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What, in the Bible Translation World, is Mission Critical?

I just had some training on these four levels that businesses use to evaluate their priorities:

Tier 1: Mission Critical

Tier 2: Very Important and Strategic

Tier 3: Meaningful but not Essential

Tier 4: Lower Priority and Often Externally Initiated

So, what, in the world of Bible translation (BT), is mission critical?

Many would say, "Translating the Bible!" I would actually put that on level 2, very important and strategic. At the level of mission critical is Scripture engagement (SE). Meaningful but not essential would include certain computer programs we use, such as Paratext, which is essential to some but not, for example, if you are involved in oral storying or oral translation (HearThis, or Render are more useful). At level 4, lower priority, would be all the stuff we have to do to a) stay in the country where we are carrying out our ministry b) organisational requirements like archiving data (not the same as having an online backup of it). We need to have a discussion about this in each of our organisations.

But why have I put SE above BT? Because SE is about the why, BT is about the what. Why do we do SE and BT? Because people need to get saved. Communities need to be transformed. BT on its own is the what, the nitty gritty. It's the technical side of our work. The why needs to drive the what, not vice versa 

What happens if we put BT at level 1 and SE at level 2? We end up translating books that won't be well used, just because
Image by Jonas Kim, from Pixabay

they might be needed. It's a bit like hoarding. Why do hoarders keep so much stuff that they can't move about their home without risk of tripping over? Because it might be needed one day.

The need is so great we need to prioritize on what is needed now to advance the kingdom. As Jesus said, "Let us go somewhere else – to the nearby villages - so that I can preach there also. That is why I have come."

Here's that verse in its context:

Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. Simon and his companions went to look for him, and when they found him, they exclaimed: ‘Everyone is looking for you!’ Jesus replied, ‘Let us go somewhere else – to the nearby villages – so that I can preach there also. That is why I have come.’ So he travelled throughout Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and driving out demons.

Mark 1:35‭-‬39 NIVUK

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