What if some of our most common religious words actually obscure meaning instead of clarifying it?
I was on a private video call last month with Charlie Webster, the lead translator of The 21st Century New Testament. Instead, I got a masterclass in history, language, and the very heart of the Great Commission.
It left me convinced that what Charlie is doing isn’t just creating another translation—he’s removing barriers that have stood between readers and the text for centuries.
Are We Using the Right Words?
For over 20 years, he has worked to identify these words and replace them with modern language that captures the original intent. The goal? To make the Bible accessible to anyone, especially those who don’t have a background in “church-speak.”
Instead of “disciple,” he uses “trainee.” As he pointed out, “disciple” is a word we almost exclusively use in a religious context today. But “trainee” is universal. It immediately brings to mind a hands-on relationship of learning and practice, which is exactly what following Jesus is about.
Instead of “baptize,”* he uses “immerse.” “Baptize” is just the Greek word baptizo put into English letters—it was never truly translated. This left it open to becoming a purely religious ritual. But “immerse” evokes a powerful, all-encompassing experience: being immersed in the Holy Spirit, in a new community, in a totally new way of life.
By recovering the original, practical meaning of these terms, Charlie’s work is stripping away layers of religious varnish to reveal the vibrant, living message underneath.
But the innovation doesn’t stop at word choice. For me, one of the most exciting features is the structure of the Gospel story itself. Instead of four separate accounts, Charlie has masterfully merged Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John into a single, seamless narrative called Good News. You read the entire story of Jesus in chronological order—each parable and event woven together. This alone is a game-changer, making the life of Jesus more accessible and compelling to read than I’ve ever seen in other translations or books on the life of Jesus in chronological order.
How a Simple Translation Choice Can Change Everything
Here’s where it got really exciting for me. This philosophy of translation isn’t just an academic exercise; it’s directly tied to a vision for how the church is meant to function. If you’ve been following my blog or podcast over the years, you’ll already know I’m all about organic fellowship and disciple-making, or training.
Charlie advocates for a model of church built around small, interactive discussion groups of 2-12 people. He shared a brilliant analogy with me: ants, in their combined mass, outweigh all mammals on earth. Why? Because small things reproduce quickly. Elephants—large, slow-moving institutions—take years to reproduce.
This is his model for the church. Instead of one authoritative leader speaking to a passive crowd, these small “ant-like” communities empower everyone to engage, ask questions, and truly “own” their faith.
And a translation like this is the perfect fuel for that fire. When the text is clear, direct, and free of jargon, anyone can lead a discussion.
Anyone can find meaning.
Anyone can be equipped to go out and multiply.
It democratizes discipleship.
This is also the very essence of the work my wife and I are dedicated to here in Peru—fostering organic communities where everyone is a participant, not a spectator.
Charlie’s work is more than just a new or different version of the New Testament Bible. It’s a tool designed to build the kind of active, reproducing faith communities we see in the New Testament.
It has me wondering: what could happen if we all started reading the Bible not as a sacred rulebook, but as a practical training manual for life?
You can get it on Amazon, or learn more about his ministry at https://ncm-21.com/.
Any podcasters or YouTubers in my world who like to review Bible translations who would perhaps like to have Charlie on as a guest, reach out to me and I’ll introduce you. Or, you can fill out a form at the New Century Ministries website, but bear in mind, he told me DMs on social media are a bad way to reach him, but you’re free to try that if you want.
