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.

Everyone Has a Story | Robert K. Cheong shows readers how each of their stories matters and is a part of God’s bigger story

Greensboro, NC—What unanswered questions do you have about your life? Some of us struggle to find meaning, others wonder about identity, and all of us want to be loved. A person’s story—the events and relationships that define them—will guide how they answer these questions. But God has a story too. His story is about sending Jesus to this broken world to mend all that is broken. In Restoration Story: Why Jesus Matters in a Broken World (New Growth Press/September 27, 2021), Robert K. Cheong helps readers connect their story to God’s story, transforming how they live and love.

We all have our own back story—our sometimes unconscious beliefs—that have been shaped by our families, relationships, and life experiences. Our stories shape the personal narratives we live out: “I am not loved.” “No one cares for me.” “I have to be better than everyone around me.” “How I look is the most important thing about me.” Our back story guides us in how we relate to God and others. But are these reference points true? And how are they affecting our lives today? Cheong helps readers unpack their story and learn to live out of God’s new story. Readers will discover how to retell their story based on who God is, what he’s done, and the call to love him and others.

“Culture places value in exploring and sharing stories. As people seek answers to who they are, why they do what they do, and their purpose in life, they tend to look for the answers in their own stories. People also long for change—change in how they love and how they live,” shares Cheong. “I wrote this book because the church needs a practical, yet gospel-centered resource that helps them to see how God’s story not only answers these timeless questions but also helps them to understand their past, present and future story.”

Through the stories of four individuals, readers will learn how the dynamics of creation, fall, redemption, and consummation shape their past struggles, confirm their future hope, and ensure their ability to live in God’s power in the present. At the intersection of God’s story and their own, they’ll find that his love sustains them in their weariness, guides them in their confusion, and comforts them in their suffering. The story of his love will compel readers to live for him.

“God’s story from Genesis to Revelation serves as a never-changing framework that will help you navigate life’s storms. When it feels like you’re drowning, God guides you through the chaos. When you find it easy to drift, he sets you upon his intended course,” Cheong explains. “God’s story not only captures the reality of life in this fallen world but, more importantly, reveals his reality and his heart for his people.”

Author and speaker Paul David Tripp writes, “There is always a need for rich, practical, and transformative gospel resources, and Robert Cheong’s Restoration Story is one of the best I’ve seen. This book takes people on a heart-exposing, faith-igniting, and life-changing journey. This seasoned pastor has invested years helping people see their story through the lens of Scripture’s gospel story. I am so glad that, because this work is now in print, countless more will journey through God’s story and find themselves, find their Savior, and find their way to healing of heart and mind, and with it find a brand-new way of living.”

Restoration Story can also be used alongside Cheong’s Restore: Changing How We Live and Love companion study guide. The study guide was designed to be used in a small group setting, and helps participants examine and process their stories more fully.

Restoration Story: Why Jesus Matters in a Broken World
by Robert K. Cheong
September 27, 2021 / Retail Price: $17.99
Print ISBN 978-1-64507-165-5
Religion/Christian Ministry/Personal Growth

For review copy and interview information, contact:
Audra Jennings – audra@newgrowthpress.com – 903.874.8363

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Robert K. Cheong, PhD, serves as the Pastor of Care at Sojourn Church Midtown in Louisville, KY. He has a passion for helping the church to be confident in Jesus, and he is the executive director of Gospel Care Ministries, which trains leaders in churches, networks, and mission organizations for discipleship and care in community.  Cheong also serves as a Council Member for the Biblical Counseling Coalition. He is the author of God Redeeming His Bride: A Handbook for Church Discipline, Restore: Changing How We Live and Love, and Restoration Story: Why Jesus Matters in a Broken World.  He enjoys life with his wife, Karen, their grown children, and their adorable grandchildren.

Learn more about Robert K. Cheong and Gospel Care Ministries at www.gospel.care, Facebook (@gospelcareministries), Twitter (@GospelCareMn) or Instagram (@gospelcareministries).

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SUGGESTED INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

• When it comes to sharing stories, what did you see going on within the church that sparked the inspiration for writing Restoration Story?
• If God knows every detail of our stories, and knew every aspect of our lives before we were born, does that mean we have no choices? If we can choose, how do our stories continue to fit with his?
• You tell the stories of four people as you make your way through the book as examples for readers to identify with. How are these stories similar? How do they differ?
• How do you describe common struggles? What are the common struggles we all face?
• What are the other types of struggles we face?
• Even though we share many experiences or struggle in many ways, why do we not reach out to others to talk and build supportive relationships?
• Describe how you walk through the four movements of the gospel—creation, fall, redemption, and consummation.
• It seems that we would obviously know our own stories, but how do we often times avoid our stories? Why do we need to acknowledge and understand our stories?
• We all desire love, but what do we misunderstand about it?
• How does Jesus restore our stories?
• What is the most important thing to know about God’s story and how our story is a part of his?
• How does Restoration Story stand out as different from other discipleship resources?
• How do Restoration Story and your previously released Bible study, Restore, work together?

October 1996 – October 2021

Grand Rapids, Mich, (Oct. 2021)  – Zondervan, a division of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, and Biblica, a global Bible ministry, are proud to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the New International Reader’s Version (NIrV). Since the first publication of the full NIrV Bible in 1996, it has sold more than 8.5 million copies and impacted the lives of many more around the globe.

“There has never been a more meaningful time to ensure that young readers and English language learners have access to God’s Word in a faithful, easy-to-read text,” says Melinda Bouma, vice president and publisher of Bibles for Zondervan. “It’s humbling to see the impact the NIrV translation has had during the last 25 years. We celebrate this significant anniversary, the tireless efforts of everyone involved in bringing it to fruition, our partnership with Biblica, and more importantly all the lives that have been changed by it. It is so exciting to dream of those it will impact in the next 25 years!”

“Biblica is honored to steward and publish the New International Reader’s Version. This translation is the foundation for many of Biblica’s ministry resources. It has impacted countless lives through prison ministry resources like the Free on the Inside Bible. Hundreds of thousands of teens throughout the English-speaking world are learning to make healthy life choices through the Reach4Life New Testament. Numerous children around the world are discovering God’s Word in their learning style through the Treasure Hunt Bible. The readable and accurate NIrV makes this life-changing ministry possible,” said Jonathan Call, senior vice president of translation, publishing, and digital innovation at Biblica.

The NIrV is based on the New International Version (NIV), the most widely read and trusted modern English Bible translation in the world. While the NIV enjoys a widespread reputation as the best combination of accuracy and readability for anyone at a seventh-grade reading level and up, a vision was cast decades ago to honor younger readers and individuals with a non-English primary language, by creating the NIrV developed at a third-grade reading level. This makes it ideal for new and beginning Bible readers, and those who struggle with reading in English.

“Our goal on the NIrV translation team is to make the wonderful work of the NIV available to all those who want or need a translation that is easier to understand while remaining rigorously faithful to the original texts of Scripture,” said Michael Williams, PhD., chair of the NIrV translation committee and member of the Committee on Bible Translation (CBT), the group responsible for maintaining the NIV text. “The NIrV removes as many barriers as possible to a fuller comprehension of the Bible by people of all ages and abilities.”

Nearly 40 people from 14 denominations – many of the same people who translated the NIV – worked together on the development of the NIrV. Each verse was meticulously evaluated in light of the meaning of the original languages in which the Bible was written. Sentence structure, grammar, syntax, and word selection were all carefully reviewed to ensure maximum comprehension while retaining Biblical accuracy.

Throughout the work to make the NIrV a more readable translation, a heavy emphasis was also placed on making it more understandable. Literary experts and educators specializing in elementary education examined both sentence structure and word choices, searching for every possible opportunity to clarify the Scriptures.

Sentences were kept to no more than 15 words and expressions that only native English speakers would understand, such as idioms, figures of speech and nation-specific allusions, were avoided. Even with those changes, the NIrV does not compromise the biblical text in any way:

The NIrV translation team followed the NIV guidelines for accuracy, clarity, and readability, and the NIV was constantly referenced throughout the process. All of the work was approved by a final review committee composed of several members of the Committee on Bible Translation (CBT). This committee structure, with its built-in checks and balances, assures Scriptural integrity and literary and stylistic excellence. They still meet regularly to address any necessary updates.

Releasing Sept. 21, book encourages women to know they are already enough

NASHVILLE, TN., Sept. 8, 2021 – Understanding the struggle of fighting insecurity and trying to live up to worldly expectations and pressure, beloved musician, YouTube sensation, wife, mother of three and author Kelsey Grimm is releasing her debut book “Over It: Forgetting Who You’re Expected to be and Becoming Who You Already Are” on Sept. 21 from Worthy Books.

In “Over It,” Grimm gets vulnerable and honest to share the message that women don’t have to ascribe to what outside influences like TikTok, Instagram and even the Church say they need to be or what they need to look like because who they are is already enough. Grimm wants readers to know that she is just like them – wearing multiple hats trying to barely hold it all together.

“The message is loud and clear – today’s culture tells us exactly what we’re supposed to be: what our bodies should look like, where our beauty and worth lie, our level of success based on what we can offer the world,” said Grimm. “I wanted to write this book to let women know they are not alone by being vulnerable because I am so over the suffocating pressure of performance and expectation that we place on ourselves.”

“Over It” walks through topics covering the importance of not journeying through life alone, addressing the dangers of false expectations and understanding the significance in placing value in who we think we were created to be rather than who we are.

“Many of us have adopted a way to view God as someone wanting to catch us in trouble and not catch us with His love,” said Grimm. “We have owned something that God never said about us. In fact, it’s the opposite of what God has said about us. We’ve created entire traditions and customs in response to how we felt we were supposed to get into contact with God.”

Grimm is part of the popular duo Caleb + Kelsey with her husband Caleb. Generating a loyal following, Caleb + Kelsey have over 500 million video views on Facebook, approaching 5 million followers, eclipsing 65 million YouTube views and several #1 selling albums.

For more information about “Over It: Forgetting Who You’re Expected to be and Becoming Who You Already Are,” visit https://www.thekelseygrimm.co/over-it-book.

About Kelsey Grimm
Kelsey Grimm is known by most, as a singer/artist alongside her husband, Caleb, in their duo Caleb+Kelsey. She also considers herself a stay-at-home mom, with the majority of her time spent raising their 3 beautiful babies in Nashville, TN. Kelsey is an enthusiastic, vibrant, adrenaline junkie who craves deep, meaningful relationships, below-the-surface conversation, and an occasional good glass of wine.

She’s passionate about pursuing a life that’s honest and bold – learning to see herself through the eyes of the Divine while encouraging others to do the same.

WESTMONT, IL— With the forthcoming releases of We the Fallen People and Struggling with Evangelicalism, InterVarsity Press (IVP) continues its yearlong seventy-fifth anniversary celebration by telling the story of its history of publishing books that have shaped and reflected evangelical discourse. Since the publication of Basic Christianity in 1964, IVP has published landmark resources on what it means to live and look like a Christian.

IVP’s history with Christianity and relationship to evangelicalism stems from InterVarsity Christian Fellowship’s roots in England. From its early days, IVP focused on writing books to reach college students and engage current cultural trends. In the book Heart. Soul. Mind. Strength.: An Anecdotal History of InterVarsity Press, 1947–2007, coauthors Andrew T. Le Peau and Linda Doll wrote, “InterVarsity Press . . . saw openness to the academic world as a means of bringing minds under the lordship of Christ.” As IVP grew, it expanded the range of topics addressed in its books.

The 1960s saw the publication of The God Who Is There and Escape from Reason by Francis A. Schaeffer and Know Why You Believe by Paul E. Little. In 1972 IVP published Knowing God by J. I. Packer. IVP continued to publish books by John Stott, such as Christian Mission in the Modern World in 1976 and The Cross of Christ in 1986. These books reflect the growing interest among evangelicals in the life of the mind and how to live as a Christian in the world.

As Christians and evangelicals have considered what it means to live and look like a Christian in a changing world, IVP’s books have reflected these changes while maintaining a commitment to love for God, God’s Word, and God’s purposes in the world. The formation of the IVP Academic imprint in the early 2000s highlighted IVP’s commitment to academic life and thought and featured Christian scholarship across the disciplines.

In 2004 IVP published the first volume in the History of Evangelicalism series, The Rise of Evangelicalism by Mark A. Noll. Coedited by Mark Noll and David Bebbington, this series reflects the diversity of evangelical belief and practice around the world. In a recent piece reflecting on this series and the meaning of evangelical today, Noll wrote, “The rewarding chance to work on the series has, in turn, provided a propitious angle from which to comment especially on questions of diversity, continuity, incoherence, and coherence raised by contemporary debates over the meaning of ‘evangelical’ and ‘evangelicalism.’ It also points to a conclusion that the most significant present-day questions about the history of evangelicalism do not arise from American political turmoil but from the shape of world Christianity as a whole.”

The political turmoil Noll writes about is reflected in recent IVP books, such as Still Evangelical?, Compassion (&) Conviction, and most recently, We the Fallen People. In We the Fallen People historian Robert Tracy McKenzie presents a close look at the ideas of human nature to be found in the history of American democratic thought. McKenzie described his motivation for writing We the Fallen People as “reflect[ing] my deep concern for the future of American democracy and even greater concern for the public testimony of American Christians. The political polarization that engulfs us poses a dire challenge to both. My ultimate goal is not to make a political statement but rather to help Christians think Christianly about democracy. We must think Christianly before we can act faithfully, and as we do so, both the witness of the church and the stability of our political institutions will benefit.”

As many Christians today are reconsidering whether to use the evangelical label, Dan Stringer presents his consideration of this issue in Struggling with Evangelicalism. Stringer considers evangelicalism within the context of its global expression and how “evangelicalism is not just a brand to identify with but a space to inhabit.” Stringer writes, “I care deeply about evangelicalism because it has been my home through every life change. This vital thread holds together the complexities of my story. Having wrestled extensively with my own mixed feelings about evangelicalism’s brokenness and beauty, I’m ready to help others do the same.”

Contact:  Karin DeHaven, 630.734.4013, kdehaven@ivpress.com

Sadie Robertson Huff challenges young generation to live well daily with new devotional

Follow-up to national bestsellers “Live” and “Live Fearless,” “Live on Purpose: 100 Devotions for Letting Go of Fear and Following God” debuts Sept. 28

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Sept. 21, 2021) – Teens and young adults will reach new depths of faith as they discover how to live life to the fullest in Sadie Robertson Huff’s new book, “Live on Purpose: 100 Devotions for Letting Go of Fear and Following God” (ISBN: 9781400213092).

Huff builds on her enduring message to live fearlessly and purposefully in her new devotional. Live on Purpose takes the life-changing themes from her bestselling books Live Fearless and Live, and applies those truths through Scripture, prayer, and her passionate message to live well. In each entry, she shares her personal journey with God and provides practical tools for readers to nurture and sustain their own spiritual well-being.

“Every day we have the decision to press past the fear, insecurities and anxieties of this life and choose to live on purpose,” said Robertson Huff. “My prayer, is that this devotional encourages everyone who picks it up, to run into their God-given purpose and start living life for the Glory of God”

Huff is a leading voice of hope, courage, and truth for young people. She is a speaker, influencer, media personality, wife, sister, daughter and earlier this year, became a first-time mother. In a world where young believers are frequently experiencing ups and downs, She still remains a relatable source of encouragement. Her hope is that “Live on Purpose: 100 Devotions for Letting Go of Fear and Following God” helps young people on their daily journey to letting go of fear and walking out their purpose.

“Live on Purpose” covers topics including:

• overcoming fear and living with confidence
• living without limitations by setting aside fear, anxiety, and comparison
• authentically celebrating every moment in life
• replacing temporary highs with the promises of God
• dreaming big and living like it’s on purpose

With a social media audience of more than 6 million, Huff is a wholesome role model and enthusiastic voice for her generation. Huff’s fanbase follows her hit podcast, WHOA That’s Good; watched her become runner-up on season 19 of Dancing with the Stars; or read her bestselling books including Live, Live Fearless, Live Original, and Life Just Got Real.

Live on Purpose: 100 Devotions for Letting Go of Fear and Following God (ISBN: 9781400213092, ages 13-16) releases on Sept. 28, 2021 everywhere books are sold.

About Sadie Robertson Huff:
Speaker, New York Times bestselling author, influencer and founder of Live Original. Communicating as a sister and friend, Huff is on a mission to use her influence to reach the world with the message of Christ. Sadie is the host of the popular podcast WHOA, That’s Good, which launched in 2018. Her podcast continues to top charts and minister to millions of listeners as she engages with influencers by asking them to share the, “best piece of advice they have ever received”. Using her influence for the good, she is also the creator of the Live Original Blog, which features encouraging and transparent messages from her and her closest friends. Sadie is also the host of an online community and App, LO Sister, which is designed to cultivate sisterhood through bible studies and workshops. Sadie, her husband Christian, and their daughter reside in Louisiana.

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:  Natividad Lewis, Publicist, 931.698.9620, natividad.lewis@harpercollins.com

Carol Stream, Ill. (September 21, 2021) — Tyndale House Publishers (@tyndalehouse) announced that Rev. Esau McCaulley, PhD, will publish God’s Colorful Kingdom Storybook Bible: The Story of God’s Big Diverse Family with Tyndale Kids in January 2023.

God’s Colorful Kingdom Storybook Bible will tell the story of God’s love of ethnic diversity and his concern for the poor, his justice, and his compassion. This one-of-a-kind storybook Bible will include 16 Old Testament stories and 15 New Testament stories, guiding children and parents to understand God’s overarching story of grace and his intentional design for an ethnically diverse church that cares about the vulnerable. Several of the stories aren’t traditionally included in storybook Bibles, providing new learning opportunities for families.

McCaulley is an assistant professor of New Testament at Wheaton College in Wheaton, IL. He is the author of Reading While Black: African American Biblical Interpretation as an Exercise in Hope, which won numerous awards, including Christianity Today’s Beautiful Orthodoxy Book of the Year. As a father of four, biblical scholar, and sought-after commentator on matters of faith, race, diversity, and culture, McCaulley is uniquely situated to craft a faithful, accessible rendering of the story of God’s diverse family.

“We are thrilled to be working with Esau on this book,” said Linda Howard, associate publisher for Tyndale Kids. “Our prayer is that Esau’s unique view of God’s plan for diversity throughout the Bible will help all of us be a more loving and unified body of Christ.”

About this exciting project, McCaulley said, “I hope that this storybook Bible introduces children to the wider world of the Scriptures in which God desires to create a just Kingdom from people of every ethnicity through the work of his Son, who loves us. As a parent, I know well the difficulty of finding resources that display this vision of the Scriptures to the young. I pray that families find it useful.”

Esau McCaulley is represented by Laurie Liss of Sterling Lord Literistic, Inc. For more information or for media inquiries, please contact Madeline Daniels, madelinedaniels@tyndale.com.

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

TyndaleKids.com

Contact:  Madeline Daniels, madelinedaniels@tyndale.com

 

 

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., Sept. 20, 2021—One of the world’s largest Christian media and music providers, David C Cook announced today that John Aden will serve as the ministry’s new CEO, effective immediately.

At some of the world’s top companies, including Walmart Inc., Mac Tools and Frito-Lay, and for more than 25 years, Aden has been a senior executive delivering record growth, leveraging scale, driving innovation and building high-performance teams across the globe. As president of Mac Tools, he pioneered strategic partnerships with NASCAR, the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) and two TV shows, Monster Garage and Pimp My Ride, turning a struggling company into an industry leader. Most recently, John excelled in roles as executive vice president and senior vice president at Walmart, including leading the $50 billion General Merchandise unit to exceed all expectations and turning the declining Hardlines division into one of the fastest growing categories in Walmart.

Yet, Aden considers David C Cook his biggest assignment to date.

“I see this moment as such a critical time for the global church. The pandemic, politics and other challenges have taken a toll. Yet, I know that a united, vibrant church is God’s most powerful agent for reaching a lost world,” said Aden. “As I look back at my career, I am absolutely convinced that every experience, every skill developed, and every opportunity has been in preparation for my role at David C Cook. I believe there’s nothing more important for me to do at this stage in my life than use my unique talents to help serve, equip and grow the Church.”

David C Cook retained Korn Ferry, an internationally known executive search firm, to conduct an exhaustive executive search, using rigorous qualifications established by the board of directors. Out of more than 200 applicants, Aden rose to the top and was the unanimous choice based on his notable global leadership experience, background in delivering customer-centric solutions, emphasis on innovation and impressive resume of enhancement and growth.

Under Aden’s leadership, expect big things to happen, because he’s known for it. With global experience spanning five continents and 28 different countries, Aden plans to use the tools of customer insight, leveraging scale, and innovation to help authors, artists and creatives share God’s truth and build disciples around the world.

“Innovation is in the DNA of this ministry,” said Aden. “With this talented team, authors and musicians, David C Cook is uniquely positioned and qualified to be used by God to revitalize the local church—especially the tens of thousands of small churches with limited resources. I’m calling on a generation of content creators, digital developers and like-minded partners to join us as we lead and act NOW.”

Aden begins his role today with an intense focus on reigniting the heritage of David C Cook. The same priorities of consumer insights, innovation, solutions and scale that have made the organization great since 1875 will be activated to quickly accelerate into the future.

Aden believes the future is bright for David C Cook and that there is a new generation of authors, artists and digital creatives who share in the ministry’s passion for serving the church with world-class innovation. Aden desires for David C Cook to become a destination for creative geniuses being called to impact the church through relevant, creative and thoughtful, Christian resources.

About David C Cook
David C Cook is a global nonprofit equipping individuals and church leaders with vital learning and worship resources. David C Cook’s desire is for individuals and faith groups to experience the transforming power of the gospel through music and media that fit the culture, language and spiritual needs of their communities.

David C Cook was founded in Chicago, Ill., in 1875 by David Caleb Cook, a businessman who began publishing pamphlets on lessons and songs that equipped local churches for ministry to children displaced by the Great Chicago Fire. Over the years, David C Cook has grown from a Sunday school curriculum publisher to one of the world’s largest providers of dynamic and relevant media and music designed to equip the global church and individuals with creative, Christian content.

Iron Stream Media is excited to announce two finalists in two Serious Writer Contests. Serious Writer is a club of writers and literary agents with a goal of providing free and affordable education as well as providing networking opportunities for authors of clean Christian books. Winners will be announced at an awards dinner this fall.

Book of the Year Finalist for books published January through December 2020: Say Yes by Britt Mooney

Book of the Decade Contest Finalist for books published January 2010 through December 2020:  Lake Surrender by Carol Grace Stratton

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, missionaries, and nonprofits that include in-depth Bible study curriculum, Christian book publishing, and consultative services. Iron Stream Media is the home of New Hope Publishers, Iron Stream Books, Ascender Books, LPC Books, and New Hope Kidz. Through the popular Life Bible Study and Student Life Bible Study imprints, they also provide web-based, full-year and short-term Bible study teaching plans as well as printed devotionals, Bibles, and discipleship curriculum.

Book these authors as guest speakers or for book signings by contacting Kim McCulla at kim.mcculla@ironstreammedia.com.  Limited supply of giveaway copies available for special events and interviews. Books can also be ordered through your distributor or by emailing orders@ironstreammedia.com.