How does faithful publishing strengthen global missions? In this episode, we explore how translation, indigenous authorship, and theological resources help build healthy churches around the world.

Guests: Rick Denham & David Adams

Topics Discussed

03:15 – The Story of Poiema
David Adams explains how a need for excellent Spanish theological resources led to a publishing ministry serving more than 20 countries.

05:30 – From Translation to Indigenous Authorship
Why developing local pastors, theologians, and writers takes decades of patient investment.

07:15 – Books and Theological Reformation
How good theological literature can help churches recover and understand the gospel.

09:30 – Is Translating Western Authors “Colonialism”?
Considering concerns about imported theology, rapid church-planting movements, and disconnected “self-theologizing.”

11:15 – Scripture, Church History, and Local Voices
Why indigenous theology benefits from conversation with Scripture, historic Christian confessions, and the global church.

15:45 – Translation Isn’t the Finish Line
The difference between simply producing translated books and cultivating trusted, confessionally rooted local publishers.

18:00 – Translation, Training, and Trusted Voices
How publishing works alongside conferences, seminaries, mentorship, and pastoral training to strengthen churches.

21:35 – Contextualization Without Compromise
David explains why locally led publishers are essential for selecting resources that address genuine needs on the ground.

24:10 – The Local Church and Christian Publishing
How 9Marks resources are helping publishers teach ecclesiology while creating opportunities for emerging indigenous authors.

28:10 – The Church as the Headwaters of Publishing
Why local churches supply the authors, volunteers, leaders, and theological accountability that healthy publishing ministries need.

32:40 – Starting a Publishing Ministry Overseas
Rick offers counsel for missionaries and Christians who want to establish trustworthy theological publishing where few resources exist.

35:00 – How Local Churches Can Help
Practical ways churches can pray, send, support publishing projects, and carry theological resources overseas.

39:50 – A Greek New Testament for Spanish Speakers
David shares the story of producing a Greek New Testament with a Spanish apparatus—and how churches helped make the project possible.

41:50 – When a Book Changes a Church
The story of a prosperity-gospel pastor whose ministry changed after encountering a faithful book on the gospel.

Recommended Resources

Nine Marks of a Healthy Church by Mark Dever 
Evangelism: How the Whole Church Speaks of Jesus by J. Mack Stiles 
Why Should I Join a Church? by Mark Dever 
Providence by John Piper
Marks of the Messenger by J. Mack Stiles 
9Marks Church Questions Series
Tyndale House Greek New Testament, Spanish Reader’s Edition