“If we have experienced the life-changing love of Jesus, we will be overflowing with love for God and others. It’s that simple.” – Francis Chan

Colorado Springs, CO (February 15, 2021) — The global Christian Church seems to become more divided each day. Some leaders work to fabricate the appearance of unity through detailed doctrinal statements, but this misses the point. Sophisticated theological discussions are not the solution because they do not address the root problem.

In his new book Until Unity, New York Times best-selling author and international Pastor Francis Chan suggests that division exists among believers when they stop growing in their love for God and for one other. While holding out hope for unity, Chan insists that divisions will only be overcome when Christians accept THE source of unity. “I know I will be mocked for my simplicity,” he writes. “But love really is the answer.”

“We are currently the most divided faith group on earth, and there isn’t a close second. We have thousands of denominations and ministries, each believing their theology or methodology is superior,” writes Chan in Until Unity (David C Cook, April 1, 2021). “The saddest part of this is that our Savior was crucified to end our divisions, commands us to be united, and says we will impact the world when we become one. We have forgotten how our divisions affect God and an unbelieving world.”

In this thoroughly scriptural treatise, Francis Chan points Christians around the globe back to the issues that mattered most to Jesus: love for God and love for neighbor (Mark 12:28–31). Chan explains how a casual, dismissive attitude toward loving unity violates each of these commands and is incredibly dangerous. Until Unity shows us:

• God grieves the division in the church, so we cannot remain indifferent.
• Unity demands a level of humility only possible by the Spirit.
• The power and witness of the church hinges on our oneness
• Unity comes at a cost, but it commands a blessing

“Jesus has said that when we become perfectly one, the world will believe that Jesus was sent by God and that God loves the world even as He loves His Son. And so, no matter how hard or illogical or uncomfortable it gets, we can’t quit pursuing this,” Chan writes. “The gospel message is incomplete without the picture of the unified church. There is no plan B. I hope God raises up an army of Spirit-filled people from all denominations who are eager to fight for unity in all humility and gentleness.”

David C Cook is supporting the launch of Until Unity with advertising, digital and social media efforts as well as a national publicity campaign. Francis Chan is available for a limited number of press interviews.

Francis Chan has been a pastor for over thirty years. He is a New York Times bestselling author of several best-selling books including Crazy Love and Letters to the Church. He and his wife, Lisa, have been married for nearly 30 years and co-authored You and Me Forever. Currently, Francis and his family split their time between ministry and church planting in Northern California and Asia.

David C Cook is a nonprofit organization dedicated to publishing and distributing leadership and discipleship resources to help Christians all over the world grow in their faith and pass it on to the next generation.

Until Unity by Francis Chan
Available April 1, 2021, from David C Cook
Trade Paper, 224 pages, US $17.99, ISBN 9780830782727

For review copies, excerpt permission and author interviews, contact McClure Muntsinger Public Relations: Jana@mmpublicrelations.com

WESTMONT, IL—InterVarsity Press has announced the launch of a new line of books, IVP Kids, with the first titles releasing in October 2021. The current list of authors for IVP Kids includes Ned Bustard, Dorena Williamson, Luci Shaw, Ruth Goring, Lacy Finn Borgo, Esau McCaulley, Flo Paris Oakes, Katy Hutson, and Tish Harrison Warren.

Cindy Bunch, associate publisher and director of editorial at IVP, said “IVP Kids picture books will emphasize and build on key areas of strength for InterVarsity Press: justice and spiritual formation. The initial lineup of authors and topics has seemed to flow quite naturally out of these commitments. I am looking forward to the launch of the line.”

The first IVP Kids book is scheduled to release on October 12 and is titled St. Nicholas the Giftgiver by Ned Bustard. This book tells the story of Saint Nicholas, a very kind bishop whose generosity was motivated by his devout faith. That generosity has inspired people all over the world for generations and gave birth to the legend of Santa Claus.

Bustard said, “I am thrilled that IVP is launching IVP Kids and honored that my work is one of the first stories to grace the line. Additionally, it is a joy to have this particular story of mine chosen. I have been working on it on and off for over two decades—writing and rewriting it to try and get the balance right. I love church history, and I love stories of enchantment, and in this book I have sought to combine them both together. My hope is that St. Nicholas the Giftgiver will stir together history and legends in such a way as to provide wonder.”

Bustard is a graphic designer, children’s book illustrator, author, and printmaker, and he has lectured at colleges, schools, churches, conferences, and bars. Some of the books he has written, illustrated, or edited include It Was Good: Making Art to the Glory of God, The Chronicles of Narnia Comprehension Guide, Bede’s History of ME, History of Art: Creation to Contemporary, The Reformation ABC’s, and Revealed: A Storybook Bible for Grown-Ups.

The second book from IVP Kids, releasing on October 26, is The Celebration Place by Dorena Williamson. This fully illustrated book casts a prophetic vision for what the worshiping church, the body of believers, is intended to be. With a special mention of the work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, The Celebration Place reminds us that the unity and diversity of God’s kingdom is not only a heavenly manifestation but something to be joyfully lived out now. Williamson has a passion for all children to hear the message of God’s diverse kingdom. She writes children’s books that adults need too and is the author of ColorFull, ThoughFull, GraceFull.

Williamson said, “I am honored to partner with the new publishing venture IVP Kids! In 1995 I said yes to God’s call and planted a multiracial church with my husband. For twenty-five years, I’ve experienced the joy of worshiping and doing life with people from different ethnic and cultural backgrounds. The Celebration Place is an expansive view of that beauty and a taste of God’s kingdom here on earth as it is in heaven!” 

Other titles that are scheduled for IVP Kids include

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The O in Hope by Luci Shaw and illustrated by Ned Bustard (November 2021)

Shaw’s poem uses the letter O to point to examples of hope and love. Paired with Bustard’s art, these words and illustrations will bring delight to readers of all ages.

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Isaiah and the Worry Pack by Ruth Goring (November 2021)

One evening when Isaiah admits that he can’t sleep because his mind is cluttered with his fears and worries, his mom uses a guided-imagery activity to help him recognize the relief and joy of trusting Jesus with all of our cares.

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All Will Be Well by Lacy Finn Borgo (Spring 2022)

Borgo tells the story of a young girl, Julian, whose beloved grandmother is dying. Julian’s interaction with her grandmother is an opportunity to learn more about Julian of Norwich and that we can trust God with all things because he loves us.

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(Tentative title) Josey Johnson’s Hair and the Holy Spirit by Esau McCaulley  

In this story, Josey and her dad spend a Saturday in preparation for a special Sunday at church. In the process, Josey learns about the goodness and beauty of God’s design of diversity in his kingdom.

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(Tentative title)  Little Common Prayers by Flo Paris Oakes, Katy Hutson, and Tish Harrison Warren

This collection of short prayers for all occasions and experiences (play time, rest time, car rides, school days, joy, sadness, wonder, etc.) is meant to help children and parents in their everyday family faith formation together. These prayers are simple with thoughtful language that is honoring to both the child who prays and to God who listens. Oakes and Hutson are forming members of the children’s band Rain for Roots.

Jeff Crosby, IVP’s publisher, said, “Throughout our seventy-three history, InterVarsity Press has maintained a unique commitment to meet readers in their undergraduate years and walk alongside them with the publication of thoughtful Christian literature throughout the rest of their life. It’s always been our desire to nurture a commitment to lifelong reading, and at various times in the past we have published books for younger readers, including John White’s Archives of Anthropos series and John Bibee’s Spirit Flyer books. However, IVP Kids represents a new direction as we seek to share with children content regarding things that matter deeply to God, things like discipleship, formation, and how to live lives of mercy, justice, and peace in a world desperately yearning for that. I am delighted by the titles we have lined up for the early months of IVP Kids and look forward to the effect these books will have on young readers for years to come.”

Check out this video to learn more about IVP Kids:

Award will recognize and amplify authors of color and their stories

FEBRUARY 15, 2021 – TEMPE, ARIZ. – The Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) has launched a new award within The Christy Award® program called the Christy Own Voice Award.

The Christy Own Voice Award is intended to elevate and recognize authors of color and their stories in the Christy Award program; while raising awareness of The Christy Award® opportunity among Christian fiction writers of color.

“The Christy Own Voice Award is a significant step in the ongoing efforts of Christian publishers to advance BIPOC authors and the stories they tell,” states ECPA president Stan Jantz.  “We are grateful to the Christy Advisory Committee and consultant Jevon Bolden for their important input and development of this program.”

The Christy Award® was established in 1999 to acknowledge the value and impact of Christian fiction. Since that time, the Christy’s have been a focal point for storytellers and their publishers, symbolizing the best aspirations and accomplishments of those who write from a perspective of faith.

The Christy Own Voice Award will recognize works from authors of color whose book topic, setting or character/s, borrow from the author’s own experience or perspective as a person of color.  The novel must first be entered into a traditional Christy Award category, and can be nominated — at no additional cost — to also be evaluated for the Own Voice Award.

The Christy Own Voice Award can be presented in any year to a fiction book nomination that meets the submission criteria for a Christy Award entry; is nominated as an “Own Voice” novel per the defined criteria; and that judges have determined as worthy for award.  A book’s entry for the Own Voice Award will not affect its nomination for The Christy Award® in its entered category.

Beginning this year, publishers and individual authors have the option to nominate titles for Own Voice Award consideration when they submit their entries for The Christy Award.  The nomination period for The Christy Award® is March 1-31, 2021 with submissions available in nine fiction categories.

Last October, ECPA hosted a webinar as part of the Christy Art of Writing program called “Conversations on Diversity & Inclusion in Christian Fiction” with literary agent Jevon Bolden (Embolden Media), publisher Jamie Lapeyrolerie (WaterBrook), and writers Tasha Jun and Rachel Kang.  The discussion gave authors guidance on how to amplify the voices of authors of color, how to be authentic when writing characters of a different racial or ethnic background, and why diverse stories have a staying power beyond the current cultural moment. That recorded conversation – and the resources given at that webinar — are now available on the ECPA website.

The Christy Own Voice Award is among several ECPA initiatives that help resource Christian publishers toward their desire to advance diversity and inclusion in their publishing programs.

For more information, visit ChristyAwards.com/Own-Voice.

For more information about submissions for The Christy Award program, visit https://www.ecpa.org/page/christy_submissions.

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

The Christy Award® is the foremost award honoring and promoting excellence in Christian fiction since 1999, and is named for Catherine Marshall’s novel, “Christy,” which has sold over 10 million copies since its publication in 1967. ECPA assumed ownership and administration of the award in 2017 to focus and grow the unique opportunity of fiction in Christian publishing. ChristyAwards.com

Media Contacts:
Stan Jantz, President & CEO, sjantz@ecpa.org, 480-966-3998 ext. 101
Cindy Carter, Awards & Recognition Manager, ccarter@ecpa.org, 480-966-3998 ext. 103

Scott James helps parents answer their children’s questions about keeping themselves and others safe and well 

Being sick can be a scary thing, especially for children. God Cares for Me: Helping Children Trust God When They’re Sick (New Growth Press/February 8, 2021) by Dr. Scott James shows both kids and their parents that God is right there with them in their time of need, even in the middle of a pandemic. Not only can they trust him to take care of them, but they also have the privilege of imitating him while caring for others.

Kids are always full of questions, and parents are sure to have heard some of these in recent months: Why do we have to wear a mask? Why can’t we see Grandma and Grampa today? What if I get sick? Dr. James uses the true-to-life story of Lucas to help with the answers to these often-difficult questions.

When Lucas wakes up with a sore throat, his parents show that God is always caring for him—even when he doesn’t feel well. They remind Lucas that Jesus is with him even during difficult days, and he can always go to Jesus and ask for help, especially when he is scared or worried. When he visits the doctor, Lucas also learns how important it is to care for those around him and to make sure that everyone does their best to not let others get sick.

As children follow Lucas through his sick day, they will discover how God cares for them and how they can care for others when they are sick. This timely book helps parents and caregivers talk with children about illness and how they can show God’s love to their friends and family by helping to keep them safe. They will also learn that although anyone can get sick, God is caring for them and will be with them through whatever they face.

“I think of this book as COVID-relevant, but not COVID-specific,” James explains. “The broader theme of helping children walk through times of pain and suffering is central to my role as a pediatrician and is something I often think through from a pastoral perspective as well. God Cares for Me follows Lucas through a sick day and a scary visit to the doctor’s office, but the bigger story is how God provides comfort and care all along the way. My prayer is that whatever illness a family might be facing, this book will be a reminder that God is a trustworthy refuge and fortress (Psalm 91:2).”

God Cares for Me is part of the God Made Me Series which equips parents to have important, impactful conversations with their children, helping them to grow in understanding of God, themselves, and others. Each book in the series illustrated by Trish Mahoney contains a special section just for parents and caregivers that provides biblical guidance and offers additional information and resources for talking about the topic addressed in the story.

“My hope is that this book will spark ongoing conversations within families. The back section, ‘Talking with Kids about Sickness,’ gives parents a few suggestions on how to navigate those conversations. I encourage parents to approach these difficult topics in a way that acknowledges the hard reality of what it’s like having to deal with pain and suffering, but consistently points to the comforting truth that God has not left us to manage on our own,” shares James.

Matt Smethurst, author and Managing Editor of The Gospel Coalition recommends God Cares for Me saying, “Here is the heart of a father, pastor, and experienced doctor brought to bear on the heart of a fearful child. I can’t envision a Christian family with young kids who shouldn’t own this book and regularly rehearse its truths.”

God Cares for Me: Helping Children Trust God When They’re Sick
by Scott James, Illustrated by Trish Mahoney
February 8, 2021 / Hardback / Retail Price: $15.99
Print ISBN 978-1-645071-92-1
Religion / Christian Ministry / Children

Scott James, MD, serves as an elder at The Church at Brook Hills. He and his wife, Jaime, have four children and live in Birmingham, AL, where he works as a pediatric infectious diseases physician.  He is the author of two family worship books, The Expected One: Anticipating All of Jesus in the Advent and Mission Accomplished: A Two-Week Family Easter Devotional, as well as the illustrated children’s books The Littlest Watchman, Where Is Wisdom?, and God Cares for Me.
James has also been a columnist for ParentLife Magazine and a contributor to online outlets such as The Gospel Coalition, Story Warren, Radical, ERLC, and LifeWay. He serves the ERLC as a Senior Research Fellow and has been a speaker at ERLC events. He partners with Focus on the Family as a member of their Physician Resource Council and also serves as a Fellow for the Center for Baptist Renewal.  Follow Scott James on Twitter (@scott_h_james) and Instagram (@scott_h_james).

Trish Mahoney is a graphic designer and illustrator in Salem, OR 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

 

Ada, Mich. (February 9, 2021)—Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, is pleased to announce that they have signed a new contract with Shannan Martin, author of Falling Free and The Ministry of Ordinary Places.

Her first of the two books will focus on practical and tangible ways to love one another fully by engaging in the hard work of kinship and mutual belonging within vastly divided community.

“There is no zip code, no cul-de-sac, no apartment complex, or stretch of dirt road where belonging isn’t actively taking shape,” Martin said.

Scheduled for a fall 2022 release, the book will unpack the metaphor of a garden, challenging readers to move from independence to interdependence, from individualism to the strength of community, and bloom together in the Kingdom of God.

“We are thrilled to partner with Shannan and serve her ever-growing readership,” said Kelsey Bowen, Revell acquisitions editor. “Thousands of readers gravitate to her because of her incredible work, which is always drenched in beauty, grace, and honesty. What Shannan writes about is what she does on the ground in her everyday life—that work of actively loving her neighbors and local community. It’s an honor to collaborate with her on her next two books. Her words may be timely, but they’re also enduring in any cultural atmosphere.”

Martin says, “I’m excited to be linking arms with Revell. At the heart of this book is the quiet belief that faith is meant to be more than daily quiet time and regular church attendance. It’s personal to a degree, yes. But it’s not private. I want to invite readers to consider the Kingdom of God, the connection we all share, in all its vibrancy, complexity, and surprise. We are a garden and we all belong to one another.”

Shannan Martin, author of The Ministry of Ordinary Places and Falling Free, is a speaker and writer who found her voice in the country and her story in the city. Martin, her jail-chaplain husband, Cory, and their kids, live as grateful neighbors in Goshen, Indiana, where she works as a cook at a community soup kitchen.

Revell Books provides books that inspire and equip readers, offering them hope and help for daily life. Learn more at www.RevellBooks.com.

Contact: Kelli B. Smith, (616) 676-9185 x 394 ksmith@bakerpublishinggroup.com

The 2021 Taipei International Book Exhibition moved online amid concerns over COVID-19. It adjusted its run, from the original offline plan to finish on January 31 to a new schedule which keeps all its digital offerings available through May 31.

The book fair was hosted by the Ministry of Culture of Taiwan with the Guest of Honor country, Korea.

At the opening ceremony at 11:30 am on the 26th, a congratulatory message from Taiwanese Minister of Culture Mr. Yung-Te Lee, a greeting message from the Chairman of the Korean Publishers Association, Mr. Yoon Chul-Ho, and a special reading performance video clips were presented through the YouTube channel.

International publishing forums and online pitching programs to share knowledge and information, copyright exchange, and network of publishing experts in Korea and Taiwan were also held. In the pitching program, 14 publishers and agencies from Korea and 15 publishers from Taiwan participated in various copyright exchanges, including the export of published contents.

Christian publishing company Urim Books, an international member of ECPA, introduced the biblical figure book series:  “Abraham, the Friend of God,” “Jacob I Have Chosen, Descendant of Abraham, My Friend,” and “Joseph, A Passage to God’s Covenant.” They also presented another book series entitled “Spirit, Soul and Body”(Volume1)(Volume2) to the Taiwanese publishers and agencies.  Also, Urim’s 10 titles were introduced through the book fair’s official website.

(Nashville, TN) February 4, 2021—Thomas Nelson announced today that Jennifer Gingerich will become the next associate publisher for Nelson Books, a nonfiction imprint of Thomas Nelson.  Gingerich has spent more than fifteen years working within the publishing industry in writing, editorial, and content development.

As associate publisher, Gingerich will lead the editorial strategy for Nelson Books, overseeing the editorial process and helping to shape the acquisitions strategy for the imprint. She will also assume day-to-day management of the editorial production team.

Gingerich’s experience includes leading and directing content development for Ramsey Solutions and working with brands like Financial Peace University and Foundations in Personal Finance for high school and college students.  She has worked with titles such as the No. 1 New York Times bestseller Smart Money, Smart Kids by Rachel Cruze and Dave Ramsey and highly-rated The Legacy Journey: A Radical View of Biblical Wealth and Generosity by Dave Ramsey.  Other projects include national bestselling titles Everyday Millionaires and Retire Inspired by Chris Hogan, and The Proximity Principle by Ken Coleman.   Gingerich also spent four years at Thomas Nelson working with children’s products including Veggie Tales® VBS and Read & Share® Bible Preschool Curriculum.

Tim Paulson, v-p and publisher for Nelson Books commented, “Jennifer has dedicated her entire career to the written word, crafting great books and building amazing teams.  We are thrilled to have her breadth of knowledge and experience on the Nelson Books team.”

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 multiples 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, Tenn. For additional information visit www.thomasnelson.com.

(February 5, 2021) – Today, the Parable Group released its 2021 State of Christian Retailing report, providing data and insights into the current climate within the Christian retailing industry. Progress, pandemic challenges, and important industry findings are explored to help strengthen business and ministry in the year ahead.

Drawing on $58 million in sales data and 1.7 million consumer receipts reported to ParableConnect by 230 U.S. Christian retailers—along with nationwide survey results—the report highlights include: comparisons of bestsellers across channels, leading trends in product categories, analysis of year-end sales, strategies for retail growth, and stories of exemplary retailers.

The report also highlights surprising key findings: Christian retail sales after the March-May 2020 shutdowns have continued to comp prior year’s sales. Overall, same-store sales were slightly up (0.9%) during the second half of 2020. Additionally, a January 2021 nationwide survey revealed that 87% of Christian retailers indicated a positive outlook for the future.

“We have been surprised and delighted once again by the resiliency and tenacity of independent Christian retailers,” stated Greg Squires, President of The Parable Group. “Amid disruption and business shutdowns, these retailers have persisted with fortitude and fervor. And, based on the findings presented in our report, we can see that their loyal shoppers have supported them even in the toughest of times.”

To view the report, click here. For a guided tour of the report, join industry peers on The State of Christian Retailing webinar, to be held on February 10th 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

Newburyport, MA, February 1, 2021 — Media Do International, the US based subsidiary of Media Do Ltd., in Japan, today announced that they have acquired all of the shares of Quality Solutions/Firebrand Technologies and NetGalley from their current shareholders. Fran Toolan, founder and CEO of the companies, will remain on as CEO for a minimum of three years.

“We are very pleased to bring Firebrand and NetGalley into the Media Do family,” says Daihei Shiohama, CEO of Media Do International. “We have long respected the works of the Firebrand Group, and are very excited about the prospects of working closely with them in the future.”

CHICAGO, IL—Independent Publishers Group (IPG) is excited to announce the formation of new in-house field sales representation, led by Michael Riley, vice president of sales, as part of a series of growth initiatives moving into IPG’s 50^th anniversary in 2021.

“This is an opportunity to deepen our relationships with booksellers and partner with them more closely to bring independent voices to readers,” said Riley.

This new field sales team will work directly with independent bookstores and other trade accounts in the US, complemented by IPG’s experienced corporate team who work directly with national accounts, library and education accounts, and special sales accounts.

IPG plans to hire dedicated field sales representatives in the spring of 2021. Focusing on three territories—East Coast, Midwest, and West Coast—these locally established sales reps will work directly in those geographic locations to establish closer ties between IPG and the stores and chains located throughout. Newly hired Trade Sales Manager and publishing veteran Chris Conti will lead the field sales team, focusing specifically on the Midwest territory.

As part of this expansion and reorganization of field sales, IPG is parting ties with their current commission sales representatives effective May 1.

Added Riley, “Our reps have been valued colleagues supportive of independent publishing for many years, and we thank them for their work on behalf of IPG and its publisher clients.”

IPG continues to be represented by the Manda group in Canada, which reports to Scott Hatfill, IPG’s director of international sales.

Throughout 2021 IPG will be announcing further plans tied to their 50^th year in book publishing and distribution.  Previously announced expansions tied to the 50^th anniversary include:

• Chicago Review Press Acquires Fulcrum Publishing Titles
• Triumph Books and Authentic Brands Group Launch Sports Illustrated Frontlist Books

Further details surrounding 50^th anniversary plans can be found at www.ipgbook.com/50th.

Contact: Alisse Goldsmith-Wissman | Publicity Manager | 312.337.0747 | agoldsmithwissman@ipgbook.com