WESTMONT, IL—InterVarsity Press is pleased to announce that three books were chosen as finalists for the 2017 Dallas Willard Center Book Awards.

The Book and Research Awards initiative is one way that the Dallas Willard Center works to promote and recognize exemplary scholarship that addresses Dallas Willard’s primary concerns for the Christian spiritual formation movement and the broader academic and church communities. The IVP titles that received this honor are the following:

Meeting God in Scripture: A Hands-On Guide to Lectio Divina by Jan Johnson offers forty Scripture meditations, organized topically, and gives the tools needed to practice lectio divina on your own. Carolyn Arends, director of education at Renovaré, said, “Jan Johnson has a particular anointed genius for guiding people into interaction with the living God through his Word. Her winsome, accessible lectio divina exercises have been invaluable to the students at the Renovaré Institute for Christian Spiritual Formation, and it’s exciting to see her guides become more widely available. Meeting God in Scripture is a real gift for any of us who desire to spend more time with—and deepen our friendship with—the triune God.”

Silence and Beauty: Hidden Faith Born of Suffering by internationally renowned artist Makoto Fujimura was inspired by Shusaku Endo’s novel Silence, first published in 1966 and one of the greatest works of twentieth-century Japanese literature. Silence took Fujimura on a pilgrimage of grappling with the nature of art, the significance of pain, and his own cultural heritage. His artistic faith journey overlaps with Endo’s as he uncovers deep layers of meaning in Japanese history and literature, expressed in art both past and present. He finds connections to how faith is lived in contemporary contexts of trauma and glimpses of how the gospel is conveyed in Christ-hidden cultures. Silence and Beauty was also awarded the 2016 Aldersgate Prize by the John Wesley Honors College at Indiana Wesleyan University and named the 2017 Outreach Magazine Resource of the Year in the category of counseling and relationships.

Rational Faith: A Philosopher’s Defense of Christianity by renowned philosopher Stephen Davis argues that belief in God is indeed a rational and intellectually sound endeavor. Drawing on a lifetime of rigorous reflection and critical thinking, he explores perennial and contemporary challenges to Christian faith. Davis appraises objections fairly and openly, offering thoughtful approaches to common intellectual problems. C. Stephen Evans, professor of philosophy and humanities at Baylor University said, “Davis is fair to the critics of Christianity and careful not to claim more than his arguments warrant. This is a book that will be helpful to both believers and unbelievers. The tone is personal and down-to-earth; the reader comes away with a sense of having had an enjoyable, stimulating, and possibly life-changing conversation.”

Cindy Bunch, IVP’s associate publisher, editorial, said, “As one of the publishers of Dallas Willard’s work, we are honored to be recipients of these awards. It is gratifying to see the range of books on the arts, Scripture, apologetics and more. The scope of the awards reflects the importance of developing the Christian mind in all areas of life and in that way is truly honoring of Dallas Willard’s legacy.”

See a complete list of IVP award winners at ivpress.com/award-winners.

Founded in 1947 as an extension of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship/USA, InterVarsity Press serves those in the university, the church and the world by publishing thoughtful Christian books that equip and encourage people to follow Jesus as Savior and Lord in all of life. For more information, visit ivpress.com.

Contact: Krista Clayton | 630.734.4013 | kclayton@ivpress.com

WHEATON, Ill.—Crossway is pleased to announce that The Biggest Story: How the Snake Crusher Brings Us Back to the Garden (Crossway, August 2015), written by best-selling author Kevin DeYoung and illustrated by award-winning artist Don Clark, has surpassed 100,000 units in print sales.

The popular children’s book traces the Bible’s core message of God’s redemptive plan through classic Bible stories, leading kids and parents alike on an exciting journey from the garden of Eden to the return of Christ. The story is told through whimsical words and powerful illustrations, imaginatively retelling “how the Snake Crusher brings us back to the garden.”

“We give thanks to God for the opportunity to publish such a beautiful book that both shows and tells the story of the greatest news in all the world, and we are delighted that this book is finding its way into the hands and hearts of countless families,” writes Justin Taylor, Executive Vice President of Book Publishing at Crossway.

DeYoung—a best-selling author, pastor, and father of six—wrote The Biggest Story to help readers see the overarching message of Scripture and connect the dots through classic Bible stories. “The Bible is a big story made up of lots of smaller stories,” says DeYoung in his note to parents at the end of the book. “Many children (and not few adults) learn to see the Bible as nothing but a nice collection of smaller stories. . . . without ever grasping the Biggest Story that makes sense of all the others.”

“The Biggest Story is a delight to the eyes, ears, and hearts of its readers,” write Matt and Lauren Chandler. “With rich illustrations and even richer text, the biggest and best story is presented in all of its vivid colors—every dark shade and every bright tone. Parent and child alike will feel the ache of the fallenness of human nature and the comfort of an always-faithful God. From our family to yours, we wholeheartedly commend this book!”

The Biggest Story is the first product in The Biggest Story suite, which also includes The Biggest Story: The Animated Short Film (DVD) (Crossway, August 2016), The Biggest Story: The Audio Book (CD) (Crossway, August 2016), and The Biggest Story ABC (Crossway, August 2017).

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kevin DeYoung is the senior pastor at Christ Covenant Church in Matthews, North Carolina. He is also assistant professor of systematic theology at Reformed Theological Seminary (Charlotte) and a PhD candidate at the University of Leicester. He blogs at the Gospel Coalition and has authored or coauthored numerous well-known books, including Just Do Something; The Hole in Our Holiness; Crazy Busy; and Taking God At His Word.

ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR
Don Clark is an artist and the cofounder of Invisible Creature, a widely respected and cutting-edge design company in Seattle, Washington.

ABOUT THE PUBLISHER
Founded in 1938, Crossway is a not-for-profit global Christian publishing ministry that publishes gospel-centered, Bible-centered content, to honor our Savior and serve his Church. Crossway seeks to help people understand the all-encompassing implications of the gospel and the truth of God’s Word—for all of life, for all eternity, and for the glory of God alone. Crossway is the global publisher of the ESV® (English Standard Version®) Bible, more than 1,000 Christian books, and an extensive list of gospel literature. For additional information visit crossway.org.

Contact: Lauren Harvey • lharvey@crossway.org (630) 682-4300 ext. 6031 • crossway.org

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT THE BIGGEST STORY

“I love what Kevin has done here! I’m buying a copy for each of my grandkids.”
RICK WARREN, #1 New York Times best-selling author, The Purpose Driven Life; pastor, Saddleback Church

“The Biggest Story is a delight to the eyes, ears, and hearts of its readers. With rich illustrations and even richer text, the biggest and best story is presented in all of its vivid colors—every dark shade and every bright tone. Parent and child alike will feel the ache of the fallenness of human nature and the comfort of an always-faithful God. From our family to yours, we wholeheartedly commend this book!”
MATT AND LAUREN CHANDLER, lead pastor, The Village Church, Dallas, Texas; president, Acts 29 Church Planting Network; and his wife Lauren, writer; speaker; singer

“Kevin DeYoung has written a delightful book that both young and old will enjoy. The Biggest Story is a small treatment of a huge theme—God’s drama of redemption, centered on Jesus Christ. Kevin’s words are fresh, engaging, playful, and biblical. Many Bible storybooks offer pearls without a string. This one puts the pearls on a string—the right one. The result is magnificent and memorable.”
RANDY ALCORN, founder and director, Eternal Perspective Ministries; author, Heaven; The Treasure Principle; and The Ishbane Conspiracy

“Rarely has one heard The Greatest Story ever told like this—with such winsome grace and compelling truth. Once we began, we couldn’t stop reading the The Biggest Story aloud to our family, all in one sitting. Laughed, stilled, and wept by the last line—the moving glory of his amazing grace.”
ANN VOSKAMP, New York Times best-selling author, One Thousand Gifts

“So often, our kids hear individual stories from the Bible without fully understanding how these accounts are tied to the ‘biggest story’ of Christ’s ultimate victory over sin. Kevin DeYoung has linked together the Bible stories that are familiar to children into one, enthralling volume. From the first page to the last, kids will come to understand why Jesus’s death, resurrection, and ascension are truly at the center of all of history.”
JIM DALY, president, Focus on the Family

“Have you ever wanted to hug a book? This is how I felt after reading The Biggest Story. It awakened childlike wonder in this grandmother’s heart. The charming words and illustrations creatively tell the biggest and best story—the drama of redemption in Christ.”
SUSAN HUNT, former director, Women’s Ministries, PCA; coauthor, Women’s Ministry in the Local Church

“In The Biggest Story, Kevin DeYoung masterfully tells the story of man’s inability to be good enough and God’s enduring faithfulness to his promise to bring us back to paradise. This is the big picture, not the typical moralistic way of telling the Bible’s story. This book is engaging and wonderfully illustrated; your kids will want sit on your lap and have you read it again and again.”
TEDD TRIPP, pastor; international conference speaker; author, Shepherding a Child’s Heart

“Besides the Bible, this is exactly the kind of book that I love to give as a gift. All day long, from infancy to adulthood, we are all invited to participate in different stories—wear this product, use this technology, vote this way, go to this school, follow this leader. What could be more important than teaching our children the Big Story? Kevin’s retelling of the Serpent-Crusher’s conquest will be beloved by parents and children alike.”
GLORIA FURMAN, author, The Pastor’s Wife; Missional Motherhood; and Alive in Him

“The Biggest Story is a family worship favorite around our household. The kids love hearing the story of Scripture read as one continuous adventure. From toddlers to adults, this book teaches important truths about God, his Word, and the history of his work in the world.”
DAVID AND HEATHER PLATT, president, International Mission Board; author, Radical

(Downers Grove, IL) – James Reapsome, former editor of the Evangelical Missions Quarterly and longtime editor, author, professor, and pastor died June 26 at the age of 88 in Downer’s Grove, IL.

Reapsome’s writing career began as a sports and news writer while in college, seminary, and the Armed Forces in Pennsylvania, Colorado, and Texas. His foray into Christian publishing started with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship in Chicago, then the Sunday School Times in Philadelphia, and later Christianity Today in Wheaton, IL., where he served as managing editor.

He founded the Evangelical Missions Quarterly in 1964, serving as its editor for 33 years. A thought leader in missiology, Reapsome’s writing and editing reshaped the conversation, encouraging analysis and fostering innovation.

A prolific book, magazine, and curricula writer, he and his wife Martha also wrote numerous Bible study guides for InterVarsity Press and subsequently for Harold Shaw (now part of Random House) and Zondervan, selling more than 640,000 copies of their IVP study guides alone.

In 1991, Reapsome received the Journalist of the Year award from the National Association of Evangelicals. He mentored countless journalists, students and missionaries, and at various times served as a professor at Malone College, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, and Columbia International University. He served on the boards of Latin American Mission, Arab World Ministries, and Greater European Mission.

He pastored as well, in the early years pastoring Congregational Bible Church in Marietta, PA, where he inspired members to engage actively in global missions. After he retired from the Evangelical Missions Quarterly, Reapsome served as associate pastor at Western Springs Baptist Church, and after moving to Oak Trace Community, he preached frequently at Oak Trace Chapel, delivering his last sermon in May.

His most recent study guide, “The Jesus Paul Knew,” will be published posthumously by InterVarsity Press.

Reapsome was a long-time supporter of many missions outreaches and organizations, including Magazine Training International, where he was a member of the Board of Advisors. Those who would like to honor his life may donate in his memory to the organization athttp://magazinetraining.com/donations/memoriam-jim-reapsome/

Or, donations may be made in his memory to FOCUS Mulago Child Project, Kampala, Uganda c/o Faith and Learning. PO Box 480 Wheaton, IL 60189.

For more information:  smumper@magazinetraining.com  www.magazinetraining.com  

July 5, 2017 — Brewster, Massachusetts, USA: Paraclete Press, a publisher of books, recordings, and other media which represent afull expression of Christian belief and practice across denominations, cultures, and ages, is pleased to announce the hiring of Jon M. Sweeney as Publisher and Editor-in-Chief effective September 1, 2017.

Sweeney held those two titles at Paraclete Press for many years, concluding in 2015 when he left to work in Catholic publishing. He is currently the Executive Editor for Trade Books at Ave Maria Press in Notre Dame, Indiana, and will remain in that capacity until re-joining Paraclete in September.

Benedictine spirituality is at the heart of Paraclete’s publishing. Paraclete publishes materials that unite and enrich Christian understanding (whether Catholic, Protestant, Orthodox, or Evangelical) and nourish the vibrant life of the church and its people.

Jon M. Sweeney has been a bookseller, editor, author, independent scholar, and book publisher for 28 years. As editor and publisher, he has seen nearly 500 books through publication. As an author, he is best known for The Pope Who Quit: A True Medieval Tale of Mystery, Death, and Salvation, published by Image/Random House and optioned by HBO. He is also the author of many books about Francis of Assisi, most of which have been published by Paraclete Press, including Francis of Assisi in His Own Words, and have combined sales of more than 125,000 copies. Jon is married, the father of four, and lives in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

“We are delighted to welcome Jon Sweeney back to Paraclete,” said Paraclete Press’s president, Robert Edmonson. “Jon’s publishing expertise and editorial skills will enhance Paraclete’s wide range of products that offer the gift of hope that changes lives.”

For interviews please contact Sister Antonia Cleverly, Director of Marketing: phone 1-800-451-5006 ext. 329, email srantonia@paracletepress.com. 

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (July 5, 2017)—B&H Publishing Group won eleven awards in the 2017 Christian Retailing’s Best awards, the most among Christian publishers. The awards were presented June 28 at the International Christian Retail Show (ICRS) in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Among the B&H award winners were Unashamed by Lecrae, Tell Someone by Greg Laurie, She Reads Truth by Raechel Myers and Amanda Bible Williams, and Fervent and The Prince Warriors and the Unseen Invasion, both by Priscilla Shirer. The Unashamed audiobook, recorded by Lecrae and produced by christianaudio, won in the “Audio” category.

Introduced in 2001, Christian Retailing’s Best awards have been acknowledged as an important way of recognizing some of the most significant, life-changing products in the Christian retail industry.

Those who are actively engaged in the Christian products industry were qualified to vote in the awards. Voters were asked to judge the nominations based on their impact, including their ability to speak to people’s hearts and evoke emotion, open people’s minds to new ways of thinking, and encourage and affirm Christ-like living.

The complete list of winners can be found at http://christianretailingsbest.com/winners.html.

B&H WINNERS:

BIBLES:

Bibles: Children
It’s All About Jesus Bible Storybook

Bibles: Teen
HCSB Illustrator’s Notetaking Bible for Teens

BOOKS:

Auto/Biography
Unashamed by Lecrae

Bible/Reference Study
Exalting Jesus in Philippians by Tony Merida, et al.

Children’s Fiction
Prince Warriors and the Unseen Invasion by Priscilla Shirer

Christian Education
Hearts, Heads, and Hands by M. David Sills

Evangelism
Tell Someone by Greg Laurie

First Time Authors
She Reads Truth by Raechel Myers and Amanda Bible Williams

Backlist
Fervent by Priscilla Shirer

Children’s Music and Media
Melting the Master of Mean (DVD)

Spanish
La oración by Timothy Keller

B&H Publishing Group, an imprint of LifeWay Christian Resources, is a team of mission-minded people with a passion for taking God’s Word to the world. Because we believe Every Word Matters^® we seek to provide intentional, Bible-centered content that positively impacts the hearts and minds of people, inspiring them to build a lifelong relationship with Jesus Christ. Among our print and digital releases for the trade, church, and academic markets, titles include The New York Times No. 1 bestsellers The Love Dare and The Vow, #1 CBA bestseller I Am a Church Member as well as the newly-revised Christian Standard Bible (CSB) version.

Ada, Mich. (July 5, 2017)—The Advanced Writers and Speakers Association (AWSA) announced the winners of the 2017 Golden Scroll Awards at their annual banquet on Tuesday, June 27, in Cincinnati, Ohio. Lynette Eason won two awards—a Golden Scroll Merit Award for Without Warning, and a Silver Scroll Merit Award for Moving Target. The AWSA is composed of over 450 women in Christian publishing and speaking, and the Golden Scroll Awards recognize superior authors, publishers, and editors. For the complete list of winners, please click here.

Lynette Eason is the bestselling author of the Women of Justice series, the Deadly Reunions series, and the Hidden Identity series, as well as Always Watching, Without Warning, Moving Target, andChasing Secrets in the Elite Guardians series. She is the winner of two ACFW Carol Awards, the Selah Award, and the Inspirational Readers’ Choice Award. She has a master’s degree in education from Converse College and lives in South Carolina.

Without Warning by Lynette Eason
(Revell; ISBN 9780800723255; ebook ISBN 9781441236807; $14.99)
When Katie Singleton, a partner with the Elite Guardians Protection Agency, spots blue lights at a familiar restaurant and stops to investigate, she discovers that owner Daniel Matthews has become the target of someone who will go to any lengths to put him out of business. Daniel might be concerned, but he’s not convinced that a bodyguard—and a female one at that—is necessary. A new attack and his niece’s urgings are enough to make him reconsider. He and Katie must figure out who’s behind the intimidation and threats—before a would-be killer strikes again. Witty dialogue and a simmering attraction will have readers flying through this tension-laced thriller.

Moving Target by Lynette Eason
(Revell; ISBN 9780800723248; ebook ISBN 9781441236791; $15.99)
Maddy McKay, a bodyguard with the Elite Guardians Protection Agency, and Quinn Holcombe, the man she loves, awaken in a cement room with no idea where they are. But it’s not long before they realize they are in the clutches of a madman exacting revenge by hunting. His prey of choice? Humans. Now Maddy and Quinn must run for their lives, hoping to find their killer before the next game begins. Because if they don’t win this game, they die. Fast, furious, and flirty, Lynette Eason’s relentless suspense barely gives her readers time to catch their breath.

Baker Publishing Group publishes high-quality writings that represent historic Christianity and serve the diverse interests and concerns of evangelical readers.

Contact: Lynnae Lubbers
(616) 676-9185 x193  llubbers@bakerpublishinggroup.com

Jerry Kregel

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – James (Jim) R. Kregel, President of Kregel, Inc., whose divisions include Kregel Publications, Editorial Portavoz, Kregel Parable Christian Stores, and Kregel Parable Ministry Resources, announces his retirement from day-to-day responsibilities with Kregel, Inc., effective June 30, 2017, and the appointment of Jerold (Jerry) W. Kregel as President and CEO of the company, effective July 1, 2017.

“It has been my great pleasure to be intimately involved in the ministries of publishing and selling Christian literature for the past forty-two years,” says Jim. “I have been privileged to interact with so many talented and dedicated people in the Christian retailing and publishing industry, and I leave my current position with assured confidence in the future of Kregel, Inc. under the adept management and faithful ministry vision of Jerry Kregel.”

Jerry Kregel has contributed for twenty-five years to the success of Kregel, Inc. as Kregel’s CFO, and most recently as Executive Vice President of Publishing with dedicated support from Dennis Hillman, Publisher of Kregel Publications, and Tito Mantilla, Publisher of Editorial Portavoz.

For the past five years, Jim Kregel has focused much of his time and effort on increasing the impact and outreach of Kregel Parable Christian Stores and Kregel Parable Ministry Resources, and he will still continue limited involvement with Kregel Parable Ministry Resources. The Kregel Parable Christian Store in Grandville, Michigan, and its adjacent P. Graham Dunn Art, Home Décor, and Personalized Gift Store will continue under the capable leadership of Store Manager Jeremy Fleming and his executive team.

Jim’s future plans include additional time for travel, volunteerism, family relationships, and other challenges and endeavors yet to be discovered.

Company awarded with CBA’s Industry Champion Award

(Cincinnati, OH) July 6, 2017—HarperCollins Christian Publishing (HCCP) was honored with numerous awards for its impact on the industry last week at CBA’s Unite 2017, including CBA’s Industry Champion Award, which “recognizes a business whose outstanding contribution has benefitted the entire industry while demonstrating Christian mission and values,” according to Christian MARKET Weekly.

On June 29 at CBA’s annual Legacy Banquet, the Association of Logos Bookstores recognized HCCP for various achievements within the industry.

Four employees were recognized for Outstanding Customer Service:

• Dean Cook, Independent Retail Sales Consultant, Christian Retail Sales
• Gary Comeforo, Independent Retail Sales Consultant, Christian Retail Sales
• Regina Hughes, Sales Representative, Christian Retail Sales
• Jeff Miller, Independent Retail Sales Consultant, Christian Retail Sales

 In addition, two titles were recognized in Logos’ Best Book categories, with Present Over Perfect by Shauna Niequist (Zondervan) winning the award for the Christian Living category, and The Broken Way by Ann Voskamp (Zondervan) winning the award in Spirituality/Devotional. Additionally, Logos honored long-time Zondervan author Anne Graham Lotz with the award for Author of the Year, an award dedicated to honoring an author whose body of work “exemplifies the power of books to change lives forever.”

For the 2017 Christian Retailing’s Best Awards, also presented on June 29, Zondervan won the top award in seven categories:

• Coloring Book: Wonders of Creation
• Christian Living: Present Over Perfect – Shauna Niequist
• Christian Education: Give Your Child the World – Jamie C. Martin
• Children’s Non-Fiction: 101 Ways to Have Fun – Editors of Faithgirlz and Girls’ Life magazine
• Non-Fiction: Unashamed – Christine Caine
• Christian Living/Spiritual Growth: The Broken Way – Ann Voskamp
• Young Adult Non-Fiction: You Have a Brain – Ben Carson with Gregg Lewis and Deborah Shaw Lewis

 Awarded based on votes from retailers, publishers, church store managers, and volunteers, Christian Retailing’s Best Awards signal the most impactful titles from Christian publishing throughout the last year.

“CBA’s UNITE 2017 is always an exciting week. While we enjoy reflecting on the successes of the past year, it only fuels our excitement for what is still to come,” says Mark Schoenwald, president and CEO of HCCP. “We are grateful for our longstanding relationship we have with CBA over the years, enabling us to further our mission by meeting the needs of people with content that honors Jesus Christ.”

To learn more about CBA’s UNITE 2017, please visit www.christianretailshow.com.  

About HarperCollins Christian Publishing: The world’s leading Christian publisher, HarperCollins Christian Publishing Inc., comprises both Thomas Nelson and Zondervan publishing groups in addition to Olive Tree Bible Software. The Company produces bestselling Bibles, inspirational books, academic resources, curriculum, audio and digital content for the Christian market space. Also home to BibleGateway.com, the world’s largest Christian website, and FaithGateway.com, an online community dedicated to helping people grow in their faith. HarperCollins Christian Publishing is headquartered in Nashville, TN with additional offices in the U.S., Mexico and Brazil. For more information visit www.HarperCollinsChristian.com.

Contact:  Casey Harrell, Senior Director, Corporate Communications
tel: 615.902.1109  web: casey.harrell@harpercollins.com