Start a New Christmas Tradition Centered on Giving

Nashville, TN — The true spirit of Christmas often gets lost in busyness of the season. As the events of 2020 have made us slow down and shift some of our priorities, this year is the perfect time to refocus on the joy of giving and honor the real reason for Christmas: Jesus’ birth. With The Giving Manger (WorthyKids/ October 13, 2020/ISBN: 9781546034223/ $39.99), creators and sisters Allison Hottinger and Lisa Kalberer offer a faith-based interactive family tradition that encourages acts of kindness.

Each Giving Manger box set contains a hardcover picture book, a wooden manger, a bundle of straw, and a sturdy Baby Jesus figure—everything a family needs to start the tradition in their own home. The included book, The Giving Manger, uses a story to introduce families to how the tradition works and gets children excited about participating.

The Giving Manger tells the story of a family who shifts the focus of their Christmas. Young Anne and Ben always look forward to Christmas. Each year their dad makes a special wooden toy for them, but he tells them this year will be different. They are starting a new tradition, and there will be more gifts this year, starting December 1. The kids misunderstand, thinking they will be getting more gifts, but instead, the gifts are given by them to others. Initially disappointed, the children quickly change their attitudes when they see the joy that doing kind things and giving to others brings.

“This is a special story to us because it represents the same shift we’ve seen in our own families,” Kalberer shares. “The focus used to be lists and what the kids were going to receive for Christmas, but in adopting The Giving Manger the focus shifted to what we can give. Christmas is different in our homes than it used to be, and we couldn’t be happier about it!”

Once the family reads the story together, it’s time to place the empty manger in a prominent spot in the house. In the days leading up to Christmas, family members place a piece of straw in the manger each time they perform a kind deed or act of service. Filling the manger will become a fun, interactive project for the entire family, prompting even young children to look for ways to love and serve others.

As the family works together to fill the manger with straw, both hearts and home will be filled with the joy and contentment that comes not from wish lists and getting, but from giving and loving others. On Christmas Day, the family will place the baby Jesus in the manger—now full of the straw that represents the acts of love and service done in honor of Jesus’ birth.

“As we began to raise our own families, we often felt like the true meaning of Christmas and the spirit of giving was getting lost in the hustle and bustle of the season. We wanted to start making the season more about giving and showing kindness to others,” says Hottinger. “We originally made the tradition just for our own family, but when we told friends about what we were doing, we had so many friends who wanted one too!”

In the back of The Giving Manger, readers will also find a list of activities as inspiration. Each act of kindness does not need to be a grand gesture, but can be simple gestures such as putting away a brother’s shoes, drawing a picture for a grandparent, helping to empty the dishwasher without being asked, or leaving a candy cane and a note for the mail carrier. The goal is to become more kind and giving-minded in daily life so that the actions come naturally all year round.

Each item in the box is built to last so families can keep the tradition going year after year.

Visit www.thegivingmanger.com for a downloadable activity list and to take part in a letter writing service project.

Allison Hottinger and Lisa Kalberer are sisters who are passionate about giving back. As they began to raise their own families, they realized that the true meaning of Christmas and the spirit of giving was getting lost in the hustle and bustle of the season. They put pen to paper, wood to the saw, and clay in their hands to create the book, manger, and Baby Jesus that make up The Giving Manger–a complete tradition to help families focus on the real meaning of Christmas. They hope that The Giving Manger can spread kindness and promote service as families come together and shift the focus of Christmas from getting to giving. Allison lives in Ladera Ranch, California, and Lisa lives in Austin, Texas.

Learn more at www.thegivingmanger.com and on Facebook (@thegivingmanger) and Instagram (@thegivingmanger).

For review copy and interview information, contact: ajenningspr@gmail.com or 903-874-8363.

(October 22, 2020) – The Parable Group, a California-based marketing agency and media group, today unveiled two web-based, data-driven initiatives designed to drive traffic into Christian retail stores—local Branded Websites and a complete revamp of the Get It Local Today website platform.

Branded Websites, which launched mid-September, provide retailers a cost-effective and modern website solution with powerful features for their customers. Each site contains a full Christian product offering and displays the store’s on-hand inventory (from nightly POS feeds) allowing customers to conveniently reserve items online and pick them up in-store—reducing health risks and bypassing shipping delays amid the pandemic.

The new websites have been well-received by independent retailers, including Dove Christian Supply,  Cedar Springs Christian Store, Dightman’s Bible Book Center, and Parable Christian of St. Joseph & Hallmark Gold Crown, with over 50 websites launched in advance of Christmas. Christian retailers who need a new store website this fall can fill out this interest form.

Additionally, the web-based Christian store-supporting platform Get It Local Today has been revamped and enhanced. The platform, which launched in 2018 in coordination with Covenant Group, offers shoppers receiving promotional emails from publishers—or shopping on publisher websites—the option of buying products at local Christian stores as an alternative to Amazon and big-box retailers. Recent website improvements include an updated modern look, upgraded user experience, enhanced search, and an expanded product database. Get It Local Today is free for retailers and publishers; hundreds of Christian retailers are signed up to participate—representing a nationwide and industry-wide network.

Christian retailers can enroll here; it only takes a few minutes for a retailer to give permission to allow their store to be listed and set up for data reporting, letting customers know which products are in stock at their store.

“Our aim is to help retailers thrive in their ministry and adapt to a fast-changing marketplace, says Greg Squires, President of The Parable Group. “We’re honored and delighted to serve a broader network of Christian retailers with data-driven technology solutions that connect local customers to the life-giving products in their stores.

To learn more about Branded Websites or Get It Local Today, visit The Parable Group’s Retail Help Center 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

WESTMONT, IL-InterVarsity Press (IVP) is pleased to announce a groundbreaking new initiative to continue its reputation as a leader in multiethnic publishing. The Every Voice Now (EVN) initiative features a sizable fund underwritten jointly by InterVarsity Christian Fellowship and IVP for the purpose of supporting the development, marketing, and sales of books by authors of color as well as aiding in the recruitment of diverse staff and the deepening of the organization’s cultural competency.

“The Every Voice Now initiative is rooted in IVP’s long-standing vision and values, and it seeks to both pursue and elevate voices of color while also recruiting and retaining staff of color who will contribute to and help shape our company’s mission to the university, the church, and the world,” Jeff Crosby, IVP’s publisher, said. “I’m grateful for the Every Voice Now leadership team that has given wings to this dream, and I support it wholeheartedly.”

The initiative is led by a diverse group with more than seventy years of publishing experience among them:

• Terumi Echols, Director of Finance, Fulfillment, and Operations
• Al Hsu, PhD, Senior Editor
• Maila Kim, Events Marketing Coordinator
• Helen Lee, Associate Director of Strategic Partnerships and Initiatives

In addition to the fund, the initiative will launch The Every Voice Now Podcast; hosted by Kim and IVP author Ed Gilbreath (Reconciliation Blues, Birmingham Revolution); it features stories of IVP authors of color on the road to the publication of their books. “The Every Voice Now Podcast reveals the challenges that writers of color face on their journey to becoming published authors,” said Lee, who serves as the producer of the podcast. “Our hope is that listeners will gain a greater appreciation for the work of these authors and better understand the ways in which systemic issues still create barriers for BIPOC in publishing.”

Season 1 featured authors include:

• Esau McCaulley, Reading While Black
• Robert Chao Romero, Brown Church
• Chandra Crane, Mixed Blessing
• Antipas Harris, Is Christianity the White Man’s Religion?
• Juanita Rasmus, Learning to Be
• Liuan Huska, Hurting Yet Whole
• Nikole Lim, Liberation Is Here
• A. D. “Lumkile” Thomason, Permission to Be Black
• Mark Charles, Unsettling Truths

Authors of color who are well acquainted with IVP’s commitment to diverse authors have heralded the initiative as yet another positive step forward in an industry that is still largely white-dominated. Author, speaker, and pastor Brenda Salter McNeil said, “I am thrilled to learn about Every Voice Now. This initiative is yet another example of IVP’s long-standing commitment to support authors of color. I’m very proud of my own publishing journey with IVP and believe that EVN will provide even more support and encouragement to both new and established authors of color.”

“I’m excited to be a part of the Every Voice Now initiative,” said Robert Chao Romero, author of Brown Church and the leadoff guest for The Every Voice Now Podcast. “Many give lip service to the importance of diverse perspectives in the Body of Christ—this initiative is a tangible step.”

Dominique Gilliard, author of Rethinking Incarceration, said, “Every Voice Now is a vitally important initiative that will continue to open the door to BIPOC authors who have lacked equitable access in the world of publishing. EVN is the latest example of IVP’s enduring commitment to amplifying the scholarship of authors of color. IVP has a rich history of identifying, supporting, and creating space for authors of color—including myself—and this new initiative will only enhance their commitment. EVN will be a rich blessing to the church!”

Promotional efforts for the platform will begin the week of October 26; for more information about the Every Voice Now initiative, The Every Voice Now Podcast, and a listing of recent/forthcoming books by IVP authors of color, visit the Every Voice Now website or follow @EveryVoiceNow on Twitter or Instagram.

For more information regarding the initiative, please contact Krista Clayton, Associate Director of Publicity (kclayton@ivpress.com) or Helen Lee, Associate Director of Strategic Partnerships and Initiatives (hlee@ivpress.com).

Nashville, Tenn. (October 23, 2020) – Nelson Books, an imprint of Thomas Nelson, today announced two promotions within its marketing staff.  Mark Glesne will be senior director of marketing for Nelson Books, specifically focusing on Max Lucado and Lysa TerKeurst author brands, and Stephanie Tresner will become a director of marketing for Nelson Books.

Glesne joined the Nelson Books team in 2017 to lead the brand and marketing management for the Max Lucado and Lysa TerKeurst books and brands. Since that time, he has led the strategy and launch of New York Times bestsellers including Unshakable Hope by Max Lucado and It’s Not Supposed to Be This Way by Lysa TerKeurst, along with USA Today bestsellers Anxious for Nothing, How Happiness Happens, and You Are Never Alone by Max Lucado. Prior to this, Glesne served as director of marketing and digital commerce at TOL, Inc. where he oversaw marketing strategy, vision development, and brand implementation.

“Mark has done a tremendous job working with two of our most important authors, Max Lucado and Lysa TerKerust, growing their brands and titles with innovative marketing,” said Tim Paulson, v-p and publisher for Nelson Books.” He will undoubtedly take his leadership within Nelson Books to the next level in this new position.”

Stephanie Tresner joined the company in 2008, serving in various marketing and brand management capacities for Thomas Nelson. Throughout her tenure, she has spearheaded innovative marketing campaigns for New York Times bestsellers including Girl, Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis, Uninvited by Lysa TerKeurst, A Serial Killer’s Daughter by Kerri Rawson, Scary Close by Donald Miller, A Year of Biblical Womanhood by Rachel Held Evans, and I Said Yes by Emily Maynard Johnson.

“Stephanie demonstrates exceptional project management capabilities, builds trusted relationships with her authors, agents, and coworkers, and leads book marketing with creativity and deep institutional knowledge,” said Jamie Lockard, v-p of marketing for Nelson Books. “I am excited to see her step into this new leadership role as she takes on the marketing strategy and execution for many of our high priority projects.”

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

Its creative approach presents this core library essential in a fresh and exciting way

Cary, NC: Goodwill Rights Management Corporation (GRMC), a leading Christian publishing and rights services agency, today announced the release of its first audiobook, All of Grace: an innovative production that coalesces the spoken word with music for a multidimensional listening and worship experience.  Additionally, it announces the launch of Goodwill Audio, an arm of GRMC, which is dedicated to producing titles to help listeners find the freedom, grace and joy that is ours in Christ and expressed in the gospel.

This milestone is a significant move for GRMC as it responds to the increase in audiobook listeners.  According to GRMC founder and CEO Carl Dobrowolski, “We have been following this trend for quite some time and believe now more than ever that there is a tremendous demand for audiobooks for which Goodwill Audio will position itself accordingly. Look for new titles to be released late 2020.”

All of Grace proves to give understanding to the magnificence of God and the freeing sense of what it means to be loved by Him unconditionally.

This news release comes in the wake of many exciting new initiatives and accomplishments of GRMC in recent months, including:

• Spurgeon AudioBooks, a website of all things Spurgeon spurgeonaudiobooks.com
• Ask Spurgeon podcast, an imaginary interview with the great preacher himself, produced in cooperation with Dave Holdt (the narrator of All of Grace) which addresses pressing questions for those who desire to learn more about God and the gospel. Available on Apple Podcasts/iTunes, Spotify, Deezer, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Overcast, Pocket Cast, Castro, and Castbox.

To learn more about All of Grace, trends in the audio market and Goodwill Audio, read the article, All of Grace: GRMC’s Pursuit of The Gospel In Audiobook at www.spurgeonaudiobooks.com/news.

About Goodwill Rights Management Corporation: For almost two decades, the organization has been advancing the Gospel by promoting the mission, messaging, and growing platforms of its publishing and ministry clients worldwide, and now an audiobook publisher in its own right under Goodwill Audio.

Contact: Carl Dobrowolski, Goodwill Rights Management Corporation,
347-247-2106  Carl@goodwillrights.com

Nashville, Tenn. (October 14, 2020) – ICON Media Group announces the firm has hired Robin Barnett as Vice President of Public Relations. Most recently, Robin was the Director of Public Relations for Zondervan, a HarperCollins Company.

“Robin is not only one of the most respected women in the business, her experience launching impactful media campaigns for the industry’s leading voices is unparalleled,” said partner, Shanon Stowe. “She brings top-tier media and influencer relationships, and a wealth of creativity and passion to every project. As an organization, not only do we strive to bring the highest level of service and results to every campaign, but we do so with integrity. Robin Barnett beautifully emulates our core values.”

Barnett is a 12-year veteran of publishing, handling publicity for two top publishing houses, Zondervan and Baker Publishing Group. She’s launched more than 15 New York Times bestselling books and worked with household names like Ann Voskamp, Candace Cameron Bure, Rick Warren, Craig Groeschel, Jeremy & Audrey Roloff, Lee Strobel, Christine Caine, Gary Thomas, Shauna Niequist, Rebekah Lyons, Myquillyn Smith, Mark Batterson, Ty Pennington and Rascal Flatts’ Jay DeMarcus.

Some of ICON’s current book campaigns include projects from New York Times bestselling authors John Bevere, Karen Ehman, and Crystal Paine, as well as top podcast host Jamie Ivey, two-time Grammy nominee Jamie Grace, TED speaker Hannah Brencher, business coach Alli Worthington, Truth Becomes Her founder Erin Weidemann, and Kristy Cambron, creator of the Verse Mapping Bible study technique.

The firm also recently launched the national bestsellers The Vision-Driven Leader by Michael Hyatt, Strong and Godmothers by Lisa Bevere, Get Your Life Back by John Eldredge, Called Out by Paula Faris, Don’t Overthink It by Anne Bogel, and One Small Step by Dream Center Co-Founder Matthew Barnett.

Robin can be reached at robin@iconmediagroup.com. For more information, visit us at iconmediagroup.com.

ICON Media Group is proud to be a women-owned business. Launched in 2013, ICON has had the privilege of working with bestselling authors, business leaders, Bible teachers, filmmakers, non-profits and purposeful brands. We care about faith, family and justice issues and how these important topics intersect with culture and media, and we are passionate about supporting and elevating the voices of fellow Kingdom-builders.

Our team members have launched nearly 100 New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling books, hundreds of faith-based bestsellers, national events, and three of the Top 10 faith-based films in history.

Ten percent of ICON’s revenue supports causes that provide safe, sustainable employment for vulnerable women around the globe, are fighting to abolish human trafficking and address the growing hunger crisis in rural America.

Celebrate the True Meaning of Christmas
Jesus Came for Me introduces toddlers and preschoolers to the story of Jesus’s birth

Bright lights, cookies, presents, and Santa Claus. That’s usually what young children think of when it comes to Christmas. However, it’s important for them to learn what we really celebrate December 25. This year families with toddlers and preschoolers can introduce their children to the real reason for the season with Jesus Came for Me: The True Story of Christmas (New Growth Press/October 19, 2020) written by Jared Kennedy and illustrated by Trish Mahoney.

Every Christmas, we celebrate the coming of the Messiah, but what does that mean for the youngest members of the family? Jesus Came for Me helps little ones learn about the birth of Christ in a personal, memorable way. Created for children ages two to five, this beautifully illustrated board book begins with the announcement of John the Baptist’s birth to Zechariah and ends with the visit of the wise men. They will learn that Jesus is always present, and he helps us believe and wait for him.

“We celebrate that Jesus came for us on Christmas. Jesus, our great God, was born as a little baby. We should share this good news and great joy with all people—including your child,” says Kennedy. “One of the best ways to teach young preschoolers about Christmas is to start early. Start telling the story of Christmas at the beginning of Advent season. As your kids get older, have them act out the events of Luke 2. Maybe the most important thing you can do is to show your kids the impact of Christmas by giving them your time, presence, love, and joy.”

Part of the Beginner’s Gospel Story series (which includes The Beginner’s Gospel Story Bible and Jesus Rose for Me: The True Story of Easter), this conversational book simply tells the story of how Jesus came to Earth. It includes simple reflection questions to encourage family or Bible class conversations. Because of the compelling content and modern, vivid illustrations, children will live in the joy of the greatest truth of all: Jesus is with us!

“When your young children or grandchildren snuggle close this Christmas, you’ll want to have this beautifully illustrated board book close at hand,” recommends pastor and author Champ Thornton. “Jesus Came for Me will remind them of the greatest Christmas gift ever. With the freshness and clarity that we’ve come to expect from this acclaimed children’s author, Jared Kennedy brings the story of Jesus’s birth close to heart and home.”

Centering the holiday season on Jesus doesn’t mean removing all popular activities from the schedule. Kennedy encourages, “Watch that Christmas special again. Set aside times to look a Christmas lights with your family. Bake some Christmas cookies! Do all of these activities as a family and with your church community. And let your kids hear you sing those Christmas carols with joy in your heart because your Savior has come!”

Jesus Came for Me
by Jared Kennedy, Illustrated by Trish Mahoney
October 19, 2020 / Board book / Retail Price: $11.99
Print ISBN 978-1-645070-49-8
Religion / Christian Ministry/ Children

Jared Kennedy, MDiv, ThM, is the co-founder and managing editor of Gospel-Centered Family, a ministry that helps churches and families share Jesus with the next generation. He also serves as the Children’s and Family Ministry Strategist for the Sojourn Network, and is an adjunct professor at Boyce College.  He is the author of The Beginner’s Gospel Story Bible, Are You Close to God?, Jesus Rose for Me, Jesus Came for Me, and God Made Me for Worship. He has also helped to develop two VBS programs, Proof Pirates and Clap Your Hands, Stomp Your Feet.  Kennedy blogs regularly at Gospel Centered Family and contributes to The Gospel Coalition, ERLC and He Reads Truth.  He and his wife, Megan, have three daughters.  Read more from Jared Kennedy at gospelcenteredfamily.com. He can also be found on Twitter (@jaredskennedy).

Trish Mahoney is a graphic designer and illustrator in Seattle where she runs The Mahoney Studio with her husband, Patrick, also a designer and illustrator. They have two children—both budding artists too. Trish illustrated The Beginner’s Gospel Story Bible and is also the illustrator for the God Made Me series.

For review copy and interview information, contact:
Audra Jennings – audra@newgrowthpress.com – 903-874-8363

[NASHVILLE, TENN., October 19, 2020—] Dr. Sean McDowell is a leading Christian voice on hot-button and controversial topics, including evolution, atheism, evil and suffering, pornography, sexuality. A popular apologist, speaker, podcaster and bestselling author, McDowell brings a Christian worldview to difficult cultural situations.

In his latest book, “Chasing Love: Sex, Love, and Relationships in a Confused Culture” (B&H Publishing, December 2020), McDowell takes on the world’s view of sex, love and relationships. He shares that culture’s view of love is built on a pursuit of self and one’s desires. The Christian worldview, in contrast, comes from Jesus’ invitation to reorient the focus of our lives, so that instead of chasing love for selfish gain, we are first and foremost to give love—to God and to others.

McDowell says, “The point of this book is to motivate readers to chase a bigger question, namely, ‘How do I seek God and His kingdom in my relationships with other people?’ In other words, what does it mean to truly love God and love other people?”

In “Chasing Love,” McDowell tackles some of the toughest questions with which Christians struggle in today’s sex-saturated culture, including:

• How does Jesus speak to singleness?
• What does the gospel say about LGBTQ issues?
• Can sexual sin truly be forgiven?
• Is pornography a big deal?
• How can we address sex abuse?

“Whether readers get married someday or remain single, Jesus invites them to the great task of loving God and loving other people just as he loved them first,” McDowell says. “This book focuses on doing this by loving God and others with our sexuality and in our relationships in the unique cultural moment that we find ourselves.”

“I hope readers will be encouraged to focus on trusting God and his grace amidst their daily struggles. As they understand that forgiveness and growth are part of the process, then they can follow God’s design for sex, love and relationships.”

“Chasing Love” stems from the True Love Waits movement, which began in 1993 as a Bible study resource and social campaign among teens. True Love Waits is a call for teenagers to declare sexual purity for themselves and openly among their peers. “Chasing Love” comes alongside this movement to provide Biblical context for current issues of sexual purity surfacing among today’s teens. In his book and in the “Chasing Love” Bible study, McDowell provides practical counsel on how we can embrace a life of purity by loving God and loving others with both our body and our soul.

McDowell is a gifted communicator with a passion for equipping the church, and in particular young people, to make the case for the Christian faith. He is an Associate Professor in the Christian Apologetics program at Talbot School of Theology, Biola University. Traveling throughout the United States and abroad, McDowell is a popular speaker for camps, churches, schools, universities, and conferences. He has spoken for numerous organizations, including Focus on the Family, Cru, Youth Specialties and Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

McDowell is the author, co-author or editor of more than 20 books. LifeWay Christian Resources will simultaneously release a companion study book to “Chasing Love”: “Chasing Love Teen Bible Study Book.” In this nine-session Bible study, McDowell focuses on what it means to love God and others with our sexuality.

Find out more online at chasinglovebook.com. 

Dr. Sean McDowell is a gifted communicator with a passion for equipping the church, and in particular young people, to make the case for the Christian faith. He connects with audiences in a tangible way through humor and stories while imparting hard evidence and logical support for viewing all areas of life through a Biblical worldview. McDowell is an Associate Professor in the Christian Apologetics program at Talbot School of Theology, Biola University.

Traveling throughout the United States and abroad, McDowell speaks at camps, churches, schools, universities and conferences. He has spoken for organizations including Focus on the Family, the Chuck Colson Center for Christian Worldview, Cru, Youth Specialties, Hume Lake Christian Camps, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and the Association of Christian Schools International. He is the co-host for the Think Biblically podcast, which is one of the most popular podcasts on faith and cultural engagement.

McDowell is the author, co-author or editor of more than 20 books, including “The Fate of the Apostles,” “So The Next Generation Will Know” (with J. Warner Wallace), “Evidence that Demands a Verdict” (with Josh McDowell), “Same-Sex Marriage: A Thoughtful Approach to God’s Design for Marriage” (with John Stonestreet), “Is God Just a Human Invention?” (with Jonathan Morrow) and “Understanding Intelligent Design” (with William A. Dembski). McDowell is the General Editor for “A New Kind of Apologist,” “Apologetics for a New Generation,” “Sharing the Good News with Mormons” and “The Apologetics Study Bible for Students.” He has one of the leading apologetics blogs, which can be read at seanmcdowell.org.

McDowell lives with his wife, Stephanie, and three children in San Juan Capistrano, California.

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.

October 16, 2020 — WHEATON, Ill.—Crossway is pleased to announce innovative updates to the Bible browsing experience on crossway.org. With more people shopping for Bibles online, being able to compare Bibles and easily see each one’s distinctive design and content is increasingly important. By updating and improving search and filter capabilities, Crossway seeks to provide customers the opportunity to make the most informed and knowledgeable Bible purchasing decisions.

Featuring a brand-new landing page on crossway.org/bibles, Bibles will now be grouped by category—study, journaling, children and youth, text only, devotional, and premium—making it easier for customers to compare Bibles in a nuanced and specific way. A variety of consumer-friendly filter options are also available to ensure customers find the Bible that’s right for them. Filters range from availability, retail price, and size to format, features, cover material, color, and layout.

High-quality studio photography and videography will be available for every product, helping customers visualize each Bible’s unique features, as if they were shopping in-store. The new browsing interface also allows users to compare multiple Bible interiors side-by-side, helping them to see different  layout, text size, and study content options.

“Crossway’s design, digital, and marketing teams have worked hard to create an outstanding browsing experience that will help customers navigate the growing selection of ESV Bible editions,” notes Don Jones, Crossway’s chief publishing officer and Bible publisher. “Our hope and desire is that this new online browsing experience, with its intuitive design and extensive range of filter options, will bless the church by helping them find the Bible that is truly best for them.”

The English Standard Version (ESV) is published in a wide variety of print editions optimized for different purposes, including journaling, in-depth study, preaching, and outreach. By equipping customers with unique and powerful browsing tools in order to make informed purchasing decisions, Crossway ultimately wants to help people more deeply understand the gospel and the truth of God’s Word.

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, 1 (630) 682-4300, ext. 6031

(Colorado Springs, CO)—Magazine Training International (MTI) will head to Ghana in September 2021 to host a series of professional training events for Christians in magazine publishing. If it is possible to gain reliable Internet access for streaming, MTI plans to offer a virtual training event simultaneously. Although MTI has offered online training since 2014, this will be the first attempt to combine virtual training with an on-site experience.

The five-day Introduction to Magazine Publishing Course will be followed by a one-day limited-enrollment Hands-on Magazine Startup Workshop designed to give practical help to participants as they make plans to start a new magazine or restart an existing one. Participants in the course will receive the 240-page “Introduction to Magazine Publishing” coursebook.

The conference will conclude with a four-day Digital Publishing Workshop, where participants will learn strategies for publishing online and gain the tools they need to be successful.

Mercy Kamubra, a participant in the 2019 Introduction to Magazine Publishing course in Côte d’Ivoire, praised the course. “The training did not just encourage me to start a magazine—it showed me how. The exercises were very practical, and I am informed and motivated to do much better in my current publication and in the one I intend to start.”

Training events will be presented in English, but because Ghana is surrounded by Francophone countries, simultaneous interpretation in French will be available. The course book is also available in French.

An international team of 10 trainers will present at the three events.

MTI provides professional development opportunities to Christians in publishing in less-resourced areas of the world. The conference in Ghana is the third training event in MTI’s 10-year training program for Africa. Prior conferences were in Kenya in 2018 and Côte d’Ivoire in 2019.

About Magazine Training International:  The mission of Magazine Training International is to encourage, strengthen, and provide resources to Christian magazines as they seek to build the church and reach their societies for Christ. Over the last 31 years, MTI offered 70 conferences, courses, and seminars in East/Central Europe, Asia, Africa, and North America. In addition to courses and conferences, MTI provides online courses and workshops, free e-books, training videos, course manuals in a dozen languages, and other print digital, audio, and audio-visual materials in a resource-packed library on MTI’s website.  More information is available on our website and Facebook.

Media Contact: Sharon Mumper, President, (719) 598-9743  semumper@magazinetraining.com

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By Jennifer Howard
October 2020