505,000$28,737,000$26,693,000$26,285,000
TOTAL ASSETS$62,237,000$56,646,000$51,879,000$47,852,000$44,582,000
Liabilities20072006200520042003
Payables & Accrued Expenses$47,000$34,000$0$2,000$0
Other Current Liabilities$0$0$0$0$0
Total Current Liabilities$47,000$34,000$0$2,000$0
Debt$71,000$178,000$389,000$394,000$412,000
Other Long-Term Liabilities$0$0$0$0$0
Total Long-Term Liabilities$71,000$178,000$389,000$394,000$412,000
TOTAL LIABILITIES$118,000$213,000$389,000$397,000$411,000
Assets20072006200520042003
Unrestricted$0$0$0$0$0
Temporarily Restricted$0$0$0$0$0
Permanently Restricted$0$0$0$0$0
NET ASSETS$62,118,000$56,433,000$51,490,000$47,455,000$44,171,000
Revenue and Expenses
Revenue20072006200520042003
Total Contributions$12,476,000$12,319,000$12,107,000$11,417,000$11,454,000
Program Service Revenue$0$0$0$0$0
Membership Dues$0$0$0$0$0
Investment Income$1,583,000$1,599,000$686,000$457,000$474,000
Other Revenue$156,000$36,000$48,000$40,000$48,000
Total Other Revenue$1,740,000$1,636,000$734,000$497,000$522,000
TOTAL REVENUE$14,217,000$13,955,000$12,842,000$11,915,000$11,977,000
Expenses20072006200520042003
Program Services$6,291,000$6,002,000$6,092,000$5,513,000$5,919,000
Management & General$1,796,000$2,150,000$1,976,000$2,250,000$2,375,000
Fundraising$346,000$860,000$747,000$867,000$710,000
TOTAL EXPENSES$8,434,000$9,013,000$8,816,000$8,631,000$9,005,000
Change in Net Assets20072006200520042003
SURPLUS (DEFICIT)$5,782,000$4,942,000$4,025,000$3,283,000$2,971,000
Other Changes in Net Assets($97,000)$0$9,000$0$1,152,000
TOTAL CHANGE IN NET ASSETS$5,685,000$4,942,000$4,034,000$3,283,000$4,124,000

Functional Expenses [ Back to top ]

Funding Ratios20072006200520042003
Grants & Allocations$606,000$773,000$1,270,000$1,361,000$1,566,000
Specific Assistance to Individuals$0$0$0$0$0
Benefits Paid To or For Members$0$0$0$0$0
Compensation of Officers, Directors$153,000$261,000$0$0$0
Other Salaries, Wages$3,213,000$3,083,000$3,038,000$2,947,000$2,881,000
Pension Plan Contributions$0$0$0$0$0
Other Employee Benefits$757,000$740,000$544,000$675,000$646,000
Payroll Taxes$303,000$291,000$260,000$240,000$220,000
Professional Fundraising Fees$0$0$0$0$0
Accounting Fees$0$0$0$0$0
Legal Fees$180,000$283,000$299,000$296,000$289,000
Supplies$75,000$90,000$76,000$79,000$80,000
Telephone$126,000$124,000$153,000$179,000$150,000
Postage & Shipping$227,000$288,000$325,000$375,000$297,000
Occupancy$1,243,000$1,179,000$1,233,000$1,064,000$1,113,000
Equipment Rental & Maintenance$549,000$500,000$409,000$374,000$372,000
Printing & Publications$210,000$344,000$457,000$257,000$351,000
Travel$228,000$366,000$344,000$340,000$374,000
Conferences, Conventions & Meetings$0$0$0$0$0
Interest$55,000$265,000$49,000$78,000$55,000
Depreciation, Depletion etc.$134,000$65,000$0$15,000$16,000
Other Expenses$368,000$354,000$351,000$346,000$588,000
Total Functional Expenses$8,434,000$9,013,000$8,816,000$8,631,000$9,005,000