The Acrostic Theology for Kids Series Makes Learning About the Bible Fun

New addition to series provides young readers with an A-to-Z introduction to biblical theology

The Acrostic of Scripture: A Rhyming Biblical Theology for Kids (New Growth Press/February 23, 2023), by Jonathan Gibson and Timothy Brindle gives parents and teachers a unique and enjoyable way to teach theology. An alphabet of words introducing biblical theology, written to a rhyming beat, paints a detailed and varied portrait of the unfolding story of the Bible, as it is fulfilled by Jesus.

Gibson and Brindle present an alphabet of words featuring people (such as Adam, Hannah, and Zacchaeus), places (including Babel, Eden, and Sinai), and events (like the flood and the eXodus) written to a rhyming beat. Together, all the words help children learn theology so their “knowledge of God’s big picture is better.”

Each page has a person, place, or event from the Bible
To show it’s one big story leading to Christ’s arrival.
He says, “In all your ways, acknowledge me”;
Kids, let’s learn biblical theology!
What’s biblical theology? It’s the study of Scripture,
That shows how all the stories point to Christ—the wonderful victor.
Not just to see how Scripture connects together,
But to see God’s Word as our precious treasure.

The Acrostic of Scripture introduces children ages five to eleven to systematic theology uniquely on their age level. Families will find the book not only educational but entertaining to read and reread. The book may be read in one sitting (either by parent/teacher or child), or it may be used for family devotions, taking one letter per day for families to meditate on, with the accompanying Bible verses listed on each page. Each letter is illustrated by C. S. Fritz to visually reinforce the characteristic described and aid in making the memory connection. To help children get a feel for the rhyme and rhythm of The Acrostic of Scripture, readers will find a QR in the back of the book so they can scan and listen to Brindle read the book in rap style.

Using the alphabet to teach about God has a rich history in the Bible, especially in the Psalms and Lamentations. Several of the psalms—notably Psalm 119—form an acrostic that spells out the entire Hebrew alphabet. “These acrostic books are not strictly catechetical (questions and answers), but they are written in that same tradition of instruction. As such, they are a means of planting the good seed of God’s Word into the hearts of children, so that they might grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus,” the authors explain in the opening pages.

“Every Christian parent, as well as pastors and leaders of Christ’s Church, are always in need of Biblically faithful and effective instruments to assist in communicating the Gospel clearly to the ‘lambs’ in the flock,” writes Harry L. Reeder III, pastor of Briarwood Presbyterian Church, Birmingham, Alabama. “These volumes fulfill that desire beyond expectation with its effective teaching style, as well as interest-attracting presentation, while communicating the life-changing power of the Gospel and call to Christ allowing children ‘to come unto Him.’”

The Acrostic of Scripture is the fourth book in the Acrostic Theology for Kids series. Currently available are The Acrostic of God, The Acrostic of Jesus, and The Acrostic of Salvation. The Acrostic of the Church will release in the fall of 2024. As he has with each release in the series, Timothy Brindle will also be releasing The Acrostic of Scripture: Rap Album in coordination with the book. The album will include songs based on the content of the book. The album will be available for purchase at timothybrindleministries.com in both MP3 and CD formats.

The Acrostic of Scripture: A Rhyming Biblical Theology for Kids
Book Four in the Acrostic Theology for Kids series
By Jonathan Gibson and Timothy Brindle, Illustrated by C.S. Fritz
February 27, 2023 / Retail Price: $16.99
Print ISBN 978-1-64507-337-6
Religion / Christian Education / Children and Youth

Jonathan Gibson, PhD, is ordained in the International Presbyterian Church (UK) and serves as Associate Professor of Old Testament, Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia. Gibson served as coeditor with Mark Earngey of Reformation Worship and was a contributor and coeditor with David Gibson of From Heaven He Came and Sought Her. He is the author of Isaiah: Good News for the Wayward and Wandering and The Moon Is Always Round and coauthor of the Acrostic Theology for Kids series. Jonathan is married to Jackie and they have four children.

Timothy Brindle, ThM, MDiv, is a pastor at Olive Street Presbyterian Church (PCA), and a candidate for the PhD in Old Testament at Westminster Theological Seminary, where he serves as the Senior Stewardship Officer. He is the author of The Unfolding and has released several Christian hip-hop albums. He is coauthor of the Acrostic Theology for Kids series. Timothy and his wife, Floriana, have nine children and live in Philadelphia. Learn more at timothybrindleministries.com.

ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR:
C. S.  Fritz grew up on a farm in Oregon, where he milked cows and had a pet pig. To escape the endless chores C. S. would draw. As a young child, his family moved to Arizona, and it was there he has spent most of his life, married the love of his life, and had two wild kids. C. S. is an award-winning author and illustrator of The Cottonmouth Trilogy, Good Night Tales, The Moonman Cometh, Seekers, Good Night Classics, and An Acrostic Theology for Kids series.

For review copy and interview information, contact:
Audra Jennings – audra@newgrowthpress.com

Jeremy Writebol Offers Hope for the Weary, the Burned Out and the Broken

BELLINGHAM, Wash., February 27, 2023 — To bring biblical clarity to the job description of today’s pastors and challenge them to fulfill it through Jesus’ sufficiency, author and pastor Jeremy Writebol has written “Pastor, Jesus is Enough,” releasing March 15 from Lexham Press.

Today, many pastors and ministry leaders are deeply impacted by the weight of their job responsibilities. A 2022 Barna study revealed that 42% of pastors considered resigning within the past year due to stress and burnout, increasing 29% from the previous year in 2021.

Speaking deeply to the hearts of pastors who are trying to shepherd in a pandemic-shaped world, Writebol invites readers to hear the words of the risen Jesus in the seven letters within Revelation 2–3. Typically studied as exhortations directed to churches, Writebol explores how they also speak to pastors by addressing seven key truths:

•   Pastors love Jesus most;
•   Pastors suffer;
•   Pastors teach and tell the truth;
•   Pastors become like Jesus;
•   Pastors abide in Jesus;
•   Pastors find their value in Jesus; and
•   Pastors repent.

“These seven letters are love letters from Jesus to pastors, and the more I think about it, the more that seems right,” shares Writebol. “Certainly, they aren’t syrupy and sappy letters, but they are nonetheless evidence of Jesus’ care and concern for the pastors who lead His Church.”

Whether pastors are hurting or straying, “Pastor, Jesus is Enough” shares how Jesus draws near to them and reminds them of his sufficiency. In these warnings and promises, Jesus has hard words for pastors, but they’re words of life. Most of all, Jesus urges pastors to keep their focus on Him.

“These letters are the very Word of God for pastors today, like me and you, striving to be enough and yet forgetting to remember that we have a Savior who is absolutely enough,” says Writebol. “But pastor, the good news is that you cannot be enough. Because only Jesus is enough.”

Full of biblical, practical wisdom for faithful ministry, “Pastor, Jesus is Enough” releases March 15 from Lexham Press. For more information, visit https://lexhampress.com/product/229473/pastor-jesus-is-enough-hope-for-the-weary-the-burned-out-and-the-broken.

About Lexham Press
Lexham Press seeks to increase biblical literacy, thoughtful Christian reflection, and faithful action around the world by publishing a range of Bible study materials, scholarly works, and pastoral resources. For information, visit lexhampress.com.

About Jeremy Writebol
Jeremy Writebol is the lead campus pastor of Woodside Bible Church in Plymouth, Michigan, and executive director of Gospel-Centered Discipleship. He is the author of “everPresent: How the Gospel Relocates Us in the Present.”

Media Contact:  Lauren Briggs, 972-267-1111, lauren@alarryross.com

February 23, 2023—Firebrand Group (FBG), the book industry’s leading technology company for cutting edge software and services, announced today the official placement of Angela Bole in the role of Chief Executive Officer. Her appointment to succeed previous CEO Fran Toolan was initially announced on June 9, 2022. Since then, Ms. Bole has worked alongside Mr. Toolan, the FBG Board of Directors, and various members of the FBG management team to ensure a smooth transition.

Ms. Bole joins Firebrand Group—a collection of companies including Firebrand Technologies, NetGalley LLC, and Supadu Ltd—at a pivotal moment in the company’s 35 year history. Firebrand Technologies and NetGalley were acquired by Media Do International (MD-i), the US-based subsidiary of Japan’s Media Do Co., Ltd, in 2021; Supadu in 2022. Today, this unique collection of companies, now all co-located under the Firebrand Group umbrella, provides publishers with cohesive tools to effectively manage internal workflows, external marketing, and eventual sales.

Previous to Firebrand Group, Ms. Bole served as CEO of the Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA). Throughout her time at IBPA her mission was “to lead and serve independent publishers through advocacy, education, and tools for success.” Ms. Bole is highly regarded in the book industry for raising the profile and visibility of the IBPA, and for encouraging book publishing best practices and the highest industry standards.

“We are excited to be joined by Angela Bole who will head up Firebrand Group,” says Daihei Shiohama, President and CEO of Media Do International, Inc. “We are fortunate to have secured Ms. Bole whose considerable experience and knowledge of the industry will take our family of companies forward in its next phase of development.”

About the Firebrand Group – The Firebrand Group, consisting of Firebrand Technologies, NetGalley, and Supadu, provides leading software and services to help publishers achieve success. The Firebrand Group is owned by Media Do International Inc. (MD-i), the US-based subsidiary of Japan’s Media Do Co., Ltd, one of the largest ebook distribution companies in the world retaining the largest share of Japan’s ebook market. For more information, visit firebrandtech.com. For more information on Media Do’s services and corporate divisions, visit mediado.jp/english.

 

WESTMONT, IL—Outreach magazine has named four IVP titles as 2023 Resources of the Year. The honored books include Wandering Toward God by Travis Dickinson; Agents of Flourishing by Amy L. Sherman; Inalienable by Eric Costanzo, Daniel Yang, and Matthew Soerens; and Analog Christian by Jay Y. Kim. Now in its twentieth year, the 2023 Outreach Resources of the Year honors the past year’s best books that emphasize outreach-oriented ministries.

Apologetics 2023 Resource of the Year

In Wandering Toward God: Finding Faith amid Doubts and Big Questions professor and philosopher Travis Dickinson says that our doubts and hard questions about the faith are an important way we can express our commitment and love to God. Doubt isn’t our destination but it’s an important step on the way. It’s possible to wander toward God as we ask our questions honestly, in faith and trust.

Andrew MacDonald, associate director of the Wheaton College Billy Graham Center Research Institute, evaluated this title for the Resources of the Year. He said, “As the genre of apologetics continues to undergo a revolution, turning greater attention to the importance of story and persuasion, Dickinson’s work stands out for its analysis of the underlying problems of doubt, and how our response to this reality can actually fuel rather than damage our faith and mission. More of an apologetic to rather than for Christians, Dickinson hits a critical need for many in the church who are fearful of where their challenging questions might lead them.”

Social Issues 2023 Resources of the Year

Agents of Flourishing: Pursuing Shalom in Every Corner of Society offers a multifaceted, biblically grounded framework for enacting God’s call to seek the shalom of our communities in six arenas of civilizational life (The Good, The True, The Beautiful, The Just, The Prosperous, and The Sustainable). Amy L. Sherman writes that because we believe in what is good and true, we strengthen social ethics and contribute to human knowledge and learning. Because we value beauty, we invest in creative arts. Because we are committed to a just society, we work toward restorative justice and a well-ordered civic life. And our desire to see society prosper sustainably means that our business practices seek the economic good of the community while protecting the physical health of our environment.

Mark DeYmaz, directional leader of Mosaic Church of Central Arkansas and convener of the National Multiethnic Church Conference, evaluated the titles in the Social Issues category. He said, “While many passionately explain why the church and other Christ-centered organizations should pursue community transformation and human flourishing, and advance the common good, this book provides the ‘how’ and ‘what’—proven, credible strategies to help leaders realize such dreams for the glory of God.”

Inalienable: How Marginalized Kingdom Voices Can Help Save the American Church was written by pastor Eric Costanzo, missiologist Daniel Yang, and nonprofit leader Matthew Soerens. “A vocationally and experientially diverse group of co-authors provide a 360° rationale and recommendations for (essentially) reinventing the S-curve of the American church’s growth and decline,” said DeYmaz. “While acknowledging hits to the credibility, reputation and psyche of the church’s collective witness, they passionately and practically encourage readers to see this not so much as a problem but an opportunity for the church to understand the times and know what is the best course of action to take (1 Chron. 12:32) in pursuit of systemic transformation for the sake of the gospel.

“As expressed in the subtitle, Inalienable will require empowered leadership to embrace disruptive innovation where 20th century mindsets persist that may be unintentionally (yet nevertheless) preventing the emerging voices of the best, brightest and marginalized of the next generation from shaping things both now and in years to come.”

Spiritual Growth 2023 Resource of the Year

Analog Christian: Cultivating Contentment, Resilience and Wisdom in the Digital Age explores the ways the digital age and its values are affecting Christian discipleship. Jay Kim’s Analog Church explored the ways the digital age and its values affect the life of the church. In Analog Christian, he asks the same question of Christian discipleship. As the digital age inclines us to discontentment, fragility, and foolishness, how are followers of Jesus to respond? What is the theological basis for living in creative resistance to the forces of our day? How can Christians cultivate the contentment, resilience, and wisdom to not only survive but to thrive as we navigate the specific challenges of our age?

Thomas Bandy, director of Thriving Church Consulting, evaluated the books for the Spiritual Growth category. He said, “Kim confronts the negative impact of the pandemic, politics and polarization which have contributed to social media becoming toxic. Kim helps Christians who go online practice patience, kindness, faithfulness and self-control to overcome impatience, hostility and self-indulgence they may encounter.”

The Outreach Resources of the Year aims to highlight valuable resources for church leaders and bring deserved attention to tools that can help churches better engage in effective outreach to share the gospel and reach their communities for Christ. The Outreach magazine editorial team sorted qualifying titles into ten key categories for review by expert panelists in each field. The panelists thoughtfully evaluated each submission and chose one or more as an Outreach Resource of the Year, then highlighted other titles as “Also Recommended.”

For a complete list of IVP award-winning titles, visit ivpress.com/award-winners.

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

20^th Annual Celebration of the Best

For the 20th year, Outreach magazine is celebrating some of the best outreach-oriented books by honoring them as Outreach Resources of the Year.

The Outreach Resources of the Year aims to highlight valuable resources for church leaders and bring deserved attention to tools that can help churches better engage in effective outreach to share the gospel and reach their communities for Christ. The resources are featured in the March/April 2023 issue of Outreach magazine.

Resources published between Nov. 1, 2021, and Oct. 31, 2022, were submitted for consideration. An expert in each category evaluated the resources and chose what they considered to be the best. The experts also chose how many resources to recognize, and whether to include any as “Also Recommended.”

The 20^th Annual Outreach Resources of the Year are:

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APOLOGETICS
Evaluated by Andrew MacDonald, associate director of the Wheaton College Billy Graham Center Research Institute.

RESOURCE OF THE YEAR

• Wandering Toward God: Finding Faith Amid Doubts and Big Questions by Travis Dickinson (IVP)

ALSO RECOMMENDED

• A Doubter’s Guide to World Religions: A Fair and Friendly Introduction to the History, Beliefs and Practices of the Big Five by John Dickson (Zondervan Reflective)

 

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CHRISTIAN LIVING
Evaluated by Ken Wytsma, award-winning author of The Myth of Equality and Pursuing Justice

RESOURCE OF THE YEAR

• Rembrandt Is in the Wind: Learning to Love Art Through the Eyes of Faith by Russ Ramsey (Zondervan Reflective)

ALSO RECOMMENDED

• How to Inhabit Time: Understanding the Past, Facing the Future, Living Faithfully Now by James K.A. Smith (Brazos Press)

 

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CHURCH
Evaluated by R. York Moore, national evangelist and executive director for catalytic partnerships for InterVarsity Christian Fellowship and co-founder of EveryCampus.

RESOURCE OF THE YEAR

• The Church After Innovation: Questioning Our Obsession with Work, Creativity and Entrepreneurship by Andrew Root (Baker Academic)

 

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COUNSELING AND RELATIONSHIPS
Evaluated by Drs. Les and Leslie Parrott, founders of the marriage assessment SYMBIS.com and authors of Saving Your Marriage Before It Starts.

RESOURCE OF THE YEAR

• Seasons of Sorrow: The Pain of Loss and the Comfort of God by Tim Challies (Zondervan Reflective)

 

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LEADERSHIP
Evaluated by A.J. Swoboda, associate professor of Bible, theology and World Christianity at Bushnell University and lead mentor for the doctor of ministry program at Fuller Theological Seminary on the Holy Spirit and Leadership. He is the author of many books, including last year’s Spiritual Growth resource of the year After Doubt (Brazos).

RESOURCE OF THE YEAR

• Preaching to a Divided Nation: A Seven-Step Model for Promoting Reconciliation and Unity by Matthew D. Kim and Paul A. Hoffman (Baker Academic)

ALSO RECOMMENDED

• When Women Lead: Embrace Your Authority, Move Beyond Barriers, and Find Joy in Leading Others by Carolyn Moore (Zondervan Reflective)

 

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MISSIONAL AND CROSS-CULTURAL
Evaluated by Robert Gallagher, professor emeritus of intercultural studies at Wheaton College Graduate School and teaching pastor at Lombard Bible Church in Lombard, Illinois.

RESOURCE OF THE YEAR

• Virtuous Persuasion: A Theology of Christian Mission by Michael Niebauer (Lexham Academic)

 

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SOCIAL ISSUES
Evaluated by Mark DeYmaz, directional leader of Mosaic Church of Central Arkansas and convener of the National Multiethnic Church Conference.

RESOURCES OF THE YEAR

• Agents of Flourishing: Pursuing Shalom in Every Corner of Society by Amy L. Sherman (IVP Praxis)
• Inalienable: How Marginalized Kingdom Voices Can Help Save the American Church by Eric Costanzo, Daniel Yang and Matthew Soerens (IVP)

ALSO RECOMMENDED

• Called to Reconciliation: How the Church Can Model Justice, Diversity and Inclusion by Jonathan C. Augustine (Baker Academic)
• Voices of Lament: Reflections on Brokenness and Hope in a World Longing for Justice Edited by Natasha Sistrunk Robinson* (Revell)

* Editor’s Note: Natasha Sistrunk Robinson is a columnist and contributing editor for Outreach magazine.

 

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SPIRITUAL GROWTH
Evaluated by Thomas Bandy, director of Thriving Church Consulting and the author of more than 60 books and articles.

RESOURCES OF THE YEAR

• Analog Christian: Cultivating Contentment, Resilience and Wisdom in the Digital Age by Jay Y. Kim (IVP)
• How to Hear God: A Simple Guide for Normal People by Pete Greig (Zondervan Reflective)

 

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THEOLOGY AND BIBLICAL STUDIES
Evaluated by Scot McKnight, author or editor of some 60 books and the Julius R. Mantey Chair of New Testament at Northern Seminary in Lisle, Illinois.

RESOURCE OF THE YEAR

• The Lord Roars: Recovering the Prophetic Voice for Today by M. Daniel Carroll R. (Baker Academic)

 

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YOUTH AND KIDS
Evaluated by Russell St. Bernard, an Outreach magazine contributing editor; director of strategic ministry operations at Kingdom Fellowship AME Church in Calverton, Maryland; and founder of After the Music Stops, Ministry Pivot and The Pivot University.

RESOURCES OF THE YEAR

• The Apostles’ Creed: For All God’s Children by Ben Myers; illustrated by Natasha Kennedy (Lexham Press)
• Gentegration: Connecting Leaders Across Generations by Bobby Manning (StreetLight Ministries)

ALSO RECOMMENDED

• How to Fight Racism (Young Reader’s Edition): A Guide to Standing Up for Racial Justice by Jemar Tisby (Zonderkidz)
• The Case for Heaven (Young Reader’s Edition): Investigating What Happens After Our Life on Earth by Lee Strobel (Zonderkidz)

 

ABOUT OUTREACH MAGAZINE
With an emphasis on evangelism, discipleship and service, Outreach magazine offers ideas, innovations and resources for churches that seek to reach their community and change the world. Founded in January 2003 by church communications company Outreach Inc., Outreach is an award-winning, bimonthly periodical for church leaders and is available by subscription. Find out more at OutreachMagazine.com.

Carol Stream, Ill. (February 24, 2023) — Focus on the Family, in alliance with Tyndale House Publishers, will release four new kids’ and middle-grade books in the summer of 2023. In line with Focus on the Family’s corporate mission, the new products—Lions, Elephants, and Lies; Life in the Middle; Young Whit and the Phantasmic Confabulator; and Young Whit and the Cloth of Contention—equip parents to raise their children with thriving faith.

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Lions, Elephants, and Lies
Magnificent Mulligans #2
Bestselling author Bill Myers releases Magnificent Mulligans #2.

Neither Michael nor Traci Mulligan had intended to have a large family, let alone one of such diversity. But God had other plans. After their second child was born blind, they began to see their gift for reaching out, connecting, and laughing with special children with special needs—all while raising their family among the many creatures living at the animal park that they operate.

They face trials with so many children from such diverse backgrounds and in such an incredible environment. But their faith in Christ, commitment to one another, and ability to laugh at themselves keep them digging in to make it work.

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Life in the Middle
Riverbend Friends #5
Life in the Middle is the fifth book in a series that travels alongside four friends as they deal with teen life in Riverbend, Indiana. The novel inspires girls and young women to deepen their relationships with God as they face real-life issues and solve their problems in God-honoring ways.

Tessa feels as if every part of her life is falling to pieces. She finds out that her mom and dad are officially getting divorced. Then Alex, her boyfriend, starts working at a camp where she barely gets to see him. Now Tessa’s dad wants her to watch her half-brother every week, and he also has some news that makes her feel sick. On top of that, her mom wants to move out of the house they have lived in since the time Tessa was born.

No one seems to understand what Tessa is going through or what she is thinking and feeling, and she’s not sure anyone will ever understand. With everything changing, no one seems to care what she thinks.

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Young Whit and the Phantasmic Confabulator
Young Whit #4
In Young Whit and the Phantasmic Confabulator, the fourth book in the Young Whit series, young Johnny Whittaker tries to save Duke University basketball, works to unravel a kidnapping, and begins to develop his most-famous invention! He also learns more about the amazing cloth left to him by his mother.

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Young Whit and the Cloth of Contention
Young Whit #5
In Young Whit and the Cloth of Contention, the fifth book in the Young Whit series, young Johnny Whittaker’s friend Huck is still in jail. The Confederate gold stolen from the bank is still missing. And Professor Mangle is still determined to get his hands on Johnny’s special cloth, which seems to have the power to heal. What will Johnny and his father do?

Lions, Elephants, and Lies
ISBN: 978-1-64607-114-2 | Softcover: $14.99 | June 2023

Life in the Middle
ISBN: 978-1-64607-088-6 | Softcover: $14.99 | July 2023

Young Whit and the Phantasmic Confabulator
ISBN: 978-1-58997-453-1 | Hardcover: $16.99 | August 2023

Young Whit and the Cloth of Contention
ISBN: 978-1-58997-454-8 | Hardcover $16.99 | August 2023 

Since its founding in 1962, Tyndale House Publishers has been a voice to trust for generations of readers. Today, Tyndale is one of the largest independent Christian publishers in the world. Tyndale’s mission is to make the Bible accessible to as many people as possible in language that they can relate and respond to. Tyndale publishes the Holy Bible, New Living Translation (NLT) and offers nonfiction books that equip readers with Christ-centered insight, counsel, and life-improving stories. In addition, Tyndale publishes fiction from fresh new voices and celebrated authors alike, capturing the imagination of millions of readers. With a deep understanding of the importance of nurturing future generations, Tyndale also publishes children’s products that make God’s Word and wisdom come alive. Tyndale’s independent status allows it to follow its founding model, giving a substantial portion of annual revenue—millions of dollars per year—through corporate donations and the work of Tyndale House Foundation. With every book purchased, Tyndale readers help meet the physical and spiritual needs of people around the world. Tyndale.com

Focus on the Family, which reaches about 38 million people in 120 countries, is a global faith-based ministry that helps families thrive. Tyndale House Publishers is pleased to partner with Focus on the Family to help provide trusted resources for strengthening believers in their faith and sharing the gospel; building resilient marriages that reflect God’s design; equipping parents to raise their children with a thriving faith; advocating for the preborn, orphaned, and life at every stage; and engaging the culture through a biblical worldview. Visit Focus at FocusontheFamily.com or on Facebook and Twitter.

WESTMONT, IL— Building on its seventy-five-year tradition of developing and publishing thoughtful Christian content for both trade and academic markets, InterVarsity Press has announced a shift in its business operations. Starting in September 2023, IVP will begin outsourcing its order processing, customer service, and product fulfillment operations to Longleaf Services. This change allows IVP to focus on its core editorial strengths and expand its product offerings—including to aggressively seek key acquisitions and to reach a digitally focused generation.

Clay Farr, chief executive officer for Longleaf Services, said, “We are thrilled to welcome InterVarsity Press to the Longleaf Services group of publishers. Our mission is to provide excellent fulfillment and publishing services so our presses can focus on what they do best: produce great content and support their communities of authors, institutions, and readers. We are honored that IVP has selected us to help them achieve their future goals.” 

Terumi Echols, president and publisher at IVP, said, “IVP is increasing its capacity to do what we do best, which is to create and publish resources that deepen lives in Christ to engage the university, church, and world. This shift allows us to focus on our strengths and leverage Longleaf’s best-in-class fulfillment and distribution services. As a nonprofit publishing services company, Longleaf understands IVP’s missional ethos, close partnership with thoughtful booksellers, and commitment to trade and academic markets.”

Echols continued, “IVP will be working closely with our trade and academic bookselling partners to help them transition smoothly to Longleaf’s systems. We want them to continue to experience IVP’s excellent customer service throughout this process.” 

As the current work of IVP’s distribution, customer service, and general services teams move to Longleaf Services, thirteen positions within IVP will end as of September 1, 2023. Echols said, “I am so grateful for the passion that IVP’s current distribution, customer service, and general services teams have offered to our customers and to our mission. We did not make the decision to outsource lightly, and our team is committed to serving our partners with excellence through this transition.” 

While customer care will still be a key focus for IVP, Justin Paul Lawrence, divisional vice president of marketing and sales, said that the time is right for IVP to focus its resources and efforts on the press’s core strengths. “We have gone through a year of strategic planning to identify IVP’s greatest potential opportunities and contributions. IVP is financially healthy, and we’re clear about our mission. We’re ready to make this significant shift so we can better serve authors, readers, and booksellers.” 

Echols added, “As we consider our strategic plan for the coming period, it is evident that we must focus on our core competencies of book publishing and resource development. This has always been IVP’s strength and its calling. Working with Longleaf will allow us to invest our resources into developing IVP’s digital infrastructure, expanding into Spanish resources, and positioning IVP to seek acquisitions that expand the reach of IVP’s ministry to the next generation.”

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Tech-savvy leader Kristina Vandiver has joined Kregel Publications as the director of Kregel Academic and Ministry (KAM). In this role, along with leading the KAM team, Vandiver will help lead strategic marketing and editorial initiatives for these imprints.

Kristina is a veteran marketing professional with experience managing teams at the intersection of Christian publishing and technology. She specializes in strategic leadership, process and system improvements, data-informed decision making, business development, and creative integrated content marketing campaigns. During her years at Faithlife with Logos Bible Software and at Lifeway with Wordsearch, she worked closely with many publishers and educational institutions to acquire content that would engage believers in relevant ways.

Kristina looks forward to being part of Kregel Publications, especially during this post-pandemic time of disruption. “Challenges can be reframed to opportunities,” she says.

“I came to faith through books and want to offer that same opportunity to others through important, life-transforming content.”

Building on Kregel’s reputation as a trusted, biblically based, independently owned publisher, Vandiver will grow its content through multiple formats. “We are excited to have Kristina join us to lead our KAM initiatives,” says Jerry Kregel, president of Kregel Publications. “I appreciate her engagement with the ever-changing publishing landscape.”

“Kristina is a great new addition to our Kregel team,” adds publisher Catherine DeVries. “I’m eager to see our award-winning, engaging content increase its presence across a wide variety of formats and platforms. Kregel is more committed than ever to be wherever people are, however they consume content.”

Kregel Publications is an evangelical Christian publisher that aims to develop and distribute—with integrity and excellence—trusted, biblically based resources that lead individuals to know and serve Jesus Christ.

Contact:  Publicity Department, 616-451-4775, publicity@kregel.com

NASHVILLE, Tenn., February — Zondervan Books, an imprint of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, announces a book deal with The Purpose Driven Life bestselling author and pastor Rick Warren. Warren’s first trade book in a decade, Created to Dream: The 6 Phases God Uses to Grow Your Faith, will publish on April 11, 2023. World rights were acquired by Zondervan Books VP and Publisher Webster Younce.

“We are thrilled that Rick Warren is returning to publishing with a message that will provide readers with much-needed hope as they develop a deeper understanding of God’s dream for their lives. In a time when many feel overwhelmed and over-burdened, the message of Created to Dream could not be more timely and important.”
– Webster Younce, Zondervan Books VP and Publisher

In Created to Dream, Warren helps readers understand how God uses six phases of faith to grow their spiritual maturity while fulfilling the dreams he gives them. Each phase is a test of faith that allows readers to stop wondering if God has forgotten them and begin working with him toward all he has dreamed up for their future.

“When God wants to work in your life, he gives you a dream about what he wants you to do and the impact he wants you to have in the world.”
– Rick Warren, Created to Dream

Through discussing Scripture and Warren’s lived experience, Created to Dream meets readers where they are in the process of seeing God’s dream for their lives come to fruition. From the dream to decision to delays to difficulties to dead ends and to deliverance, Warren guides readers through each pivotal stage by providing them with hope, guidance on how to pray, and more. It’s a book people will revisit over and over because dreams are not a one-time experience.

Zondervan is a HarperCollins company and part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing. Zondervan is a worldwide leading publisher and provider of Christian communications. The company’s products are sold worldwide and translated into nearly 200 languages. Zondervan offices are located in Grand Rapids, Mich. For additional information, please visit www.zondervan.com.

Contact: Devin Duke, Senior Publicity Manager, Zondervan Books, Devin.Duke@harpercollins.com

 

February 2023 | WESTMONT, IL—IVP has announced promotions for two members of its editorial team. Al Hsu has been promoted to associate editorial director, trade, and Elissa Schauer will serve as executive editor. 

Hsu has worked at IVP for twenty-eight years, starting out as an editorial intern in 1994, then working as a publicity manager for several years before he joined the editorial team in 2001. Since then Hsu has worked as an associate editor and more recently as senior editor for IVP books from 2012 until this recent shift to associate editorial director. Hsu will be continuing his work in acquisitions and development as well as supporting Cindy Bunch in the leadership of the trade publishing team. Hsu is also an IVP author, whose titles include Grieving a Suicide, Singles at the Crossroads, and The Suburban Christian.

Bunch, IVP vice president, editorial, said, “With a tenure of twenty-eight years Al Hsu is a visionary editor, resident IVP historian, and trusted leader of IVP’s publishing program. Al will be continuing as an acquisitions and developmental editor as well as supporting me in the leadership of the trade publishing team.”

Schauer has worked at IVP since 2013, and her most recent role has been as the managing and associate trade editor In 2021 she spearheaded the IVP Kids line, which currently includes nine books with more contracted. Bunch said, “In just shy of a decade at IVP, Elissa has proven herself invaluable. She has served as managing editor and was the linchpin in keeping IVP books on schedule through the pandemic disruption. She is the chief problem solver for scheduling and data issues in the editorial department.”

While continuing to supervise the work of the associate and assistant managing editors, Schauer is also developing new Bible studies for IVP with integrated video curriculum (launching in Winter 2024).

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