Empowering Forward-Thinking Leaders for Today and Tomorrow

NASHVILLE, TN—March 3, 2021 — R.H. Boyd Publishing Corp. celebrates 125 years of service and five generations of leadership this year. Founded in 1896 by Rev. Dr. Richard Henry Boyd, the R.H. Boyd Publishing Corporation continues to be a beacon of excellence in the printing, publishing, and global distribution of Christian materials and church supplies under its fifth president/CEO, LaDonna Boyd.

R.H. Boyd Publishing Corporation has a longstanding tradition of producing, publishing, and distributing biblically sound and culturally relevant Christian education resources, materials, and church. Since its inception in 1896, R.H. Boyd has taken great pride in meeting the needs of all Christians, with a targeted focus on the needs of the African-American community. The company works with thousands of churches, pastors, bookstores, distributors, seminaries, authors, and conference attendees that trust R.H. Boyd with their church, business, non-profit, and personal faith needs.

R.H. Boyd now offers services for authors to publish and print their work through Torchbearer Press. Our boutique publishing entity offers publishing solutions and editorial services using by vetted industry professionals, professional cover design and formatting, promotional product design, printing, and much more! Please visit our website www.rhboyd.com for more information.

The R.H. Boyd Publishing Corporation has been under new leadership since 2017. After guiding the trajectory of R.H. Boyd Publishing for four decades, Dr. T. B. Boyd III retired on October 27, 2017, and passed the mantle of leadership to eldest daughter LaDonna Boyd, who had been serving the company as chief operating officer. “It is a privilege to be in business for five generations. Most family-run companies don’t make it past two,” says Ms. Boyd. “It is an honor to carry on the legacy of my ancestors, spreading the message of Jesus Christ through the written word,” Boyd explained. “We are committed to being a leader in providing Christian and inspirational resources for churches and communities across the country.”

As the fifth-generation president/CEO of the R.H. Boyd family of companies, LaDonna Boyd is very innovative. She has a passion for creating opportunities for underserved communities, providing educational resources for women and girls, and environmental and conservation efforts. An alumna of Spelman College, earning a bachelor’s degree in economics, Ms. Boyd earned a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in finance from Tennessee State University.

“I stand as the proud leader of an organization that has lent its voice to positively uplifting the narrative of Black people.” Ms. Boyd further explained that there is no greater time than the present to become a storyteller and shape the narrative of this experience. “Through R.H. Boyd, we have a multitude of resources that showcase the beauty and diversity of the Black voice. Since its founding by my great-great-grandfather in 1896, we have been an active supporter and participant in the liberation of our people. Having been fortunate to endure for five generations, now is not the time to rest on our laurels.”

The vision for R.H. Boyd going forward is to be a leading voice for storytelling through print, multimedia channels, data collection, events, and servicing as industry experts. R.H. Boyd is also positioned to lift the voices addressing social concerns and social injustices, along with providing Christian education, commercial printing, and educational resources such as the Vision Conference, an annual leadership and training conference which is a premier leadership event, providing a multitude of resources, including strategy sessions, author services, sermons, workshops, and continuing education credits for seminary and secular employment requirements.

“I hope that in the next 125 years we continue to be authentic in our narrative and are not fighting the same battles (racism, sexism, equal rights) as our forebears.”

Please visit rhboyd.com for more R.H. Boyd history and follow us on social media @rhboydco for additional facts and features.

Contact: Monique Gooch, (615) 350-8000 marketing@rhboyd.com

Ada, Mich. (March 4, 2021)— Outreach magazine recently announced the winners of their Resources of the Year. Baker Academic titles received two top honors. A Public Missiology by Gregg Okesson in the Cross-Cultural and Missional category. Models of Evangelism by Priscilla Pope-Levison in the Theology and Biblical Studies category. Exiles on Mission by Paul Williams (Brazos Press) was also recommended in the Cross-Cultural and Missional category.

For the eighteenth year, Outreach magazine has named top books and curriculum that are geared toward church leaders and churches wishing to deepen their reach for the sake of the gospel. The complete list of recognized resources can be found here.

A Public Missiology: How Local Churches Witness to a Complex World by Gregg Okesson (Baker Academic; ISBN 9780801098079, Ebook ISBN 9781493422388, $24.99p)

How can Christians witness to an increasingly complex world? Gregg Okesson shows how local congregations are the primary means of public witness in and for the world. As Christians move back and forth between their churches and their neighborhoods, workplaces, and other public spaces, they weave a thick gospel witness. This introduction to public missiology explains how local congregations can thicken their witness in the public realms where they live, work, and play. Real-life examples from around the world help readers envision approaches to public witness and social change.

Models of Evangelism by Priscilla Pope-Levison (Baker Academic; ISBN 9780801099496, Ebook ISBN 9781493427383, $21.99p)

At once biblical, theological, historical, and practical, this book by a seasoned scholar offers an engaging, well-researched, and well-organized presentation and analysis of eight models of evangelism. Covering a breadth of approaches—from personal evangelism to media evangelism and everything in between—Priscilla Pope-Levison encourages readers to take a deeper look at evangelism and discover a model that captures their attention. Each chapter introduces and assesses a model biblically, theologically, historically, and practically, allowing for easy comparison across the board. The book also includes end-of-chapter study questions to further help readers interact with each model.

“We are very proud to partner with these scholars on their important works on effective outreach,” notes Jim Kinney, Executive Vice President of Academic Publishing. “The witness of the church has fallen on hard times in many quarters for a variety of reasons. But we need not lose heart. The church is also blessed with creative thinkers and careful scholars who can help us find our way forward into transformative witness to our troubled world.”

Brazos Press title Exiles on Mission by Paul Williams, is recommended as a resource in the Cross-Cultural and Missional category.

Baker Publishing Group publishes high-quality writings that represent historic Christianity and serve the diverse interests and concerns of evangelical readers.

Contact: Shelly MacNaughton, (616) 676-9185  smacnaughton@bakerpublishinggroup.com

CHICAGO, IL, March 4, 2021:  For the 18th year, Outreach Magazine is celebrating the best outreach-oriented books and curricula by honoring them as Outreach Resources of the Year. Sent: Living a Life that Invites Others to Jesus (Moody Publishers, August 2020) by Heather & Ashley Holleman has been selected as a winner in the Evangelism and Apologetics category.

Husband and wife duo, Heather and Ashley Holleman wrote Sent “to inspire others about the joy and adventure of evangelism.” They invite Christians to grow joyfully with Jesus as they live out their true identity as sent to share Jesus with others.

The Hollemans have fully embraced their identities as sent through nearly two decades of full-time ministry. With joy, they proclaim the name of Jesus knowing that God is always at work around us, that He is seeking and saving the lost, and that He is excited for us to do this work with Him.

“Moody Publishers is thrilled for Ashley and Heather Holleman on this great news! Sent truly changes the way we think about talking to others about Jesus, and I know it will serve as a treasured resource for years to come. When I approached Heather and Ashley about writing a book on evangelism, I knew they’d deliver something extraordinary,” says Judy Dunagan, Acquisitions Editor at Moody Publishers.

CONTACT:  Kathryn Eastham, Kathryn.eastham@moody.edu  312-329-2140

WESTMONT, IL—Lead Like It Matters to God by Richard Stearns, president emeritus of World Vision US, has been named the Christian Leadership Alliance (CLA) 2021 Outcomes Conference Book of the Year. Stearns will speak about his new book and the theme of thriving as Christian leaders at the Outcomes Conference June 15-17 in Orlando, Florida.

Jeff Crosby, IVP publisher, said, “The leaders from more than 1,200 not-for-profit organizations and ministries who are a part of the CLA are a core audience for Richard Stearns’s powerful book on values-driven leadership in a success-driven world. I am delighted, as I know Rich will be, that the Christian Leadership Alliance has honored Lead Like It Matters to God with this prestigious honor.”

Stearns is a leader who has been tested as a CEO in secular companies and also as the head of one of the world’s largest Christian ministries. After stints as CEO of Parker Brothers and then Lenox, Stearns accepted the invitation to leave his corporate career to become the president of World Vision US, where he became the longest serving president in their seventy-year history.

In Lead Like It Matters to God: Values-Driven Leadership in a Success-Driven World, Stearns shares the leadership principles he has learned over the course of his remarkable career. As a leader who has navigated both secular and sacred spaces, Stearns claims that the values Christian leaders embrace in their workplaces are actually more important than the results they achieve—that God is more concerned about a leader’s character than a leader’s success.

Stearns said, “Leadership affects every dimension of our human experience. Leadership can unite us, lift us up, and inspire us to achieve great things. And leadership is crucial to accomplishing God’s purposes in our world. In short, leadership matters to God and so it ought to matter to us.”

With wisdom, wit, and biblical teaching, Stearns shares captivating stories of his life journey and unpacks seventeen crucial values that can transform leaders and their organizations. When leaders embody values such as integrity, courage, excellence, forgiveness, humility, surrender, balance, generosity, perseverance, love, and encouragement, they not only improve their witness for Christ they also shape institutions, influence culture, improve team performance, and create healthy workplaces where people can flourish.

Christian Leadership Alliance president and CEO Tami Heim said: “In Lead Like It Matters to God, Rich Stearns is extremely transparent as he shares his lifelong experiences. It is impossible not to be significantly influenced by his stories. The lessons he learned on his quest to be a values-driven leader in a success-driven world are highly relatable and inspiring. I appreciate how each chapter carries a refreshing dose of humility. His desire to know, love, and serve God reminds us that a life surrendered to Christ is missional in every way and in every assignment. This book is a gift to all leaders, wherever you are in your transformational journey.”

Crosby said, “CLA’s mission is to equip leaders to transform the world for Christ. I can think of few resources that if read and applied thoughtfully will equip leaders better than Lead Like It Matters to God. IVP is privileged to be its publisher and to carry Rich’s message throughout North America and all around the world.”

For more information about his work and background read this interview with Richard Stearns on Christian leadership.

Contact: Krista Clayton, Associate Director, Publicity, 630.734.4013, kclayton@ivpress.com  ivpress.com

Click here for a list of resources and guests for Women’s History Month.

WESTMONT, IL—IVP Academic is pleased to announce that Exodus Old and New by L. Michael Morales was chosen as the 2020 Book of the Year by the Center for Biblical Studies (CBS) and also received the CBS Book Award for the best book in the Biblical Theology category.

“We are proud that L. Michael Morales’s book Exodus Old and New has been selected as the book of the year,” said Anna Moseley Gissing, associate editor, IVP Academic. “Morales masterfully illumines the theme of exodus throughout the canon, from Israel’s exodus out of Egypt to redemption brought by Jesus Christ. Exodus Old and New provides pastoral and academic insight, serving both the church and the academy.”

In Exodus Old and New: A Biblical Theology of Redemption L. Michael Morales examines three redemption movements in Scripture: the exodus out of Egypt, the second exodus foretold by the prophets, and the new exodus accomplished by Jesus. The second volume in the Essential Studies in Biblical Theology series, Exodus Old and New reveals how Old Testament stories of salvation provide insight into the accomplishments of Jesus and the unity of God’s purposes across history.

“Morales successively shows the exodus motif is a pervasive and enduring theme across the entire canon,” said Patrick Schreiner of Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary who was a judge for the CBS Awards. “This event is not only for the past but gives us hope in the present and directs us to our future.”

IVP Academic also received the 2020 CBS Book Award in the Old Testament category for Stewards of Eden.  Biblical Theology According to the Apostles was selected as the runner-up in the Biblical Theology category.

Gissing said, “Stewards of Eden brings together Sandy Richter’s expertise in biblical studies and her lifelong passion for God’s creation. Richter combines scriptural exegesis with case studies highlighting today’s environmental challenges and exhorts Christians to live as stewards of our world. We are glad to partner with Sandy to get this message out, and we celebrate the recognition of her fine work.”

In Stewards of Eden: What Scripture Says About the Environment and Why It Matters, Richter, an expert in ancient Israelite society and economy as well as biblical theology, walks readers through passages familiar and not-so-familiar, showing how significant environmental theology is to the Bible’s witness. She then calls Christians to apply that message to today’s environmental concerns. 

Andrew Abernethy of Wheaton College was a judge for the Old Testament category of the 2020 CBS award. He said, “Sandra Richter’s Stewards of Eden looks us directly in the eye and says: we are called to be stewards of God’s world and just look at the environmental crisis around us. It is biblically faithful, timely, and prophetic.”

Biblical Theology According to the Apostles: How the Earliest Christians Told the Story of Israel examines the passages in the Synoptic Gospels, Acts, Paul’s letters, and Hebrews that recount the characters, events, and institutions of Israel’s story in chronological order and at substantial length.

Andreas Köstenberger of Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary was a judge for the CBS Awards. He said, “Biblical Theology According to the Apostles is a creative exploration of the theology of the New Testament writers. The important premise is that, when engaging in biblical theology today, we should take our cue from the biblical authors themselves.”

The authors, Chris Bruno, Jared Compton, and Kevin McFadden, demonstrate just how valuable a lens these summaries provide for a clearer vision of the earliest Christians’ practice of biblical theology. In doing so, they also show how contemporary readers can and should follow the apostles’ example.

Addressing key issues in biblical theology, the works composing the New Studies in Biblical Theology (NSBT) series are creative attempts to help Christians better understand their Bibles. The NSBT series is edited by D. A. Carson, aiming to simultaneously instruct and edify, to interact with current scholarship, and to point the way ahead.

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

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

Carol Steam, Ill. (March 5, 2021)— Les Misérables: An Engaging Visual Journey, Tyndale House Publishers’ newest release in the Visual Journey series, offers Victor Hugo’s masterpiece as a mixed-media special edition, complete with French-inspired watercolor paintings, decorative script, vintage imagery, and rich character bios. Les Misérables is a story of compassion, forgiveness, justice, and the will to survive in the shadow of turmoil and revolution.

This new edition reflects vintage flair in its highly emotive, colorful, art-driven rendering of this classic story. It features hand-lettering, along with foil and embossed elements. As the reader experiences and connects with this unique, artfully designed Visual Journey, its pages become a canvas on which to chronicle their own story, struggles, and personal triumphs. Since first published in 1862, Les Misérables has inspired millions of people to embrace sacrificial agape love and kindness—and to extend care and compassion to the poor and marginalized.

Les Misérables is the second Visual Journey book, abridged by Jim and Terri Kraus (softcover, ISBN 978-1-4964-4296-3, $16.99). The first book in the series, Hinds’ Feet on High Places: An Engaging Visual Journey (softcover, ISBN 978-1-4964-2467-9, $15.99), released in Fall 2017 and has been a great success, winning a 2018 ECPA Top Shelf Book Cover Award and selling over 50,000 copies. It is proving to be a perennial seller, with more copies sold in the last 12 months than in the first 12 months of release.

Tyndale’s Visual Journey series is all about classic works reimagined for new audiences and repeat readers. These books use illustrations and artistically rendered quotes to complement and enhance the story. Throughout this series, lengthy tomes such as Les Misérables have been condensed to make the story more approachable and accessible for readers who’ve always wanted to read these masterpieces but were intimidated by the page count. The Visual Journey easy-to-read format appeals to visual readers, reluctant readers, and repeat readers who wish to experience these stories in a brand-new way. Books in this series feature unique and “gifty” packaging, telling classic stories with full-color images, original watercolor paintings, and hand-lettered Scripture and quotes. Larger fonts and generous breathing space within the typesetting allow for a more comfortable reading experience.

Upcoming editions of reimagined classics in this series include:

• A Christmas Carol: An Engaging Visual Journey (Fall 2021 release) ISBN 978-1-4964-4997-9
• The Hiding Place: An Engaging Visual Journey (Spring 2022) ISBN 978-1-4964-5610-6

For media inquiries or more information on this series, please contact Katie Dodillet, katiedodillet@tyndale.com.

Les Misérables: An Engaging Visual Journey produced by Tyndale House Publishers
ISBN: 978-1-4964-4296-3  Softcover: $16.99  February 2021  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.

Iron Stream Media is excited to announce three Illumination Book Awards revealed in January 2021. The Illumination Book Awards are designed to recognize exemplary new Christian books and bring them the publicity and credibility to further market them in this fast-growing segment of the publishing market. Winners were as follows:

• Gold Award in Romance Fiction:
  Seasoned – A Love Story by Jayme H. Mansfield
• Gold Award in Digital Media:
  Enjoy Today, Own Tomorrow by Laine Lawson Craft
• Silver Award in General Fiction:
  Devyn’s Dilemma by Susan G. Mathis

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. A limited supply of giveaway copies is available for special events and interviews. Books can also be ordered through your distributor or by calling 888-811-9934.

Industry veteran Mark Warner appointed publisher

Landover, MD, March 2, 2021—RBmedia, the largest audiobook producer in the world, today announced exclusive partnerships between its Christian Audio brand and three leading Christian publishers. In addition, RBmedia has welcomed Mark Warner as the new Christian Audio publisher.

Publishing Deals
Christian Audio continues growth of its audiobook catalog with new content from three leaders in the Christian publishing space: InterVarsity Press (IVP), Presbyterian & Reformed Publishing (P&R), and 1517 Media.

InterVarsity Press
For more than 70 years, IVP has successfully published content that strengthens the church and encourages individuals. With this exclusive partnership, Christian Audio will continue to grow IVP’s audiobook publishing program by expanding the depth and breadth of content. Among IVP’s notable titles added to the Christian Audio catalog are “The Road Back to You” by Ian Morgan Cron and Suzanne Stabile, “Knowing God” by J. I. Packer, and “Liturgy of the Ordinary” by Tish Harrison Warren.

P&R
Since 1930, P&R Publishing has been a leader in producing Presbyterian and Reformed content that promotes Biblical understanding and Godly living. Christian Audio is partnering exclusively with P&R to create audiobooks for both newly acquired titles and their bestselling backlist. Notable titles added to Christian Audio’s catalog include “Instruments in the Redeemers Hands” by Paul David Tripp, “Gospel Treason” by Brad Bigney, and “The Shepherd Leader” by Timothy Witner.

1517 Media
As the ministry of publishing for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, 1517 Media is committed to helping Christian communities and individuals encounter a loving, gracious God and grow in faith and understanding. Christian Audio is partnering with the publisher to expand 1517 Media’s reach and impact. 1517 Media notable titles added to Christian Audio’s catalog include “In My Grandmother’s House” by Yolanda Pierce, “Good Grief” by Granger E. Westberg, and “Psalms: The Prayer Book of the Bible” by Dietrich Bonhoeffer.

New Christian Audio Publisher
Mark Warner has joined Christian Audio as the publisher and leader of the Christianaudio.com digital direct business. Mark, who led the effort to sign these three new publishing agreements, brings 15 years of experience at HarperCollins Christian Publishing to this position, and a strong business and analytical background to acquire and produce hundreds of titles per year. In his new role, Mark will acquire all content for Christian Audio, manage relationships with partner publishers, agents, and authors in the Christian market, advance the vision of christianaudio.com, and oversee ways to grow this important RBmedia brand.“Christian Audio is grateful to partner with these publishers to help them participate profitably in this growing audio segment and pursue their publishing mission in the audio format,” said Mark Warner, Publisher for Christian Audio. “Our scale and unique ability to monetize audio allows our partners to serve their authors. We look forward to helping them develop the audio audience for their content.”

About RBmedia
RBmedia is the largest audiobook producer in the world. With more than 50,000 exclusive titles, our audiobooks continually dominate key literary awards and bestseller lists. The company’s powerful digital retail and library distribution network reaches millions of listeners around the globe—at home, in the car, and everywhere their mobile devices go. Our titles are available on leading audio platforms, including Audible, iTunes, Google Play, Audiobooks.com, OverDrive, Hoopla, and many more. RBmedia is owned by KKR, a leading global investment firm. Find out more at rbmediaglobal.com.

About Christian Audio
For more than 10 years, Christian Audio has been providing top-quality Christian audiobooks. Already the leading site of engagement between Christian authors and their audio listeners, ChristianAudio.com is working toward a goal of becoming the largest provider of downloadable Christian audio. The site offers a diverse variety of digital audio products for immediate download. A love for audiobooks drives production and the organization’s mission is to be one of the most trusted places on the internet for the refreshment and growth of the soul. Find out more at ChristianAudio.com.

Nashville, Ten. (March 2021)- Thomas Nelson, a division of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, is pleased to announce the release of The Open Bible, now available for the first time in the widely-read New International Version (NIV) translation.

“For more than 40 years, Thomas Nelson has published The Open Bible,” said Philip Nation, vice president and publisher of Bibles for Thomas Nelson. “The new combination of our premier reference system with the NIV translation offers a Bible edition that is transformative for every level of Bible reader.”

The Bible is the most life-changing, timeless document in history. A unified book that, on the surface, can be multifaceted and confusing. A book filled with different genres, like wisdom literature, poetry, prophetic speeches, and historical reporting. Written by many writers in many cultures in different languages over a long period of time. While its message points to one unified truth, the Bible in all its many parts can be complex and difficult to navigate.

The Open Bible helps readers approach this profound work with confidence and clarity. Offering a user-friendly navigation system that allows readers to easily find the connectivity of Scripture, it’s no wonder why The Open Bible is trusted by millions.

Now offered in the popular New International Version, The Open Bible continues to stand up to its name as the ultimate reference Bible for more than 40 years. A robust topical index with more than 8,000 names, places, concepts, and doctrines, all connected by both verse and page number, The NIV Open Bible gives readers more access to the truths of the Word. Book introductions and outlines improve understanding of the history and context of each writer, the important themes, and how Christ is the message from Genesis to Revelation. In addition, The NIV Open Bible includes:

• Extensive cross-references so readers can find related passages and texts
• Visual Survey of the Bible illustrating an easy-to-follow diagram of Scripture from Genesis 1 to today
• Amazing study aids including a concordance, How to Study the Bible, The Christian’s Guide to the New Life, The Scarlet Thread of Redemption, and Prophecies of the Messiah Fulfilled in Christ
• Clear and readable NIV Comfort Print^® in a 9-point print size

The NIV Open Bible is available now in a variety of bindings:

• 9780785230236  NIV, Open Bible, Hardcover, Gray, $34.99
• 9780785230274  NIV, Open Bible, Leathersoft, Brown, $59.99
• 9780785230281  NIV, Open Bible, Leathersoft, Brown, Thumb Indexed, $69.99
• 9780785230250  NIV, Open Bible, Leathersoft, Black, $59.99
• 9780785230267  NIV, Open Bible, Leathersoft, Black, Thumb Indexed, $69.99
• 9780785230298  NIV, Open Bible, Genuine Leather, Brown, $139.99

About Comfort Print®:  Thomas Nelson Bibles teamed up with 2K/Denmark, the world’s foremost 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. HarperCollins 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.

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

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

LARGO, Fla.—After a challenging year, Christian Product Expo (CPE) Winter 2021 was a much-needed time of refreshing. CPE Winter 2021 was held February 14-16 at the Embassy Suites and Concord Convention Center in Charlotte, NC, making it the first time the winter regional show has been held in the southeast.

Even with attendees wearing masks, it was evident they were excited to be there and happy to see the Christian retail industry alive. There was a total of 236 attendees, including 58 vendors and 40 retail stores. An additional 44 stores were registered for the show; however, they were unable to attend due to extenuating circumstances. In fact, CPE Winter 2021 was set to be the largest winter show to date.

“I loved the energy of the show,” said Sara Skerl, sales manager for Christian Art Gifts. “It was so amazing to have so many Christians and Christian goods all together, doing business and sharing wins and successes from 2020.”

The show officially kicked off on Valentine’s Day with corporate praise and worship and a devotional from the show’s master of ceremonies, comedian Tim Lovelace. Tim encouraged attendees with Scripture and a personal story of God’s protection in tough times.

On Sunday afternoon, retailers enjoyed a buffet lunch hosted by Samaritan’s Purse and heard from Operation Christmas Child shoebox recipient Yuliya Shubina as well as from Rebecca Poisson, manager of corporate and ministry partnerships for Samaritan’s Purse; Sue Brewer, Munce Group COO; and retailer Vicki Geist of Cedar Springs Christian Store in Knoxville, TN. 

Following lunch, retailers received a free, in-person training, valued at $2,000, to help them better manage their business. The training was led by David and Jason Benham, twin brothers, bestselling authors and nationally acclaimed entrepreneurs who had a reality show on HGTV, which was abruptly cancelled because of their commitment to biblical values.

“I enjoy attending CPE and the effort they put forth to bring the Christian book/product community together,” said Robert Flores of Chapel Creek Book & Coffee in Calvary Chapel Chino Hills, CA. “The show allows you the opportunity to share ideas with like-minded people, learn new practices and keep your focus on our purpose to glory and make Christ known.”

Sunday evening concluded with contemporary Southern Gospel songs from siblings Parker and Hannah Webb, who started the group Guilford, and a compelling testimony from Billy Graham’s pastor, Dr. Don Wilton, compliments of CPE’s platinum sponsor HarperCollins Christian Publishing.

For the Monday evening showcase, attendees heard from the talented Hayes Family and Jason Brown (Penguin Random House), the highest-paid center in the NFL. Jason shared how he followed God’s call to leave the NFL and buy a thousand-acre farm in Louisburg, NC, only to give away all his crops to those in need.

Retailers also enjoyed a time of spiritual refreshment with morning devotionals from Moody Publisher’s author Hannah Anderson and even a few live experiments with Dr. Fizzlebop, otherwise known as author Brock Eastman (Tyndale House Publishers), that involved crowd participation. 

“This event is so God-blessed. The time with vendors and other retailers is so valuable. The speakers and worship are so uplifting,” said Joyce Barbatti of TJ’s Christian Bookstore in Cedar Falls, IA.

The show floor opened Monday morning to the sound of carols playing, getting retailers into the spirit of shopping for Christmas. Part of this year’s winter show featured a Christmas corner where retailers could browse various seasonal gift displays. There were over 900 orders written at this show, an average of 29 orders written per store.

“It is always a blessing to see everyone and be around other believers,” said Les Jones of Genesis Marketing. “The added benefit of strong sales like we saw at CPE is an extra blessing.”

On Tuesday, the show floor closed at 2:00 PM with four cash prize drawings. The grand prize winner received $1000. Throughout the show, CPE gave attendees over $2000 in cash prizes.

“I love attending CPE. Not only does it give me opportunity to meet face-to-face with vendors, but it also encourages me as I talk with other retailers,” said Dale and Marie Underwood of Holcomb’s Office Supply & Christian Products in Cornelia, GA.

Retailers and exhibitors have already signed up for the Fall 2021 show, which will be on August 15-17 at the Embassy Suites and St. Charles Convention Center in St. Charles, MO. To learn more about CPE, visit cpeshow.com.

The Munce Group was founded in October 1991 and currently serves nearly 200 member retailers across the US. The mission of the Munce Group is to provide member retailers with the highest quality Christian materials and services to equip independent Christian retailers for the work of their ministry and business. Munce Group also hosts Christian Product Expo (CPE). CPE is the only industry trade show that is free to attend and provides a generous reimbursement program. Visit www.cpeshow.com