[NASHVILLE, TENN., May 5, 2021—] B&H Publishing is proud to announce the forthcoming release of “Holier Than Thou: How God’s Holiness Helps Us Trust Him” (August 2021, B&H), the much-anticipated second trade book from bestselling author, Bible teacher and speaker Jackie Hill Perry.

In the book, Perry aims to help readers discover the reason many Christians don’t trust God: they misunderstand his holiness. Perry walks readers through various Scripture passages, attempting to “shake the dust off of holy” as many Christians have come to know it and reveal holy for what it really is. With a foreword penned by popular pastor and author Charlie Dates, Perry’s goal is to show readers that God’s being “holier than thou” is actually the best news in the world, and it’s the key to trusting him.

“As common as the term ‘holy’ is for most Christians, there is still a need for more contemporary resources around the topic,” Perry said. “I’m grateful that B&H has given me the time and opportunity to dig deep into God’s nature as clearly envisioned in his Word so that I can transfer what I’ve seen to other Christians like me, Christians that want to love the holy, holy, holy God and become more like him too.”

Perry’s first book, “Gay Girl, Good God” was No. 98 on the Evangelical Christian Publishers’ Association (ECPA)’s Top Selling Books of 2018 list, received the First-Time Author award from The Gospel Coalition’s Book Awards for 2018 and was featured in international media outlets such as “The 700 Club,” Refinery29, “Christianity Today,” FamilyLife Radio, “RELEVANT Magazine” and many others.

Perry and her husband Preston co-host the top-charting podcast “Thirty Minutes with the Perrys” and have their own YouTube show “With the Perrys,” with over 85K subscribers after the first season.

Perry also is an internationally-sought after speaker, headlining top conferences and gatherings such as The Gospel Coalition’s National Conference, Lifeway Women Live, IF: Gathering, Propel Women’s Activate and at Harvard University and other universities. Her work has been featured in “The Washington Times,” “The 700 Club,” Desiring God and The Gospel Coalition, and her poems and teachings have reached nearly 2.5 million hits on YouTube. She is signed to Humble Beast Records and her most recent album, “Crescendo,” released in May 2018.

“B&H could not be more excited to steward this book alongside Jackie Hill Perry,” said Mary Wiley, vice president of marketing at B&H. “Jackie’s writing is unmatched in its artistry, putting the character of God

on display in every sentence. We look forward to hearing how engaging this conversation about God’s holiness moves readers to deeper commitment to him.”

“Holier Than Thou” is now available for pre-order anywhere books are sold. For more information, visit holierthanthoubook.net.

Jackie Hill Perry is an author, poet, Bible teacher and artist. Since becoming a Christian, she has been compelled to use her speaking and teaching gifts to share the light of the gospel of God as authentically as she can. At home she is a wife to Preston and mommy to Eden, Autumn and Sage.

B&H Publishing Group, an imprint of Lifeway Christian Resources, is a team of mission minded people with a passion for taking God’s Word to the world. Because we believe Every Word Matters® we seek to provide intentional, Bible-centered content that positively impacts the hearts and minds of people, inspiring them to build a lifelong relationship with Jesus Christ. Among our print and digital releases for the trade, church, and academic markets, titles include “The New York Times” No. 1 bestsellers “The Love Dare” and “The Vow,” No. 1 CBA bestseller “I Am a Church Member,” as well as the newly-revised Christian Standard Bible (CSB) version.

Honoring 35 Years Of Publishing With More Than 145 Million Products In Print

Lucado’s books are distributed in 80 countries and translated into 45 languages worldwide

(Nashville, TN) May 6, 2021—Bestselling author and pastor Max Lucado was awarded the 2021 Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) Pinnacle Award today for the outstanding contribution of his writing, both to the publishing industry and to society at large.

Lucado is only the fourth recipient of this honor from ECPA, that recognizes the outstanding contribution by an author or book. It was presented at the ECPA Awards Celebration on May 6 at 1:00 pm CST, via webinar at the conclusion of the ECPA Leadership Summit.

Max Lucado‘s career highlights are unprecedented in Christian publishing. Lucado’s products have exceeded sales of more than 145 million. His books are printed in 45 languages and distributed throughout 80 countries worldwide (including the United States). He published On the Anvil, his first trade book, in 1985. His forthcoming title, You Were Made for This Moment, will release in September 2021 from Thomas Nelson. Lucado’s books regularly appear on bestseller lists, including The New York Times, Wall Street Journal and USA Today. His writing has also been featured in Bible studies, Bible commentaries, songs, greeting cards, feature films, and even plush toys. Twenty-three of his titles have sold more than 1 million copies.

“It is an honor for HarperCollins Christian Publishing to represent Max and his collection of life-changing, God-centered works for the past 31 years,” says Mark Schoenwald, president and CEO. “God’s grace, mercy, and unconditional love has been discovered by millions of people because of Max’s devotion and love for his Lord and Savior. I join my colleagues at HCCP and the publishing industry in offering our sincerest thanks for his many contributions and congratulations on this amazing recognition.”

As both an author with more than 35 years of published material and a pastor who has been in full-time ministry since 1977, Max decided to turn his years of content into an encouraging ministry during the COVID-19 crisis. In March 2020, Lucado started daily video “check-ins” to pastor people during the pandemic. These videos have been viewed more than 45 million times and were the catalyst for launching “The Max Lucado Encouraging Word Podcast” with more than 1.6 million downloads in the first ten months.

ECPA has presented a total of 43 additional industry awards to Max Lucado titles — including 16 Christian Book Awards® (including Gold Medallion), 9 Platinum Sales Awards (for over 1 million sold), and 18 Gold Sales Awards (for over 500,000 sold).  He has won the ECPA Christian Book of the Year® three times.

“It is such an honor for ECPA to present the Pinnacle Award to Max Lucado,” said ECPA president Stan Jantz. “I was a bookseller in 1985, and I clearly remember when our store received On the Anvil for the first time. The accessibility of the writing, and the clear expression of the heart of someone who loved Jesus more than anything, were early indicators that this was a special author.”

Past recipients of the ECPA Pinnacle Award include in 2020 Stormie Omartian (Power of a Praying® series). Other recipients include Dr. Gary Chapman (The 5 Love Languages® series) and Jerry Jenkins and Tim LaHaye (Left Behind® series).

Max Lucado is a pastor, speaker, and bestselling author with more than 145 million products in print that have been translated in 45 languages and distributed in 80 countries worldwide. Max entered the ministry in 1978. As a writer, Max is known for combining poetic storytelling and homespun humor with the heart of a pastor.

Max’s love for everyday people began during his childhood in the small town of Andrews, Texas. His father was an oilfield mechanic, his mother was a nurse. Max grew rebellious in his teenage years, and after one specific drunken night, he began to wonder if there was more to life than parties and chasing girls. He now believes that if Jesus hadn’t found him and changed his heart, alcoholism would have been in his future. After high school, Max attended Abilene Christian University and graduated with two degrees and a heart for following Jesus and helping others learn about him, too. He moved to Miami, Florida, and took a position as an associate pastor at a small church, where Max started writing about Jesus for the first time in the church’s monthly newsletter. Florida was also where Max met his wife, Denalyn. Together, they lived first in Miami and then spent several years in Rio de Janeiro, helping plant churches. The newsletters Max wrote to family and friends while in Rio, along with the newsletters he wrote at his church in Miami, eventually formed the manuscript of his first book, On the Anvil. He’s been dubbed “America’s Pastor” by Christianity Today, and “The Best Preacher in America” by Reader’s Digest. Max currently serves as Teaching Minister of Oak Hills Church in San Antonio, Texas. Max and Denalyn live nearby in Central Texas. They have three grown daughters, two sons-in-law, and two grandchildren. Visit his website at www.MaxLucado.com.

SOCIALS:
Facebook.com/MaxLucado
Instagram.com/MaxLucado
Twitter.com/MaxLucado
YouTube.com/MaxLucadoOfficial

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

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: Erica Smith, Marketing Manager, 615.902.2176  erica.smith@harpercollins.com

WonderFull: Ancient Psalms Ever New was recognized as a Young People’s Literature finalist in the 2021 Christian Book Award® program. Winners were announced on May 6 during a special online broadcast of the ECPA Awards Celebration.

The Christian Book Award® program has recognized the absolute highest quality in Christian books since 1978. Based on excellence in content, literary quality, design, and impact, the Christian Book Award® program is the oldest and among the most prestigious awards in the religious publishing industry.

WonderFull by best-selling author Marty Machowski, teaches young readers to use the whole book of the Psalms to pray, worship, and find help through the challenges life is certain to bring. Machowski doesn’t simply help kids become familiar with the Psalms; he helps them apply what they are learning to their own lives, which is a gift that will continue to deepen their walk with Christ as they mature.

“WonderFull is designed to help children grow in knowing and loving God through reading the Psalms and learning to use them to guide worship and prayer,” Machowski writes. “It is my hope that in this journey of learning to apply the Psalms to life through prayer you will be amazed at how they connect together. While each psalm carries its own message, its connection with the psalms around it add to the story.”

To help relate the Psalms to their lives, Machowski weaves a fictional story through the book as an introduction to each of the five books of Psalms. Readers will meet Oliver and his grandfather, who spend time each day sitting in front of an old oak tree, reading through the book of Psalms together. As Oliver’s curiosity about God evolves into a deep and abiding faith, his grandfather continues to read to him and pray with him, discovering together the beauty of the Psalms.

Even when Oliver’s grandpa is no longer able to read with him, Oliver continues to cherish the Psalms—especially in times of trial—and he imagines what it will be like to see God face to face and his grandfather again in heaven.

“The Psalms are a guide for how to talk to God about hopes, fears, troubles, frustrations, disappointments, and gratitude,” shares Machowski. “As you share this book with your child, you will be starting them on a lifelong journey of learning to talk to God about everything and receiving his comfort, conviction, forgiveness, help, and hope in return. The steadfast love of the Lord never fails!”

With prompts for prayer and discussion, short, gospel-focused devotions, and “A Closer Look” challenges, children will be guided to find Jesus in every psalm—a skill that will continue to develop throughout their lives. A “Going Deeper” appendix at the end of the book leads readers through a more in depth study of twenty-five selected Psalms.

WonderFull: Ancient Psalms Ever New
By Marty Machowski
September 28, 2020 / Retail Price: $29.99
Print ISBN 978-1-948130-74-5
Religion / Christian Education / Children & Youth

Marty Machowski is a Family Life Pastor at Covenant Fellowship Church in Glen Mills, Pennsylvania, where he has served on the pastoral staff for thirty years. Machowski leads Promise Kingdom, the gospel-centered children’s ministry of Covenant Fellowship. He is also the Executive Editor for Children’s Resources at New Growth Press.

He is the author of a number of family devotionals, curriculums (including the Gospel Story for Kids), children’s books and parenting titles. His latest releases include WonderFull, Brave and Bold, and God Made Me for Heaven. 

Machowski and his wife, Lois, have six children and several grandchildren. They reside in West Chester, Pennsylvania.

Learn more at www.martymachowski.com. He can also be found on Twitter (@MartyMachowski).

WHEATON, Ill.—Crossway is pleased to announce that Lead: 12 Gospel Principles for Leadership in the Church by Paul David Tripp has won the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association’s (ECPA) 2021 Christian Book Award® in the Ministry Resource category.

In Lead (Crossway, September 2020), Tripp offers twelve gospel-centered leadership principles for both aspiring leaders and weathered pastors as they navigate the challenging waters of pastoral ministry. This resource shows the vital role that the leadership community plays in molding leaders.

“The church is in desperate need of a leadership community whose function is not just structured to achieve with efficiency but is more deeply shaped by the comforts and calls of the gospel of Jesus Christ,” writes Tripp. “As in every other relationship of human life, if you look at your leadership community through the lens of the gospel of Jesus Christ, it will transform your expectations, your commitments, your behavior, and the way you respond to difficulty. It is not just nebulous biblical talk to say that the gospel must be our model for the formation and function of the leadership community that is to guide the church. The focus of this book is the specific call of the gospel on the way we think about leadership.”

“What a joy to see Paul Tripp’s book, Lead, recognized in this way,” notes Justin Taylor, Crossway’s executive vice president of book publishing. “I cannot count the number of people who have told me how refreshing and recalibrating this book was for their own ministry. We live in a day of profound challenges for leading well within the church, and we pray that God would continue to use this book to establish healthy leadership communities for the good of God’s people and for the fame of God’s name.”

The ECPA Christian Book Award® program awards winners in twelve categories, including Bibles, Biographies & Memoirs, Faith & Culture, and Ministry Resources. The program “recognizes the highest quality in Christian books and Bibles and is among the oldest and most prestigious awards programs in the religious publishing industry.”1

Paul David Tripp (DMin, Westminster Theological Seminary) is a pastor, award-winning author, and international conference speaker. He has written numerous books, including the best seller New Morning Mercies. His nonprofit ministry exists to connect the transforming power of Jesus Christ to everyday life. Tripp lives in Philadelphia with his wife, Luella, and they have four grown children.  paultripp.com @PaulTripp  facebook.com/pdtripp

Founded in 1938, Crossway is a not-for-profit global Christian publishing ministry that publishes gospel-centered, Bible-based content to honor our Savior and serve his church. Crossway seeks to help people understand the all-encompassing implications of the gospel and the truth of God’s word—for all of life, for all eternity, and for the glory of God alone. Crossway is the global publisher of the ESV® (English Standard Version®) Bible, more than 1,000 Christian books, and an extensive list of gospel literature. For additional information, visit crossway.org.

Contact: Lauren Susanto, lsusanto@crossway.org, crossway.org

 

1. “About,” Christian Book Award, ECPA, 2021, accessed May 6, 2021, https://christianbookawards.dcom/about.html.

(Nashville, TN) April 26, 2021—Today HarperCollins Christian Publishing (HCCP) announced Matthew McGhee as the associate publisher for the Spanish division, which includes Vida and Grupo Nelson.

In this role, McGhee will oversee the editorial acquisition, development, and list management of all Spanish resources published under the Vida and Grupo Nelson imprints, which includes Spanish adult fiction and non-fiction, kids, curriculum, and reference/academic. He will acquire Spanish authors, as well as work with HCCP trade publishing groups to translate products.

McGhee previously worked for Ligonier Ministries, the teaching fellowship of Dr. R.C. Sproul, where he managed Spanish, Portuguese, and French outreach. During his tenure, he launched the Ligonier Library imprint focused on publishing Ligonier Ministry products in non-English languages and led the effort to publish more than 25 titles in Spanish. He also served as project and editorial director of La Biblia de Estudio de La Reforma, the Spanish-language version of the Reformation Study Bible.

McGhee received his Bachelor of Arts in public relations and minor in Spanish from North Carolina State University and holds a Master of Arts in Christian ministry from Shepherds Theological Seminary.

“Matthew’s experience working with content creators, translators, and editors; bridging the linguistic and cultural gap with published content; and building author and partner relationships in a global context make him the perfect person for this role,” said Cris Garrido, VP and publisher, Spanish. “I look forward to how his work will shape the Spanish publishing landscape.”

About HarperCollins Christian Publishing:  The world’s leading Christian publisher, HarperCollins Christian Publishing Inc., comprises the Thomas Nelson and Zondervan publishing groups, BibleGateway.com, FaithGateway.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 monthly visitors. HarperCollins Christian Publishing is headquartered in Nashville, TN 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

(Nashville, TN) April 27, 2021 — HarperCollins Christian Publishing today announced the launch of HarperChristian Resources, a new imprint that will realign the company’s curriculum and study-based publishing strategy. The initiative will bring together all curriculum products previously published under Thomas Nelson or Zondervan under the new HarperChristian Resources imprint encompassing all church curriculum and small-group study resources  in order to streamline and strengthen HarperCollins Christian Publishing’s position in the Bible study market among ministries and churches.

Creating resources based off of book content published by Thomas Nelson and Zondervan, as well as other Christian trade book publishers, HarperChristian Resources will publish video Bible studies, Bible study guides, small group study guides, ministry programs, and church campaigns in both print and digital formats. HarperChristian Resources will also acquire original projects from leading Bible teachers.

John Raymond, vice president and publisher for HarperChristian Resources, commented, “We want to equip people to better understand the Scriptures, cultivate spiritual growth, and live an inspired faith with Bible study and video resources from today’s most trusted voices. Whether it is a video study based on a trade book or a study on a book of the Bible, we design our content to be used by individuals, small groups, or adult Sunday classes to enrich people who are seeking more biblical knowledge. We will partner with retailers and distributors, relying on our highly sought-after content, to create a consumer promise of exceptional, trustworthy resources that are based on the teachings of Jesus Christ.”

HarperChristian Resources will officially launch this summer. Curriculum products previously published under Thomas Nelson or Zondervan will be rebranded with HarperChristian Resources at reprinting. The imprint will feature familiar Christian teachers, pastors, and leaders such as Max Lucado, Lysa TerKeurst, Andy Stanley, Jennie Allen, Peter Scazzero, and Ann Voskamp, among others.

In addition, HarperChristian Resources will release an innovative approach to video Bible study access. With many new print study guides, purchasers will receive access to video streaming on any device, reducing the dependency on group leaders who generally purchase the video content and share it with study group members. This approach will begin with new titles including I Am Restored Video and Study Guide by Lecrae (July 2021), Nothing to Prove Video and Study Guide by Jennie Allen (July 2021), and Spiritual Warfare Is Real Video and Study Guide by Jim Cymbala (July 2021).

“Our curriculum titles are published with the most influential, life-changing content and done so with the highest quality,” said Don Jacobson, senior vice president and group publisher of Trade Books for HarperCollins Christian Publishing. “By aggregating all of our curriculum under one imprint within HCCP, we are better positioned to be highly competitive in retail spaces—both online and in brick and mortar stores.”

HarperChristianResources.com will serve as the marketing hub for the brand, with information about our Bible study teachers, titles, and topics. The site will also feature articles, tips, and encouragement for small group and Bible study leaders, powered by the ChurchSource blog and eCommerce platform.

For more information please visit www.harperchristianresources.com.

About HarperCollins Christian Publishing: The world’s leading Christian publisher, HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc. comprises the Thomas Nelson, Zondervan and HarperChristian Resources publishing groups, 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: Casey Harrell, Senior Director, Corporate Communications, 615.902.1109 casey.harrell@harpercollins.com

Iron Stream Media is delighted to announce the acquisition of Brookstone Creative Group and Brookstone Publishing Group effective April 19, 2021. This acquisition will bolster J. Westin, the self-publishing arm of Iron Stream Media, as well as provide additional powerhouse resources for authors and speakers, including coaching, promotions, and a full range of publishing services. Both companies were founded upon servant leadership and that will continue under the Iron Stream Media banner.

With this acquisition, Suzanne Kuhn will become Associate Publisher of Iron Stream Media. Suzanne will continue working with the Brookstone Creative Group and Brookstone Publishing Group teams. She is passionate as ever about helping creatives hone their message, create great content, publish books they can be proud of, and one-on-one coaching. Suzanne brings more than thirty years of industry experience including publishing, marketing and retail. For twenty-two years, Suzanne worked closely with her husband in his co-owned independent bookstores. Before launching SuzyQ and subsequently Brookstone Creative Group and Brookstone Publishing, Suzanne worked with New York Times best-selling author Karen Kingsbury. She lives in Virginia.

Ramona Richards, current Associate Publisher, is transitioning toward retirement and will be staying on as part of the editorial team. She is happy to help Iron Stream Media going into this next season. Having worked together sporadically over the years, Suzanne is thrilled for the opportunity to work closely with Ramona.

Media Contact: Kim McCulla, kim.mcculla@ironstreammedia.com

Country-Gospel Singer Susie McEntire-Eaton to Host

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (April 28, 2021) — Publisher Thomas Nelson announced today that Jesus Calling by Sarah Young, the bestselling devotional brand that has sold more than 30 million units, will premiere the second season of its inspirational TV show, Jesus Calling: Stories of Faith, May 18 at 8:30 p.m. EST on Circle Network. Viewing options for the show are available at https://www.circleallaccess.com/watch, including over-the-air and streamers like Peacock, Roku, Samsung TV Plus, and more.

Based on the namesake book Jesus Calling^® (Thomas Nelson), the series is produced in partnership with Four Eyes Media and will share more inspirational stories of success, loss, heartbreak, and redemption told by people of faith from all walks of life. Host Susie McEntire-Eaton kicks off the second season with country music superstar Sara Evans and gospel music sensation Kierra Sheard-Kelly, followed by an A-list roster of guests including NFL Hall of Fame coach Tony Dungy, pop star Ally Brooke, MLB star Darryl Strawberry, country music star and Jesus Calling: Stories of Faith Season 1 host Lauren Alaina, NFL Hall of Fame quarterback Kurt Warner, and many more.

Additionally, the season will feature an exclusive interview of Susie talking with her sister, country music superstar Reba McEntire. The sisters will share their experiences growing up in the McEntire family, and how their lives were impacted by ranching, rodeo, and faith.

“I’m so excited to host the new season of Jesus Calling: Stories of Faith,” said McEntire-Eaton. “I know how much Jesus Calling has meant to me in my own faith walk, and I’m thrilled to share stories from others who have seen their lives changed and hope restored through this book.”

“We are thrilled to have Susie hosting Jesus Calling: Stories of Faith,” said Michael Aulisio, Vice President of Marketing for the Children’s & Gift Books Group at HarperCollins Christian Publishing. “Susie’s powerful story of resilience connected with countless viewers during our first season. Her warmth and sincerity will continue to inspire viewers all throughout this new season.”

Jesus Calling: Stories of Faith is a part of Circle’s two-hour Faith Block, airing from 8 – 10 p.m. ET on Tuesdays and 2 – 4 p.m. ET on Sundays.

“The diverse stories and guests featured on the first season of Jesus Calling: Stories of Faith resonated with our Circle viewers in an organic way, so we are excited to partner with Thomas Nelson and Four Eyes Media for a second time on season two,” said Teresa George, Circle VP of Strategic Partnerships. “The show was inspired by various country artists and celebrities who were transformed by their faith in God. We’ve enjoyed helping to bring these real stories of heartache and success to life, and look forward to continuing to do so in the new episodes to come.”

Since it was first published in 2004, the Jesus Calling brand has grown to include children’s devotionals, Bible storybooks, journals, seasonal books, an app, two ECPA Book of the Year awards for Jesus Today and Jesus Always, a print and digital quarterly magazine, a podcast that recently exceeded 7 million downloads, and a TV show. Author of Jesus Calling, Sarah Young, continues to be inspired by how the brand touches lives in new ways, including the TV show.

“I am delighted that Jesus Calling: Stories of Faith is returning for a second season,” said Young. “It’s wonderful to be associated with people who are willing to share their powerful faith stories and tell us how God is at work in their lives and in the world today.”

The Jesus Calling: Stories of Faith programming schedule—airing from Tuesday, May 18 through Sunday, August 8—includes:

Tuesday, May 18 @ 8:30 P.M. ET (re-airing Sunday, May 23 @ 2 p.m. ET)

Episode 1:  Faith to Shine the Light

Main Guest:  Sara Evans, Country Music Star

Guest 2:  Kierra Sheard-Kelly, Gospel Singer

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Tuesday, May 25 @ 8:30 P.M. ET (re-airing Sunday, May 30 @ 2 p.m. ET)

Episode 2:  Faith in Your Hour of Need

Main Guest:  Darryl Strawberry, MLB Star

Guest 2:  Kay Warren, author, wife of Pastor Rick Warren of The Purpose Driven Life

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Tuesday, June 1 @ 8:30 P.M. ET (re-airing Sunday, June 6 @ 2 p.m. ET)

Episode 3:  Faith to Overcome Obstacles

Main Guest:  Kurt Warner, NFL Hall of Fame Quarterback

Guest 2:  Kurt Angle, Olympic Gold Medalist and WWE Superstar

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 Tuesday, June 8 @ 8:30 P.M. ET (re-airing Sunday, June 13 @ 2 p.m. ET)

Episode 4:  Faith to Believe in Love

Main Guest:  Chris & Emily Norton, Motivational Speakers/Authors

Guest 2:  Ally Brooke, Pop Singer

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Tuesday, June 15 @ 8:30 P.M. ET (re-airing Sunday, June 20 @ 2 p.m. ET)

Episode 5:  Faith to Be Restored

Main Guest:  Ryan Sheckler, Pro Skateboarder, Star of MTV’s Life of Ryan

Guest 2:  Russ Taff, Christian Musician

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Tuesday, June 22 @ 8:30 P.M. ET (re-airing Sunday, June 27 @ 2 p.m. ET)

Episode 6:  Faith in Things Not Seen

Main Guest:  Lauren Alaina, Country Music Star

Guest 2:  Raleigh Keegan, Country Music Artist

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Tuesday, June 29 @ 8:30 P.M. ET (re-airing Sunday, July 4 @ 2 p.m. ET)

Episode 7:  Faith Over Fear

Main Guest:  Nik Wallenda, Tightrope Walker

Guest 2:  Collin Raye, Country Music Star

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Tuesday, July 6 @ 8:30 P.M. ET (re-airing Sunday, July 11 @ 2 p.m. ET)

Episode 8:  Faith to Become Who We’re Meant to Be

Main Guest:  Rashad Jennings, Former NFL Player, Dancing with the Stars winner

Guest 2:  Michael Franzese, Public Speaker, Former Mob Boss

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Tuesday, July 13 @ 8:30 P.M. ET (re-airing Sunday, July 18 @ 2 p.m. ET)

Episode 9:  Faith to Be Different

Main Guest:  Lathan Warlick, Country Music Artist

Guest 2:  Col. Carlyle “Smitty” Harris, Veteran POW, Hanoi Hilton Survivor

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Tuesday, July 20 @ 8:30 P.M. ET (re-airing Sunday, July 25 @ 2 p.m. ET)

Episode 10:  Faith & Family First

Main Guest:  David Crowder, Christian Music Worship Artist

Guest 2:  High Valley, Country Music Duo

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Tuesday, July 27 @ 8:30 P.M. ET (re-airing Sunday, Aug. 1 @ 2 p.m. ET)

Episode 11:  The Faith of Two Sisters

Main Guests:  Reba McEntire & Susie McEntire-Eaton, Country Music Singers

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Tuesday, Aug. 3 @ 8:30 P.M. ET (re-airing Sunday, Aug. 8 @ 2 p.m. ET)

Episode 12:  Passing the Faith Along

Main Guest:  Tony Dungy, NFL Hall of Fame Coach

Guest 2:  Daryle Singletary Tribute (Country Music Artist) with wife Holly Singletary

 

* Susie McEntire-Eaton available for interviews*

ABOUT CIRCLE:  Circle is a media network dedicated to celebrating the country lifestyle and putting fans inside the circle of everything country. Circle offers entertainment news, documentaries, movies, archival, new and licensed programming, Grand Ole Opry performances, and more. The network recently announced ad-support streaming distribution partnerships with Redbox, Peacock, The Roku Channel, Samsung TV Plus, XUMO and VIZIO Free Channels, bringing its country lifestyle programming to millions more through TVs, smart phones and tablets. Named Digiday’s 2021 Best Streaming TV Platform and Pollstar’s #1 Livestreamer for 2020, Circle is a joint venture between Opry Entertainment Group, a subsidiary of Ryman Hospitality Properties, and Gray Television.

ABOUT SUSIE MCENTIRE-EATON:  Susie McEntire-Eaton is the product of a third-generation ranching/rodeoing family from the hills of Southeastern Oklahoma. Raised in a house with four children who cut their teeth on ranch work, sports, singing, and rodeo, Susie says all of these activities helped mold her values and shape her character into the woman she is today. “My mama and daddy didn’t have a lot of money,” she says, “but they had determination and a great work ethic. They instilled that in us, and gave us lots of opportunities.”

Susie started singing in front of a crowd in 2nd grade, and appeared onstage with her brother and sister as “The Singing McEntires” in high school and toured with Reba from 1980–1982. She also appeared with Reba on The Opry, The Johnny Carson Show, and Hee Haw.

In 1984, Susie said yes to God to sing for a different purpose. She was on fire to share her message, and the world opened up as Susie and her young family traveled across the globe and Susie performed as a country gospel singer. In the meantime, she recorded 17 albums.

Since 2007, Susie has served as a co-host of Cowboy Church on RFD-TV and The Cowboy Channel. A seasoned performer with an amazing story, Susie is a member of the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame who has a unique ability to connect with audiences everywhere and instantly make them feel like friends.

ABOUT THOMAS NELSON:  Thomas Nelson is a world leading publisher and provider of Christian content and has been providing readers with quality inspirational product 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.

Contacts:            

• Circle:  Teresa George, tgeorge@circleplus.com | Sunshine Sachs, circle@sunshinesachs.com
• Susie McEntire-Eaton: Mark Eaton, mark@eatonleadership.org
• Thomas Nelson:  Natividad Lewis, natividad.lewis@harpercollins.com

New Book to Revolutionize Preaching through Simple Habits, Practices and Exercises

BELLINGHAM, Wash., April 28, 2021 – In a world where bigger is always better, author Jonathan T. Pennington presents a countercultural idea by challenging pastors to focus on smaller habits that produce big results over time. In his new book, “Small Preaching: 25 Little Things You Can Do Now to Make You a Better Preacher,” published by Lexham Press, Pennington provides constructive teaching steps to guide pastors toward intentional and effective preaching.

In “Small Preaching,” Pennington, who is an associate professor of New Testament Interpretation at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and is also on the preaching staff at Sojourn East in Louisville, Kentucky, walks through 25 words of wisdom that will help shape pastors’ preaching for the better.

“‘Small Preaching’ is not a book on the philosophy or practice of preaching, but rather a collection of short, easily digestible essays which invite the reader to see the world differently,” said Pennington. “The essays are dynamic and provide various approaches, topics, content and modes to challenge the reader’s assumptions and habits on leadership and preaching.”

Drawing on years of teaching and education, Pennington brings specific expertise to write this timely and impactful book. Hoping that small ideas can have big consequences, Pennington explains the value of playing the long and methodical game with displaying sincerity and intentionality.

“Pennington so helpfully reminds us that preaching is a ‘slow art’ and he pays attention to things not usually covered in traditional books on preaching, things which, nonetheless, are so much a part of the real-life of the preaching task,” said Mike Bullmore, senior pastor of Crossway Community Church. “This book is stimulating and provocative, and it will make you think about your preaching. That, in turn, will bear good fruit, maybe even as soon as this coming Sunday.”

Highlighted topics of discussion within “Small Preaching” include:

• The Person of the Preacher,
• Handling Praise Carefully and Gladly,
• Handling Criticism Carefully and Humbly,
• The First Minute of a Sermon,
• The Last Minute of a Sermon and
• Distinguishing between Preaching and Teaching.
• “I hope this book helps both preachers who are just starting to hone their skills and seasoned ministers alike,” said Pennington. “All [the essays] invite you to consider small changes that can add up to big effect, no matter whether you are about to start at your first church, or are an old pro. So come and start small.”

To learn more about “Small Preaching” visit, https://lexhampress.com/product/197374/small-preaching-25-little-things-you-can-do-now-to-make-you-a-better-preacher.

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

About the Author
Jonathan T. Pennington is associate professor of New Testament interpretation and director of research doctoral studies at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is also a preaching pastor at Sojourn East Church in Louisville, Kentucky. Pennington is the host and co-producer of the video series Cars, Coffee, Theology and the author of numerous books, including Reading the Gospels Wisely and Jesus the Great Philosopher.

Media Contact: Brooke Lawless, 972-267-1111 brooke@alarryross.com

[NASHVILLE, TENN., May 3, 2021—] Award-winning singer-songwriter and author Andrew Peterson will release his much-anticipated second adult trade book, “The God of the Garden: Thoughts on Creation, Culture, and the Kingdom,” this fall (October 26, 2021, B&H Publishing).

“The God of the Garden” is an intimate memoir about Peterson’s encounters with God in creation, specifically trees. Writing from his beloved property in Nashville, Tenn., Peterson hopes readers will see through his story that the God of the Garden is and has always been present, working and keeping what he loves. Sometimes he plants, sometimes he prunes, but in his goodness he intends to reap a harvest of righteousness.

“The pandemic meant I was grounded from touring for a solid year. I didn’t realize I would be grounded in good ways, too,” Peterson said. “In twenty-five years, I had never been home for the entirety of spring. I had no idea how lovely it could be. I had never watched the slow change of all four seasons through my own window. It was a great blessing to use that time to reflect on the many ways God speaks through his creation. The early Christians believed there were two books of revelation: the book of scripture, and the book of nature. ‘The God of the Garden’ is the story of what I learned from both.”

Peterson’s first adult trade book, “Adorning the Dark,” (October 2019, B&H Publishing) received several notable book awards from The Gospel Coalition and “Christianity Today” and accolades from many top authors as one of the top books of 2019.

Peterson is the author of the award-winning, bestselling series for young readers, “The Wingfeather Saga,” four fantasy-adventure novels that were later adapted into a short film. The second book in the series, “North! Or Be Eaten” (2009) won the Christy Award for Young Adult Fiction, and the fourth, “The Warden and the Wolf King” (2014) won Children’s Book of the Year in 2015 from “WORLD Magazine.”

In 2008, driven by a desire to cultivate a strong Christian arts community, Peterson founded a ministry called The Rabbit Room, which led to a yearly conference, countless concerts and symposiums, and Rabbit Room Press, which has published 30 books to date.

“An author like Andrew Peterson comes around once in a generation,” says Devin Maddox, Books Publisher at B&H Publishing. “This book, ‘The God of the Garden,’ has a quality that gives the reader a sense that he or she is experiencing something that others will consider significant 50 years from now. It’s an unbelievable honor, a tremendous stewardship, for B&H to assist Andrew in his work.”

“The God of the Garden” is now available for pre-order wherever books are sold. For more information, visit bhpublishing.com.

Andrew Peterson is an award-winning singer-songwriter and author. The second book in his “Wingfeather Saga,” “North! Or Be Eaten” (2009) won the Christy Award for Young Adult Fiction, and the fourth, “The Warden and the Wolf King” (2014) won Children’s Book of the Year in August 2015 from “WORLD Magazine.”

In 2008, driven by a desire to cultivate a strong Christian arts community, Andrew founded a ministry called The Rabbit Room, which led to a yearly conference, countless concerts and symposiums, and Rabbit Room Press, which has published 30 books to date.

He’s been married for 24 years to his wife Jamie, with whom they have three children. His eldest is an animation student at Lipscomb University, his second son is a touring drummer and record producer and his daughter recently released her first album. In his spare time Andrew keeps bees, builds dry stack stone walls, gardens, draws and sleeps.

B&H Publishing Group, an imprint of Lifeway Christian Resources, is a team of mission minded people with a passion for taking God’s Word to the world. Because we believe Every Word Matters® we seek to provide intentional, Bible-centered content that positively impacts the hearts and minds of people, inspiring them to build a lifelong relationship with Jesus Christ. Among our print and digital releases for the trade, church, and academic markets, titles include “The New York Times” No. 1 bestsellers “The Love Dare” and “The Vow,” No. 1 CBA bestseller “I Am a Church Member,” as well as the newly-revised Christian Standard Bible (CSB) version.