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/

WaterBrook and Multnomah is pleased to announce two well-deserved promotions on its publicity and marketing teams.

Lisa Beech is promoted to Associate Director of Publicity, WaterBrook/Multnomah

A beloved member of the WaterBrook and Multnomah team, Lisa’s sunny disposition, can-do attitude, and tenacious approach to capturing coverage for our books makes her a highly valued part of the Christian publishing team—by colleagues and authors alike. She has been the PR muscle behind such bestsellers as Crazy Faith and Relationship Goals by Michael Todd, The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry and Live No Lies by John Mark Comer, Tim Tebow’s New York Times bestsellers, and many more. She always applies her tenacity, publicity acumen, and trademark positivity and creativity to bring continued attention to our books, including capturing more secular coverage to Tim Tebow’s upcoming title Mission Possible, Kendra Adachi’s The Lazy Genius Kitchen, and Jordan Lee Dooley’s Embrace Your Almost.

Douglas Mann is promoted to Assistant Director, WaterBrook & Multnomah. 

Since joining WaterBrook and Multnomah in 2016, Douglas has consistently delivered innovative and effective marketing plans for many of the imprints’ high-profile authors and titles. He has been the marketing muscle behind such bestsellers as The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry and Live No Lies by John Mark Comer, The More of Less and The Minimalist Home by Joshua Becker, and The Way of the Warrior by Erwin McManus. He also held a critical role within the marketing team for the NYT bestseller, Relationship Goals by Michael Todd. Douglas is a member of the creative team that launched the Ink & Willow gift line with bestsellers including 52 Weeks of Gratitude and Rise Up. He’ll bring his marketing expertise and talent to take Christian books into the mainstream with Michael Phillip’s upcoming title Wrong Lanes Have Right Turns, Joshua Becker’s Things That Matter, and Carlos Whittaker’s How to Human. 

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

(February 3, 2022) – Today, the Parable Group released its 2022 State of Christian Retail report, providing data and insights into the current climate within the Christian retailing industry. Important industry findings are explored to help strengthen business and ministry in the year ahead.

Drawing on $74 million in sales data and over 2.1 million consumer receipts reported to ParableConnect by 220 U.S. Christian retailers—along with nationwide survey results—the report highlights include: analysis of year-end sales, comparisons of bestsellers across channels, leading trends in product categories, and posits why Christian retail sales are soaring.

The report also highlights surprising key findings: 2021 POS sales showed an increase over both 2020 and 2019, indicating that stores are performing better than they were pre-pandemic. Overall, same-store sales were up 15% over 2019. Additionally, a January 2021 nationwide survey revealed that 90% of Christian retailers indicated a positive outlook for the future.

“Despite supply chain disruptions, labor shortages, inflation, and the ongoing pandemic, Christian retailers have persisted with purpose-driven resolve, hard work, and resourcefulness,” stated Greg Squires, President of The Parable Group. “And, based on the findings presented in our report, we can see that their efforts have paid off—2021 was the strongest holiday season Christian retail has experienced in over a decade.”

To view the report, click here. For a guided tour of the report, join industry peers onThe State of Christian Retail webinar, to be held on February 17th at 9am PST. Register here.

The Parable Group helps Christian retailers, publishers, and ministries magnify their mission by connecting them to engaged Christian consumers, pastors, and church leaders. The San Luis Obispo, CA. based data-driven marketing agency and media group has served over 1000 Christian organizations since 1985. For more information, contact sally.ross@parable.com or visit www.parablegroup.com.

Contact: Sally Ross, (805) 329-4020, sally.ross@parable.com

Fields of Fire Releasing in August 2022

Carol Stream, Ill. (February 4, 2022) — Tyndale House Publishers (@tyndalehouse) has acquired Ryan Steck, “the go-to source for all things thriller.” Steck is best known for launching TheRealBookSpy.com, which has garnered over 8 million page views in the past five years, generating buzz for bestselling authors and introducing new fans to the thriller genre. In addition, Steck has been named an “Online Influencer” by Amazon and is a regular columnist at CrimeReads. Tyndale’s acquisition of Ryan Steck includes two books introducing readers to elite Marine Raider Matthew Redd. Steck’s debut thriller, Fields of Fire, releases in August 2022.

Regarding this acquisition, fiction publisher Karen Watson said, “We first met Ryan through his support of our novels as the Real Book Spy. When I heard about Ryan’s own novel in development, it was a more than intriguing possibility. Learning that Ryan understands and shares Tyndale’s philosophy and vision for offering male-friendly thrillers that point to a journey of faith was even better news. We look forward to Ryan’s fans getting a chance to take the debut trip with Matthew Redd.”

In Fields of Fire, elite Marine Raider Matthew Redd stops to help a stranger while awaiting deployment on a critical mission. Upon waking up hours later, Matthew learns his team was wiped out in an ambush. Unable to remember anything, he can’t deny the possibility that he’s somehow responsible for the information leak that led to the massacre. He’s given a deal to avoid a charge of treason, but it means walking away from the corps and the life he loved.

As he faces his loss, Matt gets a cryptic message from his adoptive father, J. B.: “Trouble’s come knocking . . . Might need your help.” He points his truck home to rural Montana, only to discover that J. B. is dead and the explanation for his death is far from satisfying. Determined to dig up the truth, Redd uncovers a dark global conspiracy with his hometown at the center and no team at his back—except one he might find among past friends, old enemies, and new allies, if he can figure out who to trust.

Early endorsers of Fields of Fire include Brad Taylor, Kyle Mills, Jack Carr, Brad Meltzer, and #1 New York Times bestselling author of Shadows Reel, C. J. Box, who said, “Ryan Steck’s Fields of Fire busts out of the chute with nonstop action and it never lets up until the final page. A magnificent debut with a terrific sense of place in Big Sky Country and a hero to root for in Matthew Redd.”

Ryan Steck is an editor, an author, and the founder and editor in chief of The Real Book Spy. TheRealBookSpy.com has been endorsed by #1 New York Times bestsellers Mark Greaney, C. J. Box, Kyle Mills, Daniel Silva, Brad Thor, and many others. A resident of Michigan, along with his wife and their six kids, Steck cheers on his beloved Detroit Tigers and Lions during the rare moments when he’s not reading or talking about books on social media.

Ryan is represented by John Talbot at The Talbot Fortune Agency.

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 $100 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: For more information or an advance reader copy of Fields of Fire, contact Amanda Woods, amandawoods@tyndale.com, 630-784-5125.

In his first book, Joby Martin, pastor of Church of Eleven22, one of the fastest growing churches in the country, dives deep into scripture and traces the story of salvation by highlighting the seven mountains throughout scripture where God manifests himself.

The Son of God was crucified, died and buried. Doornail dead. He lay in the tomb for three days. Until God the Father, through the Spirit, raised Him to life and He walked out shining like the sun. The Son of God lives and reigns, right this second. In a culture in which history is erased or rewritten at will, the existence of an empty tomb matters. Why?

Because if the tomb is empty – then anything is possible.

As he describes each encounter with God, Martin shows us how the interaction on each mountain laid the groundwork for the sacrifice of Christ on Calvary, and shows what God revealed about Himself in the process. He illuminates even familiar passages, unveiling how God’s plan for Christ’s sacrifice is threaded throughout scripture, and shows why Christ’s resurrection—impossible, unbelievable—means that nothing is too hard for our God.  Ultimately, he asks readers, Do you live every day of your life as if the tomb is empty…or as though Jesus is still hanging on that cross?

Written with New York Times bestselling author Charles Martin—a member and elder of Joby’s church—If the Tomb is Empty is an insightful and spiritually rich yet accessible examination of what the miracle of Christ’s resurrection means for all of us.

ISBN: 9781546001508
FaithWords

Carol Stream, Ill. (February 4, 2022) — Tyndale House Publishers (@tyndalehouse) announced today that Audra Haney will publish her book He Is There with Tyndale Kids, to release in March of 2023. In her new “shine a light” picture book, Haney reminds children that God is always with us and we can see his hand in everything around us.

As the host and producer of the popular 5 Minute Mom podcast, Audra has a heart for helping moms and families, so her new book is a perfect extension of her life’s work. Beyond her role in podcasting, she is a broadcast producer and sought-after women’s speaker. Audra’s work has been featured on The 700 Club, CBN.com, and Miracle Living Today. Audra was a recent presenter at the 2019 Blissdom Conference and loves to equip and encourage entrepreneurial women to start their own podcasts. She has over 15 years of media experience and is dedicated to using her expertise to pour into young moms in the trenches.

In sharing about her upcoming children’s book, Audra said, “I’ve been in professional media for over 15 years, including writing and production for the Christian Broadcasting Network and Graham Blanchard Publishing (a small faith-based children’s book company). During my time at Graham Blanchard, I helped cowrite a book for expecting moms/dads, and I so enjoyed the process of writing for adults. However, I’m excited about transitioning to literature and projects for children.”

Tyndale Kids associate publisher Linda Howard shared, “We are excited to be working with Audra on this book. Her podcast, The 5 Minute Mom, is already helping thousands of families. We are thrilled to come alongside her and publish this book with its reminder of how much our heavenly Father cares for us and watches over us!”

Audra Haney is represented by Dave Schroeder at WTA Media LLC, and her upcoming book has been negotiated for world rights.

Contact: 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.

 

Saint Louis, MO—The Concordia Publishing House (CPH) Board of Directors announced today that they have unanimously elected Jonathan D. Schultz the 9^th President & CEO of Concordia Publishing House. Schultz has been serving as Interim President and CEO since May of 2021.

“During his tenure as Vice President, and since being appointed Interim President, Jonathan has demonstrated a relentless commitment to the mission and vision of CPH,” said Dr. Mark Bender, Chair of the CPH Board of Directors.  “The Board is confident that Jonathan will lead CPH in a manner that remains fervently committed to the Scriptures and Lutheran Confessions. We pray God’s richest blessings upon Jonathan and all who serve at CPH.”

Schultz began his service at CPH in 1998.  As Vice President and Corporate Counsel of CPH, he worked closely with the Board of Directors, coordinating all legal activities of the corporation, and directing the Human Resources and Contracts/Rights/Permissions departments. Before arriving at CPH, he and his wife, Sue, served as long-term volunteer missionaries in Guatemala for The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS).

“My heartfelt thanks to the Board of Directors for this honor and the confidence you have placed in me by electing me to be the 9^th president of CPH,” said Schultz. “For 152 years, CPH has been the publishing arm of the LCMS.  And I would contend that our mission has never been more critical to the Church and her people than it is now. With a world increasingly hostile to our Christian faith, that redefines truth and seeks to ensnare our youth, the world is often a dark, dark place. But thanks be to God that we are indeed a lighthouse, shining the pure light of the Gospel of Jesus Christ in this dark world with resources faithful to Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions.”

Schultz comes from a family with a rich tradition of service to The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod through pastoral ministry and Lutheran education. Sue is an LCMS elementary school teacher.

Lutheran education is a key priority for Schultz. For the last two decades he held various leadership positions on the Board of Directors of Christ Community Lutheran School, a Presidential Blue-Ribbon School serving more than 600 students and their families, and on the Board of Directors of the Lutheran High School Association of St. Louis. Schultz also currently serves as Chair of the Board of the Lutheran Foundation of St. Louis, a $100-million foundation that is committed in the name of Jesus Christ to seeing the improved care of hurting people in the greater St. Louis region. In addition, Schultz served in various leadership positions on national nonprofit boards. Schultz is a graduate of Concordia University Chicago and Loyola University School of Law.

The Lord has blessed Schultz and his wife with three children: Thomas (and wife, Allison), Mollie, and Abigail. 

For more information or to schedule an interview with Jonathan Schultz, please contact Elizabeth Pittman, Sr. Manager, Public Relations, at elizabeth.pittman@cph.org.

About Concordia Publishing House
Concordia Publishing House (CPH) is the publishing arm of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. For more than 150 years, CPH has been providing individuals, churches, and schools with products that are faithful to the Scriptures and the Lutheran Confessions. From books and Bibles to church supplies, curriculum, and software, CPH offers more than 10,000 products to support the proclamation of the Gospel worldwide. Visit CPH online at cph.org.

CONTACT: Elizabeth Pittman, Public Relations, 314-268-1291, Elizabeth.Pittman@cph.org