In 1952, entrepreneur Demos Shakarian faced a critical moment with his fledgling organization, the Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship. After 14 months of tireless effort traveling, making calls, placing advertisements, and hosting free breakfasts to attract members—his dream of uniting men in faith was faltering. Attendance had dwindled below its starting point. For young professionals, this struggle may resonate: pouring heart and soul into a goal, only to see progress stall.
In a moment of desperation, Shakarian turned to prayer, seeking divine guidance. What followed was transformative. Overwhelmed by God’s presence, he collapsed, hearing a clear message: God alone opens doors. In a vivid vision, he saw millions of people worldwide—individuals like you, from diverse backgrounds—trapped in isolation and despair. Yet, the vision shifted, revealing those same individuals transformed, filled with joy, connected through faith, and empowered to overcome challenges.
For young professionals, the Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship in America (FGBMFA™) is more than a network, it’s a movement. It offers a community where ambition aligns with purpose, connecting you with others who share your drive and faith. FGBMFA™ helps turn dead ends into new opportunities, opening doors that effort alone cannot unlock. Contact FGBMFA™ to discover how you can join this inspiring vision and build meaningful connections that transform lives.
Our Story
Who We Are
Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship in America™ (FGBMFAmerica™) is a nonprofit network of Christian laymen from all walks of life, united in one mission: to reach men with the Good News of Jesus Christ.
Our vision began in 1952, when founder Demos Shakarian received a powerful revelation from God—millions of men around the world spiritually dead, isolated, and lost. Then he saw them transformed: alive in Christ, full of joy, worshiping together in unity. This calling to awaken men to new life in Jesus is the foundation of our mission.
Why It Matters
Though many men believe in God, few are actively growing in faith or engaged in church. Many boys raised in church leave it by adulthood—and never return. Our mission fills this gap by reaching men where they are.
How We Work
Our mission is lived out through local chapters groups of everyday men who share real stories of how God changed their lives. These chapters are powerful, grassroots ministries reaching men in the marketplace—men often untouched by traditional church outreach.
FGBMFAmerica™ complements the local church: we help men find Christ, and the church helps them grow in Him. Time and again, chapter involvement leads to deeper commitment in their home churches.
Our chapters are the front line of a global move of God—reviving, restoring, and calling men back to Him.
ENDNOTES
¹ Excerpts from ‘The Happiest People on Earth’ by Demos Shakarian as told to John and Elizabeth Sherrill, Copyright 1975, hard copy, pp 133 – 134.
NexGen
FGBMFA™ empowers young professionals to grow in faith, build community, and lead with integrity. It offers a platform to connect through:
Impactful Outreach: Share faith boldly in the marketplace.
Authentic Connection: Form tight-knit bonds with like-minded peers.
Growth Through Guidance: Learn from mentors and mentor others.
Integrity & Excellence: Uphold honesty and excellence in business and life.
Through virtual mentorship, online sessions provide practical guidance to develop faith and leadership. Join FGBMFA™ to make an impact, connect authentically, and grow as a leader, transforming lives and the marketplace.
The Happiest People On Earth
Who Are They?
In 1952, Demos Shakarian—a successful dairy farmer in Los Angeles—received a powerful vision from God. In it, he saw millions of people across the earth—alive, yet spiritually dead, bound in chains and without hope. God revealed to him a life mission: to start a movement of ordinary working men who would preach the Gospel and make disciples in the marketplace.
Today, that vision is alive in the Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship in America™, a fellowship of Christian laymen committed to fulfilling the Great Commission through economic evangelism—bringing Christ to men through everyday work and life. For decades, this calling has led millions to find salvation, purpose, and transformation.
Are You One?
Demos shared his story in The Happiest People on Earth. He believed each of us has a unique gift from God—and discovering and using that gift brings true joy. Have you found your purpose? Are you fulfilling your role in the Great Commission?
Do you know your God-given calling?
Are you growing daily in your relationship with Jesus?
Are you discipling others in your circle?
Are you ready to share the Gospel anytime, anywhere?
If you're unsure, we’re here to help.
Let’s talk about it.
The Happiest People On Earth, A personal story of Demos Shakarian as told to John and Elizabeth Sherril.
Book can be purchased from our bookstore.