The book is the latest addition to Smiley’s Average Boy™ line

Carol Stream, Ill. (February 14, 2022) — In alliance with Tyndale House Publishers, Christian comedian Bob Smiley and Focus on the Family will release Average Boy’s Above-Average Year, a new fiction book for middle-grade readers (ages 8–12), on March 8, 2022. As they follow along with Average Boy’s hilarious antics and adventures through the school year, young readers will learn important biblical lessons that they can apply to their own lives.

Written with Smiley’s signature humor, Average Boy’s Above-Average Year is the latest addition to his popular Average Boy^TM line, which presents stories about a very normal boy (in some very funny situations) who comes up with a godly solution to any problem that arises. The Average Boy^TM line also includes a regular feature in Focus on the Family’s Clubhouse magazine, two devotionals, and The Official Average Boy Podcast.

Bob Smiley is a longtime contributor to Focus on the Family publications (Breakaway, Brio, Clubhouse, Clubhouse Jr.) and has been doing standup comedy for over 20 years, touring with such bands as the Newsboys, Third Day, and Toby Mac.

For more information or for media inquiries, please contact Mariah Franklin at mariahfranklin@tyndale.com.

Average Boy’s Above-Average Year by Bob Smiley
Softcover ISBN: 978-1-64607-058-9 | $12.99 | March 8, 2022
https://store.focusonthefamily.com/average-boys-above-average-year/

Focus on the Family, which reaches about 38 million people in 120 countries, is a global faith-based ministry that helps families thrive. Tyndale House Publishers is pleased to partner with Focus on the Family to help provide trusted resources for strengthening believers in their faith and sharing the gospel; building resilient marriages that reflect God’s design; equipping parents to raise their children with a thriving faith; advocating for the preborn, orphaned and life at every stage; and engaging the culture through a biblical worldview. Visit Focus at FocusontheFamily.com or on Facebook and Twitter.

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.

 

Nashville, Tenn. (February 15, 2022) — WTA Media has added Jenaye Merida as Publishing Manager and Literary Agent. During her last six years at B&H Publishing (part of Lifeway Christian Resources), Merida filled roles in author relations as well as publicity and marketing strategy. She also served as a product spokesperson across platforms such as QVC, Amazon Live and on both sides of the microphone for popular podcasts.

Brian Mitchell, President of WTA Media, welcomes Jenaye Merida to the WTA and EMF publishing family: “Jenaye is an ideal addition to our book publishing program. Her broad experience and strong relationships make her a great match for our mission, providing positive, encouraging content for Christian readers.” WTA Media, a division of Educational Media Foundation (EMF), represents and assists authors, writers and filmmakers in developing books, films and related products for Christian consumers.

WTA Media’s Director of Publishing, Dave Schroeder, comments: “Jenaye’s skill set is unique. She understands the publishing process, from conception to promotion and sales, she deeply values relationships, and she is also fluent in Spanish. She’s the right person to help us bridge the CCM and literary worlds as we produce compelling books.”

“I am excited and honored to join the WTA Media and EMF Publishing team,” says Jenaye Merida. “I love being a part of creating and promoting books that impact people for Christ, and I am excited to partner with WTA Media and EMF Publishing to develop content that will serve both authors and publishing partners.”

EMF Publishing operating under the imprint K-LOVE Books, led by WTA’s team, is bringing multiple titles to market in early 2022. Lead titles include Mandisa’s Out of the Dark: My Journey Through the Shadows to Find God’s Joy as well as Behind the Lights: The Extraordinary Adventure of a Mum and Her Family by Helen Smallbone (mother of Rebecca St. James and for KING & COUNTRY). EMF is proud to usher in K-LOVE Books’ first children’s title later this month: The Bible for Me – Bible Stories & Prayers by Mike Nawrocki and Amy Parker.

Educational Media Foundation (EMF) began as a single, nonprofit radio station in Northern California in 1982 and is now parent company to K-LOVE and Air1 – the nation’s largest contemporary Christian radio networks. With nearly 500 employees and broadcasting on more than 1,000 signals across all 50 states, EMF is also among the top 10 U.S.-based audio streaming companies.  EMF is also parent company to WTA Media (a leader in faith-based films and publishing), AccessMore (a growing faith-focused podcasting platform), K-LOVE Books and K-LOVE Films. The ministry continues to expand with the mission of creating compelling media that inspires and encourage audiences to have a meaningful relationship with Jesus Christ. For more information, please visit EMFbroadcasting.com.

K-LOVE Books is an imprint of EMF Publishing. Educational Media Foundation (EMF) is the parent organization of K-LOVE and Air1 radio and AccessMore podcasting.

WTA Media represents and assists authors, writers and filmmakers in developing books, films and related products for Christian consumers. WTA Media is a division of Educational Media Foundation (EMF), the parent company of one of the largest faith-based entertainment groups in the world.

Contact: Jana Muntsinger, MMPR, 832-247-9308, jana@mmpublicrelations.com

New book shares insights gained from Gibbs’s journey through grief after losing his son J. D. to a degenerative brain disease in 2019

Carol Stream, Ill. (February 16, 2022) — On April 5, Tyndale House Publishers (@tyndalehouse) will release Game Plan for Loss: An Average Joe’s Guide to Dealing with Grief, written by former NFL coach and current NASCAR team owner Joe Gibbs (Tyndale Momentum, hardcover ISBN: 978-1-4964-5795-0, $17.99). In his new book, Gibbs offers biblical principles as a guide for those dealing with the illness or loss of a loved one. Game Plan for Loss serves as a companion to Gibbs’s bestselling book Game Plan for Life which has sold over 250,000 copies since its release in 2011.

In 2019, Gibbs’s son J. D. lost his battle with a degenerative brain disease at the age of 49. Throughout J. D.’s illness, Gibbs wrestled with questions like why does God allow suffering? and are we living a life of chance? In Game Plan for Loss, Gibbs presents thoughtful answers to these difficult questions, sharing insights from the Bible and from his personal journey with grief, encouraging readers that God always has a plan and purpose for our lives, even in the midst of suffering and loss.

Joe Gibbs is the 3-time Super Bowl–winning coach of the Washington Redskins, the 5-time championship owner of the Joe Gibbs Racing NASCAR team, and the only person ever to be inducted into both the NFL and NASCAR Hall of Fame. Joe is also the founder of Game Plan for Life, a ministry which focuses on winning souls for Christ and teaching others how to live God-centered lives. Joe and his wife, Pat, have two sons and eight grandchildren.

For more information or for media inquiries, please contact Mariah Franklin at mariahfranklin@tyndale.com.

Game Plan for Loss by Joe Gibbs
Tyndale Momentum
hardcover ISBN: 978-1-4964-5795-0
$17.99 | 160 pages | April 2022
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.

Lexham Press is pleased to announce that Tremper Longman III has been named the new General Editor for the Evangelical Exegetical Commentary (EEC) series. In addition, David T. Lamb will join the project as the new Old Testament Editor.

The acclaimed volumes in the EEC are essential resources widely used by pastors and scholars alike. The transition to a new General Editor serves to reinforce the fundamental mission of the EEC: to deliver thoroughly scholarly commentaries that don’t compromise on evangelical convictions. Lexham is excited to continue to pursue the vision of the EEC with excellence.

Longman is Distinguished Scholar and Professor Emeritus of Biblical Studies at Westmont College where he taught for nineteen years after teaching at Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia for eighteen years. Longman said, “I am grateful and excited to assume the position of General Editor of the Evangelical Exegetical Commentary. Commentaries have an essential role in informing and influencing pastors, scholars, and lay people in the interpretation of Scripture. Thus, I take my role very seriously in helping this excellent series present the very best in evangelical scholarship in service to the church over the next few years.”

Lamb, the MacRae Professor of Old Testament and Dean of the Faculty at Missio Seminary, said, “I am delighted to be joining Tremper Longman and JoAnna Hoyt in editing Lexham’s distinguished Evangelical Exegetical Commentary. I am confident that this series will serve future generations of scholars, pastors, and church leaders, empowering them to see that the Word of God is a lamp to our feet, and a light to our path.”

We wish to thank H. Wayne House and William D. Barrick, the original General Editor and Old Testament Editors, respectively, for their service and dedication to the EEC. In his letter of resignation, House said, “It has been my honor to have created this project and guided it over the years.”

With Longman and Lamb on board, the full editorial team is structured as follows:

• Tremper Longman III, General Editor
• David T. Lamb, Old Testament Editor
• Andreas J. Köstenberger, New Testament Editor
• JoAnna M. Hoyt, Assistant Old Testament Editor
• Benjamin L. Gladd, Assistant New Testament Editor

For more on the EEC series, visit https://lexhampress.com/Evangelical-Exegetical-Commentary

Contact: Lindsay John Kennedy, Publicity Strategist, Lexham Press, lindsay@lexhampress.com

 

 

 

 

Carol Stream, Ill. — (February 18, 2022) — The Lady’s Mine, Francine Rivers’s highly anticipated historical romance set in the Wild West,  which released on February 8, 2022, from Tyndale House Publishers, quickly skyrocketed to bestseller standing. In its release week, the title debuted at #11 on the New York Times Best Sellers List and #3 on the Publishers Weekly Bestsellers list, both in the hardcover fiction category. It also debuted at #25 on USA Today’s bestselling books list, spanning all categories.

In her new novel, the widely acclaimed Rivers returns to the California frontier with a sweeping, romantic tale of a displaced New England suffragette, a former Union soldier disinherited by his Southern family, and the town they join forces to save.

Of this bestselling release, publisher Karen Watson shares, “The Lady’s Mine is hitting just the right notes with readers at just the right time. Drawing from The Taming of the Shrew with a little bit of Oklahoma! in the mix, Francine paints a lighthearted tale of a young woman caught in the tension between her social conscience and her own need for spiritual change. And all of this told with clever dialogue, humor, and a romance to cheer for! We couldn’t be any more excited about this delightful new release from Francine.”

Rivers calls this her “COVID book,” writing it while in lockdown. Of this experience, Rivers offers, “What does a writer do when she is sheltering in place? Write. And write. And write some more! By the time I finished the manuscript, it was 194,000 words! It needed major cutting. But as I was still sheltering in place out here in California, the job of cutting turned out to be almost as much fun as the writing process.”

She continues, “So, here it is, my COVID book, harkening back to my roots as a romance writer and addressing the question ‘Can one person impact an entire community?’ I hope you will have as much fun reading the story as I had writing it.”

New York Times bestselling author Francine Rivers has published numerous novels—all bestsellers—and she has continued to win both industry acclaim and reader loyalty around the globe. Her Christian novels have been awarded or nominated for many honors, and in 1997, after winning her third RITA Award for inspirational fiction, Francine was inducted into the Romance Writers of America Hall of Fame. In 2015, she received the Lifetime Achievement Award from American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW). Francine’s novels have been translated into over thirty different languages, and she enjoys bestseller status in many foreign countries. She and her husband, Rick, enjoy spending time with their children and grandchildren.

For more information or for media inquiries, please contact Katie Dodillet, katiedodillet@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.

 

CAROL STREAM, ILL. (February 18, 2022)—Tyndale is pleased to announce that Stephen Curry’s Literati book club, Underrated, which is committed to championing often overlooked authors and stories, has selected All That is Secret by Patricia Raybon as its March 2022 pick for readers. As one of Literati’s original Luminaries, Stephen identifies stories that feature diverse protagonists around social justice issues, encouraging readers to push their boundaries.

All That Is Secret is the first book in a compelling historical mystery series by award-winning author and essayist Patricia Raybon. It centers around a young Black theologian’s journey to solve her father’s cold case murder in a city ruled by the KKK. The crime fiction novel was selected by Parade Magazine as a fall 2021 “Mysteries We Love” as well as PBS Masterpiece’s “Best Mystery Books of 2021: As Recommended by Bestselling Authors.” CrimeReads also included it as a “Best Debut Novels” pick for October 2021.

Upon receiving this honor, author Patricia Raybon shared, “I’m thrilled by NBA all-star Stephen Curry’s selection of my novel. I admire him so much—his commitment to faith and family, community and social justice, and of course, his athletic prowess and achievements. Then there’s his love of books and reading. He cares that both children and adults fall in love with reading to learn, grow, find themselves, and connect with others. To know he’s sharing my story of a young Black theologian–turned–amateur detective with fellow booklovers is a highlight beyond measure.”

Tyndale fiction Senior Acquisitions Editor Stephanie Broene offered, “We’re so honored that Stephen Curry has chosen to feature Patricia Raybon’s All That Is Secret as a book club pick. We believe Patricia has enormous talent and potential, and we can’t wait for readers to be swept up into this compelling mystery!”

Other books selected for Stephen Curry’s book club have included The Other Wes Moore by Wes Moore, The Gilded Ones by Namina Forna, and Haben by Haben Girma.

For more information on Stephen Curry’s book club, visit https://literati.com/book-clubs/stephen-curry/. For media information on All That is Secret, visit https://mediacenter.tyndale.com/p/all-that-is-secret/9781496458377.

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.

Contact: Isabella Graunke, Publicist, isabellagraunke@tyndale.com

 

 

Helping Children Learn to Use Their Words Wisely

New series from Ginger Hubbard and Al Roland launches with stories to help young children break the bad habits of whining and lying

Greensboro, NC—When children tell lies or whine to get what they want, the problem isn’t just the words that they use or how they say it. Instead, when a child acts out verbally, it’s important to get to the heart of the matter. Rather than focusing on behavior modification, the new Teaching Children to Use Their Words Wisely series written by Ginger Hubbard and Al Roland places a strong emphasis on the why behind the behavior.

“As a conference speaker, I have listened to parents all over the country express heartache over their inability to help their children get a handle on tongue-related offences,” Hubbard shares. “So many children today are in bondage to enslaving addictions of the tongue which stem from enslaving sins of the heart. Parents are looking for ways to uproot these issues, address them from a biblical perspective, and point their children to Jesus—who is our only hope for change. I’ve written parenting books to help parents do that, but I also wanted to write children’s books to help them grasp these same concepts in fun ways.”

The bright, colorful illustrations by Veronika Kotyk will draw children ages 4–7 into the books, while the engaging, fun stories will not only entertain young readers but will also help them to think about the effects of their words. At the end of each book of the Teaching Children to Use Their Words Wisely series there is a resource page for parents and caregivers that supplies biblical content and practical strategies for the problem at hand.

The first release in the series is Sam and the Sticky Situation: A Book About Whining. Sam has figured out a way to get what he wants when he wants it—he whines. In fact, it works so well that he’s started whining more and more to get his way. Not only does Sam’s mother give into his whining very quickly—he learned how to whine from her. But Sam finds himself in quite the sticky situation when his whining leads him to being covered with cotton candy and stuck on the top of a Ferris wheel!

All parents want their children to whine less, but few notice that they might have a problem with whining too. The authors help families think about whining with a silly story that will not only make them laugh but will also encourage them to see how whining stems from a heart that wants things more than God. The parent resource page at the end of the book presents a biblical framework and practical suggestions to help children understand why they whine and how to learn a better way of expressing themselves.

Releasing simultaneously is Chloe and the Closet of Secrets: A Book About Lying. Chloe has a sneaky habit of making up stories. She thinks it’s no big deal, but one day crazy little fluffs appear every time she tells a lie. Chloe starts stuffing the fluffs in her closet, but soon it’s almost ready to burst. Not only that, she realizes that her lies are sinful and are hurting her relationships. But after her father confesses his own lie and asks God for forgiveness, Chloe gains the courage to let out all of her secrets.

Most children (and adults too) struggle with being completely truthful. Even though we know it’s wrong to not tell the whole truth, it’s still hard to help a child understand why. Hubbard and Roland give parents sound recommendations for helping their children (and themselves) learn to speak the truth. The parent section in the back offers advice to help children understand what a lie is, some reasons that they lie, and the power of confession and forgiveness.

“Our sin does not begin with our mouths; it begins with our hearts. ‘The mouth speaks what the heart is full of’ (Matthew 12:34). Our goal is to help readers recognize the sin in their hearts, desire God above all things, pursue Christlike character, and turn to Jesus for help,” says Roland.

Chap Bettis, author of The Disciple-Making Parent, writes, “While character training in children cannot regenerate the heart, it does shape it. As a result, good parenting will both speak the gospel and shape the will. I am delighted to see this new series of children’s books by Ginger Hubbard and Al Roland does both. Parents and grandparents will find these a fun and engaging help as they seek to disciple the hearts of their children.”

Ginger Hubbard speaks at women’s events, parenting conferences, and homeschool conventions across the country, and cohosts the Parenting with Ginger Hubbard podcast. Engaging every audience with charisma and warmth, Hubbard’s unforgettable and life changing messages enlighten and inspire women from coast to coast. She has been interviewed on national and international television and radio programs, including Focus on the Family, Revive Our Hearts, and Family Life Today. Hubbard is the bestselling author of Don’t Make Me Count to Three, Wise Words for Moms, and I Can’t Believe You Just Said That and the coauthor of the Teaching Children to Use Their Words Wisely series. Ginger and her husband, Ronnie, have four adult children and live in Opelika, Alabama, where they enjoy working together from home. Learn more and listen to her podcast at www.GingerHubbard.com. She can also be found on Facebook (@OfficialGingerHubbard) and Instagram (@ginger.hubbard).

Al Roland has worked as a software developer for over thirty-six years. He enjoys spending time with his family, long road trips, mountain biking, adventure, and serving several ministries including RYFO which provides Christian host homes for traveling musicians. He is the coauthor of the Teaching Children to Use Their Words Wisely series. Al and his wife, Jennifer, live in Opelika, Alabama where they raised and homeschooled their four children.

About the Illustrator:  Veronika Kotyk is a Ukrainian illustrator who is passionate about creating quirky characters and bright worlds for children’s books. After receiving a fine art degree, she explored foreign cultures and various forms of art. Her awards include the 2017 stArt Award and a gold medal at Mom’s Choice Awards. She is the illustrator for the Teaching Children to Use Their Words Wisely series.

Teaching Children to Use Their Words Wisely Series
Sam and the Sticky Situation: A Book About Whining Print ISBN: 978-1-64507-200-3
Chloe and the Closet of Secrets: A Book About Lying Print ISBN: 978-1-64507-202-7
by Ginger Hubbard and Al Roland, Illustrated by Veronika Kotyk
February 21, 2022 / Retail Price: $16.99
RELIGION / Christian Ministry / Children

Ada, Mich. (February 10, 2022)—Katelyn Beaty has been named Editorial Director of Brazos Press. Beaty has served as acquisitions editor at Brazos Press since fall 2018. She is a writer, journalist, editor, and keen observer of trends in the American church. She also cohosts the Saved by the City podcast (Religion News Service). Beaty previously served as print managing editor at Christianity Today and is the author of A Woman’s Place: A Christian Vision for Your Calling in the Office, the Home, and the World and the upcoming Celebrities for Jesus: How Personas, Platforms, and Profits Are Hurting the Church (Brazos Press, August 2022).

“I’m very pleased to see the oversight of Brazos Press placed in Katelyn’s capable hands. In her few short years with us, she has demonstrated a knack for finding books that embody the Brazos vision: bringing the wisdom of God’s people to bear on the full range of issues that arise when we interact with our neighbors. Katelyn’s acquisitions skills will remain on full display as she now accepts the additional responsibility of leading Brazos Press into the future. Congratulations, Katelyn!”—Jim Kinney, EVP of Academic Publishing, Baker Publishing Group

“Katelyn is uniquely prepared to curate the editorial vision of Brazos Press as it enters its third decade within Baker Publishing Group. As we survey recent social shifts within and around the church, it is clear that the demand for emerging leaders and discerning voices has never been greater.”—Dwight Baker, President and CEO, Baker Publishing Group.

Contact: Shelly MacNaughton, (616) 450-5560, smacnaughton@bakerpublishinggroup.com

Laura Barker, Vice President and Publisher of WaterBrook and Multnomah, announced new additions and a promotion for the imprints’ editorial team.

ESTEE ZANDEE is joining WaterBrook and Multnomah as Editor, reporting to Editorial Director Andrew Stoddard. With eight years of publishing experience, Estee most recently served as Associate Literary Agent at The Bindery, where she demonstrated a keen eye for commercial book proposals and honed her author coaching skills. Previously, she worked as a freelance editor and collaborative writer for authors such as Mark Batterson, Philip Yancey, and Lisa Bevere. In addition, she was a member of the editorial team at Zondervan for several years. Estee will focus her acquisitions efforts on titles that meet the needs and interests of Spirit-filled Christians in the Pentecostal and charismatic movements, which continue to see rapid growth worldwide.

LUVERTA REAMES is joining the WaterBrook and Multnomah team as Editorial Assistant, reporting to Andrew Stoddard. Luverta holds a masters in publishing from Pace University, as well as a degree in journalism and business administration. She most recently worked for Embolden Media Group, a publishing consulting firm and literary agency. We are delighted to have Luverta’s excellent organizational and administrative skills supporting our editorial team.

In addition, JAMIE LAPEYROLERIE will transition into the role of Editor, reporting to Andrew Stoddard. In her previous role as a senior marketing manager for WaterBrook and Multnomah, Jamie spearheaded campaigns for numerous successful books, including the bestseller Own Your Everyday by Jordan Lee Dooley, Ready to Rise by Jo Saxton, and titles in the popular Wingfeather Saga middle-grade fiction series by Andrew Peterson. In addition, Jamie has made key contributions to the success of our Ink & Willow imprint through her work on products such as Rise Up: A Coloring Book Celebrating Black Courage, Resilience, and Faith; My Prayer Journey; and 40 Days of Intentional Living. Jamie is respected throughout the industry for her active involvement with The Christy Award Advisory Board, ECPA PubU Brain Trust, and various DEI groups that seek to amplify voices of color.

We are pleased to announce the promotion of KIM VON FANGE to Associate Editor. In her seven years with WaterBrook and Multnomah, Kim has demonstrated strong editorial instincts and a dedicated passion for a wide-range of books. In addition to her work on our Ink & Willow products, Kim acquires for both WaterBrook and Multnomah’s children’s publishing and adult nonfiction programs. Her creative insights have contributed to the joyful energy of The Inventions of God (and Eva) by Dave Connis and the upcoming picture book You Come from Greatness by Sara Chinakwe. Kim’s thoughtful guidance of debut authors is on display in the forthcoming books Simple Money, Rich Life by Bob Lotich and Awaken a Better You by BJ Thompson.

WaterBrook and Multnomah are imprints of Random House, a division of Penguin Random House.

 

Platform to feature prominent black pastors like Bishop Joseph W. Walker, III

(Nashville, Tenn.) February 1, 2022—Urban Ministries, Inc. (UMI) and HarperCollins Christian Publishing (HCCP) today announced the launch of UrbanFaithStudy.com a subscription-based digital platform offering churches and individuals a regularly expanding library of more than 100 video sermons and study curricula from well-known African American Christian voices. UrbanFaithStudy.com is a co-launched consumer-direct product created by UMI and HCCP, a result of the partnership the organizations announced in November 2020. UrbanFaithStudy.com will be an extension of UrbanFaith, a contemporary and socially engaged community and brand, targeting African American young adults committed to growing in their knowledge of biblical truth.

UrbanFaithStudy.com will offer culturally relevant, topical sermons delivered by pastors such as Bishop Joseph W. Walker, III; Dr. Dominique Robinson; and husband and wife team Pastor Gabby Cudjoe-Wilkes and Pastor Andrew Wilkes. Bishop Walker is the International Presiding Bishop of the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship and pastor of the historic 30,000-member Mount Zion Baptist Church in Nashville, TN. Dr. Robinson is a religious scholar, theological educator, preacher, writer, activist, and advocate, who serves as an assistant professor of preaching at Seminary of the Southwest in Austin, TX. Her sermon “iHomiletic™: Preaching that Clicks,” has been used to assist faith leaders across the U.S. with developing impactful ministry methodologies that employ technology and social media linguistics.[1] HBCU and Ivy League–educated pastors Gabby Cudjoe-Wilkes and Andrew Wilkes co-founded the Double Love Experience Church in Brooklyn, NY, which is a growing congregation of believers committed to the liberating, love-powered ministry of Jesus.

“I am pleased to see this robust and unique platform featuring strong voices and transformative messages by African American pastors and authors,” remarked Jeff Wright, CEO of UMI. “I know it will be a blessing to many people.”

UrbanFaithStudy.com will also launch with book study curricula for readers who are looking for deeper engagement and group study content that engage the church with culturally relevant topics. These curricula are by well-known African American voices including New York Times bestselling author Jemar Tisby; beloved author and speaker Crystal Evans Hurst; Grammy Award-winning artist, Lecrae; and Bible teacher, pastor, and author, Jada Anae Edwards.

“When teaming up with UMI more than a year ago, we knew creating a video platform to host engaging, life-changing biblical content would showcase both organizations’ ability to reach new audiences,” said Mark Schoenwald, president and CEO of HarperCollins Christian Publishing. “The church is evolving; becoming more dependent on technology to deliver sermons, Bible studies, and other curricula. When designing UrbanFaithStudy.com we used our strengths to achieve more than we could if we had each approached the project separately.”

UrbanFaithStudy.com will serve a range of consumers including church congregations, divinity students, young preachers, and individuals seeking to understand how faith informs cultural engagement. The monthly subscription is $5.95 for individuals and $19.95 for churches. To subscribe, visit UrbanFaithStudy.com.

UMI (Urban Ministries, Inc.) is the largest independent religious media and publishing company serving the African American market. Founded in 1970 in Chicago, IL., by Dr. Melvin E. Banks, Sr., UMI creates positive, transformative analog and digital content based on a biblical worldview that is especially empowering to the African American community. UMI offices are in suburban Chicago. UMI exists to disseminate culture changing, biblically sound content and has tremendous credibility in producing high quality material reaching millions of people throughout the globe.

About HarperCollins Christian Publishing:  The world’s leading Christian publisher, HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc. comprises the Thomas Nelson, Zondervan and HarperChristian Resources publishing groups and imprint, BibleGateway.com, FaithGateway.com, StudyGateway.com and ChurchSource.com. The Company produces bestselling Bibles, inspirational books, academic resources, curriculum audio and digital content for the Christian market space. Bible Gateway is the world’s largest Christian website with more than 20 million unique visitors each month. HarperCollins Christian Publishing is headquartered in Nashville, Tenn. with additional offices in the U.S. and Mexico. For more information visit www.HarperCollinsChristian.com.​

Contact: Chelsea Taff, Manager, Corporate Communications, 615.902.2137, Chelsea.Taff@harpercollins.com

[1] https://ssw.edu/about-southwest/faculty/dominique-robinson/