I think I did the right thing but I have ditched the publisher of my first two books after they licensed them, along with the rest of their back catalogue, to AI companies without asking authors first.
William Carey were great with my third book. Does anyone know any Christian publishers happy to taking on a training manual for church interpreters? Unlikely to be a best seller and won't generate many royalties as it'll be a multi-author thing but it's definitely needed.
I did a thing!
My new book just arrived!
Available from any good bookshop, online marketplaces named after South American rivers and here:
https://missionbooks.org/products/multilingual-church
#NewBook #justAuthorThings #multilingualChurch #PleaseBoost #theologadon
There is a rather generous preview of my upcoming book on Google Books.
https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=svPvEAAAQBAJ&newbks=0&hl=en&source=newbks_fb&redir_esc=y
Your community is multilingual. What about your church? In a world where communities thrive with diverse languages, why should our churches lag behind? As migration increases and technology, like livestreaming, becomes commonplace, the need for multilingual churches is more pressing than ever. Still, many churches and mission organizations struggle with one-size-fits-all language solutions, while others desperately seek guidance to embrace multilingualism. This is why we need Jonathan Downie’s pioneering work Multilingual Church. It dives into forty years of studies on interpreting, theological wisdom, and practical insights from multiethnic churches. Why settle for one language when the gospel speaks to all? Downie masterfully illustrates the motivation and method for creating a truly multilingual church. From recognizing this urgent need, to uncovering our biblical mandate and choosing the right tools, he provides a comprehensive roadmap for the journey. Multilingual Church is more than a guide; it's a groundbreaking invitation to reflect Christ's universal love. Downie equips church leaders with the resources they need to adapt and thrive in an ever-changing, multilingual landscape. Are you ready to transform your congregation? The path starts here, united in faith across languages.
I wrote a book that's coming out in December. I should probably go write a blurb for that so I can, y'know, advertise. >.<
I had to say the unsayable.
I have been battling the worst writer's block ever. This one chapter, the last one I needed to write, just wouid not budge.
And the more I read the research on that subject, the more frustrated I got and I just didn't know why.
A conversation with a friendly theologian later and I had cracked it. I was only stuck because I was holding back on the tough but true thing I really needed to write. It won't be popular. It will make people unhappy but it's true and it's something every #multilingualChurch has to face.
Now I have written it down, finishing that chapter is pretty straightforward and I should just about hit the deadline.
#Book thought today.
It's very easy for Christians to unintentionally create barriers between people and God.
When we say only one English Bible translation is inspired, we create a barrier.
When we make English fluency a pre-requisite for discipleship, experiencing a service, Bible study or leadership, we create a barrier.
When we see language provision as something we do for unfortunate others, instead of together, we create barriers.
There are better ways.
The Story Doesn't Have to End Like That
I was about 12 years old. We had a new English teacher. I was pretty confident as English was my best subject. I had been able to rattle off stories and poetry for years.
Then came the first assignment. Prepare a short speech to give to the class on what you want to do when you grow up.
Easy. At that age, I wanted two things: to manage a football team (for various reasons, I already knew I couldn't actually make a career playing the game) or to be an author.
I wrote my notes in five minutes. Then she saw them.
"They're pipe dreams," she said. "You'd better add something else."
So I did.
And I really believed her.
I never did manage a football team but this week, I signed the contract. The story doesn't have to end the way other people want to write it.
My book Multilingual Church shouid be out next summer. Which dreams should you be chasing?
#justAuthorThings #AmWriting #MultiethnicChurch #multilingualChurch #interpreting
One of the greatest compliments my kids have given me is that they have seen me go through the elation and annoyances of writing books, magazine articles and academic papers, yet all three of my kids who can read and write love to write their own little books.
It doesn't look like much but this pad contains almost all my new study notes for my next book:
Multilingual Church - Practical Insights from the Bible and Research.
The rest of my notes are on my laptop or come from previous projects.
#AmWriting #MultiethnicChurch #multilingualChurch #justAuthorThings
What should happen after you have written enough samples for your book proposals.
- Ah, now I can send off the proposals and wait calmly.
What actually happens.
- Now I can fiddle endlessly with my work so that no two proposals are the same, just because.
Dr Jonathan Downie
Liana Brooks