March 2023 | WESTMONT, IL—IVP Academic is pleased to announce that L. Michael Morales has signed a series editor agreement for new Essential Studies in Biblical Theology (ESBT) books.

Rachel Hastings, associate editor of IVP Academic, said, “Michael will continue to guide this series with his careful and thoughtful scholarship and his passion for accessible biblical theology. I’m thrilled to be working with him on the expansion of the ESBT series.”

Morales is professor of biblical studies at Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary in Taylors, South Carolina. Previously he was provost and professor of Old Testament at Reformation Bible College in Sanford, Florida. He is the author of The Tabernacle Pre-Figured: Cosmic Mountain Ideology in Genesis and Exodus, Who Shall Ascend the Mountain of the Lord?, and Exodus Old and New: A Biblical Theology of Redemption.

Essential Studies in Biblical Theology (ESBT) explores the central or “essential” themes of the Bible’s grand storyline. Taking cues from Genesis 1–3, each author teases out a unique theme throughout the entire sweep of the history of redemption. The ESBT project functions as a whole in that each theme is intentional, and each volume does not stand solely on its own merits. The individual volumes interlock with one another, and, taken together, form a complete and cohesive unit. Written for students, church leaders, and laypeople, the ESBT is intended to be an introduction to core biblical-theological themes of the Bible—accessible, yet rich in content.

Morales will take over for current ESBT series editor Benjamin L. Gladd, who will remain the editor for the ten volumes that have been contracted up to this date. Gladd’s titles include:

• From Adam and Israel to the Church by Benjamin L. Gladd
• Exodus Old and New by L. Michael Morales
• Rebels and Exiles by Matthew S. Harmon
• The Path of Faith by Brandon D. Crowe
• God Dwells Among Us by G. K. Beale and Mitchell Kim
• Face to Face with God by T. Desmond Alexander
• The Hope of Life After Death by M. Jeff Brannon
• The Beginning and End of All Things by Edward W. Klink III (forthcoming)
• The Return of the Kingdom by Stephen G. Dempster (forthcoming)
• Idolatry by Catherine Leigh McDowell (forthcoming; title not finalized)

Gladd (PhD, Wheaton) is professor of New Testament at Reformed Theological Seminary. His publications include Hidden But Now Revealed, Making All Things New, and The Story Retold.

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

3rd March 2023, Prague, Czech Republic — Readers of the Bible and followers of Christ can now gain new insights as they study Scripture thanks to a recently launched one-volume commentary on the whole Bible. The Central and Eastern European Bible Commentary (CEEBC) is the result of several years of work from over 100 Bible scholars and theologians from Central and Eastern Europe. Spanning contributions from twenty countries within the region, this is the first work of its kind.

The release of this commentary adds to the growing collection of similar volumes now published or underway in several regions of the world that have been supported by Langham Partnership — a global ministry founded by the late preacher and author John Stott. Their mission is to equip Christian leaders in the Majority World, which is where the majority of Christians reside. Over the last two decades Langham Partnership has fostered this mission through the support of major regional one-volume commentaries. To date, seven regions have produced these commentaries covering Africa, South Asia, the Slavic region, Middle East, Latin America, Central and Eastern Europe, and Central Asia with many of these regions producing them in multiple languages.

During the launch of the CEEBC at the Církev Bratrská in Prague, attendees, including many contributors, editors, local Christians, and members of the Langham Partnership, celebrated the commentary and recounted its story. Pavel Černy, a former president of the Církev Bratrská and resident of Prague, hosted the event and led the evening’s activities, which included singing, organ performances, and multiple guest speakers.

International Director of the Langham Partnership, Rev. Tayo Arikawe shared:

“It is with joy that we have come to celebrate. I want to welcome on behalf of Langham Partnership International, all the academics who have participated in this commentary, all of the leaders of different churches that have made some effort to be part of it. And the idea that there has been a lot of cross-cultural working together in this process speaks volumes.”

Local church leaders commemorated the work and attendees received a keynote address from Rev. Dr. Christopher J. H. Wright entitled, “The Whole Bible for our Whole Context.” During his speech, he reflected on the importance of the Bible to give us wisdom and lead us to salvation:

“Today, more than ever, we need the voices of all God’s people, sharing their insights, their understanding of the word of God in all its ancient power and contemporary relevance.”

As well as celebrating, it was a time of reflection and remembrance. One of the chief architects and the general editor of the CEEBC, Corneliu Constantineanu, died from COVID-19 in 2021. Dr. Constantineanu, who was loved by many, was described as a bridge builder and advocate for the necessity that Christian academia must be in service of the church, not for the sake of academia. At the time of his death, Dr. Constaneanu had completed two-thirds of his work on the commentary. His place in this project was taken on by one of the CEEBC’s theological editors, Peter Penner, who shared his thoughts on this during the launch:

“This was an attempt, which has been successful, to bring this diverse group, these diverse countries with their very different languages, together. Here Corneliu has been very instrumental in bringing together, bridging, and connecting people. In diversity, to bring unity. 

So this is one symbol; I hope it is one big step. And I hope we will follow with some more steps as we continue in this direction.”  

The commentary is now available in English, published by Langham Partnership’s official publishing house in their Langham Global Library imprint. Discussions are already underway with partners in the region for possible translations into several languages in the coming years.

• Find out more about the CEEBC, 
• See the CEEBC launch on our YouTube channel: 
  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ov1FXlOYZ_A 
• Get more information about Langham Partnership. 
• Download the Media Pack.
• For press related questions and information on the CEEBC, please contact sophia.soloviy@langham.org

A partnership with illustrator Butch Hartman

Nashville, Tenn., March 2023 – Thomas Nelson, an imprint of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, in partnership with award-winning illustrator, Butch Hartman, is pleased to announce the release of The Garden Children’s Bible. Hartman is best known for his animated works “The Fairly OddParents” and “Danny Phantom.”

The Garden Children’s Bible is based on Hartman’s new animated “The Garden” series and invites kids to understand the gospel in an entertaining and truth-centered way as they read the Scriptures alongside stunning stories and Hartman’s signature illustrations.

“I took on the assignment of drawing The Garden Children’s Bible because of one word: legacy,” says Hartman. “Children will learn the word of God through reading and enjoying this Bible for years to come and, to me, there is no greater honor than that.”  

In this Bible, as in “The Garden” series, Hartman’s characters Lenny the Lion and Lucy the Lamb provide hundreds of application notes and helpful facts in clear, easy-to-understand language. More than 100 Bible story original illustrations, and five full-color comic strips from the animated series are included as well.

“We have deeply enjoyed our partnership with Butch Hartman. He’s a faithful Christian and his deep passion for helping children place their faith in Christ is infectious,” said Philip Nation, vice president and publisher of Bibles for Thomas Nelson. “I believe that The Garden Children’s Bible will be used to draw many children into a lifelong practice of reading the Bible.”

ABOUT THE GARDEN SERIES
“The Garden” is a Christ-centered children’s cartoon series aimed at teaching kids the Gospel in a way they can understand. It features Lenny the Lion and Lucy the Lamb—two best friends who work inside a magical garden where anything can grow! Each story revolves around them having to accomplish their goals by learning a Bible story or an original song. “The Garden” will take your kids right along on these adventures, too! For additional information about “The Garden” series, visit gardencartoon.com.

ABOUT BUTCH HARTMAN
Butch Hartman is an award-winning illustrator and creator of iconic kids’ television shows, including “The Fairly Odd Parents,” “Danny Phantom,” “T.U.F.F. Puppy,” and “Bunsen is a Beast.” He is also the creator and executive producer of “The Garden” cartoon series. A dedicated Christian, he has devoted his life to redemptive storytelling. Butch lives in Los Angeles, California with his wife Julieann. They have two grown daughters, Carly and Sophia. 

ABOUT THE INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN’S BIBLE (ICB)
The International Children’s Bible® (ICB) is a complete translation, not a paraphrase or storybook Bible, created especially for children at the earliest reading levels (third grade and up) and provides the ideal blend of readability and fidelity to the original meaning of the Scripture text.

ABOUT THOMAS NELSON
Thomas Nelson is a world leading publisher and provider of Christian content and has been providing readers with quality inspirational products for more than 200 years. As part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc., the publishing group provides multiple formats of award-winning Bibles, books, gift books, cookbooks, curriculum and digital content, with distribution of its products in more than 100 countries. Thomas Nelson, is headquartered in Nashville, TN. For additional information visit www.thomasnelson.com.

Contact: Amy Bigler, Public Relations Director, amy.bigler@harpercollins.com

Grand Rapids, Mich., March 2023 – Zondervan, a division of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, is pleased to announce two of its low-cost outreach Bibles have surpassed significant sales milestones: the NIV Economy Bible with three million units sold and the NIV Value Outreach Bible with two million units.

Zondervan began producing the NIV Economy Bible in 2014. The NIV Value Outreach Bible was first published by Zondervan in 2015, after Zondervan undertook the lead stewardship role for outreach Bibles from Biblica. With pricing under $5, both Bibles are considered low-cost options for churches and ministries. They represent a significant portion of Zondervan’s commitment of equipping churches to use Bibles as a powerful resource in their missional impact.

“We are so pleased that both of these Bibles have reached such a significant sales milestone,” said Melinda Bouma, vice president and publisher of Bibles for Zondervan. “More important than any sales figure, is the reach that these works have had in furthering the kingdom.”

The NIV Value Outreach Bible and the NIV Economy Bible use the New International Version (NIV), the most widely read Bible translation in contemporary English. The NIV is trusted for its combination of accuracy, readability, and beauty.

 

About Zondervan:
Zondervan, a worldwide leading Christian publisher of books and Bibles, is part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc. Its publications include a variety of Bible translations for all ages; books in different genres and subject areas for the general reader; curriculum for individual and group Bible study; books for children and young adults; academic resources including textbooks and reference books; ministry resources; and books on faith and culture. Zondervan is located in Grand Rapids, MI. For more information, visit www.zondervan.com.

Contact: Amy Bigler, Public Relations Director, amy.bigler@harpercollins.com

(Dallas-Fort Worth, TX – March 14, 2023) Gateway Publishing is pleased to announce the release of Let It Rise: Sacred Ingredients for a Life of Prayer by Mary Jo Pierce.

God can meet you anywhere, and He met Mary Jo in her kitchen. Using something as seemingly ordinary as baking bread, God patiently taught her a whole new way to worship, pray, and enjoy His presence. He showed her how to stay connected to Him through healthy rhythms of work and rest, and He made her home a joyful house of prayer. And she realized, this isn’t just for her to experience—it’s for everyone.

Mary Jo delights in discovering the presence of God in everyday life. In this book, she shares poignant personal memories, miraculous stories, and honest reflections about Sabbath, worship, grief, friendship, and more.

“I’m delighted to share how God graciously revealed the sacred ingredients that, when mixed together, helped me develop and nurture an intentional life of prayer,” says Mary Jo. “Within these pages are practical and powerful ways to cultivate an environment to meet with God every day.”

Since the 2020 pandemic brought many people home, bread-baking has increased in popularity. Readers will be delighted to find two bread recipes included in Let It Rise: “Mary Jo’s Honey Challah” and “Let It Rise Babka.”

So what does baking bread have to do with prayer? Mary Jo explains, “Baking bread was simply the vehicle God used to enrich every part of my prayer life. Like the yeast that activates flour and causes it to rise and taste all kinds of yummy, God used this simple yet enjoyable engagement with a few ingredients to impact and influence every aspect of my life of prayer.”

This book was written during a global crisis—not just a medical crisis but also wars and rumors of wars and a battle for “One Nation Under God.” We are experiencing a powerful emerging prayer movement. Mary Jo writes, “The world is trying to cancel many things, including our voices, but the Holy Spirit can’t and won’t be canceled. Our faith will be strengthened, and we will find ourselves very Joshua-like—praying bold, courageous, and strong prayers.” Like the aroma of freshly baked bread, it’s time to let our prayers rise for our families, our churches, our communities, and our world!

Grammy-nominated artist and worship pastor Mark Harris (a close friend of Mary Jo’s) writes in the foreword of Let It Rise, “As a worship pastor, I can say what’s missing in most believers’ lives more than anything else is rest. We’re caught up in the busyness of life. We’re pouring out and not receiving or refilling. We’re talking and not listening. But we need to slow down. I know firsthand how unhealthy it is to not pause and honor the Sabbath each week. We can’t afford to miss God’s presence or rest. Mary Jo is the voice the Church needs right now.” He goes on to say, “It doesn’t matter whether you love being in the kitchen or not. It doesn’t matter if you’re male or female, old or young—God is inviting us all to the table to be with Him. No matter what stage of life you’re in, I know you will find incredible wisdom to apply to your life within these pages.”

Dutch Sheets, founder of Dutch Sheets Ministries and author of Intercessory Prayer, has known Mary Jo for many years. He says, “Some authors and teachers are well-informed, diligent students and, therefore, can dispense good information. Then there are those who have actually fleshed out the teaching, put their theories to the test until they are proven, and are now laced with wisdom. These are the leaders who can say with genuine authority, ‘Here’s what works.’ Mary Jo has mixed the ingredients, kneaded the dough, seasoned it with experience, and baked the bread. You can trust her.”

Mary Jo Pierce, author and speaker, resides in Keller, Texas, with her husband of 44 years, Bruce, and their two Maltese puppies, Honor and Glory. She is a lifelong student of prayer and intercession, and she delights in discovering the presence of God in everyday life as she shares her passion for prayer, intercession, and Sabbath. Mary Jo loves using every tool available to inspire and exhort people in their prayer lives, including teaching, mentoring, writing, photography, social media, and especially, baking bread! She served as the pastor of prayer and intercession at Gateway Church in Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, for more than 17 years. Mary Jo’s previous books Adventures in Prayer: A 40-Day Journey and Follow Me: An Unending Conversation with Jesus have inspired and unlocked the pure joy of living prayer and studying the Scriptures for thousands of people around the world. For more teachings on prayer and intercession, as well as stories and recipes from her kitchen, connect with Mary Jo on her website (MaryJoPierce.com) or on social media (maryjo_pierce.)

For more information, to receive a copy of Let It Rise, or to schedule an interview with Mary Jo Pierce, contact:  Peyton Sepeda, publishing@gatewaypeople.com, 855.712.5774, gatewaypublishing.com

Available now at Amazon, GatewayPublishing.com, store.gatewaypeople.com, and all eBook retailers.

Founder and lead pastor of The Church of Eleven22 Pastor Joby Martin, tackles the question, What happens when the unexplainable intersects the undeniable? In his new book ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE; How Nine Miracles of Jesus Reveal God’s Love for You (FaithWords, March 14, 2023, ISBN: 9781546001690)

Miracles are impossible. The defy explanation. They can’t be real. And yet, miracles surround us every day. Where we face something that we can’t fix and run out of options. Where the limited and finite ability of man ends and unlimited and infinite will of God begins. Where what is impossible with man is possible with God.

In Anything is Possible, Joby Martin, bestselling author and Lead Pastor of The Church of Eleven 22, examines nine miracles of Jesus-the miracle at the wedding of Cana, the story of the cripple at the pool of Bethesda, the feeding of the 5,000, the raising of Lazarus-and shows how each teaches us something unique about how God wants to relate to us.

Written with New York Times bestselling author Charles Martin, Anything is Possible is an insightful and spiritually rich look the miracles of Christ, and how the greatest miracles of all changed everything. Ultimately, he encourages readers that God still does miracles today, that believers have access to the incredible power that raised Jesus from the dead, and, ultimately, reminds us not to seek miracles themselves, but the one who performs them.

March 2023 | Bellingham WA – With great excitement, Lexham Press announces two finalists in the Foreword INDIES awards.Foreword INDIES honor “the very best” of independent presses. Winners of each Foreword INDIES category will be announced June 15th, 2023.

2022 Finalist for Religion:

Jesus and Gender: Living as Sisters and Brothers in Christ by Elyse M. Fitzpatrick and Eric Schumacher. 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.  Real-life testimonies from a variety of Christians—including Christine Caine, Justin and Lindsey Holcomb, Karen Swallow Prior, and others—show a variety of men and women freed to pursue their gifts for God’s glory.

In their book, Fitzpatrick and Schumacher share, “The Bible teaches that only one can quench the desire to define ourselves, our lives, the way we think is best, and he is the humble King who used his own power to serve others (not himself) and then died. Is is only as we learn that his way really is the only way to true freedom and peace that we will find our thirst for independence and authority quieted by his love” (pp. 12).

2022 Finalist for History: 

The Gates of Hell: An Untold Story of Faith and Perseverance in the Early Soviet Union by Matthew Heise. In The Gates of Hell, Matthew Heise recounts the bravery and suffering of German-Russian Lutherans during the period between the two great world wars. These stories tell of ordinary Christians who remained faithful to death in the face of state persecution.

V’yacheslav Horpynchuk, bishop of the Ukrainian Lutheran Church, said that The Gates of Hell “opens us to the treasures of the martyrs—their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ—and it teaches us to learn from their lives good lessons of faithfulness in persecutions,” and that, “The Gates of Hell helps us also to recognize the signs of the time, so that we are not lulled by songs of the world and the devil and caught in their traps unprepared.”

Two books from Lexham Press were also recently highlighted in Outreach Magazine’s Resources of the Year.

• Virtuous Persuasion: A Theology of Christian Mission by Michael Niebauer for the Mission and Cross-Cultural Resource of the Year
• The Apostles Creed: For All God’s Children (A FatCat Book) by Ben Myers and illustrated by Natasha Kennedy for the Youth and Kids Resource of the Year.

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. As part of the Faithlife Corporation (the makers of Logos Bible Software), Lexham Press seeks to increase biblical literacy, thoughtful reflection, and faithful Christian action around the world.

Media: Lindsay John Kennedy | Publicity Strategist | Press@LexhamPress.com

Award-Winning Children’s Book Teaches That Jesus Searches for All of God’s Children

BELLINGHAM, Wash., March 13, 2023 — FatCat, the friendly feline who helps young readers grasp the messages of the Bible, is back with another pawsitively engaging message in “The King of Easter: Jesus Searches for All God’s Children,” available now from Lexham Press.

In “The King of Easter,” FatCat follows Jesus’ journey from His birth to the cross, His resurrection and beyond. With art by Natasha Kennedy and text by Todd R. Hains, children and their parents will have fun finding the bright-eyed, gray kitty pouncing from page to page as they learn that Jesus searches for all God’s children.

Along His journey to the cross, Jesus finds and saves people—from his mother, Mary, at his birth, to the thief on the cross beside him. But, the Easter story doesn’t end there, for Jesus is risen! From Mary Magdalene, who searched for him at the empty tomb, to Saul, who killed Jesus’ friends, Jesus continues to save.

Many of the people Jesus encounters don’t seem very lost. Others seem too lost. Some are searching for Jesus, while others aren’t looking for Him at all. Whether friends or enemies—if they are lost, Jesus came to seek and save them. At every step, He brings His new friends to join the search.

“Join FatCat and follow Jesus as He seeks and saves the lost in this wonderful Easter story,” said Hains. “Featuring sample prayers and other useful resources for parents, ‘The King of Easter’ reminds us of Jesus’s power and will to save all of God’s children.”

Lexham’s popular FatCat series emphasizes the church’s catechism—the Apostles’ Creed, the Lord’s Prayer and the Ten Commandments, which unite Christians across traditions and generations. To keep the catechism approachable and fun, the series features a striped, gray feline, FatCat (“cat” being short for “catechism”) who can be found throughout the book’s pages, learning along with the readers. Each book includes a family devotional and suggested scriptures for further reading.

The FatCat series is proud to be the 2022 Northern Lights Book Award Winner for “Best Series.” For more information about the newest release, “The King of Easter: Jesus Searches for All God’s Children,” visit http://www.lexhampress.com/FatCat.

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 Natasha Kennedy
Natasha Kennedy is a freelance illustrator from Seattle, Washington. She and her husband, Lindsay, have four children and a grey kitty named Tiny.

About Todd R. Hains
Todd R. Hains is associate publisher of acquisitions and development at Lexham Press. He and his wife, Veronica, have two children and two grey cats—Crumpet and Utini.

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

 

Lyrical picture book is a love letter to the child of your heart

Releases Tuesday, March 14

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – For years, Cleere Cherry Reaves has made it her mission to help people recalibrate, refocus, and remember who they are in Christ through her successful gift line brand Cleerely Stated. Now Reaves provides families a message of hope to embrace the everyday miracles and to celebrate life as the greatest miracle of all with her debut picture book, The Miracle of You, releasing March 14, 2023.

When Cleere’s son was born three months prematurely, she and her husband watched as their child–their miracle–fought for his life, developed, and began to thrive. Inspired by this difficult journey, Cleere began to recognize that the miracle of her son’s life was also what taught her to celebrate the different miracles that surround us every day.

A poetic picture book, The Miracle of You celebrates the unconditional love of a parent and the uniqueness of every child among all the beauty of God’s creation. “Nothing can compare to the miracle of your child or the little hearts that you get to love. There truly is no greater miracle than the miracle of you!” said Reaves.

From the creatures that swim deep in the sea to the galaxies that reach far and wide, the world is filled with the color and creativity of God. Yet nothing compares to experiencing His miraculous design like the gift of the child He has given you. In The Miracle of You, Cleere’s poetic words speak for every parent and grandparent in awe at the God-given miracle of their little ones.

“My hope is that it will be a perspective shifter for parents, too. That although you have a million and a half things to do, you are reminded that getting to see those bright little eyes across from you is such an undeserved gift,” expresses Reaves.

A read-aloud book for boys and girls ages 4 to 8, The Miracle of You:

• pairs heartwarming rhymes with whimsical artwork
• teaches children that Jesus is the giver of miracles
• is a perfect gift for a baby shower, baptism, baby dedication, child’s birthday, or Mother’s Day
• serves as a stunning decorative piece in nurseries and children’s bedrooms; and
• builds a healthy self-esteem in kids, focusing on who they are, not what they

The Miracle of You (ISBN: 9781400242108) releases on March 14, 2023, everywhere books are sold. Copies of the book and interviews are available upon request.

About Cleere Cherry Reaves
Cleere Cherry Reaves is the owner and creator of Cleerely Stated, a successful online boutique, whose inspirational products can be found in retail stores all over the United States. She is also the host of the growing Let’s Be Cleere podcast. Known for her relatable writing style, Cleere’s mission is to help others see themselves and the world around them through the eyes of Jesus. Cleere and her husband, Will, live in Greenville, North Carolina, and welcomed their first child, son Sledge, into the world in the summer of 2021.

About Alejandra Barajas
Alejandra Barajas has a degree in fine arts from the University of Guanajuato and found her true passion in children’s book illustration. She loves all kinds of stories and believes that each one has the power to teach something new and valuable. Alejandra is almost always drawing—even in her free time—but when she’s not, she can be found spending time with her family and dogs.

About Tommy Nelson
Tommy Nelson® is the children’s division of Thomas Nelson. As a leading provider of Christian content, Tommy Nelson publishes a wide variety of high-quality, enjoyable products that are consistent with the teachings found in the Bible. Tommy Nelson’s award-winning products are designed to expand children’s imaginations and nurture their faith while inspiring them to develop a personal relationship with Jesus. For more information, visit www.tommynelson.com/.

Media Contact:  Jeane Burgess, 918-630-9695, jeane@wynnwynnmedia.com

March 2023 | WESTMONT, IL—InterVarsity Press (IVP) is pleased to announce that seven IVP titles have been recognized as finalists in the annual Foreword INDIES Book of the Year Awards. Winners in each genre—along with the Editor’s Choice Prize winners and Foreword’s Independent Publisher of the Year—will be announced June 15, 2023.

As part of its mission to discover, review, and share the best books from university and independent publishers, Foreword Magazine Inc. hosts an annual awards program each year. Finalists represent the best books published in 2022. More than 2,500 entries spread across fifty-five genres were submitted for consideration. The finalists were determined by Foreword’s editorial team. Winners are now being decided by teams of librarian and bookseller judges from across the country.

IVP books were chosen as finalists in the following categories:

Adult Fiction, Religious

The Unhiding of Elijah Campbell: A Novel

In his first non-fiction works (Loveable, True Companions), psychologist Kelly Flanagan drew from clinical insight to explore the spiritual depths of identity and relationships. Now, in this debut novel, he weaves a page-turning and plot-twisting tale that brings new life to those insights, along with fresh revelations about personal growth, spiritual transformation, and the dynamics of interpersonal relationships.

Susie Finkbeiner, author of The Nature of Small Birds and All Manner of Things, said, “I knew from the first page that Elijah Campbell was a special character. Every chapter, paragraph, and sentence that I read proved me right. This novel is infused with gentle storytelling that reminded me of Wendell Berry, elegant prose that brought to mind Marilynne Robinson, and salt of the earth characters reminiscent of Leif Enger. The great delight that I found while reading, however, was what Kelly Flanagan brought to this story that only he could—a deep insight into what makes us human and how that makes us worthy of being seen and known.”

 

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Adult Non-Fiction, Family & Relationships

Special Grace: Prayers and Reflections for Families with Special Needs

In the foreword Joni Eareckson Tada said, “If you live with disability as I do, you, too, will love Special Grace. . . . Messy, but beautiful. Gut wrenching, but wonderfully real. You’ll discover a new friend in Elrena Evans, a Christ-loving mom who invites you to join her as she kneels at the throne on behalf of her family with special needs.”

Special Grace is a collection of 127 prayers for all aspects of life for families with special needs. The book includes prayers for family life, school, and church; prayers for an initial diagnosis, for the first day of school, and for celebrating a milestone. Each section is set off by a reflective essay from Evans’s own family life. Filled with humor and wisdom, these prayers and reflections will help families process their experiences together and offer them to God with hope and simple trust.

 

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Adult Non-Fiction, Autobiography & Memoir

Blood from a Stone: A Memoir of How Wine Brought Me Back from the Dead

“Adam McHugh is one of the most effortlessly funny writers I know,” said Susan Cain, author of Quiet and Bittersweet. “In his new work, Blood from a Stone, Adam combines his wit with a tender vulnerability to tell a story as poignant as it is funny.”

McHugh’s story is one of being forced to reevaluate and remake his life when things fell apart. But more than that, it’s a story about finding healing through the good gifts of wine, friends, and the beauty of wine country. He writes, “Most stories about religion and drink are stories of recovery. I’m not sure if mine isn’t a story about recovery too.”

 

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Adult Non-Fiction, Business & Economics

Road to Flourishing: Eight Keys to Boost Employee Engagement and Well-Being

Al Lopus, cofounder and CEO of Best Christian Workplaces Institute, has studied hundreds of organizations to discover eight key drivers in companies with healthy culture and engaged employees. He gathers best practices from across a range of companies and ministries to demonstrate how people at all levels can work together to accomplish work that matters. Principles and real-life examples provide concrete ways that organizations can flourish by building fantastic teams, cultivating life-giving work, attracting and retaining outstanding talent, and much more.

John Pearson, board governance and management consultant and author of Mastering the Management Buckets, said, “Al Lopus doesn’t mince words when writing about the toxic work cultures he’s observed. But Road to Flourishing is also upbeat—you can create ‘life-giving work’ for every team member. You have two options: (1) continue to apply inappropriate Band-Aids to your sick workplace, or (2) go deeper and discover how your organization’s culture will flourish with God-honoring and intentional best practices. Reading this book with your team members is a no-brainer. Pick one: life-giving work or life-sapping work.”

 

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Adult Non-Fiction, Multicultural

Learning Our Names: Asian American Christians on Identity, Relationships, and Vocation

Asian American Christians have diverse stories beyond the cultural expectations of the model minority or perpetual foreigner. In this compelling resource, a team from East Asian, Southeast Asian, and South Asian backgrounds encourage us to know our history, telling diverse stories of the Asian diaspora in America and the impacts of migration, culture, and faith.

“This is the Asian American discipleship book for the post-Trump, #MeToo, #BlackLivesMatter, post-Covid, AAPI hate era,” said Daniel D. Lee, academic dean of the Center for Asian American Theology and Ministry at Fuller Theological Seminary and author of Doing Asian American Theology. “With their fingers on the pulse of this generation, Sabrina, Linson, David, and La show us what deep commitment to Christ looks like for young Asian Americans in their great diversity and complexity.”

 

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Adult Non-Fiction, Political and Social Sciences

The Religion of American Greatness: What’s Wrong with Christian Nationalism

Paul D. Miller, a Christian scholar, political theorist, veteran, and former White House staffer, provides a detailed portrait of—and case against—Christian nationalism. Building on his practical expertise not only in the archives and classroom but also in public service, Miller unravels this ideology’s historical importance, its key tenets, and its political, cultural, and spiritual implications.

“I can think of no one more qualified to speak to the pressing issue of Christian nationalism than Paul Miller,” said Russell Moore, editor in chief of Christianity Today. “Despite the bleak subject, this book is full of confidence, conviction, and hope. Liberal democracy matters. The kingdom of God matters more. Those who care about either or both should read this work.”

 

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Adult Non-Fiction, Science & Technology

A Christian Field Guide to Technology for Engineers and Designers

“Here is a rich resource for the early career engineer who needs help applying biblical truth to their technical endeavors in the workplace,” said Steven Lindsey, executive director of the Center for Faith+Work Los Angeles, retired Boeing systems engineering executive. “Through an excellent overview of important theological concepts, thoughtful design principles, and practical vocational wisdom, Brue, Schuurman, and VanderLeest explain how integrating faith and work in practicing engineering and creating technology provides endless opportunities to both glorify God and enjoy him. If only such a book had been around when I entered the workforce with an engineering degree!”

Veteran engineers and teachers Ethan Brue, Derek Schuurman, and Steve VanderLeest provide a field guide for fellow explorers working with technology. Using numerous case studies, historical examples, and personal stories, they explore issues such as biblical themes and passages that relate to technology, the ethics and norms involved in technology design, how engineering and technology tap into human dreams for a better world. Along the way they acknowledge the challenges arising from technology but also point to the wonderful possibilities it offers us and its ability to contribute to the common good.

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

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