February 18, 2019 Edition

ECPA releases white paper on “The Priority of Diversity in Christian Publishing”

Last week, ECPA released the first installment in a two-part series that considers the priority of diversity in the industry – economically, culturally, and theologically.  ECPA commissioned Dr. Theon E. Hill, assistant professor at Wheaton College, who presented to editors at PubU 2018 and to authors in 2017 at The Art of Writing conference.  “His well-received session at PubU to industry editors on ‘Achieving Diversity in Book Publishing’ was the impetus for this project,” states ECPA President & CEO Stan Jantz.  “ECPA publishers are launching and continuing efforts in their own programs and want more opportunities and information to expand their diversity efforts.” Dr. Hill lays out the industry-specific ‘why’ of diversity in this paper, and will drill down into the industry-specific ‘how’ in his session at Leadership Summit and corresponding part-two paper.

Dr. Hill will present at the upcoming ECPA Leadership Summit on “Connecting the Christian community through your publishing program” and will also be part of a session with Wheaton College President Dr. Philip G. Ryken on “Identifying the voices of the future church in higher education.”

“Both sessions are part of our robust program for Christian publishing leaders on expanding your mission beyond borders… in your institution, the industry, the future church, throughout the global marketplace, and in the expanding reaches of consumer engagement,” continues Jantz.

“The Priority of Diversity in Christian Publishing” paper is available for download for all ECPA members

Register for ECPA Leadership Summit at early-bird rates until March 15.

Bible Gateway interviews Michael Card, author of “Inexpressible”

Scripture uses one particular word to describe the distinctiveness of God’s character: the Hebrew word hesed; a concept so rich in meaning that it doesn’t translate well into any single English word or phrase. The many dimensions of hesed are often expressed as lovingkindness, covenant faithfulness, steadfast love; and everlasting love beyond words. Bible Gateway interviewed Michael Card (@Michael_Card) about his book, “Inexpressible: Hesed and the Mystery of God’s Lovingkindness” (IVP Books, 2018).

Read this interview.

Bible Gateway interviews Dominic Done, author of “When Faith Fails”

Wrestling with faith and doubt can be profoundly lonely and isolating. Some suffer in silence while others abandon belief altogether, assuming doubt is incompatible with faith. But can doubt actually strengthen faith? What are practical ways for Christians to move through doubt—about such topics as the silence of God and the problem of suffering—into deep faith that embraces them mystery of belief? Bible Gateway interviewed Dominic Done (@DominicDone) about his book, “When Faith Fails: Finding God in the Shadow of Doubt” (Thomas Nelson, 2019).

Read this interview.

Christian Authors Network members attend CPE winter show

The 2019 Christian Product Expo (CPE) winter show attracted over 60 independent retailers. Christian Authors Network (CAN) members Karen Whiting, Cynthia Simmons and Becky Harling attended the event, held January 27-29 in Poconos, PA.  Karen Whiting, who will release her 26th book this year, stated: “Over the past decade CAN has partnered with Munce and developed relationships with store owners and personnel who attend the Christian Product Expo. It’s a joy to support retailers who share our desire to reach book lovers everywhere with great Christian books.” The Christian Authors Network is comprised of a large network of traditionally published authors who work together to grow the industry, their careers, and Christ. Learn more about the Christian Authors Network at ChristianAuthorsNetwork.com.