What translation resources do you really value? The resources that I value most are ones that are up-to-date, balanced, reputable, and engage the source text closely. I try to avoid resources that appear sectarian or reflect shoddy scholarship—I produce enough of that on my own! I appreciate a diversity of perspectives and strive to remain open to new ways of reading Scripture.

How do you continue to grow as a consultant? (What helps you continue to grow as a consultant?) I most sense growth as a consultant when I broaden my horizons. I am so limited and feel as if I have been playing catch up my entire life, so I make a concerted effort to read widely in biblical studies, theology, and translation studies and talk it through with friends and colleagues. There is also no denying the growth opportunity ever present in making mistakes.

How do you share your translation discoveries with others? It is a real privilege to author articles, participate in BT discussions through MAP, the BT Lists, X (Twitter), serve as assistant editor of the Journal of Translation, and attend conferences. When invited to preach at church, the knowledge and experience that I have gained through consulting speaks into my exploration and application of the Scripture with God’s people.

Can you share about a time when you realized you were wrong and what you learned from it? Increasingly aware of my own situatedness and limits, on several occasions I have had to repent of taking for granted my understanding of the source or target language. It is a humbling experience to study technical commentaries equipping oneself with the conclusion that a certain passage is inscrutable only to have long-suffering translators reveal that it already makes perfect sense to them. Such has been the case with avnayim (“stones” Ex 1:16) and virkayim (“knees” Job 3:12). May I always be happy to be informed.

What are your top tips for someone starting on a career path in Bible translation? I have found it helpful to think along the lines of “The Five Buckets Principle” as cyclical. For BT work, it is essential to network cross-organizationally while drawing on and contributing to a variety of resources so that we are not getting stuck in an echo chamber. Lastly, keep asking questions.

Share something that you learned from a mentor? My mentor, Tony Smith, was always willing to admit when he did not know or understand something. This reminds me to be aware of my own limits while underscoring the importance of humility and collaboration.

What do you see as the place of the church in Bible translation? The transmission of the Scriptures belongs to the sacred heritage of the Church. As such, the glocal Church is the primary stakeholder in any translation of the Bible, providing not only a historical legacy and precedent but accountability for this sacred task. For as much as we BT practitioners may consider ourselves “experts,” let us not forget that we are co-heirs of Scripture.

What would you say to young/aspiring translators? Avail yourself of the “funds of knowledge” and cultural wealth accumulated by the translating community. Translation is art mingled with science.

Any other comments? I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to my family, friends, and churches who continue to “hold the ropes” so that I may serve in the ministry of Bible translation. I also owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to my African brothers and sisters in particular for their forbearing friendship. Thank you!