Note: Proyecto Nehemias is one of two organizations that have recently become affiliate partners of the Oikonomia Network. We’re grateful to PN and also the InTrust Center for Theological Schools!
Proyecto Nehemías exists in part to help make the faith and work conversation possible in the Spanish-speaking world. We produce professional Spanish-language translations of key resources on faith, work, economic wisdom, resilience in ministry and biblical theology for whole-life discipleship, for print and digital distribution. We wholeheartedly agree with Steven Garber that “vocation is integral, not incidental, to the missio Dei.”
The number of people in many parts of the Spanish-speaking world who self-identify as religiously unaffiliated, agnostic or atheist are on the rise, especially among university-educated professionals and thought leaders. A sector of the majority world that was once a poster child for the expansion of Protestant Christianity is arguably entering into a period of post-Christendom, characterized by pluralism and secularization. This is particularly the case of major capital cities of Latin America.
While globalization and increasingly free markets have clearly led to increased wealth for many in Latin America, this has also come at a cost in terms of emotional and mental health. People are asking, “What is all this for? Why am I working myself (literally) to death?” In this context, the overarching theme of faith and work, whole-life discipleship, public responsibility and vocational stewardship for the common good is one means to communicate the true telos not only of work, but of creation and human life. It makes the good news of the gospel relevant both for this life and the next. The faith and work conversation is also of tremendous importance to the Spanish-speaking church, as it reveals how the mission of God encompasses the renewal, restoration and reformation of all things, and that all Christians can take part in God’s mission through their work.
In 2020, we finished the Spanish translations of Dan Doriani’s Work, Gene Veith’s God at Work, as well as Jonathan Pennington’s The Sermon on the Mount and Human Flourishing. We add these to classic titles like Amy Sherman’s Kingdom Calling, and Resilient Ministry by Bob Burns, Tasha Chapman and Donald Guthrie.
In 2021, with the support of our generous donors, we plan to release the Spanish-language versions of the following titles:
- Tom Nelson, The Economics of Neighborly Love
- Paul Williams, Exiles on Mission
- Miroslav Volf, Work in the Spirit
- Matthew Kaemingk and Cory B. Willson, Work and Worship
- James M. Hamilton Jr., Work and Our Labor in the Lord
- Hugh Whelchel, How Then Should We Work?
- Ralph Mattson and Arthur Miller, Finding a Job You Can Love
- Bob Burns, Tasha Chapman and Donald Guthrie, The Politics of Ministry
- Luder G. Whitlock Jr., Divided We Fall: Overcoming a History of Christian Disunity
- Gerald Bray, The Church: A Theological and Historical Account
- Dan Doriani, Work That Makes a Difference
- Douglas J. Schuurman, Vocation: Discerning Our Callings in Life
We have also recently signed with Crossway to produce the entire Short Studies in Biblical Theology series in Spanish over the next two years.
Proyecto Nehemías has a stand-alone library app (user email requested to access). We have at least chapter-length samples of all our titles there. Thanks to the generosity of our friends at the Theology of Work Project, in 2021 we will be adding the Spanish versions of the Theology of Work Commentary series to the app, all free of charge.
We will also release our first original Spanish-language title in 2021: Crecimiento integral en la fe: Discipulado para todas las esferas de la vida (Holistic Growth in the Faith: Discipleship for All Spheres of Life) by Argentinian pastor-theologian church planter Guille Mac Kenzie. We are often told that we need to include more majority world voices in the books we publish, and we wholeheartedly agree. Guille’s new book is evidence that more and more Spanish-speaking voices will be joining the faith and work conversation. At the same time, we continue to believe that the core bibliography of faith, work and economic wisdom needs to be available in the highest quality Spanish translation possible.
How much does it cost to produce one of the books listed above? About $0.10 USD per word in the original, which covers the costs of professional Spanish translation, proofreading and editing, typesetting and digital (e.g. Kindle) conversion. We are often able to finance a small initial print run as well with any remaining funds. For our shorter titles in biblical theology, for example, this is about $3,500, while for more academic titles (with footnotes, etc.) we need closer to $11,500 per title.
Is there a particular resource related to fruitful work and economic wisdom you would like to see available in Spanish for God’s people for God’s mission in the world? Please consider partnering with us to make that happen through a tax-deductible donation to the ministry of Proyecto Nehemías. We are grateful for your support.
Jeff Stevenson, founder and president
