‘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

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.

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.

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

Apologetics 2023 Resource of the Year

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

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

Social Issues 2023 Resources of the Year

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

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

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

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

Spiritual Growth 2023 Resource of the Year

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

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

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

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

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

20^th Annual Celebration of the Best

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

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

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

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

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

RESOURCE OF THE YEAR

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

ALSO RECOMMENDED

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

 

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

RESOURCE OF THE YEAR

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

ALSO RECOMMENDED

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

 

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

RESOURCE OF THE YEAR

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

 

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

RESOURCE OF THE YEAR

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

 

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

RESOURCE OF THE YEAR

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

ALSO RECOMMENDED

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

 

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

RESOURCE OF THE YEAR

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

 

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

RESOURCES OF THE YEAR

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

ALSO RECOMMENDED

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

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

 

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

RESOURCES OF THE YEAR

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

 

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

RESOURCE OF THE YEAR

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

 

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

RESOURCES OF THE YEAR

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

ALSO RECOMMENDED

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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