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Jodi Benson’s memoir, “Part of My World,” named Audie Award Finalist 

March 6, 2023 by Sheri Toomb

CAROL STREAM, Ill.—March 2, 2023—Tyndale House Publishers is pleased to announce that Part of My World,  narrated by Jodi Benson, Disney Legend and original voice of Ariel in the Disney classic The Little Mermaid, has been named a finalist for an Audie Award, in the Faith-Based Fiction or Nonfiction category, by the Audio Publishers Association. 

Beyond her best-known work as the voice of Ariel in Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Jodi Benson also gave voice to Barbie in Disney/Pixar’s Toy Story 2 and 3, and delighted Disney fans with a cameo in Enchanted before reprising her role as Ariel in Ralph Breaks the Internet. She made her starring-role debut on Broadway performing “Disneyland” in Smile, and she earned a Tony nomination as Polly Baker in Crazy for You. In 2011, Disney bestowed upon Jodi their highest honor, naming her a Disney Legend. Jodi continues to share her gift, entertaining audiences across the country and around the world.

In the audiobook of Part of My World, Benson takes readers on a magical journey from a Midwestern town to the bright lights of Broadway and the recording booth where she brought to life one of the most beloved Disney princesses of all time. A treasure trove of colorful characters and unforgettable anecdotes, Part of My World tells a real-life fairy tale as a girl with a big voice and even bigger dreams sets out on the adventure of a lifetime. Along the way, Jodi shares lessons she’s learned about faith, friendship, love, loss, taking chances, making mistakes, following God’s call, and chasing your dreams.

Delivered with warmth, humor, and disarming vulnerability, Part of My World is a captivating glimpse behind the curtain at the making of one of the most celebrated animated movies of all time, and a must-listen for Disney fans of all ages.

 In response to this significant honor, Sarah Atkinson, Vice President of Tyndale Book Group, shared, “Getting to hear Jodi’s story told in her voice via the audiobook has been such a thrill for her fans, and we couldn’t be more pleased by this recognition of Jodi’s amazing talent in communicating her beautiful story.”

According to their website, the Audie Awards® is the premier awards program in the United States recognizing distinction in audiobooks and spoken-word entertainment. Publishers and rights holders enter titles in various categories for recognition of achievement. Finalists are selected, and then one winner is awarded in each category. Winners will be announced at the 2023 Audies Gala at Chelsea Piers’ Pier Sixty on March 28, 2023, in New York City.

For more information on Tyndale titles, please visit www.tyndale.com.

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 majority of annual revenue—more than $110 million throughout its history—to charitable missions. With every book purchased, Tyndale readers help meet the physical and spiritual needs of people around the world.

Contact: Katie Dodillet, katiedodillet@tyndale.com, 630.784.5275

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Lexham Press mourns passing of Michael Heiser, biblical scholar and author of “The Unseen Realm”

March 6, 2023 by Sheri Toomb

Bellingham, Wash.—February 20, 2023—Lexham Press mourns the passing of Dr. Michael Heiser on February 20 after a years-long battle with cancer.

Dr. Heiser, an influential scholar and author of the bestselling The Unseen Realm, wrote ten books with Lexham Press, including Angels, Demons, and Supernatural. He also was an academic editor for the Lexham Bible Dictionary, Faithlife Study Bible, and Bible Study Magazine. Much of his work was translated into multiple languages, allowing a global audience to engage with his important scholarship.

“Mike had a unique ability to connect and communicate in such a way that ideas which might have seemed arcane or opaque in someone else’s voice came alive,” said Jesse Myers, president and CEO of Baker Publishing and former publisher of Lexham Press. “He fused legitimate academic prowess with a clarity and relevance that made his message compelling to readers, viewers, and listeners.”

“Mike’s work has contributed to a lot of what we do at Lexham Press,” said Ben Amundgaard, publisher of Lexham Press. “We were always delighted to partner with Mike on a new project. His curiosity and willingness to ask the hard questions has helped him touch the lives of many people across the globe. We will miss him dearly and will keep his family in our prayers.”

Dr. Heiser received an MA in ancient history from the University of Pennsylvania as well as an MA and PhD in Hebrew Bible and Semitic studies from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. His published work extends beyond his titles with Lexham Press, as he wrote extensively for scholarly journals and contributed to works such as IVP’s Dictionary of the Old Testament: Prophets. He also received scholarly awards from the Society of Biblical Literature and his alma maters.

Dr. Heiser taught or contributed to more than thirteen Logos Mobile Education courses, and appeared in several Faithlife Original films. He hosted the Naked Bible Podcast and founded Miqlat, a non-profit biblical teaching ministry. In 2020, Dr. Heiser started the AWKNG School of Theology at Celebration Church, where he served as executive director.

Dr. Heiser is survived by his wife, Drenna, and his children, Amy, Molly, Simcha, and Calvin.

About Lexham Press: Lexham Press is committed to excellent publishing that loves the church, loves the faith, and loves the Word, drawing from the Christian tradition and the global church to provide resources for pastors, scholars, parents, and students of the Bible. Lexham Press seeks to increase biblical literacy, thoughtful reflection, and faithful Christian action around the world.

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Beth Moore’s memoir, “All My Knotted-Up Life,” achieves bestseller status in release week

March 6, 2023 by Sheri Toomb

Carol Stream, Ill. (March 3, 2023) — All My Knotted-Up Life, Beth Moore’s captivating memoir, which released on February 21, 2023, from Tyndale Momentum, quickly skyrocketed to bestseller standing. In its release week, the title debuted at #10 on the New York Times Best Sellers Hardcover Nonfiction list and #11 on their Combined Print & E-book Nonfiction list. Additionally, the title ranked #3 on the Publishers Weekly Bestsellers list in the Hardcover Nonfiction category and #4 on Wall Street Journal’s Bestselling Books list for Hardcover Nonfiction.

In her greatly anticipated memoir, Beth Moore, beloved teacher, bestselling author, and founder of Living Proof Ministries, shares her never-before-told story to critical acclaim by Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, Kirkus, and Foreword Reviews alike.

All My Knotted-Up Life is Moore’s reflective, heartbreaking, and humorous memoir, detailing her tumultuous childhood in Arkansas and Texas, experiences that impacted her youth and her call to ministry, her rise as an influential Bible teacher and national ministry leader, her life as a mother and wife, and the upheavals that led to dramatic and unforeseen changes in the life she had come to know.

An incredibly thoughtful, disarmingly funny, and intensely vulnerable glimpse into the life and ministry of a woman familiar to many but known by few, All My Knotted-Up Life is a beautifully crafted portrait of resilience and survival, a poignant reminder of God’s enduring faithfulness, and proof positive that if we ever truly took the time to hear people’s full stories . . . we’d all walk around slack-jawed.

Publisher Karen Watson shared, “With a tone similar to Rick Bragg’s All Over but the Shoutin’, Beth’s wry observations and skill as a storyteller are on full display in this delightful memoir. She writes honestly and lovingly about the people and places and influences that turned a tiny, vulnerable little girl into the powerhouse of influence for the gospel that she has become. Readers will be captivated by the relatable and insightful story of her life.”

Moore reflected, “I saw this life of mine going differently than it has. I saw myself turning out better than I have. I expected to have more riddles solved. More people sorted out. More grays dissolved to black and white. I needed neatness from God. What I got was a tangled-up knot.”

Beth Moore is a New York Times bestselling author and teacher whose conferences take her across the globe. Beth founded Living Proof Ministries in 1994 with the purpose of encouraging women to know and love Jesus through the study of Scripture. She has written numerous bestselling books and Bible studies, including So Long, Insecurity; Chasing Vines; Breaking Free; and Now That Faith Has Come, as well as the novel The Undoing of Saint Silvanus.  In addition to her conferences, Beth can be seen teaching Bible studies on Living Proof with Beth Moore on the Trinity Broadcasting Network.  She and her husband of forty-four years live in Houston, Texas. She is a dedicated wife, the mother of two adult daughters, the grandmother of three delightful grandchildren, an active church member, and a dog-lover-to-the-death.

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 majority of annual revenue—more than $110 million throughout its history—to charitable missions. With every book purchased, Tyndale readers help meet the physical and spiritual needs of people around the world.

For more information or for media inquiries, please contact Katie Dodillet, katiedodillet@tyndale.com.

 

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Elk Lake Publishing awarded ten finalists in the Selah Awards

March 6, 2023 by Sheri Toomb

The Selah Awards, sponsored by the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference, awarded ten Elk Lake authors and books finalist slots in the contest. Winners will be announced in May.

Young Adult Fiction
Once Upon the Shadows, Faith Colleen Weaver

Novella
A Father’s Gift, Paula Peckham

Mystery/Suspense
Gates of Hell–Andy DeWitt

Contemporary Women
Every Day Filled with Hope—Shelia Stovall
Falling Apart, Falling for You—Chris Posti

Historical Biblical
They Came with Haste—Whitney Lane Ward

Westerns
Texas Faith—Andrew Roth
Lasting Treasure—Andrew Roth

Speculative
Chrome World—Travis W. Inman

Audio Books
Chrome World—Travis W. Inman

 

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IVP honors life and legacy of longtime director James F. Nyquist

March 6, 2023 by Sheri Toomb

March 2023 | James F. Nyquist, a foundational figure in the development of InterVarsity Press (IVP), passed away on Friday, February 17, 2023. Nyquist served as IVP’s director from 1964 to 1983.

“Jim Nyquist was a skilled manager with an entrepreneurial spirit who guided IVP for twenty years from a shoestring operation to a significant voice in Christian publishing,” said Andy Le Peau, a long-time associate publisher for editorial at IVP, where he worked for over forty years. “He also mentored dozens of other publishers around the world, helping lay the foundation for the robust international Christian book trade we see today in many Majority World countries. But he was so much more. He both dreamed and faced challenges with the same unwavering confidence in the goodness of God. His faith, insight, and good cheer are a legacy that lives on.”

According to Heart. Soul. Mind. Strength: A Narrative History of InterVarsity Press, 1947–2022 written by Le Peau and Linda Doll, IVP grew twenty-one times in sales during Nyquist’s time as the press’s director. He also started the Press-O-Matic in 1966, which was later called the IVP Book Club and continues to be the longest-running book club specifically for Christians. Nyquist is also credited for obtaining rights for Francis Schaeffer’s first two books, The God Who Is There and Escape from Reason. And in 1983 Nyquist appointed Doll as director of IVP. Le Peau and Doll wrote, “The appointment evidenced InterVarsity’s commitment to women as equal partners in the ministry at a time when there were virtually no women executives in Christian publishing.”

Nyquist began his career with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship (IVCF) in 1949, after serving as an InterVarsity chapter leader at the University of Minnesota. The standard staff employment term at the time was three years, but Nyquist refused and insisted on only a one-year commitment—which turned into a lifetime of service with IVCF in a variety of capacities. Doll and Le Peau wrote, “Jim Nyquist, a man committed to prayer and Scripture, was endowed with seemingly boundless optimism about what God was doing and could do. Those who worked with him admired and respected him greatly.”

Rebecca Manley Pippert, author of the IVP landmark title Out of the Saltshaker and Into the World: Evangelism as a Way of Life, said, “I first met Jim when he told me IVP wanted to publish Out of the Saltshaker. I was then twenty-seven years old, and from that point on Jim and his wife, Ruth, became dear friends and beloved mentors and ultimately honorary grandparents to my children. Jim’s tireless contribution to the publishing world—along with his vitality, joy, wisdom, and utter faithfulness to God—had a profound impact on my life and to all who knew him.”

Nyquist served in many capacities for IVCF before taking on his role at InterVarsity Press. He was a regional director beginning in 1950, and camp director at Campus in the Woods north of Toronto (1952–1957) and Bear Trap Ranch just west of Colorado Springs (1958–1967). In 1963 he left his position as director of the Central Region to assist Charles Troutman, general director of IVCF. Nyquist served as director of IVP (along with other assignments) from late 1964 until 1983, when, as a vice president, he supervised both the literature division and all departments in the national office in Madison, other than the field, until his retirement in 1985.

In addition to is work at IVP, Nyquist traveled the world when he took on responsibilities as International Fellowship of Evangelical Students (IFES) literature secretary in the mid-1970s, a position he held for more than twenty years. He consulted with the national sister movements of InterVarsity around the world, encouraging and advising them in their publishing efforts in many different countries. Le Peau and Doll wrote, “Nyquist was much beloved, appreciated and respected around the world for his efforts and his cultural sensitivity.”

Cindy Bunch, current IVP vice president, editorial, said, “During my years at IVP I have been privileged to get to know Jim Nyquist as well as his wife, Ruth. Jim continued to be active in the work of IFES for many years past his official retirement and was particularly interested in making sure our books made their way around the world—both in English and in translation. He always asked me how he could pray for my work, and I have taken much encouragement from those prayers.”

Doll and Le Peau wrote that Nyquist was the person who turned IVP from a small literature distribution service to a major evangelical publisher with an impact many times its size. “He placed a premium on finding strong, qualified people and then setting them free to do the work. He also augmented IVP’s fiscal conservatism with a willingness to take calculated risks for the sake of ministry,” they said. “Not all proved to be long-term successes, but that fact created an atmosphere where there was freedom to fail. In addition, many of these initiatives continued to serve InterVarsity and the wider church for decades. Growth for the sake of growth was never his goal. Expanding the reach of Christ’s kingdom was always foremost.”

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

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New release from Lexham Press helps new believers

March 6, 2023 by Sheri Toomb

‘I’m a Christian – Now What?’ from Lexham Press helps new believers make sense of their life with Jesus

Aaron Armstrong Offers Practical, Friendly Advice to Navigate Newfound Faith   

BELLINGHAM, Wash., March 6, 2023 — Speaking to the questions and insecurities many new believers experience, author Aaron Armstrong has released “I’m a Christian – Now What? A Guide to Your New Life With Christ,” from Lexham Press.

Today’s cultural climate, specifically as it relates Christianity, offers a unique opportunity for the Church to disciple new believers.  According to Lifeway Research, American society is rapidly trending post-Christian. In addition, 39% of Christians are not actively engaged in discipleship, which is an essential part of spiritual growth.

Despite the gloom that Christians might feel when confronted with these realities, there is hope. People—especially younger generations—increasingly desire to grow spiritually. “I’m a Christian – Now What?” is the perfect resource to help those new to faith on their journey.

“We have an opportunity to come alongside those who want to understand and to grow, and help them discover what it means to follow Jesus faithfully,” says Armstrong.

After taking the leap of faith, many new believers find themselves stuck in mid-air, unsure how to proceed as a new version of their former self. Using whimsical yet sobering storytelling, Armstrong’s latest book helps them place both feet on the solid ground secured for us in Christ.

“Just as the early years of a child’s development are the most crucial, so too are our early years as Christians,” writes Armstrong. “In a very real way, when you become a Christian, especially when you’re coming to faith as an adult, you’re starting life over from scratch. You’re a grown up in your body, but a child in your faith, which means these early weeks, months and years are critical.”

Writing from the perspective of someone who was there not long ago, Armstrong graciously, yet bluntly, addresses the cultural inconveniences and behavior changes which accompany a decision to live for Jesus. Honest, scriptural and relatable, “I’m a Christian – Now What?” is a must-read for those who’ve discovered their faith and seek to earnestly live by it.

Filled with simple steps to grow in your faith, foundational truths of Christianity and helpful stories from Armstrong’s own conversion, the book addresses natural questions, such as:

  • Where am I going and how do I get there?
  • What does it mean to be the same person, but not?
  • What does this mean for my life, my relationships, my job, my everything?

“I’m a Christian – Now What? A Guide to Your New Life with Christ” from Lexham Press is now available. For more information, visit https://lexhampress.com/product/229471/im-a-christian-now-what-a-guide-to-your-new-life-with-christ.

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 Aaron Armstrong
Aaron Armstrong is a Canadian living in the United States. He serves at his local church as a small group leader, a children’s ministry teacher, and an occasional Sunday morning teacher. He loves to write, especially to help people grow as followers of Jesus. He is the author of multiple books and has written several documentaries. For more information, visit https://aaronarmstrong.co/.

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

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Dr. Timothy Keller signs multiple book deal with Zondervan Books

March 6, 2023 by Sheri Toomb

NASHVILLE, Tenn., March 2023 — Zondervan Books, an imprint of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, is thrilled to announce that Dr. Timothy Keller has agreed to a four-book deal with the imprint. Keller was represented in the agreement by David McCormick of McCormick Literary. North American rights were acquired by Zondervan Books VP and Publisher Webster Younce.

The founding pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Manhattan, which under his leadership grew to weekly attendance of over 5,000 people, Keller is widely-regarded for thought provoking style of writing and exploration of the intersection of Christianity and contemporary life. His ability to engage skeptics and believers alike make him and his books approachable to all readers. Keller’s books, including the New York Times bestselling titles The Reason for God and The Prodigal God, have sold over two million copies and been translated into 25 languages. Keller is considered one of the most influential religious leaders of the 20th century.

As part of this book deal, Zondervan Books will publish the next four titles from Keller. Publication dates have not been finalized but it is likely Keller’s first book with Zondervan Books will be released in 2024. 

“Few people in our time have been more influential than Tim in shaping Christian thought and applying it to all of life. His rigor of thought and breadth of writing, combined with his personal humility and heart for people, has had a profound impact on people across the world. We are delighted to be partnering with him in reaching both the church and the wider world with resources that equip readers to know God more deeply and live in service to others in light of that knowledge,” said Webster Younce.

The book deal with Timothy Keller reinforces Zondervan Books’ mission to inspire the world by meeting the needs of people with content that promotes biblical principles and honors Jesus Christ.

Zondervan is a HarperCollins Company and part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing. Zondervan is a world 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.

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Executive Vice President of Retail for Baker Book House Co. retiring in June

March 6, 2023 by Sheri Toomb

Ada, Mich. (March 6, 2023)—Baker Book House Company announces that Sue Smith, Executive Vice President of Retail, will be retiring on June 1, 2023. Smith has served in various capacities throughout her years at the store, including clerk, floor supervisor, and trade book buyer. In 2005 she transitioned to the role of store manager, and in 2020 she joined the executive team.

During Smith’s leadership, she oversaw the remodeling of the Baker Book House store (2012), which is now one of the largest inspirational bookstores in the United States, hosting an event space, a coffee shop, and a large used books section. In 2020 she launched the Baker Book House website and e-commerce system, which offers an expanding list of products and services to customers across the globe. Since its launch, the store’s revenue has grown by 20 percent. Smith’s skills have also been instrumental in the Christian publishing industry. She served six years on the board of directors for the Christian Booksellers Association (CBA), which included two years as the chair.

“It has been my honor to care for the Baker Retail presence on behalf of Baker Book House Company, the Baker family, and the ongoing legacy that Herman Baker began so long ago,” said Smith. “I am also thankful to have had the opportunity to work for a company that loves the church and that invokes a real love of books for the sake of the church worldwide.”

Dwight Baker, President and CEO of Baker Book House Company, stated, “As other retailers fell off the map one by one, Sue Smith steadily built Baker Book House into the largest destination Christian bookstore in North America. Sue’s vision, passion, and business skills are on full display at the East Paris Avenue setting of four decades. She has been a lasting gift to our company and to the West Michigan community, and we wish Sue the best for her well-deserved retirement.”

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

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“Reading the Bible Around the World” chosen as a Top Five Reference Book of the Year

February 27, 2023 by Sheri Toomb

February 2023 | WESTMONT, IL— The Academy of Parish Clergy, Inc. has chosen Reading the Bible Around the World: A Student’s Guide to Global Hermeneutics as one of its Top Five Reference Books as part of its Book of the Year Awards.

“Reading the Bible Around the World is a bold invitation to engage the biblical text with a posture of epistemic humility and hermeneutical generosity, however unfinished,” said Oscar García-Johnson, professor of theology and Latino/a studies at Fuller Seminary and author of Spirit Outside the Gate. “Each chapter helps us develop different levels of intercultural competence through interpretive routines that guide us toward mutual belonging and co-reading the Bible. Ultimately, this work is an introduction for how to re-form our racial-patriarchal reading habits, forged through centuries of inhabiting colonial modernity spaces and identities that have formed us into self-sufficient entrepreneurs of single truths. This is a text highly recommended for the global Christian of today and tomorrow.”

In Reading the Bible Around the World, a crosscultural team of scholars describes and workshops global readings in biblical interpretation, focusing on passages in both the Old and New Testaments. By presenting a range of readings from different regions and people groups, with particular attention to marginalized groups, the authors demonstrate the importance of contextually sensitive approaches. They help us build up key values for reading Scripture in the twenty-first century: self-awareness, other-awareness, and true dialogue.

The authors of Reading the Bible Around the World are:

  • Federico Alfredo Roth (PhD, Fuller Theological Seminary) is on the faculty of Azusa Pacific University in biblical and religious studies and practical theology.
  • Justin Marc Smith (PhD, University of St Andrews) is on the faculty of Azusa Pacific University in biblical and religious studies and practical theology.
  • Kirsten Sonkyo Oh (PhD, Fuller Theological Seminary) is on the faculty of Azusa Pacific University in biblical and religious studies and practical theology.
  • Alice Yafeh-Deigh (PhD, Princeton Theological Seminary) is on the faculty of Azusa Pacific University in biblical and religious studies and practical theology.
  • Kay Higuera Smith (PhD, Claremont Graduate University) is professor of religion and chair of the department of Biblical Studies at Azusa Pacific University. Her specialization is in the New Testament and early Judaism.

Joanne Rodríguez, executive director of the Hispanic Theological Initiative, said, “Wow, finally a book that explores different interpretations of Old and New Testament readings from the perspectives of marginalized communities. To think that the invisible and voiceless can widen our lens of these readings! I can tell you that Reading the Bible Around the World will surprise you at every turn. Since technology has made our world smaller, this is a must-read for scholars, ministers, laity, and chaplains who are ready to embrace a deeper understanding of how diverse constituencies read, interpret, and live out their understanding of the Bible.”

The Academy of Parish Clergy, an inclusive community of professional religious leaders, supports and promotes excellence in spiritual, scholarly, and relational ministry.

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

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

 

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New Growth Press helps kids learn theology in new release

February 27, 2023 by Sheri Toomb

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

Filed Under: Uncategorized

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