July 21, 2025 Edition
Industry News
Bible expositor, pastor, and author John MacArthur dies at 86
From Moody Publishers: John MacArthur went to be with the Lord on Monday, July 14, 2025, at the age of 86. “Pastor John MacArthur was a man of unwavering conviction and profound dedication to the clear and faithful exposition of God’s Word,” reflected Dr. Mark Jobe, president of Moody Bible Institute.
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From HarperCollins Christian Publishing: HarperCollins Christian Publishing is deeply saddened at the passing of beloved pastor, theologian, and bestselling author John F. MacArthur, Jr. A trusted voice in the evangelical community, MacArthur authored more than 150 books and study resources.
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From Christianity Today: Expository preacher John F. MacArthur Jr., who taught Scripture to millions through taped sermons, radio broadcasts, Bible commentaries, and a best-selling study Bible, died Monday at the age of 86.
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Christian Bestseller lists posted for July, 2025
ECPA has posted the Christian Bestseller lists for July 2025 in 15 book, Bible, and Spanish categories. The top selling title this month is “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young (Thomas Nelson Publishers), followed by “Practicing the Way” by John Mark Comer (WaterBrook) and “The 5 Love Languages” by Gary Chapman (Moody Publishers).
View the lists at ReadGoodBooks.com.
Early bird registration for ECPA PubU Online is open
Registration for the 2025 ECPA PubU Online conference, held virtually this fall from October 31 to November 14 as a series of webinars and networking events, is now open. Nearly 40 sessions will be offered in several tracks for Christian publishing professionals: Editorial, Sales, Production & Operations, Marketing & Publicity, Rights, and Children’s Books – along with master classes, networking sessions, a kickoff keynote session with HCCP SVP of Marketing Jerri Helms, and more. The online format allows for one low registration rate for an all-access pass to all content.
Learn more at ECPAPubU.org
Next ECPA webinar on August 8: Communicating Appreciation in the Workplace
On Friday, August 8 at 10 am central, ECPA will host the final webinar in the ECPA summer series with Christian psychologist Dr. Paul White, who is also coauthor of the bestseller, “The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace.” Dr. White will present about Overcoming 5 Misconceptions Leaders and Personnel Managers Have About Communicating Appreciation.
IPG adds five publishers to its sales & distribution programs
Independent Publishers Group (IPG) is pleased to announce the addition of five new publishers to its sales and distribution programs.
Staff Updates
Baker Academic announces key editorial appointments
Baker Academic, a division of Baker Publishing Group, announces the expansion and enhancement of its editorial staff. Dustyn Elizabeth Keepers, who held the position of Acquisitions Associate, has been promoted to Acquisitions Editor. Kristen Padilla has joined Baker Academic as an Acquisitions Editor. Jennifer Guo has joined Baker Academic as an Acquisitions Associate.
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Lifeway names Joe Walker interim president and CEO
Publishers Weekly — Lifeway Christian Resources announced Monday that president and CEO Ben Mandrell is leaving for a senior pastor post, and EVP and COO Joe Walker will be appointed interim president and CEO while a selection search for Mandrell’s successor is underway.
Milestones
AWSA announces finalists for Golden Scroll Awards & Christian Market Book Awards
The Advanced Writers and Speakers Association (AWSA) has announced the finalists for the 17th Annual Golden Scroll Awards and the 6th Annual Christian Market Book Awards, honoring excellence in Christian publishing.
NOTE CORRECTED LINK: We regret that the AWSA finalist announcement last week was incorrectly linked. This is the corrected version.
Product News
Bear Grylls’ newest book is now out with Hodder Faith
Seasoned explorer and author Bear Grylls is embarking on one of his greatest challenges yet: to make known to the world the life story of a man who altered the course of history. “The Greatest Story Ever Told: An Eyewitness Account” publishes in the US on 22 July 2025 and in the UK on 19 June 2025.
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David C Cook announces Fall 2025 new releases
Christian publisher David C Cook is thrilled to announce its Fall 2025 new release catalog, including new titles from bestselling and award-winning authors in the Christian and religious book space, including the first new title from Francis Chan since 2021.
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Worthy Books releases “Rescue at the Reef” by Jameson Reeder on July 22
“Rescue at the Reef” by founder and president of Urban Village Jameson Reeder is the true story of a young boy who defied death with an unshakable faith in the power of Jesus to save him.
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Other News
INDUSTRY
PUBLISHING
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