Mike Fisher, Carrie Underwood, Sean Lowe, Danny Gokey and More Share Personal Accounts of Discovering Meaning and Belonging in ‘I Found Love’

PLANO, Texas, Nov. 10, 2020 – Filled with powerful stories of men and women in the public eye who have broken the barriers of divorce, addiction, racism, abuse, miscarriage, shame and more, “I Found Love: True Stories of Discovering Love, Belonging and Friendship,” will release Jan. 12 from global storytelling organization I Am Second. “I Found Love” is authored by Doug Bender, I Am Second’s Chief Content Writer, and published by Nelson Books.

“If you’re surrounded but alone, ‘liked’ but unloved, continually sending the world your message but feeling always unheard, then you need the stories in this book,” writes Bender. “If busyness has taken the place of connection and if virtual friends have replaced real ones, then these stories of genuine love are for you.”

“I Found Love” is a different kind of love story. The book tells the accounts of people who searched and searched for meaning and fulfillment and only found it when they put their trust in Christ.

“I Found Love” includes raw and compelling anecdotes from Seconds who have found life-changing love, belonging and friendship, including:

• “Bachelor” contestant Sean Lowe;
• Mike Fisher, former NHL Star, and Carrie Underwood, singer and songwriter;
• Actors and artists David and Tamela Mann;
• American Idol contestants and singers Danny Gokey and Jason Castro;
• Michael Kent, former Neo-Nazi, and Tiffany Whitter, probation officer;
• Paralympic swimmer Jessica Long; and
• Marine and MMA fighter Chad Robichaux, to name a few.

“You are loved—even if you don’t feel it. You are liked—even if you haven’t seen a thumbs-up in weeks,” writes Bender. “A community is here for you, a people ready to say, ‘You are one of us.’ ‘You belong’ is the message of this book. ‘You are loved’ is its anthem. In these pages, you’ll discover broken hearts healed, broken homes rebuilt, and broken lives resurrected.”

“I Found Love” is the fourth book from I Am Second and will release Jan. 21, 2021, from Nelson Books. For more info, visit http://www.ifoundlovebook.com.

About I Am Second
I Am Second is a non-profit launched in 2008 that ignites hope and inspires people to live for God and for others. Its website, iamsecond.com, features written and film-based stories of more than 100 athletes, actors, models, musicians, cultural influencers and everyday people who have stepped in front of the camera and declared, “I Am Second.” For information, visit iamsecond.com.

About Doug Bender
Doug Bender joined e3 Partners in 2008 and currently serves as Chief Content Writer for I Am Second, developing resources and materials for leaders to help individuals understand what it means to “Live Second.” Bender is co-author of “I Am Second: Real Stories. Changing Lives.” He also authored “Live Second: A Daily Guide to Live a God-honoring Life” and “I Choose Peace: Raw Stories of Real People Finding Contentment and Happiness.”

About Thomas Nelson
Thomas Nelson, part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc., is a world-leading provider of Christian content and has been providing readers with quality inspirational product for more than 200 years. 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, please visit www.thomasnelson.com.

Nashville, Ten. (Jan. 2021) – Thomas Nelson, in partnership with Bible Gateway and the Taylor University Center for Scripture Engagement, is pleased to announce the release of the NET Abide Bible Journals.

“The Abide Bible Journals are a beautifully designed tool to help you to reflect on God’s Word so that you can better meet and know God,” remarked Phil Collins, PhD, Professor of Christian Ministries and Executive Director, Taylor University Center for Scripture Engagement. “The prompts and the space provided for writing are designed to help you slow down and immerse yourself in Scriptures so that God can change you from the inside out. Don’t skim over God’s Word, let it become a part of your very being.”

The NET Abide Bible Journals are designed to help readers experience the peace, hope, and growth that come from encountering the voice and presence of God in Scripture. Using four, time-tested Scripture engagement tools, readers can deepen their experience with God in Scripture and become transformed.

Each journal volume is designed to help readers focus on the message of a section of the Bible and includes individual book introductions, a single-column Scripture layout, and powerful passage-specific prompts with light journaling lines opposite each page of Scripture.

Readers can focus on one book at a time with 66 books of the Bible divided into 45 individual, paperback NET Abide Bible Journals or delve deeper into the study of the Old and New Testaments divided into five box sets: The Writings, The Prophets, The Law, The Gospel and Acts and The Epistles and Revelation. A complete Bible box set of NET Abide Bible Journals is also available. Each journal showcases stunning cover artwork by Stephen Crotts and features:

• Clear and readable Thomas Nelson NET Typeface
• Thick paper suited for journaling
• Brief book introductions
• Innovative Scripture-engagement prompts
• Handheld size for personal and group study
• Flexible sewn binding

NET Abide Bible Journals
9780785237396	NET Abide Bible Journal – 1-2 Corinthians, Paperback, Comfort Print, $9.99
9780785237617	NET Abide Bible Journal – 1-2 Peter, Paperback, Comfort Print, $6.99
9780785237570	NET Abide Bible Journal – 1-2 Thessalonians, Paperback, Comfort Print, $7.99
9780785237587	NET Abide Bible Journal – 1-2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon, Paperback, Comfort Print, $7.99
9780785237624	NET Abide Bible Journal – 1-3 John, Jude, Paperback, Comfort Print, $6.99
9780785237334	NET Abide Bible Journal – Acts, Paperback, Comfort Print, $7.99
9780785237488	NET Abide Bible Journal – Colossians, Paperback, Comfort Print, $6.99
9780785237228	NET Abide Bible Journal – Daniel, Paperback, Comfort Print, $7.99
9780785237129	NET Abide Bible Journal – Ecclesiastes, Paperback, Comfort Print, $7.99
9780785237426	NET Abide Bible Journal – Ephesians, Paperback, Comfort Print, $7.99
9780785236924	NET Abide Bible Journal – Exodus, Paperback, Comfort Print, $9.99
9780785237419	NET Abide Bible Journal – Galatians, Paperback, Comfort Print, $7.99
9780785236917	NET Abide Bible Journal – Genesis, Paperback, Comfort Print, $9.99
9780785237594	NET Abide Bible Journal – Hebrews, Paperback, Comfort print, $7.99
9780785237150	NET Abide Bible Journal – Isaiah, Paperback, Comfort Print, $9.99
9780785237600	NET Abide Bible Journal – James, Paperback, Comfort Print, $6.99
9780785237327	NET Abide Bible Journal – John, Paperback, Comfort Print, $7.99
9780785237310	NET Abide Bible Journal – Luke, Paperback, Comfort Print, $7.99
9780785237297	NET Abide Bible Journal – Mark, Paperback, Comfort Print, $7.99
9780785237280	NET Abide Bible Journal – Matthew, Paperback, Comfort Print, $7.99
9780785237471	NET Abide Bible Journal – Philippians, Paperback, Comfort Print, $6.99
9780785237082	NET Abide Bible Journal – Proverbs, Paperback, Comfort Print, $9.99
9780785237075	NET Abide Bible Journal – Psalms, Paperback, Comfort Print, $9.99
9780785237631	NET Abide Bible Journal – Revelation, Paperback, Comfort Print, $7.99
9780785237389	NET Abide Bible Journal – Romans, Paperback, Comfort Print, $7.99
9780785236993	NET Abide Bible Journal – Ruth, Paperback, Comfort Print, $5.99
NET Abide Bible Journal Box Sets
9780785237648	The Complete Bible: NET Abide Bible Journals Box Set, Comfort Print, $299.99
9780785237358	The Epistles and Revelation: NET Abide Bible Journals Box Set, Comfort Print, $99.99
9780785237273	The Gospels and Acts: NET Abide Bible Journals Box Set, Comfort Print, $34.99
9780785236900	The Law: NET Abide Bible Journals Box Set, Comfort Print, $39.99
9780785237143	The Prophets: NET Abide Bible Journals Box Set, Comfort Print, $59.99
9780785236962	The Writings: NET Abide Bible Journals Box Set, Comfort Print, $99.99

For reprint permission, review copies, or to request an interview with Phil Collins, contact Amy Bigler at amy.bigler@harpercollins.com.

About Comfort Print®:  Thomas Nelson Bibles teamed up with 2K/Denmark, the world’s foremost typeface foundry, to create exclusive Comfort Print Bible fonts. NKJV 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 616.698.3514 

Hardison to lead HCCP’s partnership with Urban Ministries Inc.

Nashville, Tenn. (January 7, 2021)—HarperCollins Christian Publishing (HCCP) today announced Crystal Hardison as the director of partner relationships, specifically stewarding the organization’s partnership with Urban Ministries, Inc. (UMI).

As director of partner relationships Hardison will steward and maximize the HCCP and UMI partnership by serving as the key liaison between the two companies. She will work with all publishing imprints within HCCP to identify and leverage existing content that serves the UMI core audience, as well as identify new voices to acquire.

“The partnership between HCCP and UMI is paramount to our work in acquiring and elevating African American voices,” remarked Doug Lockhart, senior v-p, marketing and new initiatives. “Crystal’s track record of building and maintaining strong partnerships make her the perfect person to steward our relationship with UMI, and I look forward to its development under her leadership.”

Hardison joins HCCP with eighteen years of experience in developing and maintaining partnerships in both commercial and not-for profit industries. She specializes in developing strategic partnerships for organizations to advance their mission and values while expanding their reach into new communities and business channels.

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. 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, Assistant Manager, Corporate Communications,
615.902.2137,  Chelsea.Taff@HarperCollins.com

(Nashville, TN) January 8, 2021—Announced today, LaTasha Estelle and Shawn LeBar will lead a newly divided sales focus for the independent retail channels at HarperCollins Christian Publishing and HarperCollins Focus. To better accommodate the unique needs of indie bookstores across the nation, HarperCollins Christian Publishing and HarperCollins Focus will now have separate teams to manage its Christian-based independent retail accounts and general market, or ABA (American Booksellers Association) bookstores.

“HarperCollins Focus is a fast-growing business with a positive market response,” said Dan Van Gorp, senior vice president of Sales. “We must be able to accommodate the needs of our retail channels in unique ways, ensuring that we are tailoring how we communicate and present titles. Readers will continue to shop and remain loyal to both, however, the consumer experience at a Christian indie bookstore is very different from a general market indie.”

Estelle, with more than 20 years in sales at HarperCollins Publishers has been promoted to sales director for ABA Indies and Libraries for HarperCollins Christian Publishing and HarperCollins Focus. Previously she was the key accounts manager for brick-and-mortar retail working with Barnes and Noble, Books-A-Million, Hobby Lobby, Ingram, amongst others. She will now oversee sales and marketing efforts for the ABA Indie and Library channel.

LeBar will join the company on January 24, 2021 as sales director, CBA Indies after spending nine years working in the inspirational gifts industry. LeBar is a sales veteran with more than 25 years of experience, most recently at Christian Art Gifts as sales manager.

“I am excited for both LaTasha and Shawn to begin leading our company at this capacity,” continued Van Gorp. “Both have exceptional sales experience and a deep understanding of the retail market. They will work alongside one another to ensure that our independent retailers remain critical in our community and to all of bookselling.”

Contact: Casey Harrell, Senior, Director, Corporate Communications, 615.902.1109, casey.harrell@harpercollins.com

 

WESTMONT, IL— Known worldwide as a preacher, evangelist, and communicator of Scripture, the late John R. W. Stott was once named among Time magazine’s “100 Most Influential People in the World.” His books have sold millions of copies and have inspired and transformed millions throughout the world. In commemoration of Stott’s one hundredth birthday in April 2021, InterVarsity Press (USA), IVP (UK), Eerdmans Publishing, Langham Partnership, and Faithlife are partnering to honor his ongoing legacy.

Together these organizations will be releasing commemorative editions of Stott’s books, highlighting articles and sermons and sharing tributes and reviews from thought leaders. These celebrations of his work will be highlighted at the forthcoming John Stott 100 website.

Jon Boyd, editorial director at IVP Academic (USA), said, “All the most interesting thinkers are bridge builders if not boundary breakers, and Stott built bridges of conversation and insight everywhere he turned his attention, whether across the institutional barriers of university and church or into the fields of biblical studies, theology, social criticism, and leadership. Although he wasn’t employed as a scholar (can one ever be?), Stott moved easily in academic circles—but perhaps more importantly helped others to do so. He boosted the ‘street cred’ of Christian thinking on both sides of the Atlantic and of the equator (just the kind of ambassador, I can’t help thinking, that we could benefit from these days once again). His deep legacy is not only in his books but in his many students and apprentices.”

InterVarsity Press will be releasing a centennial edition of Stott’s influential book The Cross of Christ on April 13, 2021. Anne Graham Lotz, author of Just Give Me Jesus, said, “Outside of the Bible itself, this may be the best book I’ve ever read on the cross of Christ. It is thorough, thoughtful, and timely. As I read it, my mind was challenged, my heart was warmed, my faith was strengthened, and my focus was sharpened on the cross. Praise God for just giving us Jesus with nail prints in his hands and feet!”

Stott’s influence on evangelicalism throughout the world is extensive. He has written over fifty books, including various Bible studies and Bible commentaries. For many years he served as rector of All Souls Church in London, where he carried out an effective urban pastoral ministry.

New York Times columnist David Brooks once wrote (quoting the late Michael Cromartie of the Ethics and Public Policy Center) that if evangelicals chose a pope, they would likely select John Stott. As a principal framer of the Lausanne Covenant (1974), a defining statement for evangelical Christians, Stott was at the heart of evangelical renewal in the UK for more than half a century.

Andy Le Peau, who served as an editor at InterVarsity Press for more than forty years, said, “One aspect of John Stott’s multifaceted ministry that I deeply admire was his role as a Christian statesman—a decidedly vanishing breed. He never sought to divide believers, to win over people to the particulars of all his viewpoints. Rather he worked to unite Christians in the basic convictions of the faith. Stott did not emphasize the differences Christians have with one another but what we have in common. He never aimed to win so much as to be winsome. In this he was truly pastor to the world.”

Stott is best known for his many books, especially Basic Christianity (InterVarsity Press and Eerdmans), a clear statement of the gospel of Jesus Christ that has been translated into over sixty-three languages; The Cross of Christ (InterVarsity Press), which former InterVarsity Press publisher James F. Nyquist says “demonstrates the depth of Stott’s understanding and lifetime commitment”; Christian Mission in the Modern World (InterVarsity Press), in which Stott makes the case that Christian outreach must encompass both evangelism and social action; Your Mind Matters (InterVarsity Press), a forceful appeal for Christian discipleship that engages the intellect as well as the heart; The Preacher’s Portrait (Eerdmans), in which a biblically faithful portrayal of what preachers are supposed to be emerges from Stott’s reflections; and The Birds, Our Teachers (Baker and Hendrickson), a study on birds combined with biblical truths and personal anecdotes. InterVarsity Press published a biography of John Stott titled Basic Christian by Roger Steer. Stott was also the New Testament editor and a major contributor for the highly acclaimed Bible Speaks Today commentary series. 

As Stott’s main publisher in the US, InterVarsity Press enjoyed a wonderful partnership with the man they called Uncle John. 

“Some authors and books are inextricably linked to InterVarsity Press throughout its seven decades of history. Such is the case with John R. W. Stott and books like The Cross of Christ and Basic Christianity among many others,” said Jeff Crosby, IVP publisher. “In his slim but powerful volume Your Mind Matters, Stott wrote that ‘Knowledge is indispensable to Christian life and service. If we do not use the mind which God has given us, we condemn ourselves to spiritual superficiality.’ That characterizes the profound work of this man, whose birth one hundred years ago we are joining with other of his publishers in celebrating. Through his speaking, writing, and pastoral work at All Souls Church in London, Stott challenged us to deep thinking and Christlike service.” 

Whether in the West or in the Majority World, a hallmark of Stott’s ministry has been expository preaching that addresses the hearts and minds of contemporary men and women. “From its earliest days one of the defining voices of InterVarsity Press has been John Stott. His ability to exposit Scripture in a compelling, biblically reliable, and relevant way is nearly unparalleled. During a college semester in London I had the opportunity to attend All Souls and was riveted by his hour-long sermons through key passages of Scripture,” said Cindy Bunch, associate publisher and director of editorial at IVP. “He was a balanced, centrist voice often creating a bridge between theological factions. In today’s context it is hard to find—or even imagine—a figure who can bring people together in the way Stott could. Finally, in using his royalties to fund Langham Trust, he built into leaders around the world both in his investments of travel and teaching and in providing books and theological education to equip pastors in the two-thirds world. I am grateful for his writing and for the example of his humble ministry.” 

In 1969, Stott founded the Langham Trust to fund scholarships for young evangelical leaders from the Majority World. More than three hundred Langham Scholars from ninety countries have since received doctorates and returned to teaching and leadership roles in their home cultures. Stott then founded the Evangelical Literature Trust, which provided books for students, pastors, and theological libraries in the Majority World. These two trusts continued as independent charities until 2001, when they were joined as a single charity: The Langham Partnership. Langham’s vision continues today to see churches in the Majority World equipped for mission and growing to maturity in Christ through nurturing national movements for biblical preaching, fostering the creation and distribution of evangelical literature, and enhancing evangelical theological education through the support of biblical scholars.

“I would describe John Stott as both Abrahamic and apostolic,” said Chris Wright, whom John Stott invited to take over the leadership of Langham Partnership in 2001 and is now its global ambassador and ministry director. “He was Abrahamic both as a ‘blessing to the nations’ in his global friendships and influence and also in his insistence on the obedience of faith. The gospel has not been understood and truly received if it is not also being obeyed in radical whole-life discipleship and ethical transformation. And he was apostolic both in his lifelong commitment to evangelism—faithfully preaching and teaching the good news first proclaimed by the apostles—and also in his insistence on the need for rigorous biblical teaching so that churches would grow in depth and maturity and penetrating mission in the world, not just grow bigger in numbers alone. Langham shares these convictions and strives to multiply his legacy in serving the global church that he loved.”

ORLANDO, Fla., Jan. 4, 2021 — Ligonier Ministries is pleased to announce the release of a new podcast, Ultimately with R.C. Sproul. Drawn from a lifetime of Bible study, this podcast features classic teaching moments from Dr. Sproul as well as some content that has never been released before. New episodes will be released every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and listeners can subscribe to the podcast today at UltimatelyPodcast.com.

Created to help Christians grow in their knowledge of God and think biblically about the world around them, each episode of Ultimately with R.C. Sproul is only a few minutes in length. This provides believers of all ages to regain perspective amid the noise of everyday life and focus their thoughts on Scriptural truths that matter most.

Chris Larson, president and CEO of Ligonier Ministries, said:

“People everywhere, both inside and outside the church, need to know who God is. That is why our founder, Dr. R.C. Sproul dedicated his decades of ministry to teaching the Bible, helping Christians know what they believe, why they believe it, how to live it, and how to share it. As our team has mined the deep archives of Dr. Sproul’s teaching to develop this podcast, we have been reminded of the timeless relevance of the truths he conveyed. R.C. knew that a novel message would not ultimately help anyone; it is the unchanging truth of Christ that sets us free and anchors us in every season. The Lord raised up R.C. to become one of the most gifted communicators of the Bible and theology in the last century, and we’re privileged through this podcast to bring unique moments from that teaching to people from every age and stage of the Christian life. Ultimately with R.C. Sproul is a podcast to serve the whole church, and we encourage you to share it with believers and nonbelievers alike.”

The first episode of Ultimately with R.C. Sproul is now available on Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Google Podcasts, iHeartRadio, RSS, Spotify, Stitcher, and TuneIn. Coming soon on RefNet.

About Ligonier Ministries
Ligonier Ministries exists to proclaim, teach, and defend the holiness of God in all its fullness to as many people as possible. To that end, Ligonier’s outreach today is manifold and worldwide. Founded by Dr. R.C. Sproul in 1971, Ligonier’s teaching fellowship consists of theologians, pastors, and scholars. Ligonier publishes Renewing Your Mind broadcasts, the Reformation Study Bible, Tabletalk magazine, books, and hundreds of teaching series. The ministry also offers an undergraduate degree program through Reformation Bible College. In addition, Ligonier hosts national and regional conferences, provides an online learning community through Ligonier Connect, streams 24-hour Christian Internet radio through RefNet, answers biblical and theological questions with Ask Ligonier, pursues numerous translation efforts in other countries, and makes available thousands of unique educational resources online at Ligonier.org.

CONTACT: Deborah Finnamore, Publicity Manager, 407-333-4244 ext. 1158, definnamore@ligonier.org

 

 

Colorado Springs, CO (January 1, 2021)— Publishing veteran Don Pape has announced the launch of Pape Commons: a gathering of voices. The Commons will serve the author community as not only a literary agency but also a forum for community and support of writers’ craft.

“As I’ve been Inspired by conversations with editors and authors alike, I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to steward well the next generation of voices,” Pape comments.   Confirmed projects include a YA series from Jasmine Mullen, a member of The New Respects, and a unique non-fiction project for families in divorce from Grace Casper, a graduate of Baylor University.

Most recently Pape served as publisher for The Navigators and their publishing endeavor, NavPress. In his over thirty-year career in publishing, Pape has also worked at WaterBrook and David C Cook.  Throughout his career he has seen over a dozen titles hit bestseller status and worked alongside such notable authors as Francis Chan, Liz Curtis Higgs, Madeleine L’Engle and Eugene Peterson.

Songwriter, producer and artist Charlie Peacock writes: “Don has the uncanny ability to position himself in the creative flow of what’s next. With the future identified, Don looks for where he can help best. While he’s had a very successful career as a publisher, that moniker is too small for what Don does. More accurately, he functions as an aggregator of the good – linking new, artful voices with the best, most fruitful distribution channels. Don’t misunderstand, though: Don is a dealmaker! Only his deals always make a profit. How? His work is done for the benefit of people and planet. That’s a deal I’ll sign up for.”

Pape Commons is launching with a roster that includes Peacock’s forthcoming memoir as well as such names as Grammy-award winning songwriter Wayne Kirkpatrick, Chick-fil-A executive Elizabeth Dixon, bestselling fiction author D.J. Williams, Bethel University professor Melissa Johnson, ER doctor and speaker Lina AbuJamra,  and Canadian TV star Kara Alloway.

Contact: Don Pape, (719) 648-4019 don@papecommons.com

Santa Rosa, CA – Janet Kobobel Grant, founder and president of Books & Such Literary Management, announced on January 1, 2021 that Mary DeMuth, prolific author, speaker, and writing mentor, has joined the agency as a literary agent.

Janet Grant says, “When Mary first approached me about possibly becoming an agent with Books & Such, my first thought was, ‘What a splendid idea!’ I’ve known her for decades, and I’ve long respected her as an author, speaker, and someone who gives freely of her publishing knowledge to others. Her warm, caring interest in those who are creating publishing careers will stand in her good stead as an agent, as will her publishing relationships. I’m proud to add her to our agency.”

Before she was traditionally published, Mary vowed that if she ever figured out the process, she would share it with any aspiring author. Since then, she’s been pouring into new and established authors through intensives, conference speaking, one on one coaching, and mastermind groups.

“Through these years as an author of now more than 40 books, both fiction and nonfiction, I’ve learned resiliency,” Mary says. “I’m unafraid to try new things. If anything, this is my superpower in helping authors navigate the intricacies of the publishing and platform journey.”

Mary is looking for adult nonfiction titles, particularly those with a bent toward the global church, church planting, pastoral voices, spiritual growth, and creativity and the Christ follower. She’s also interested in upmarket fiction.

Books & Such Literary Management was founded in 1996. From the onset, Books & Such broke new ground, being among the first agencies to serve the Christian market—and the first for that market headed by a woman. The agency’s tagline—Distinguishing Literature—conveys the spirit of the group of six agents. Books & Such’s focus remains on high-quality writing and manuscripts that make important contributions to society’s ongoing conversations.

Books & Such Literary Management

For more information, contact Mary at mary@booksandsuch.com

WHEATON, Ill.—Crossway is pleased to announce that Megan Hill’s book A Place to Belong: Learning to Love the Local Church (Crossway, May 2020) has been awarded the 2021 Christianity Today Book Award in the Church/Pastoral category. Created to Draw Near: Our Life as God’s Royal Priests (Crossway, January 2020) by Ed Welch was also commended with an award of merit in the Christian Living / Discipleship category.

The Christianity Today Book Awards are presented to books in fourteen different categories, including Theology/Ethics, Spiritual Formation, and Biblical Studies. According to Christianity Today’s website, winners are nominated “for the books most likely to shape evangelical life, thought, and culture.”

“These two books exemplify what we want every Crossway book to be: built on Scripture, written with excellence, with a view toward serving God’s people with grace and truth,” says Justin Taylor, Crossway’s executive vice president of book publishing and book publisher. “We thank God for this encouraging recognition of these two outstanding works from these faithful and trusted authors.”

A Place to Belong invites readers to experience the local church in light of the Bible’s testimony. Considering nine biblical terms for the church—such as beloved, brothers and sisters, saints, and gospel partners—this book equips believers to love and serve one another.

“The truth about the church shaped Paul’s experience of the church,” writes Hill. “The truth should shape us, too, so that belonging to this ordinary gathering of unremarkable people becomes one of the highest joys and greatest privileges of our lives. In the unassuming assembly of our local churches, Christ manifests his glory. Brothers and sisters, come delight in the church.”

Available in trade paperback, ebook, and audio formats, A Place to Belong has received praise from Jen Wilkin (author of Women of the Word), Nancy Guthrie (author of Even Better than Eden: Nine Ways the Bible’s Story Changes Everything about Your Story), and many others.

In Created to Draw Near, Welch shows readers the purpose for which we were created: to be brought near to God as a kingdom of priests. He traces the priestly identity throughout the entire Bible, showing us how holiness leads to closeness to God.

Available in trade paperback, ebook, and audio formats, Created to Draw Near has received praise from a variety of people including Paul E. Miller (author of A Praying Life), David Murray (Senior Pastor, First Byron Christian Reformed Church), and Jeremy Pierre (Dean of Students, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary).

Contact: Lauren Susanto, lsusanto@crossway.org  1 (630) 682-4300, ext. 6031  crossway.org

LARRY CARPENTER TO BECOME CHAIRMAN

FRANKLIN, TENNESSEE- December 15, 2020– Christian Book Services, LLC, announced today that Shane Crabtree will assume the position of President and Chief Operating Officer (COO), effective January 1^st, 2021.  Larry Carpenter will assume the role of Chairman and will remain as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

Carpenter will continue to focus on the overall strategic direction of the company, manuscript acquisition and author relations.  Crabtree will pick up day-to-day management of all book production, printing, sales and distribution.

Crabtree has a strong background in project management.  He received his BS in Physics from Wright State University and a MS in Biostatistics from Middle Tennessee State University.  He is also a graduate of Naval Nuclear Power School.  Mr. Crabtree has worked in project management, management and IT for several pharmaceutical and software companies.

Crabtree began working with Christian Book Services in 2018.  He has coordinated all product set up, data dissemination, sales reporting and worked on book production.  Through his efforts, the company has launched a significant effort in to creating audio books.  He has used his technological expertise to streamline and upgrade the company’s reporting systems and project tracking systems.

According to Carpenter, “Shane has made a huge contribution to our company.  He’s a book lover.  He loves the process of finding good books, working with our authors on the production of the books, getting the books printed, and working with our exclusive distributor, Ingram, to get the books sold and distributed.  We are proud to recognize Shane’s contribution to the company with this promotion.”

For more details on the company, go to the company’s website at www.christianbookservices.com or contact Larry Carpenter at (615) 472-1128 or at larry@christianbookservices.com.