Yesterday’s Gone Releasing in September 2022

Carol Stream, Ill. (March 11, 2022) — Tyndale House Publishers (@tyndalehouse) has acquired New York Times and CBA bestselling author Cindy Woodsmall. Listed by the Wall Street Journal as one of the top three Amish fiction authors, Cindy Woodsmall has written twenty-five works of fiction and coauthored the nonfiction book Plain Wisdom: An Invitation into an Amish Home and the Hearts of Two Women.

Along with being featured on ABC’s Nightline and the front page of the Wall Street Journal, she has received several awards and honors, including Fiction Book of the Year, Reviewer’s Choice Awards, Christy Award, Inspirational Reader’s Choice Contest, as well as one of Crossings’ Best Books of the Year. She’s also been a finalist for the prestigious RITA and Carol Awards, Christian Book of the Year, and Christian Retailing Magazine’s Retailers Choice Awards.

Tyndale’s acquisition of Cindy Woodsmall and Erin Woodsmall includes three books and one novella. Yesterday’s Gone, Cindy Woodsmall’s first book with Tyndale, releases in September 2022 and is cowritten by Cindy’s daughter-in-law Erin Woodsmall. Erin has edited, brainstormed, and researched books with Cindy for almost a decade. More recently she and Cindy have coauthored five books, one of which was a winner of the prestigious Christy Award.

Regarding this acquisition, Jan Stob, associate publisher of Tyndale fiction, offered, “We are thrilled to be partnering with Cindy and Erin Woodsmall to bring a fresh new angle to the market in this popular category. I have long admired Cindy’s compelling stories that made her a top voice in Christian fiction. We believe Cindy’s partnership with Erin will attract new readers to the genre with a unique concept while continuing to reflect the values and appeal that made these stories so popular.”

In Yesterday’s Gone, Eliza Bontrager and Jesse Ebersol have fallen in love and are determined to marry, despite the belief of their Amish community and respective families that there’s a hidden curse—one that only shows up when an Ebersol and Bontrager marry.

Before the ceremony on the day of the wedding, Eliza’s great-aunt Rose gives her a family heirloom quilt and tells her that she may use it to change one event in the past. Eliza appreciates the woman’s heart, but she dismisses the strange conversation while keeping the beautiful quilt.

Several years later, mourning the loss of their third child, Eliza discovers that her inability to deliver a healthy baby is genetic. Remembering her great-aunt’s strange words, she decides that if she can go back in time and reject Jesse’s proposal, she can save him the heartache of a childless marriage. Her sacrifice will allow him to marry someone else and raise a family. But once she puts her plan into action, she discovers the true impact of her decision—on Jesse and so many others within their community.

The author is represented by Ambassador Literary Agency.

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 $100 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: For more information or an advance reader copy of Yesterday’s Gone, contact Amanda Woods at amandawoods@tyndale.com or 630-784-5125. 

CAROL STREAM, Ill.—March 11, 2022—Tyndale House Ministries (@tyndalehouse) has announced that Blaine Smith, Bible Publisher, will retire on March 31, after serving at the company for nearly 16 years.

Publishing veteran Amy Simpson, who has served as Associate Bible Publisher, will succeed Smith as Bible Publisher.

During his tenure, Smith led the ideation/visioning, development, and launch of numerous key Bibles and new brands that today are the mainstay of the Tyndale Bible business, including the Inspire® Bible line; Every Man’s Bible; Life Application® Study Bible, Third Edition; Operation Worship; and many more.

Of Smith’s contributions, Vice President and Group Publisher Jeff Rustemeyer commented, “Perhaps Blaine’s biggest contribution came two years ago when he cast the vision for taking the Filament technology and launching it within the redeveloped New Living Translation Bible line, which has more than doubled sales and has been a key driver in growing Tyndale’s overall Bible business.” Rustemeyer continued, “Under Blaine’s leadership (and as a result of many of his new Bible concepts), the Bible ministry business is on track for continued significant growth. Blaine’s drive and vision for new Bible concepts and opportunities in conjunction with his heart and passion for making the Lord’s Word accessible and understandable for all to experience have helped drive our Bible ministry.”

While the numbers are impressive and speak for themselves, Smith always took a humble posture, knowing that success is never due to one person but is part of a larger team effort. His selfless, sacrificial leadership and strong work ethic set him apart. He delayed his retirement plans several times this past year, sacrificing his own personal plans and time with family. He stayed on to help provide a smooth transition to the new, incoming team and to ensure that they are in the best possible position to succeed and continue Dr. Taylor’s legacy of making God’s Word accessible for all to hear and understand. Blaine’s heart and deep desire is to leave Tyndale Bibles stronger than it has ever been and poised for a strong future of ministry growth ahead. He has done everything in his power to ensure that the current momentum not only continues but also grows stronger with the new team in place.

Regarding his long career at Tyndale and his impending retirement, Smith shared, “As a young teenager, Tyndale’s Bible publishing ministry was already making an impact on my life as it has done for untold millions over the past fifty-plus years. God used that padded green hardcover Living Bible to change my heart and introduce me to a life-long relationship with my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I am eternally grateful. During my time serving as Tyndale’s Bible Publisher, I have had the privilege of working alongside many amazing people. And now I get the added blessing of turning over this responsibility to Amy Simpson. Since joining Tyndale, Amy has quickly embraced the complexities of Bible publishing. Her strong leadership is already making a positive impact on the Bible team, the growth of the New Living Translation, and the overall ministry impact of Tyndale’s Bible publishing legacy. I can’t wait to see how God uses her in this ministry in the years ahead.”

Simpson, who joined Tyndale House in 2021, has previously filled editorial, acquisitions, publishing, and executive leadership roles at Group Publishing, Christianity Today, and Moody Publishers. She holds an English degree from Trinity International University, an MBA from the University of Colorado, and CPCC certification from Coaches Training Institute.

Since its founding in 1962, Tyndale House Publishers has been a voice to trust for generations of readers. 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 also 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, contributing a majority of annual revenue—more than $110 million dollars 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, Director of Public Relations, katiedodillet@tyndale.com

THE JOY OF BEING MOM DEVOTIONAL by Judy Brisky

(Dallas-Fort Worth, TX – March 11, 2022)  Gateway Publishing is pleased to announce the release of The Joy of Being Mom Devotional: Always an Adventure by Judy Brisky on April 22, 2022.

Motherhood is an adventure, full of ups, downs, and everything in between. When moms invite God to be a part of their parenting journey, they can discover true and lasting joy—even when life doesn’t go as planned.

Author Judy Brisky understands that there is nothing “part-time” about being Mom, and her new, 60-day devotional delivers a much-needed injection of hope for women maneuvering the ever-changing ages and stages of motherhood. Judy says, “Some days may be long and tough, but I promise you that despite your circumstances, you can know the joy of being Mom! The Lord will give you what you need when you need it. He is always there for you. God doesn’t tell us that things will always go smoothly, but He does promise to be with us through every sleepless night and tired morning.”

The devotional is Judy’s second book. Her first, The Joy of Being Mom: Embrace the Adventure, was published in 2020. “Let me encourage you to enjoy the moment. Every moment. Prayerfully seek God’s heart for your children and allow His love and wisdom to cover every hour of every day,” Judy writes.

Robert Morris, Senior Pastor of Gateway Church and best-selling author of more than 19 books, and his wife, Debbie, have been close friends with Judy and her husband, Mike, for more than 20 years. “Over the years, we’ve watched Judy become one of the best mothers we’ve ever seen” he said. “We love how Judy writes this devotional to moms of all ages and stages of life. She shows how to have joy in every situation by giving an honest, front-row seat to her own personal journey as a mom—with all the struggles and victories. Rooted in God’s Word, this devotional will inspire and encourage you to find the joy in being a mom as you discover that it’s always an adventure.”

Judy Brisky loves encouraging women of all ages. A former homeschooling mom, she has the heart of a teacher, and she frequently leads parenting and marriage classes with her husband, Mike, at Gateway Church in Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas. She is passionate about helping moms find hope, strength, and restoration through Jesus Christ.

For more information, to receive a copy of The Joy of Being Mom Devotional, or to schedule an interview with Judy Brisky, please contact:  Peyton Sepeda, 855.712.5774, publishing@gatewaypeople.com

Available now for pre-order at gatewaypublishing.com.

Will be available for sale on April 22 at gatewaypublishing.com, christianbook.com, Amazon, store.gatewaypeople.com, and on all eBook retailers.

March 16 will be celebrated by sharing the love of God through the most famous verse in the Bible

(Nashville, Tenn.) March 14, 2022— Text it. Post it. Tweet it. Say it to someone today. It’s #John316 day!

For more than a decade, March 16^th has been a day for many Christians to share with people around the world the good news declared in the Bible in John 3:16.

The well-known verse reads, “For God so loved the world that He gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (NIV)

The origin of the celebration is unknown, but some media outlets trace it as far back to 2011 when a K-LOVE radio station listener suggested that the day, March 16, should be “John 3:16 Day,” in honor of the biblical verse that affirms the hope we have because of Jesus.

This year, popular Christian websites FaithGateway.com and BibleGateway.com are partnering with the nation’s pastor and New York Times bestselling author Max Lucado, and K-LOVE Radio, to encourage Christians to spread the John 3:16 message by simply posting the verse to social media, texting contacts, or sharing the verse in some creative way!

Max Lucado is also inviting people around the world to join a 3:16 Online Bible Study of the verse starting March 21, 2022. Registration is free and information can be found at faithgateway.com/316 or KLOVE.com.

Lucado’s 3:16 Study is based on his book, 3:16 The Numbers of Hope, which has sold more than one million copies worldwide and translated into 25 languages. The study has been entirely rewritten and re-filmed for 2022 with a more focused and deeply personal study of the most-loved verse in the Bible—John 3:16.

“When 3:16 released in 2007, we had no idea it would be so well received… Numerous bookstores, church denominations, and congregations spent focused time examining this life-giving promise. Prisons. Small groups. Personal studies. Stories came from readers around the world who found faith in this “twenty-six-word parade of hope,” whose words have been framed, T-shirted, tattooed, monogrammed, and bannered,” writes Max Lucado in the book’s introduction.

“Every time I recall these words, they are as fresh and as stunning as my first encounter with them. The mind-bending awareness of God’s limitless love, his incalculable sacrifice, and the priceless teaching at the core. How can we not review it again and again? I want this generation, and all who come after, to look closely at the key promise of God and choose the gift beyond all gifts,” says Lucado.

The Bible verse John 3:16 is the most-searched for Scripture in the Bible of the last decade, according to BibleGateway.com, the most visited Christian website in the world.  In an interview with BibleGateway, Lucado reflected on the importance of the verse in his life:

“John 3:16 has meant a lot to me in my life because it’s so concise. It’s one of those Scriptures that summarizes all the core doctrines of the Christian faith…. Taking a deeper look at John 3:16 allows us to fall in love with it and appreciate how brilliantly these 26-words articulate the big ideas of the Bible. I think that’s why it has meant so much to me all these years.”

“We’re grateful for this opportunity to come alongside Max and help share the truth of John 3:16 with millions throughout the U.S. and around the globe,” said K-LOVE CEO, Bill Reeves.  “Partnering with Max on this study enables us to give our audiences yet another way to go deeper into God’s Word and promises.”

Max Lucado’s 3:16 Online Bible Study, sponsored by K-LOVE, FaithGateway, and BibleGateway, is open for registration and begins March 21, 2022.

Media Contact:   Jaime Guthals

About FaithGateway
FaithGateway™ is an online Christian community dedicated to helping people grow and share their faith and is owned and operated by HarperCollins Christian Publishing.  

About Bible Gateway
As the Internet’s largest Christian website, BibleGateway.com seeks to encourage Bible reading and scriptural understanding among Bible readers everywhere. Celebrating 20 years online, Bible Gateway offers free access to the Bible in more than 80 languages and 200 different translations. 

About K-LOVE
K-LOVE creates compelling media designed to inspire and encourage audiences to have a meaningful relationship with Christ. K-LOVE is listener supported and delivers positive and encouraging music and messages through nearly 600 signals across all 50 states, the K-LOVE App, smart devices, klove.com, and K-LOVE On Demand. For more information on K-LOVE, please visit klove.com.

Ada, Mich. (March 3, 2022)—Outreach Magazine recently announced the winners of their Resources of the Year. Baker Academic titles received three top honors and one “also recommended” title. Brazos Press received two top honors and two recommended titles.

Heading up the Baker Academic list was Teaching and Learning across Cultures by Craig Ott in the Cross-Cultural and Missional category. Why God Makes Sense in a World That Doesn’t by Gavin Ortlund was one of two winners in the Apologetics category. Women in the Mission of the Church by Leanne M. Dzubinski and Anneke H. Stasson won in the Theology and Biblical Studies category. Preaching to People in Pain by Matthew D. Kim was recommended in the Church category.

Brazos Press also had several titles included in the round-up. Reparations by Duke L. Kwon and Gregory Thompson was named one of two winners in the Social Issues and Justice category. After Doubt by A. J. Swoboda won in the Spiritual Growth category. Abuelita Faith by Kat Armas was recommended in the Christian Living category and Being with God by AJ Sherrill was recommended in Spiritual Growth.

Teaching and Learning across Cultures by Craig Ott
(Baker Academic; ISBN 9781540963109, Ebook ISBN 9781493430895, $32.99p)

Why God Makes Sense in a World That Doesn’t by Gavin Ortlund
(Baker Academic; ISBN 9781540964090, Ebook ISBN 9781493432455, $22.99p)

Women in the Mission of the Church by Leanne M. Dzubinski and Anneke H. Stasson
(Baker Academic; ISBN 9781540960726, Ebook ISBN 9781493429189, $24.99p)

Reparations by Duke L. Kwon and Gregory Thompson
(Brazos Press; ISBN 9781587434501, Ebook ISBN 9781493429578, $24.99c)

After Doubt by A. J. Swoboda
(Brazos Press; ISBN 9781587434518, Ebook ISBN 9781493429592, $18.99p)

Outreach Magazine announced winners in a range of categories, including evangelism, social justice, spiritual growth, counseling, biblical studies, and apologetics. The complete list of recognized resources can be found here.

“We are very proud to partner with these authors on their important works,” notes Jim Kinney, Executive Vice President of Academic Publishing. “There’s a wide array of issues for Christians to engage as they bring the gospel to bear on life in the twenty-first century. It is a privilege for us to publish these books that will help us do just that.”

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

Contact: Shelly MacNaughton, (616) 676-9185, smacnaughton@bakerpublishinggroup.com

‘Jesus and Gender’ Encourages Us to Rethink ‘Biblical’ Womanhood and Manhood in Light of Jesus

Co-Authors Elyse Fitzpatrick and Eric Schumacher Share One Vision for Loving One Another as Sisters and Brothers in Christ

BELLINGHAM, Wash., March 2, 2022 — To help Christian men and women explore what it looks like to define and live out gender biblically, Elyse Fitzpatrick and Eric Schumacher have co-authored “Jesus and Gender,” releasing April 6 from Kirkdale Press, an imprint of Lexham Press.

Taking a unique approach to the oft-written-about topic, “Jesus and Gender” reminds individuals that God created men and women not to compete for glory but to cooperate for His glory. Readers are invited to explore how we view ourselves and how we relate to one another through a distinctly gospel-focused lens.

“Much of the teaching on gender in the church is devoid of the gospel and is therefore soul-crushing and conflict-producing,” writes Fitzpatrick. “Our ultimate example is Jesus, our humble King, who used His power to serve others. We must rethink our identities, roles and relationships around Him. Men and women are meant to be allies in God’s mission.”

Drawing from Scripture and experience, Fitzpatrick and Schumacher show how Jesus’s example speaks to all areas of our lives as men and women, including vocation, marriage, parenting, friendships and relating to each other as sisters and brothers in Christ.

The book also includes a chapter of personal testimonies from other Christian leaders―including Christine Caine, A21 Founder, Writer and Speaker; Brian Croft, former Senior Pastor of Auburndale Baptist Church and Executive Director of Practical Shepherding; and Karen Swallow Prior, Author and Research Professor of English and Christianity and Culture―who have chosen the life of self-sacrifice and ministry.

“Undoubtedly the virtues of ‘biblical manhood’ can be illustrated with the life of Jesus,” shares Schumacher. “But, just as quickly, the virtues of ‘biblical womanhood’ can be as well. Beyond a few scattered verses, why did the New Testament have almost nothing to say about male discipleship versus female discipleship? Putting on Christ and bearing the fruit of the Spirit didn’t come with male and female icons.”

Readers of “Jesus and Gender” will be encouraged and emboldened to recognize the freedom women and men have in Christ to love each other as family as we stand shoulder to shoulder as allies in Christ.

Dr. Paul David Tripp, pastor, speaker and best-selling author, provided the foreword for the book. “There is evidence in us and all around us that when it comes to our lives together as brothers and sisters in the body of Christ, there remains a huge and pressing need for God’s restorative deconstructing and reconstructing work,” he writes. “I found ‘Jesus and Gender’ to be deeply convicting and encouraging at the same time. I experienced the pain of having some of my walls torn down and experienced the joy of restorative mercy. I invite you to humbly open your heart and read the book with willingness and joy.”

In addition to the book releasing April 6, Fitzpatrick and Schumacher have partnered with Kirkdale Press to create a companion video series to introduce each chapter and share personal stories that supplement the teachings.

For more information about “Jesus and Gender” and the companion video series, visit https://lexhampress.com/product/213951/jesus-and-gender-living-as-sisters-and-brothers-in-christ.

About Elyse M. Fitzpatrick
Elyse M. Fitzpatrick is a bestselling author, national speaker and ministry leader. She is director of Counsel from the Cross Ministries and author of over 25 books, including “Give Them Grace: Dazzling Your Kids with the Love of Jesus” and “Found in Him: The Joy of the Incarnation and Our Union with Christ.” She also is co-author, with Eric Schumacher, of “Worthy: Celebrating the Value of Women.” She earned a M.A. in biblical counseling from Trinity Theological Seminary and has been married for more than 40 years.

About Eric Schumacher
Eric Schumacher is associate pastor of Grand Avenue Baptist Church in Ames, Iowa, and co-author, with Elyse Fitzpatrick, of “Worthy: Celebrating the Value of Women.” He earned his M.Div. from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and has been married for over 20 years.

About Kirkdale Press
Kirkdale Press publishes books that will strengthen relationships between God and his people, increase biblical literacy within the church, and put the Word into action in the lives of everyday Christians. For more information, visit https://kirkdalepress.com/.

Media Contact: Kristin Cole, 972-267-1111, kristin@alarryross.com

CHICAGO, Ill. — Independent Publishers Group (IPG) is thrilled to announce the launch of IPG Publishing. The new business development pipeline will make use of the synergy between IPG’s distribution capabilities and in-house publishing programs and extend its suite of services to include additional publishing models, such as licensing and co-publishing and proprietary and custom publishing.

“As a business development officer who has sold distribution services for many years, I’ve seen a pivot in our industry,” says Richard T Williams, IPG’s VP, Business Development, Publishing & Licensing. “Clients need more than a way to get their books into the market. They need the strategy and support from an experienced publishing partner. IPG has 50 years of industry knowledge to secure better business terms with a wide variety of partners and services, and a talented staff to help support publishers with expanding needs.”

IPG Publishing’s new line of projects will be managed by Williams and kick off in June 2022 with the release of “Don McLean’s American Pie: A Fable,” a children’s book co-published with veteran documentary and music producer Spencer Proffer and his media production company, Meteor 17.

“Having IPG as a partner is key to making a relevant mark in the publishing community,” says Proffer. “The team’s professionalism and passion for what they do rivals that of Meteor 17 and together we’ll make a significant impact. The book industry is ever-changing and I’m confident that IPG will continue to raise the bar with innovation and inspiration.”

The alliance offers Proffer and Meteor 17 worldwide distribution and sales and marketing support for titles that are organic extensions of the company’s culturally relevant film and documentary properties. In addition, Proffer and Meteor 17 publishing consultants Lori Burke and John Cerullo will develop music-anchored books with potential for ancillary opportunities, including television, theater and animation.

The partnership will also align IPG and Huqua Press, the boutique publishing arm of Proffer’s holding company, with titles based primarily in the children’s and culinary lane. Helmed by Judith A. Proffer, the Huqua Press catalog includes titles by Brandi Carlile, Heart, and Graham Nash. Huqua will have five topical and timely titles to be announced for 2023.

“Huqua Press has a unique catalog of award-winning titles,” adds Proffer. “And with IPG’s efforts, our independent publishing company will have the same opportunity as the majors to engage, inspire and entertain a significantly wider base of readers.”

About Independent Publishers Group:
Founded in 1971, IPG was the first organization specifically created for the purpose of marketing titles from independent presses to the book trade. Today, IPG’s wide reach into the book market includes distribution of both print and e-books from a wide array of publishers, digital printing and traditional publishing. With consistent growth year over year, IPG’s success has come from supporting and encouraging the growth of its publishing partners in the United States and worldwide. IPG was acquired by Chicago Review Press in 1987, and this acquisition formed the parent company Chicago Review Press, Inc., which now owns Chicago-based indie publishers Chicago Review Press and Triumph Books.

Contact: Sidney Thompson | Corporate Communications | 312.337.0747 | sthompson@ipgbook.com 

Washington, D.C.—The Salem Books imprint of Regnery Publishing announced on March 2nd that Jennifer Valk has been promoted from Senior Marketing Manager to Director of Marketing. Jennifer has worked for Regnery for over two years and has proven to be an invaluable source for the company. In her role as Senior Marketing Manager, Jennifer was responsible for overseeing both marketing and publicity efforts for the Salem Books imprint of Regnery Publishing. She has been an active part of some of Salem Books’ biggest successes, including four national bestselling titles from Salem Books: Fault Lines by Voddie Baucham, Christianity and Wokeness by Owen Strachan, Is Atheism Dead? by Eric Metaxas, and The Babylon Bee Guide to Wokeness from the Babylon Bee.

“I am happy to announce Jennifer’s well-deserved promotion to Director of Marketing for Salem Books. When she joined our team in December 2019, she hit the ground running and established a much-needed overhaul of the marketing and publicity process. The results have been nothing less than spectacular. In 2021, four of the seventeen books we published became nationwide bestsellers due to Jennifer’s adroit marketing efforts and collaboration with the Salem Books team,” Publisher Tim Peterson says.

In addition to her role with Regnery, Jennifer has worked in the publishing industry for nearly five years and twenty-five in publicity and marketing. In her time with HarperCollins Christian Publishing, she drove the success for multiple titles in the Young Adult category with the Zonderkidz and Blink imprints. Such bestselling and award-winning titles include, New York Times bestseller Swing by Kwame Alexander, The Silence Between Us by Alison Gervais, Every Stolen Breath by Kimberly Gabriel, and Tiger Queen by Annie Sullivan —all of which received book awards for YA.

“It is an honor to do what I do and work with amazing people at Salem Books, and I’m delighted to step into this new role,” Jennifer says. “I’ve always longed to have a positive impact on those around me and at Salem Books, it is my privilege to partner with incredible authors who are striving to encourage believers with biblically-based content.”

Salem Books Publishing is the evangelical Christian imprint of Regnery Publishing, a Salem Media Group Company. Founded on biblical principles, Salem Books seeks to enrich the lives of Christians and proclaim the Gospel of Jesus to the world through the written word. Learn more at www.salembooks.com.

Salem Media Group is America’s leading multimedia company specializing in Christian and conservative content, with properties comprising radio, digital media and book, magazine, and newsletter publishing.

CONTACT: Katie Anderson, Katie.Anderson@SalemBooks.com

Released on February 8, 2022, this new resource aims to introduce readers to the practice of lectio divina as a helpful form of Scripture engagement.

Carol Stream, IL. (March 3, 2022) — “Reading the Bible, if we do not do it rightly, can get us into a lot of trouble.” So wrote Eugene H. Peterson in his landmark Eat This Book: A Conversation in the Art of Spiritual Reading. That insight is observable across the landscape of contemporary Christianity, where “proof-texting” (removing a passage of Scripture from its context to bolster an argument) and other acts of what might be called “hermeneutical myopia” rest awkwardly alongside crimes and cover-ups in all corners of the modern church.

But if reading the Bible wrongly can get us into trouble, Peterson’s solution has never been to not read the Bible. His signature work has, since 1993, been a material appeal to the transformative potential of “just reading the Bible.” In doing so, he writes in his introduction to The Message, “we become insiders to a conversation in which God uses words to form and bless us, to teach and guide us, to forgive and save us.”

The Message Prayerful Reading Bible, which released this spring from NavPress, moves even deeper into Peterson’s vision for Scripture engagement. “Eugene wrote a whole book on the ancient practice of lectio divina,” says NavPress publisher David Zimmerman. “That’s how significant this priority of reading the Bible rightly was to him. And his Bible is distinctly compatible with lectio divina as a practice.”

Lectio divina is practiced in a variety of ways, but it has at its core a sense of process: A selected passage is read slowly, sometimes more than once; the reader then ponders the passage, turning it over and over to consider its essence and its contemporary resonance; the reader then takes time to pray through the passage and what it has evoked, inviting God to guide them in understanding; finally, the reader reflects back on the full experience, considering how this particular passage at this particular moment is touching their own life and circumstances.

The Message Prayerful Reading Bible bookends this basic structure with a moment of consecration at the beginning and a benediction at the end. Understanding that lectio divina is an unfamiliar practice for many, it includes 320 guided experiences, along with ample journaling space for the reader to use once they have assimilated to the practice.

“Eugene Peterson was one of the great modern champions of this approach,” says Pete Greig, cofounder of the 24-7 Prayer movement and author of How to Pray. “His Message translation of the Bible and the lectio divina complement one another like fish and chips!”

Available in hardcover and softcover editions, along with standalone Prayerful Reading editions of Jeremiah & Lamentations and Luke & Acts, The Message Prayerful Reading Bible takes Scripture engagement to the next level: an immersive, transformative, resonant encounter with the Bible.

Take a look inside The Message Prayerful Reading Bible by watching this video, or click here for details about the practice of lectio divina. For more information about The Message, visit NavPress.com.

For media inquiries, please contact Mariah Franklin, mariahfranklin@tyndale.com.

The Message Prayerful Reading Bible
Eugene H. Peterson
Softcover ISBN: 978-1-64158-385-5 | $29.99
Hardcover ISBN: 978-1-64158-386-2 | $39.99
Release date: February 8, 2022 

ALSO AVAILABLE:

The Message Prayerful Reading Bible: Jeremiah & Lamentations
Softcover ISBN: 978-1-64158-399-2 | $7.99 

The Message Prayerful Reading Bible: Luke & Acts
Softcover ISBN: 978-1-64158-400-5 | $7.99

The Message Prayerful Reading Bible is a NavPress resource published in alliance with Tyndale House Publishers.

The NavPress mission is to advance the calling of The Navigators by bringing biblically rooted, culturally relevant, and highly practical products to people who want to know and love Christ more deeply. Through The Message Bible and other insightful resources, NavPress seeks to bring positive spiritual movement to peoples’ lives. In January 2014, NavPress entered into an alliance with Tyndale House Publishers to strengthen and better position NavPress and its rich content for the future. NavPress provides books and other content that bring spiritual impact, life transformation, and help lead in the mission of making disciples. 

Since its founding in 1962, Tyndale House Publishers has been a voice to trust for generations of readers. 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 also 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, contributing a majority of annual revenue—more than $110 million dollars throughout its history—to charitable missions. With every book purchased, Tyndale readers help meet the physical and spiritual needs of people around the world.