Emerging Leaders will participate in the industry’s PubU Online training and networking conference held November 3-12, and be matched with industry mentor

TEMPE, ARIZ., October 11, 2021 – ECPA has announced the recipients of the Emerging Leader program for PubU Online, the industry’s training and networking event for Christian publishing professionals – taking place in a series of daily webinars beginning Wednesday, November 3^rd with the debut of the PubU Children’s Book Summit, and continuing in day-long publishing tracks through November 12.

Nominations were made by companies in Christian publishing with a goal to invest in the emerging leadership in their organizations.  So far, 63 emerging leaders have already gone through the program, adding now an additional 20  professionals from 12 companies.  Two emerging leaders from prior years now serve as leaders on the PubU Brain Trust: Maila Kim from InterVarsity Press (who also serves on the ECPA DEI committee), and Bradley Isbell from Iron Stream Media.

Helen Lee, director of product innovation at InterVarsity Press, serves on the ECPA PubU Brain Trust as the coordinator of this year’s Emerging Leader program. She will be matching each mentee with a mentor and hosting a forum for the recipients. “I’m thrilled to have this opportunity to work with this stellar group of leaders,” Lee said. “I’m especially excited to see the diversity represented in this group, as these will be leaders who continue to have an impact in their respective houses for years to come.”

“Since the inception of the Emerging Leaders program six years ago, it has been a joy to witness the ways in which people from throughout our industry have invested in the men and women who have been a part of this initiative through the work connected to PubU and now the mentoring dimension,” Jeff Crosby, ECPA president, said. “I’m grateful for the nominations from our member publishers who, through their nominations of existing staff, have recognized their potential for growth and contribution. I heartily congratulate each of our 20 most recent Emerging Leaders in this year’s class. We look forward to seeing you in our online sessions next month!”

Presenting the 2021 PubU Online Class of Emerging Leaders:

Quantrilla Ard is a recent transplant to the Atlanta area along with her husband and three littles. A passionate creative at heart, she has answered the call to encourage women in all stages of life and of various backgrounds through empathy, transparency, and love. She shepherds stories as a literary agent with Embolden Media Group, and faith-based personal and spiritual development writer. She is also a dynamic speaker and people-connector who believes in the power of collective strength, community, and fellowship. She recently graduated from Walden University with a PhD in Health Psychology and is an advocate for social justice with a focus on Black maternal and infant health and mortality. You can find her sharing stories of triumph at www.thephdmamma.com.

Lawrence Beamer works for Baker Publishing Group as the Visual Communication Department’s Creative Service Coordinator, helping to facilitate the work between the Marketing Department and the VISCOM Design team, as well as help with overseeing the interdepartmental workflow processes. VISCOM does a variety of different projects, including book trailers (interviews of authors as well as After Effects animation), Social Media posts, website management, book poster and banners, book cover design, and graphics assistance for our clients. Lawrence states, “Working at BPG is an amazing experience and I work with the best people!”

Tara Burns is the Print and Online Publicist for InterVarsity Press. Her primary focus is on Trade Books and the new IVP Kids Imprint. She is approaching her two-year anniversary with IVP after having had an 11-year career in advertising, serving as a Media Director for Fortune 500 companies. Following her career in advertising, she took a 12-year hiatus from the corporate world to raise her family and actively volunteer within her church and community. Tara lives in the Western Suburbs of Chicago with her husband and two teenage boys.

Leslie Calhoun is the Marketing and Publicity Associate at WaterBrook & Multnomah (imprints of Penguin Random House), and has worked on a range of titles from bestselling fiction and children’s illustrated books to award-winning middle grade fantasy. She has also assisted with high-profile campaigns for New York Times and USA Today bestselling authors on both the marketing and publicity fronts during her four years with the company. In addition to these roles, she is an active participant on the WaterBrook & Multnomah Children’s team and takes great joy in being one of the founding members of WaterBrook’s newest line, Ink & Willow, which creates and publishes interactive products that infuse contemplation and inspiration into the regular spiritual practice of creative-minded Christians. As a writer herself, she enjoys contributing to many of the titles in the Ink & Willow line while also cultivating her own middle grade and young adult projects.

Cynthia Crawford has become a champion for diversity in publishing, since joining Christianity Today’s church resources team as an editor. Her desire is to educate publishers on the needs of readers and authors of color and also to create opportunities for people of color to publish traditionally. Recently, she joined Embolden Media Group as a Literary Agent and is excited about the opportunity to help the publishing industry evolve and become a better reflection of the Kingdom of God.

Vincent B. Davis II serves as an Amazon Marketing Specialist with Iron Stream Media.  He is also an author, entrepreneur, speaker, and soldier. After graduating from East Tennessee State University, he quit his day job and decided it was as good a time as any to follow his dream. With a shoestring budget and no platform to speak of, he’s now published six historical fiction novels, three of which have become Amazon International Best Sellers.  He is passionate about helping authors learn the marketing and advertising tactics he used to succeed. Focusing primarily on the intricate algorithms of Amazon, he loves making the complex simple so that authors can build up their platform and increase their sales.

Geri Edwards is the Events Marketing Coordinator at InterVarsity Press. She received undergraduate degrees from Houghton College in Integrated Marketing Communication and Theology, and this past spring, moved from Upstate NY to Chicagoland for her work. Geri interned at IVP during Summer 2020 remotely and is now glad to be part of the IVP marketing team full time. One of her favorite parts of working with conferences is connecting with readers personally, and supporting IVP authors.

Audrey Greeson is the Acquisitions Editor for B&H Academic, an imprint of B&H Publishing. In previous roles with B&H Academic she has been involved in the editorial process for over one hundred titles. She is a graduate of the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, where she studied Biblical Studies and Biblical Languages, and she received a Master of Arts in Christian Studies from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Her favorite element of publishing is the behind-the-scenes work of helping bring an author’s vision to life. She loves spending time outside with her husband and three small, rambunctious children and enjoys baking, discovering new children’s books, and running in her wooded neighborhood in Youngsville, North Carolina.

Isabella Graunke is a Publicist at Tyndale House Publishers. Her favorite parts of her job are getting to know her authors and creating unique campaigns for their books. She’s worked with a variety of outlets such as The Wall Street Journal, Parade Magazine, Woman’s World, Christianity Today, and more. In her free time, you’ll find her writing flash fiction, participating in dance classes, or playing board games with her best friend turned husband, Dan.

Toria Keyes is a recently graduated college student from Grand Valley State University. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing and Human Rights. She loves getting to know new people and discovering different places that she can add to her bucket list to travel too. She is passionate about hearing about the lives of other people from across the world and how they differ from her own. This is why she was so thrilled to Intern for VOICES at Our Daily Bread Publishing. She not only learned the structure and purpose of the publishing industry, but she also enjoyed reading articles written by marginalized individuals. She believes their voices matter and should be amplified to raise awareness of the injustices in their lives. Her mission is to write, edit, and publish works that not only raise up aspiring writers but also educate the public on issues that matter. Aside from creative writing, editing, and publishing, she loves to paint, draw, and do crafts or anything artsy because she believes in the power and beauty of authentic craft.

Ethan Lunow is the Print Production Coordinator at InterVarsity Press, where he has worked and served for almost three years. Before that, he grew up as a missionary kid in the Philippines, which fostered his love of world history and cultures. He pursued his higher education at John Brown University and then Wheaton College, studying history at both, before landing a career at InterVarsity Press. Ethan loves engaging with the stories in movies, games, and books and is excited to continue honing his skills in the Christian publishing industry!

Kaitlin Murphy is an editorial assistant with InterVarsity Press. She graduated from Haverford College in May 2020—a pandemic graduation!—with a BA in English and a minor in psychology. After interning with IVP in the summer of 2019, Kaitlin developed an interest in publishing, and she was thrilled to begin working with IVP in September 2020. Kaitlin is also passionate about campus ministry, having been involved with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship as a student and now serving on InterVarsity’s Mixed Advisory Team. She is grateful to be in a job that allows her to engage with words, books, and stories, all with the hope of growing in her love for Christ, participating in God’s kingdom work, and sharing the most important story of all.

Mandi Lee DeVos Newell is a production editor at Lexham Press, Faithlife’s publishing house. She was born and raised in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, where when she wasn’t playing outdoors, she was writing stories on an old typewriter. She received a B.A. in English from Westmont College, which ignited her interest in poetry and publishing. She has worked in a variety of writing, editing, and project management roles. She lives in Bellingham, Washington, with her husband, Mathias. In her free time, she enjoys reading, hiking, and making new recipes.

Logan Pyron started his literary career in the classroom. As a public educator, he spent five years guiding young minds to a love of literature along with teaching them to develop professional writing skills. Toward the end of his teaching career, he longed to take part in the literary world as opposed to merely teaching about it. Three years ago, he would step out of the classroom and into the publishing world working under the imprint of B&H Publishing Group. In his role at B&H, Logan has taken part in projects ranging from the ghostwriting of devotionals, to editing coloring books, audiobooks, and developmentally editing numerous titles that have been published in the past two years. Logan lives in Spring Hill, Tennessee with his wife, Tiffany, and serves his local church as a theological reviewer and student pastor.

Stacey Sapp lives in Nashville, TN and works as the Marketing Coordinator for B&H Publishing Group, an imprint of Lifeway Christian Resources. She was born and raised in Florida where she graduated from The University of Florida with a bachelor’s degree in business and a master’s in communication. In her free time, Stacey enjoys road tripping with friends, listening to live music, and serving in the student ministry at her church.

Anna Sargeant is currently an acquisitions editor for children’s and teen books at B&H Publishing. She grew up in Southern California, where she earned her bachelor’s in liberal studies with a concentration in mathematics. After college, Anna moved to Austin, Texas, where she lived for nearly fifteen years before moving to Nashville. Anna served for eight years on staff with The Austin Stone Community Church, where she oversaw the children’s curriculum program and eventually managed content for the Austin Stone Institute and other church ministries. Anna has also been a classroom teacher, tutor, freelance writer, and book coach. If she’s not writing, editing, or reading, you might find her hiking in the woods, trying a new restaurant with her husband, or riding horses.

Dylan Schlesinger is a contracts manager at HarperCollins Christian Publishing (HCCP). She manages, negotiates, and drafts contracts for four different imprints at HCCP, while offering assistance to the in-house legal team in ongoing matters. Prior to HCCP, she earned her Juris Doctorate (J.D.) from Brooklyn Law School, with a focus in Entertainment Law, Contracts law, and Intellectual Property. She has worked with the legal department at SAG-AFTRA & Atlantic Records (Warner Music). Dylan graduated from Brandeis University as a double major in English literature and film studies.

Krista Squibb is the Social Media & Email Marketing Coordinator for Hendrickson Publishers. In 2019, she graduated from Bentley University with a bachelor’s degree in Managerial Economics. At Hendrickson Publishers, Krista manages and creates content for all their different imprints. She enjoys getting to create content for various audiences and brainstorming ways to market products so they reach the hands of those who need them. In her free time, Krista enjoys reading, listening to podcasts, and spending time outdoors. Fairly new to the publishing world, she says, “I’m excited to learn more at PubU.”

Abigail Talbott is the Customer Experience Manager at The Good Book Company. Her role spans across publicity, marketing, and customer service. She is passionate about serving authors, customers, and colleagues. She enjoys making food for her friends and fresh flowers from the farmer’s market. She lives in the greater D.C. metro area with her husband, Thomas, and their daughter, Evangeline.

Chelsea Woodward is a publicist with WaterBrook & Multnomah, imprints of Random House. She began her publishing career four years ago and has had the privilege of launching several bestselling and award-winning books. She lives in Colorado with her husband and their two mischievous dachshunds.

PubU Online, held November 3-12, includes more than 30 webinars and forums, presented by 60 industry experts, in 6 publishing tracks:  Children’s Book Summit (Nov 3); Marketing (Nov 8); Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (Nov 9); Editorial (Nov 10); Operations & Production (Nov 11); and Design (Nov 12).

New York Times bestselling author JENNIE ALLEN (Get Out of Your Head) will present a keynote to attendees on November 4 at 11 am central on “Free Yourself to Thrive in Your Publishing Mission.”  The closing session on November 12th will feature the announcement of the Top Shelf Book Cover Award winners.

Attendees have access to the ALL the programming and recordings in every track – for the one price of $135.  REGISTRATION AND PROGRAM INFO IS AT ECPAPubU.ORG.

About PubU Online
ECPA PubU Online is the industry’s “Publishing University” for Christian publishing professionals, taught by experts and industry leaders, and considered the premier training ground for the industry. In-depth webinars are offered in tracks on Marketing, Editorial, Production & Operations, Diversity Equity & Inclusion, Design, and Children’s Literature. Full program details and registration are at ECPAPubU.org.

About ECPA
The Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) is an international non-profit trade organization comprised of member companies that are involved in the publishing and distribution of Christian content worldwide. Since 1974, ECPA has strengthened Christian publishing by building networking, information, and advocacy opportunities within the industry and throughout multiple channels so that our members can more effectively produce and deliver transformational Christian content. ECPA.org

Media Contacts:
Jeff Crosby, ECPA President & CEO, jcrosby@ecpa.org or 480-966-3998 ext. 101
Sheri Toomb, Marketing Manager, stoomb@ecpa.org or 480-966-3998 ext. 104

Best-selling Author, Dr. Mark Rutland, Compares the Conflict and Counsel Between Biblical Prophets and Kings to Show How Christians Should Hold Power Accountable in New Book, ‘Of Kings and Prophets’

Lake Mary, FL— New York Times best-selling author Dr. Mark Rutland’s new book, Of Kings and Prophets: Understanding Your Role in Natural Authority and Spiritual Power (Charisma House, ISBN: 978-1-62999-836-7), challenges readers to join him in uncovering the poetic drama that took place between the kings and prophets in the Old Testament, and discover how, now more than ever, their interactions are applicable to the modern-day world.

Rutland focuses on the relationships between the men who sat on the thrones of Israel and Judah and the prophets of God who both rebuked and advised them. By examining the scriptures, readers are privy to insights into how Christians can and should hold leaders accountable.

“The conflict, or the relationship between the Old Testament kings and the prophets is one of the greatest stories of conflict, of friction in the entire world,” Rutland writes. “What is the message—the quintessential message—that they brought to the particular king or kings with whom they had conflict?” he asks.

Digging deep into the relationships between the Old Testament prophets and kings can also be used to determine the role that Christians play today to guide, counsel, and receive advice from others, according to Rutland.

“What is the basis of the friction between the rulers of this present age and the voice of God’s supernatural power?” he inquires. This and many other questions answered throughout Of Kings and Prophets will dramatically and critically guide readers to understand the power of God working in and through His people and the difference it makes when leaders choose to listen and discern His voice.

In the book, Rutland compares and contrasts the principalities and powers of scripture to those of the present age, writing, “{they} seem so in control of this world, from the White House to the Kremlin. It seems that way. God is not disheartened or confused. He is not reading the newspaper to find out what is going on. History is not happening to God. It is unfolding in the palm of His hand. He is the God of history. He is also God in history.”

Of Kings and Prophets, by Dr. Mark Rutland, is released by Charisma House, which publishes books that challenge, encourage, teach, and equip Christians.

For additional information including a free sample chapter visit: https://charismahouse.com/rutland

Follow Dr. Mark Rutland:
Website: www.drmarkrutland.com
Website: www.globalservants.org
Facebook: @globalservants
Instagram: @globalservants
Twitter: @DrMarkRutland
YouTube: @GlobalServantsTV

MARK RUTLAND is a New York Times best-selling author. He is the president of Global Servants and the National Institute of Christian Leadership. He has previously served as the pastor of a mega-church and the president of two universities. He and his wife, Alison, have been married and serving in ministry together for over fifty years. Through their Global Servants ministry, the Rutlands established House of Grace in Chiang Rai, Thailand in 1986, which serves as a home to protect tribal girls from sex trafficking. The goal of the home has been “Saving little girls for big destinies.” Global Servants’ work in West Africa in largely remote villages, has built churches and village hygiene services in five countries.

Title: Of Kings and Prophets: Understanding Your Role in Natural Authority and Spiritual Power | Retail: $24.99 | Release Date: October 5, 2021 | ISBN: 978-1-62999-836-7 | E-Book ISBN: 978-1-62999-837-4 | Audio Download: 978-1-63641-031-9 | Binding: Hardback | Size: 6” x 9” | Page Count: 240 | Hometown: Buford, GA | BISAC: RELIGION / Christian Living / Spiritual Growth

To interview Dr. Mark Rutland or for a review copy of Of Kings and Prophets, contact lklosterman@tkomarketing.net or chelsey@tkomarketing.net.

Media Contacts: TKO Publicity
Linda Klosterman, lklosterman@tkomarketing.net
Chelsey Dickson, chelsey@tkomarketing.net

Grand Rapids, Mich., Sept. 2021 – Zondervan, a division of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, is proud to announce the release of the NIV Radiant Virtues Bible, a Beautiful Word™ Collection, the newest addition to the Beautiful Word line of Bibles.

“At the heart of the NIV Radiant Virtues Bible, are the three virtues found in 1 Corinthians 13 — faith, hope, and love,” said Melinda Bouma, vice president and publisher of Bibles for Zondervan. “As readers focus on those virtues, we hope they grow in their daily lives as they celebrate the beauty of the Word.”

From beginning to end, the NIV Radiant Virtues Bible gives readers everything they need to grow the timeless virtues of faith, hope, and love in their daily lives. Art from the Beautiful Word collection, along with newly created verse art, all-new journaling prompts, weekly devotional readings and prayers, coloring pages, reading plans, and more, guide readers as they explore each virtue and its place in Scripture.

Readers will enjoy a smooth reading experience with Zondervan’s exclusive NIV Comfort Print® typeface. Expertly designed for the New International Version (NIV) text, Zondervan NIV Comfort Print delivers a smooth reading experience that complements the most widely read contemporary English Bible translation. Features include:

• Full text of the accurate, readable, and clear New International Version (NIV)
• Hundreds of highlighted Bible verses relate to the key themes of faith, hope, and love
• 12 blank calendar pages on thicker paper for planning out a year of activities
• 52-week guide, rotating weekly through the key themes
• Each week’s suggested activities include an encouraging devotional reading and prayer, a piece of coloring art for reflection, and a journaling prompt to help you dig deeper
• Reading plans for a month or a year
• Full-color art throughout
• 66 key verse illustrations, one at the beginning of each book
• Shareable full-color verse artwork on thicker paper with perforated edges
• Journaling space throughout
• Double-column format
• Satin ribbon markers
• Words of Jesus in red
• Exclusive Zondervan NIV Comfort Print typeface
• 8-point print size

The NIV Radiant Virtues Bible is available now in a variety of binding types:

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.

About Comfort Print: Zondervan Bibles teamed up with 2K/Denmark, the world’s foremost Bible typeface foundry, to create exclusive Comfort Print Bible fonts. Comfort Print Bibles are easy to read at any size because the typeface was designed to be both efficient and readable. Zondervan Bibles believes that the beauty of the message should be reflected in the physical form of the book. Choosing the right typeface is one significant element in creating beautiful Bibles.

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

Ada, Mich. (September 29, 2021)—For the past ten years, Baker Publishing Group has partnered with SPCK to present and sell Baker Publishing Group titles throughout the United Kingdom. Due to the changing business demands, climate, and constraints being felt globally, Baker has made the decision to transition to a new sales group, Synergy Book Sales, founded by Alexandra McDonald. This change will take place on April 1, 2022.

Alexandra is pleased to announce the formation of her publishing sales representation company as of September 2021. With more than 25 years’ experience in publishing sales and marketing, she will use that expertise to represent Baker Publishing Group throughout the UK and Europe.

Alexandra is also looking forward to continuing to play a high-profile role in the UK Christian book trade, alongside resuming her committee membership of the Christian Suppliers’ Group and continuing her trusteeship at Andrew’s Charitable Trust. Her contact information is listed below.

Rhoda Hardie and Anne Rogers will continue to look after publicity and marketing for Baker Publishing Group in the UK, and Alexandra will work alongside them to maximize opportunities for BPG’s books and authors throughout the territory.

“Baker Publishing Group is thankful for the guidance provided by SPCK and for their success in getting our books into the hands of readers,” stated Nathan Henrion, executive vice president of sales at Baker Publishing Group. “SPCK’s professionalism and care, as well as their friendship, have been greatly appreciated. We wish SPCK strength and success in the years to come.”

Sam Richardson, chief executive of SPCK Publishing, commented, “It has been SPCK’s pleasure to support Baker in delivering significant sales growth in the UK and EU in recent years. As we progress with our own integration with Lion Hudson, we look forward to supporting a smooth transition for Baker and to seeing the continued success of Baker’s titles in these markets under their new arrangements.”

• Alexandra McDonald, Synergy Book Sales UK Ltd, +44 777 616 7261, alexandra@synergybooksales.co.uk        
• Rhoda Hardie, Rhoda Hardie PR, +44 781 542 7111, Rhoda.hardie.pr@gmail.com        
• Anne Rogers, ARP Publishing Support Services, +44 788 990 6457, annerogers.freelance@gmail.com

Baker Publishing Group publishes high-quality writings that represent historic Christianity and serve the diverse interests and concerns of evangelical readers. For more information, visit http://bakerpublishinggroup.com/.

Contact: Karen Steele, (616)676-9185 x100, ksteele@bakerpublishinggroup.com

Iron Stream Media (ISM) is honored to announce our winners of the 2021 Golden Scroll and Christian Market Book Awards announced at the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association (AWSA) virtual awards ceremony on Sunday, August 15, 2021.

2021 Golden Scroll Awards were as follows:

Contemporary Novel of the Year Winner
The Endling by Deborah Maxey ISBN-13: ‎ 978-1645262640

Contemporary Novel of the Year Third Place
Deep End of the Lake by Carol Grace Stratton ISBN-13: ‎ 978-1645262770

2021 Christian Market Novel of the Year
The Endling by Deborah Maxey ISBN-13: ‎ 978-1645262640

** The 2021 Christian Market Novel of the Year was a tie including our own Deborah Maxey for The Endling.

ISM also offers congratulations to Karen Porter, this year’s recipient of the Jennifer Kennedy Dean Award, which is named for the author of Live a Praying Life, ISM’s best-selling book for many years. According to AWSA’s founder, Linda Evans Shepherd, “This special award recognizes someone who carries the light with excellence to a hurting world.”

Iron Stream Media derives its name from Proverbs 27:17, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” This sharpening describes the process of discipleship, one to another. Iron Stream Media provides a variety of solutions for churches, ministry leaders, and nonprofits that include in-depth Bible study curriculum, Christian book publishing, and consultative services. Iron Stream Media is the home of Brookstone Publishing Group, Harambee Press, Iron Stream, Iron Stream Fiction, and Iron Stream Kids. Through the popular Life Bible Study and Student Life Bible Study brands, they also provide web-based, full-year and short-term Bible study teaching plans as well as printed devotionals, Bibles, and discipleship curriculum.

Publishing arm of Our Daily Bread Ministries adds two new members to its group of specialists

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., September 30, 2021 — Our Daily Bread Ministries (ODBM) today announced its publishing arm, Our Daily Bread Publishing, is expanding its dedicated staff with two new hires. Katara Patton, senior editor, and Joel Armstrong, content editor and product developer, both bring a wide array of expertise with them and will use their gifts to advance the organizational goals of the publishing company and the ministry.

“As we further develop our publishing strategy and capacity to create books that inspire a multitude of audiences to nurture their faith, the addition of Katara and Joel is extremely exciting,” said Chriscynethia Floyd, vice president and publisher of Our Daily Bread Publishing. “Our goal is to produce resources that encourage people to turn to God’s Word for comfort, bring insight on Scripture, and grow one’s faith. Katara and Joel each bring a unique set of skills and qualities that will support our mission as a ministry.”

Patton will perform acquisition and developmental editing duties, including working alongside executive editor and leader of the Voices Collection, Joyce Dinkins, to expand publishing efforts from Black content creators. Patton will work closely with a variety of industry agents, authors, and ODBM cross-functional teams to develop and create content that serves the overall ministry. Patton previously served as a writer for the Our Daily Bread devotional, a role she will continue to provide in her new position. Before joining Our Daily Bread Publishing, Patton worked for Christian publishing organizations including Tyndale, Urban Ministries, Christian Century and McGraw-Hill.

Armstrong has joined the growing staff of Our Daily Bread Publishing as content editor and product developer, where he will create original content as well as edit a wide list of authors. He previously worked at Kregel Publications as an associate editor and is a graduate of Northeastern University. Armstrong brings with him unique experience presenting at writers and editors conferences on a variety of topics, including book structure, pacing and suspense, and self-editing. He is also a writer and has published short fiction, poetry, and academic nonfiction.

Our Daily Bread Publishing publishes books that foster growth and godliness in the lives of God’s people. It provides individuals across the world with materials that focus on Scripture, show reverence for God and His Word, demonstrate the relevance of vibrant faith, and equip and encourage you in your life every day.

About Our Daily Bread Ministries
Our Daily Bread Ministries (ODBM) is a nondenominational, nonprofit organization that distributes more than 60 million resources in 150 countries. Through print, radio, television, DVD, podcast, book, mobile app, and websites, ODBM encourages people to draw closer to God and helps them grow in their faith. Since 1938, ODBM has endeavored to trust in God above all else and relied on His wisdom and strength to guide their ministry. ODBM is not funded or endowed by any group or denomination. Many people, making even the smallest of donations, enable the ministry to reach others with the life-changing wisdom of the Bible. Visit www.odb.org/donate to help make a difference. For more information about ODBM, visit www.odb.org.

About Our Daily Bread Publishing
Our Daily Bread Publishing is the publishing arm of Our Daily Bread Ministries (ODBM) and serves to produce books that foster growth and godliness in the lives of God’s people. Established in 1988 under the original name Discovery House, the nonprofit organization publishes books, audiobooks, ebooks, DVDs, Bible study curriculum, and stationery. As part of the founding vision, the organization provides materials that focus on Scripture, that show reverence for God and His Word, that demonstrate the relevance of vibrant faith, and that equip and encourage people in their lives every day. For more information about Our Daily Bread Publishing, visit www.ourdailybreadpublishing.org.

Media Contact: Olivia Lake, Lambert, olake@lambert.com, 616-258-5768

COMPEL Direct Access launches Monday

This Fall’s COMPEL training Direct Access study will feature Felicia Harris’ newly released book, First in the Family: Biblical Truths for Cycle Breakers (Leafwood Publishers). 

Direct Access is a unique online experience providing a behind-the-scenes look at the writing, editing, and publishing process of newly released Christian living titles. For this study, Felicia will join her editor, Jason Fikes from Leafwood Publishers. Together, they will explore the message of First in the Family, showing how authors can improve their writing and incorporate Scripture into their own stories. They will also discuss topics like platform building and time management as an author.

Participants in the study will see how Felicia shares her complex story of trauma and family suffering alongside profound Scriptural truth. Having lived with the immense weight of family secrets, influences, and imperfections, she shows readers the steps they can take to become cycle breakers—those who refuse to be held bound by the way things have always been.

For more details and to access the study, visit the COMPEL book club website.

About COMPEL and Leafwood Publishers

COMPEL training is a ministry of Proverbs 31 Ministries and is a simple starting place that encourages female writers through community, writing challenges, and online courses.

Leafwood Publishers is an imprint of Abilene Christian University Press and inspires fresh and deep conversations about faith and life, one book at a time.

Symphony of Salvation: A 60-Day Devotional Journey through the Books of the Bible

Carol Stream, Ill. (October 1, 2021)—NavPress, in alliance with Tyndale House Publishers, will release Symphony of Salvation, a new devotional resource crafted from writings of the late Eugene H. Peterson, on October 19, 2021.

Rendered beautifully in full color, Symphony of Salvation guides readers through every book of the Bible, giving insight into the sights, sounds, personalities, and controversies of an ancient world. Peterson’s distinct poetic tone and wisdom will help readers grow in their appreciation of God’s overarching story and how that story speaks into our everyday lives.

Symphony of Salvation can be used as a 60-day devotional or an accessible Bible reference resource. Each entry is Peterson’s thoughtful reflection on a particular book of the Bible as a whole, complete with “A Verse to Remember” Scripture callouts.

Eugene H. Peterson was a pastor for nearly thirty years, as well as a theologian and scholar of biblical languages. The author of more than thirty books, he is best known for The Message, his translation of the Bible into contemporary, poetic language. His ministry as a pastor and his writings on theology and spirituality have shaped generations of Christians.

Symphony of Salvation by Eugene H. Peterson
ISBN: 978-1-64158-405-0
Hardcover: $19.99
October 2021
NavPress.com 

Since its founding in 1962, Tyndale House Publishers has been a voice to trust for generations of readers. Today, Tyndale is one of the largest independent Christian publishers in the world. Tyndale’s mission is to make the Bible accessible to as many people as possible in language that they can relate and respond to. Tyndale publishes the Holy Bible, New Living Translation (NLT) and offers nonfiction books that equip readers with Christ-centered insight, counsel, and life-improving stories. In addition, Tyndale publishes fiction from fresh new voices and celebrated authors alike, capturing the imagination of millions of readers. With a deep understanding of the importance of nurturing future generations, Tyndale also publishes children’s products that make God’s Word and wisdom come alive. Tyndale’s independent status allows it to follow its founding model, giving a majority of annual revenue—more than $110 million throughout its history—to charitable missions. With every book purchased, Tyndale readers help meet the physical and spiritual needs of people around the world.

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.

WESTMONT, IL—IVP Academic’s Resurrecting Justice by Douglas Harink has won the 2021 Word Guild Award in the Non-Fiction Biblical Studies category. The Word Guild Awards are given out each year to encourage the pursuit of excellence in writing and to help raise the profile of Canadian writers who are Christian.

Anna Gissing, associate editor for IVP Academic, said, “Arguments for justice today often come from outside the Bible. In Resurrecting Justice, Doug Harink brings his expertise in Pauline theology to this hot topic, demonstrating that justice is a major theme in Romans as well. We are proud that his work has been honored with this award and trust that many readers will appreciate his contribution to studies in biblical justice.”

In Resurrecting Justice: Reading Romans for the Life of the World  theologian Douglas Harink invites readers to rediscover Romans as a treatise on justice. He traces Paul’s thinking on this theme through a sequential reading of the book, finding in each passage facets of the gospel’s primary claim—that God accomplishes justice in the death and resurrection of Jesus Messiah. By rendering forms of the Greek word dikaiosynē as just or justice, Harink emphasizes the inseparability of personal, social, and political uprightness that was clear to Paul but is obscured in modern translations’ use of the words righteous and righteousness instead.

Throughout this book, Harink includes personal reflection questions and contemporary implications, helping readers connect Paul’s teaching to issues in their world such as church life, politics, power, criminal justice, and violence.

Nijay K. Gupta, professor of New Testament at Northern Seminary, said, “What is Romans about? We know the traditional answers: justification by faith, forgiveness of sins, personal salvation. Harink doesn’t throw these out the window but puts the spotlight on the thematic thread of justice that runs all through Romans. I admit that I had my initial hesitations and doubts about reading Romans as a treatise on justice, but by the end I was a believer! Harink joins together what has often been torn asunder today—the relationships between personal and corporate, individual and communal, and personal justification and social justice in Christian thought and theology—with the resurrection of Christ at the center of it all.”

IVP also had one title selected for the 2021 Word Guild Short List in two categories. Wisdom from Babylon: Leadership for the Church in a Secular Age by Gordon T. Smith made the short list for Biblical Studies and for the Best Book Cover Award. Gordon Smith is passionate about the need for capable, mature leaders to navigate and respond to a changing society. In this book, he draws on his extensive experience as a university president, pastor, and international speaker to open a multidisciplinary conversation about the competencies and capacities essential for today’s leaders.

David Fitch, B. R. Lindner Chair of Evangelical Theology at Northern Seminary, and author of Faithful Presence, said, “Wisdom from Babylon is a masterful guide for Christian leadership amid the upheavals of our secular age. Global in reach, thick with scholarship, Gordon Smith’s work gives us the wherewithal to gain a footing for the journey that besets us. He offers not retreat but presence. This book is hope for anyone asking, ‘How can we sing the Lord’s song in a foreign land?’ (Psalm 137:4).”

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

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

The release of Leslie Stobbe’s life story, God Moments in My Publishing Life, provides authors and editors a personal tour of the development of Christian publishing. A one-hour interview of Leslie by Thomas Umstattd, Jr for his podcast, Christian Publishing Show, provided additional details on Leslie’s 65 years in Christian publishing.

As editorial director of Moody Press in the 1970s Leslie Stobbe watched the struggle to get larger Christian publishers skeptical of ECPA’s value to join. As president of Here’s Life Publishers in the 1980s he was on the ECPA Membership Committee that finally saw Tyndale House join ECPA.

Les Stobbe’s connection with Christian publishing goes back to 1955, when he was appointed editor of a denominational weekly, the Mennonite Observer, and buyer for the Christian Press bookstore in Winnipeg, Canada. Six years later, as floor supervisor of Moody Bookstore he was asked by Kenneth N. Taylor to review his new Bible translation project, his personalization of the Book of Timothy—and then asked to tackle editing Living Letters. He then became editor of Christian Bookseller Magazine from 1962-66, traveling the U.S. to gather stories from bookstore owners and New York publishers.

Now Les is providing a tour through the growth of Christian publishing in his personal story, God Moments in My Publishing Life. reliving 65 years of Christian publishing’s growth through the experiences of one who was there. Covered are his years as editorial director of Moody Press, Christian Herald Association, managing editor of Scripture Press’s curriculum division, president of Here’s Life Publishers. His 25 years as literary agent began in 1993 and continued for 25 years as he worked closely with book authors, wrote online journalism curriculum–and was appointed Journalist in Residence at Gordon College, Wenham, Massachusetts.

Contact Les at lhstobbe123@gmail.com, www.stobbeliterary.com.