Why I'm in Publishing

My son called from Iraq at 5:00 this morning. Uriah is a lance corporal serving with the Marines. He'd gotten ahold of some talk time on a satellite phone, and he called to say hello.

"Where are you?"
"Out in the desert. Sitting in a humvee."
"Oh. What are you doing?"
"Nothing much. We just blew up a bunch of C4 that we captured. That was pretty cool."
"Hmm."
"So what's going on at home."
"The usual. I got a haircut. Probably mow the lawn later."
"Cool. Well, I better get going. There's a bunch of tanks rolling by, and I can't hear too good."
"Ok. I love you."
"Love you too. Bye."

That was it. We used one of the most amazing communications devices ever produced to talk halfway around the world in real time about nothing. Which is exactly what most of us do with most of our words all the time. Think of the typical content of a cell phone call or an IM or a text message.

"Wasup"
"idk"
"brb"
"k"

We have communicators that Captain Kirk never dreamed of, and we use them to transmit nonsense to people who are in the same room. The main reason we use instant messages in my house? To call kids to supper.

Yet there is something comforting and good about hearing my son's voice from a war zone. Even if his only thought is that he's bored. And there's something healthy, even necessary, about getting a text message from my wife that says "ily" while I'm sitting at yet another airport.

Beyond the words themselves, these devices allow us to touch one another over vast distances and great barriers. And if the content of our messages is mostly routine, that could be because most of our thoughts are rather normal. So what? The important thing is that we share them with one another. There is incredible power in saying simple things like "I'm OK," "Talk to you later," "Please come here," and "I love you."

Words inspire us, comfort us, challenge us, and enliven us. Whether written or spoken or drawn in the sand, it is words that connect us with God and connect us with each other. We can't live without them--or at least not very well

When people ask me why I'm in publishing (as they do with surprising frequency, as if this were an odd thing to do with my life), I tell them that words have incredible power--for good or evil--and I want to broadcast as many good words into the world as I can.

Sometimes, those words are delivered by a text message that says "imy bby, c u soon." Sometimes they're in a book that says, "Your life matters to God, please don't waste it." And just occasionally, they're on a satellite phone call that says, "I love you son, and I'm proud of you. Come home soon."

Either way, I know that my words matter--and yours do too.

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Do We Need More Bibles?

An Interview with Dr. Joseph Coleson

Most of my authors are reasonably smart people—church leaders, college professors, pastors, and the like. Even so, I was intrigued to learn that one of my writers was not merely an expert in biblical Hebrew but also a translator of what has become the fastest-growing new version of the Bible—the New Living Translation (NLT).

Joe took a break from his summer writing schedule to answer a few questions about Bible translation in general and the NLT in particular.

What was your involvement in translating the NLT?

My initial involvement was as a member of the team responsible for Hosea through Zephaniah in the Minor Prophets. Then all team members were invited to make suggestions where we wished, especially as version 2.0 was in preparation. Since then, I’ve done study notes on Joshua and Ruth for the study Bible coming out in September, and am nearly finished with Joshua for the commentary series.

What’s the distinctive of this translation?

The distinctive still remains the flavor, or tone, of Ken Taylor’s original Living Bible. The change in creating the New Living Translation was to make that paraphrase a real, bona fide translation. All the reports I hear from around the world (not all from Tyndale House, by a long shot) are that the NLT is an inviting, readable version, attracting people who’ve never before read the Bible for its own sake, just because they want to.

What were the aims of the translation team?

Our first mandate was, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”; Tyndale wanted (rightly) to preserve and update the readability of the Living Bible—which did, after all, lead the way in many respects in the renewal of interest in Bible translation in the mid-20th century. Where it needed to change to be a dynamic translation, rather than a free paraphrase, we were to suggest the changes we thought would do that.

What do you like about the NLT?

I think we accomplished those aims; the NLT is a translation, not a paraphrase, but it retains and updates the fresh, exciting, compelling voice of the “old” Living Bible.

Do you have any criticisms of the translation?

I do wish it were gender inclusive where the Hebrew and Greek texts call for that—which is a great many places most folks don’t suspect. I’m not talking “politically correct” here; I’m talking accurate translation so the Bible speaks as it was intended to speak, and as ancient readers understood it, or should have.

Why have we seen so many new translations recently?

It began out of real need. No translation ever again will last as long and as well as the KJV did. Now the active life of almost any translation will be perhaps twenty or thirty years at most, unless it’s updated, as many “new” translations have been and are being. A less honorable motive for a few new translations is profit, or marketing. (Notice I didn’t say “dishonorable,” only “less honorable.”)

Some might say the NLT is not an “accurate” translation. How would you respond to that?

Except for the gender accuracy issue, I rate it at just under the NRSV and the NASB (NASB is not gender inclusive, either), and above several others I won’t name here.

Gender inclusion is a bit of a hot-button with some. What’s your opinion?

I seem to have anticipated this one, haven’t I? But I can’t say it too strongly: not to reflect the text accurately at points where the text is intended to include both men and women, is to betray the text and its Author. (Is that strong enough?) The places where non-gender-inclusive English is a betrayal of the Hebrew or Greek text are more numerous than one may think, if one’s only language is English.

With respect to God, we should leave masculine pronouns in the text as masculine pronouns. We also should find a word or phrase that translates Shaddai for what it is, the major feminine title for God in the Hebrew Bible—“the God who Nourishes,” “the God who Sustains,” or something like that; literally, it is “the breasted One.” (We should retire the misleading Almighty, as a translation of Shaddai.)

Which translation do you favor for serious study?

I allow my students to choose their own versions, with a few being off limits. When they ask, I rate as I mentioned above—NLT just a bit below NRSV and NASB, perhaps because NLT does represent a bit more the “dynamic equivalence” translation philosophy; the other two, more the “formal equivalence” philosophy. That can make a difference sometimes (though less often than one may think) in word by word and phrase by phrase reading and study.


Many of us read a variety of English translations from time to time—for what specific readership or use would you recommend the NLT? (i.e., devotional reading, study, preaching preparation, etc.)

I recommend it for all three purposes you mention. But I wouldn’t use NLT (or any other) by itself for close study and/or sermon prep. In those contexts, for those who don’t have Hebrew and/or Greek, I recommend using and comparing several translations together. For the kind of daily reading you’re encouraging on your blog this summer, NLT is excellent. When I want to read straight through a book in one or two sittings, I use NLT.

Do you see any theological biases in the NLT?

Not much, and nothing that’s particular to the NLT. In most cases, claiming bias in mainstream Protestant translations may say more about the one making the claim, than about the translation.

Do you see a need for any other English translations at present?

“At present,” no, we don’t “need” more. But we shouldn’t stop the process; it takes a long time to produce a new translation. Those available now probably can minister to my grandchildren, who are acquiring their language skills now. But their children may need new ones.

If we don’t need more, why will we continue to see new English versions appear?

Though produced originally in other languages, the Bible remains the greatest treasure of English literature. We’re not going to stop people who love both Bible and literature from translating it, nor should we try. Rather, we should expect high standards—including the complex preparation required in many fields, and integrity, to name only two—of those who offer us new translations.

Any chance of creating a translation by Wesleyan scholars?

I would like to see a translation produced by Wesleyan scholars. Maybe we are the ones who “need” a new one, as we are the one theological tradition not well served, at a few important points, by the translations currently available. Among the Wesleyan/Holiness denominations and those in the UMC who’ve maintained or recovered their Wesleyan roots, I think we have enough OT and NT scholars now that we could pull it off.

Are you still excited about Bible reading after all these years?

Yes! I began my own journey of Bible translation in Dr. Leo Cox’s first-year Greek class forty-three years ago this fall. Since then, I’ve studied and taught most of the Semitic languages (and Greek, too)—Hebrew for over thirty years now. It just gets better and better! I continue to be amazed at God’s redemption purposes revealed so beautifully in the word, written—because it points to the Word, Living.

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How to Keep Up on Reading

“I don’t have time to read!”

That church leaders’ mantra is confirmed by a recent study commissioned by Duke Divinity School’s Pulpit & Pew project. Clergy from eight denominations reported spending an average of only four hours a week reading other than for sermon preparation. Episcopal clergy were highest at five hours per week; Nazarenes were lowest at two hours. Just over 10 percent of all clergy reported that they spend one hour or less.

We are confronted with millions of words each day from news sources, books, blogs, magazines, journals, and other media. And leaders in ministry must keep current with thoughts and trends, just like leaders in any other profession.

Here are five ways to stay informed.

Use a Feed Aggregator

The blog has replaced the professional journal as the medium for peer communication. There are now some 30,000 “high authority” blogs compared with only 17,000 magazines in print. Use a feed aggregator such as Google Reader or Bloglines to gather your favorite voices into a daily feed. This includes online news services. Limit yourself to 30 minutes a day perusing these sources.

Read a Little Each Day

Giving up on books is not an option. Whether in hard copy or in new media such as the Kindle or Sony Reader, books are still the place where major ideas are explored and paradigm-shifting concepts are unveiled. Feed your mind with ideas in the same way you sustain your body with food—in daily portions. Establish a 30-minute reading time each day for books. That will yield 3.5 hours a week, enough to consume one or two books a month.

Use Audio Books

The average commuter spends 48.8 minutes going to and from work each day. By listening to audio books while driving, you could gain four hours of reading time each week. If you jog or use a treadmill for exercise, use that time to take in information as well.

Seek Recommendations

The single greatest factor influencing the purchase of a book is the name and reputation of the author. Recommendations from friends are a close second. Shorten your reading list by finding out what other leaders are reading. Read reviews of books before spending hours on the books themselves.

Vary Your Sources

Reading from only one source or in a single genre produces boredom, then burnout. Read a variety of material including news, opinion, books, blogs, and even fiction. Above all, maintain the daily habit of reading the Bible. Solomon’s advice is still good: “Of making many books there is no end, and much study wearies the body . . . Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man” (Eccles. 12:12–13).

The church leader who doesn’t read has no advantage over the one who can’t. Enlighten yourself and those around you by establishing the daily habit of reading.

So what’s on your nightstand?

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How to Write Life-Changing Devotionals

Good devotionals are easy to read but hard to write. As editorial director at Wesleyan Publishing House, some of the best writing I see—and some of the worst—is submitted for our daily devotional, Light from the Word.

I keep a close eye on this periodical because I know that while it lacks the jazzy appeal of a hot new book, it is read by tens of thousands of people each day. I’m rabid about making this little piece a great value for Christians seeking a deeper spiritual life.

Here are some tips for writing great devotionals, either for our publication or for your own church newsletter.

Devotional Do’s

1. Stick to the Assignment. Nearly all devotionals are written by assignment, and the format cannot be varied. Always, always, always submit the right number of words in the format requested by the publisher. Editors are dogmatic about this because (a) the published format is set and cannot be varied, and (b) readers expect consistency.

2. Start with a Strong Lead. This is especially important in a short format like a devotional (ours are 220–230 words). Grab the reader early and never let go.

3. Use a Three-Part Structure. It’s real simple: Life/Scripture/Challenge. Start with a brief sketch of a common spiritual problem. This is where first person writing can be highly effective if done well. What's the question, problem, foible, or experience that we all face. Then state the biblical truth that bears on the point. You've got three or four sentences to make your case, so be concise and avoid repetition. Finally, challenge the reader to apply that truth to life. How will my life change if I take this learning to heart?

4. Use First Person Carefully. It’s okay to use a first-person illustration, especially if it is unique or truly funny. But beware of making yourself the star of the devotional. People don’t read to find out about you—they’re looking for God.

5. Challenge People. People don't read a devotional because they want to be shallow Christians with their spiritual life stuck at zero. Devotional readers want to reflect on their relationship with God and be caused to grow. Show your readers something important about God, themselves, or the world.

6. Close with a Bang. The last sentence of your devotional should be your best writing. Seal home the truth with a memorable sentence so that readers always want to read through to the end.

7. Tighten Your Writing. Revise, revise, revise. You have only 225 words to work with. Make every single letter pull its weight. Flowery words, cutesy images, and vague expressions will have to go. Let your voice be strong and clear.

Devotional Don’ts

1. Don't Use Trite Personal Stories. For example, don’t talk about cute things that your children have said (everybody’s kids are precious), mundane answers to prayer (does God do anything besides help people find parking spots?), or common personal traits (nearly everyone is afraid of heights). Say something original—that’s what the reader is paying for.

2. Don't Criticize Others. Do not use the devotional to complain about “some people,” “so-called Christians,” or “many in our world today.” Nobody reads devotionals to discover that sin is a problem—they’re looking for the solution. Aim to inspire your reader to holy living rather than criticizing the shortcomings of others.

3. Don't Use Urban Legends or Trite Sayings. If you begin with “The story is often told” or “It has often been said,” choose a different illustration or quotation. These are marks of lazy writing.

4. Don't Rely on Jargon. If you’re tempted to add the words blessing, by faith, in Christ, from above, or other Christian code words, ask yourself why. Find a way to express these valuable ideas in other words.

5. Don't Rehash the Scripture Verses. Assume that your readers have read the verse you placed before them. Don’t retell it in your devotional; simply comment upon it.

The worst devotionals I see are trite, sloppy, unoriginal sentimentality lathered up with religious jargon or else shallow, vindictive rants about the writer’s pet peeve.

The best devotionals to cross my desk are tightly written, poignant, appropriately self-revealing essays on spirituality that cause me to see truth in a fresh way. They always inspire me, and often they convict me. I’ve been brought to my knees more than once while editing a daily devotional.

Never take a contract assignment for granted. Your words will be taken to heart by thousands of people. Choose them well.

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Florida Christian Writers Conference Makes Gains

The best way to get nowhere is to keep doing what you've always done. Unless, I suppose, your name is Jerry B. Jenkins or Max Lucado.

For most of us who write--or in this case, who coach writers--being successful depends on finding ways to do what we do better. That's why I was delighted to hear that the Florida Christian Writers Conference has made some changes that will make it an even more valuable event for writers.

For starters, the venue has been moved from an aging facility with limited space to to the Lake Conference Center near Leesburg. The larger (and nicer) space will draw more editors, which will draw more writers, which will draw more editors. You get the idea.

Second, scholarships for this year's conference are now available because of the generosity of one author – “the man behind the words” – Cec Murphey. Way to go, Cec.

As a writer conference director myself, I'm impressed with Billie Wilson's vision and leadership. Kudos to you, Billie. And y'all come down to Florida Feb. 26-Mar. 1, 2009

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Why We Teach the Bible

I got a call from Catherine today. She's a Sunday school teacher from Michigan who wanted to share an idea for improving the Wesley Bible Studies, which I produce. She also shared a bit of her life and the challenge she faces in living the way Jesus lived.

"As I was studying the lesson for this week," she said, "I broke down and wept. This message is so important for our group, and so challenging. For those of us who are older ... I just don't know if we can do this."

The lesson is based on 1 Corinthians 8, which urges Christians to be tolerant and loving in spite of having different convictions on certain issues. For the gang at Corinth, the issue was eating meat sacrificed to idols. Some would, some wouldn't and the tension threatened to divide the church.

Recently my own denomination faced similar questions over the use of alcoholic beverages. Other Christians are wrestling with the ordination of women, changes in worship styles, and the rise of postmodernity.

These are challenging times not only for Catherine but for all of us who are dealing with the screaming pace of change in the church. Boomers and busters. Moderns and postmoderns. Traditionalists and progressives. Can we learn to focus attention away from ourselves, onto Jesus, and be tolerant of each other when we disagree?

I hope so. And I'm thankful that we have Paul's advice to guide and convict on this very point.

Scripture enlightens us. It comforts us. And just occasionally it kicks us in the pants—as it will this week, when some 38,000 people study this lesson and are reminded that "knowledge puffs up, but love builds up."

"I want to thank all of you," Catherine said, "for producing these lessons for us. It helps us so much to study God's Word."

And I want to thank you, Catherine, for doing what you do. Studying God's Word—and teaching it to others—is best tool we have for being transformed to become like Jesus.

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Giants in the Land

Last week we passed a huge milestone as two great men in my denomination retired on the same day.

The day was more significant to me because both are family. My father, Norman G. Wilson (left), retired after 33 years as speaker on "The Wesleyan Hour" radio broadcast. By God's grace, he has preached the gospel to millions upon millions of people on six continents of the globe.

My uncle Earle L. Wilson also retired after 24 years as a general superintendent in our church and over 50 years of ordained ministry as a pastor, college president and spiritual leader.

When you're around great men every day, it is easy to take for granted the wisdom, stature, and spiritual power that they have been given. Moments like these clarify the scope of their achievement and value of their gift to the kingdom. I'm blessed to be part of this family and this church.

I was ordained to preach the gospel 21 years ago, and in 21 more years I will be close to the age these men are at retirement. As I enter the last half of my ministry, I'm reflecting on the lessons from these two faithful lives.

Do One Thing

Dad is a preacher, and he has done that consistently and well for some 50 years. He was, in fact, the only person ever hired by the denomination (as opposed to a local congregation) only to preach the gospel. Over the years, various management tasks were added to his responsiblity as General Director of Communications for the church. But he saw himself as a preacher first. He still does.

Earle has been a leader, as anyone who has seen him chair a meeting or speak to a large group can tell you. He moves people. Don't confuse that with being an administrator or manager. (I'd hate to show you some of his garbled emails!)

Each man knew his calling and stayed strictly within it. This is the key to effectiveness in any realm, especially the kingdom.

What is the gift you have been given? What can you do best to advance the cause of Chrsit?

Do that, and don't quit.

Seek Kingdom over Self

My father has been an author and international radio speaker for over three decades. If he had chosen to use that platform to enrich himself, he could easily have done so. Some of the wealthiest people in the church are media preachers.

Yet my dad has been content with his (extremely modest) denominational pay, and the copyrights of most of his books are held by the church. Ignoring the advice that we editors so often give to writers, he has been concerned only with getting the message out, never with building his reputation, protecting his rights, or garnering royalties.

This is one reason he has enjoyed such a long and influential ministry--he has been willing to seek first Christ and his kingdom.

Persevere

You won't complete 50 years of anything without a few battle scars. That is true also of serving Christ, as Paul or John or Peter could also testify. Some of Dad's war stories seem humorous now, after 30 or 40 years, but they they were painful then.

We would like to believe that our moment of greatest effectiveness for the kingdom will coincide with our moments of greatest personal comfort, acclaim, or reward. That's not necessarily true. In fact, it is more likely that our greatest moments of triumph and pain will occur together--as they did for Jesus.

To finish well, you have to finish. To finish, you have to persevere.

Know Your Moment

Both my father and my uncle said "yes" at the right moments. Dad was offered "The Wesleyan Hour" as a part-time job while pastoring a large congregation. It would have been easy to say, "I'm too busy here in the local church to take on any other chores." (Many large church pastors do that today, which is one reason we often have difficulty filling denominational leadership roles.)

But Dad knew when to say when, and he moved from what was one of our most prestigous pulpits at the time to an even greater place of service.

It's also important to know when to stay. Frankly, many people urged my uncle to retire four years ago. He refused, believing that the next four years would be a critical time to exercise leadership. He was right. His replacement by another person of great spiritual stature would have been unlikely four years ago. This was the time.

Discerning which opportunities to take and which to leave alone is no easy chore. It requires vision, focus, and intimacy with Christ. Pursue these, and the yes/no questions become easier.

Remain Faithful

I am proudest of the fact that there is not one ethical or moral blemish on the record of either of these two men. They have had their detractors--even opponents--but no one can lay a charge of improper conduct against them. Here is the definition of holiness: purity leads to spiritual power.

Thankfully, there is grace for those who fail. I revel in it. Let's all aspire to the spiritual authority that comes from a holy life. This is the fuel for effectivness in ministry.

I have perhaps 20 years of ministry remaining, and I don't know for sure what they will bring. I do know what will characterize my effort, however. I will do one thing, do it well, and keep doing it as long as God allows me.

That is my heritage, and I trust it will be my legacy as well--a lifteime of serving Christ.

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