Launch includes special pricing for ECPA members posting job opportunities

TEMPE, AZ – May 18, 2020 — The new ECPA Career Center, just relaunched this month with a new professional design and interface, now includes a robust Career Services Center for job seekers with a resume bank, career resources, job searching tips & tools, and more!

Features include the ability for job seekers to:

• Upload your anonymous resume so employers can contact you, but you maintain control of your information and choose to whom you release your information.
• Take advantage of the free resume review option.
• Expose resume to over 2500 niche career centers in the YM Career Network.
• Access the Job Seeker Career Resource Center which includes tips and tools for resume writing, interviewing, social media presence and career advancement.
• Receive an alert every time a job becomes available that matches your personal profile, skills, interests, and preferred location(s).

To add your resume, create a confidential account in the Job Seeker section. Then, select “Upload & Manage Resume” under the Job Seeker tab at the top of the site.  You can then choose “Upload resume file” or “Build resume online.”

In addition, we are offering special pricing to all ECPA member employers that are looking to hire. After selecting “Post a Job,” select the option “Introductory Job Flash™ Package Special” ($129), and these jobs will be posted for 30 days along with the new feature of Job Flash, which includes bi-monthly emails of these jobs to industry professionals. This represents a cost savings from our previous career center pricing!

“We hope this newly-designed career center will make a significant difference for our industry and members as they navigate current conditions in seeking employment and qualified candidates,” states ECPA president Stan Jantz.

ECPA is in the process of setting up profiles for each of their member publishers in order to streamline their process for posting jobs.  Contact ECPA’s Julia Borden at jborden@ecpa.org for more information.

Visit the ECPA Career Center at jobs.ecpa.org.

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

Media contact:  Stan Jantz, ECPA President and CEO, sjantz@ecpa.org, 480-966-3998

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (May 18, 2020) – Today, Thomas Nelson announced that How Great is Our God, by Louie Giglio, has surpassed more than 100,000 copies sold.

Ada, Mich. (May 6, 2020) — Baker Academic is proud to announce that Introducing Evangelical Theology (ISBN 9780801097690; Ebook ISBN 9781493416776; $29.99) by Daniel J. Treier was awarded the 2020 Christian Book Award® in the Bible Reference Works category by the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA).

The May 5 announcement called Introducing Evangelical Theology “A meaty but manageable introduction to the convictions and arguments shaping contemporary evangelical theology.” For a complete list of the 2020 ECPA Christian Book Award winners, please visit https://christianbookawards.com/winners.html. According to ECPA, the Christian Book Awards “recognizes the absolute highest quality in Christian books.” It is “based on excellence in content, literary quality, design, and impact.”

Introducing Evangelical Theology offers students a biblically rich, creedally structured, ecumenically evangelical, and ethically engaged introduction to Christian theology. Daniel Treier, coeditor of the popular Evangelical Dictionary of Theology, discusses key Scripture passages, explains Christian theology within the structure of the Nicene Creed, explores the range of evangelical approaches to contested doctrines, acquaints evangelicals with other views (including Orthodox and Catholic), and integrates theological ethics with chapters on the Ten Commandments and the Lord’s Prayer.

Daniel J. Treier (PhD, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School) is Knoedler Professor of Theology at Wheaton College Graduate School in Wheaton, Illinois. He is the author of Introducing Theological Interpretation of Scripture and has coedited several books, including the Evangelical Dictionary of Theology and the award-winning Dictionary for Theological Interpretation of the Bible.

Baker Academic serves the academy and the church by publishing works that further the pursuit of knowledge and understanding within the context of Christian faith. Building on our Reformed and evangelical heritage, we connect authors and readers across the broader academic community by publishing books that reflect historic Christianity and its contemporary expressions.

Contact: Shelly MacNaughton, (616) 676-9185 smacnaughton@bakerpublishinggroup.com

The NLT Life Application Study Bible, Third Edition, and Kirby McCook and the Jesus Chronicles Earn Prestigious Recognition

CAROL STREAM, ILL. (May 6, 2020) – The Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) has announced the 14 winners of the 2020 Christian Book Awards® in 12 categories—which included a tie in the Bibles category and a double win in the New Author and Christian Book of the Year categories. Tyndale House Publishers was recognized with winners in two categories: The NLT Life Application Study Bible, Third Edition, which was a co-winner in the Bibles category, as well as Kirby McCook and the Jesus Chronicles, which captured a win in Young People’s Literature.

Trusted and treasured by millions of readers for more than 30 years, the Life Application Study Bible is the top-selling study Bible available today. The NLT Life Application Study Bible, Third Edition has been thoroughly updated and expanded, offering even more relevant insights for understanding and applying God’s Word to everyday life in today’s world.

“When a Bible receives such an honor you can only be grateful to see God’s Word lifted up,” said Jim Jewell, Brand Director, Life Application Study Bible. “To have the Third Edition of the NLT Life Application Study Bible so appreciated brings into view the multitude of people who have labored on this Bible through the decades–from the four young Youth for Christ leaders writing study notes on 3 X 5 cards in the 1980s, to the multi-generational team that has once again crafted the notes and articles so they’ll be sharp and helpful to this and future generations.”

Kirby McCook and the Jesus Chronicles, written by Stephen Arterburn and M.N. Brotherton and released in September 2019, is described as “Captain Underpants meets the Bible” (but in a reverent manner). Twelve-year-old Kirby McCook, mentored by his grandfather, leads his rambunctious friends through the Bible in this creative and fun Bible storybook. Bible stories laced with middle-grade humor help teach kids that Jesus has been part of the story from the beginning and can be found throughout the Bible, from Genesis through Revelation.

“We are honored to receive this award and thrilled for Steve and Marcus,” added Linda Howard, Associate Publisher. “We pray that Kirby’s humor and fresh approach to scripture will help young readers to establish a love of God’s word and a deep faith in Jesus.”

The full list of winners is available at https://christianbookawards.com/winners.html. Tyndale’s finalists are available at https://mediacenter.tyndale.com/news/eight-tyndale-house-titles-named-finalists-for-2020-christian-book-awards.

For additional information about all Tyndale books and Bibles, visit www.tyndale.com.

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.

Since its founding in 1962, Tyndale House Publishers has been a voice to trust for generations of readers. Today, Tyndale is one of the largest independent Christian publishers in the world. Tyndale’s mission is to make the Bible accessible to as many people as possible in language that they can relate and respond to. Tyndale publishes the Holy Bible, New Living Translation (NLT) and offers nonfiction books that equip readers with Christ-centered insight, counsel, and life-improving stories. In addition, Tyndale publishes fiction from fresh new voices and celebrated authors alike, capturing the imagination of millions of readers. With a deep understanding of the importance of nurturing future generations, Tyndale also publishes children’s products that make God’s Word and wisdom come alive. Tyndale’s independent status allows it to follow its founding model, giving a majority of annual revenue—more than $100 million throughout its history—to charitable missions. With every book purchased, Tyndale readers help meet the physical and spiritual needs of people around the world.

ECPA Recognizes the New Believer’s Bible with Prestigious Diamond Award

CAROL STREAM, ILL. (May 6, 2020) – Tyndale House Publishers (@tyndalehouse) has announced that its New Believer’s Bible NLT has sold more than 10 million copies. By reaching that plateau, the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) has recognized the New Believer’s Bible with its Diamond Award, which is presented to books that have sold more than 10 million copies. The ECPA has presented its Diamond Award to only eleven books in the history of the award: http://christianbookexpo.com/salesawards/. The most recent title that received such recognition was The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman (Moody Publishers) in 2015.

“Almost twenty years ago, thanks to my friends at Tyndale, I had the honor of digging through God’s Word and, by way of notes and sidebars, leading an upstart believer through the twists and turns and truth of this amazing book,” said Greg Laurie, General Editor of the New Believer’s Bible and senior pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Riverside, California. “That edition of the New Believers Bible has sold more than 10 million copies worldwide.”

First published in 1996, the New Believer’s Bible NLT received its newest update in March 2020. Uniquely designed to help the new Christian read, study, and understand the Bible, it includes features that help Christians develop and deepen their faith while providing a foundation for their new life in Christ.

“Now there’s a brand new revised and updated edition of the New Believer’s Bible available,” added Laurie. “And not only does it include my original notes, but I’ve added many new ones to help today’s readers better understand the power of the incredible story of creation, the fall of mankind, and redemption through Jesus Christ found throughout its pages. I could not be more grateful for the chance to introduce this Bible to a new generation . . . of new believers.”

This expanded edition has been newly typeset and includes the original New Believer’s Bible’s notes and features plus expanded treatment of the existing topics alongside some new ones from Start! The Bible for New Believers. All content has been refreshed for today’s language and needs.

The New Believer’s Bible contains a number of special features to give you the biblical knowledge you need to grow as a Christian:

• Cornerstones cover the basics of Christian belief. Here you will learn about the Trinity, angels, Satan, Heaven, hell, forgiveness, peace, joy, love, and other essential teachings of the Bible.
• First Steps help you know God and his plan for you. Discover how to know you are saved, find the right church, study the Bible, resist temptation, talk with God, and much more.
• Off & Running shows you how you can enjoy God’s blessings and direction in all areas of your life: career, marriage, family, finances, and relationships.
• Big Questions tackle those difficult issues you may be dealing with right now as a new believer.
• How You Can Know God: Discover how to be saved and how to be assured of your salvation.
• Glossary of Christian Terms: An explanation of key biblical and doctrinal terms in language you can easily understand.
• Special Charts: A resource that highlights key biblical information.
• Fifty-Two Great Bible Stories: A brief summary, Scripture reference, and page number for some of the best-loved stories from God’s Word.
• Prophecies about Jesus: A list of Old Testament prophecies about Jesus and how they were fulfilled in the New Testament.
• Memory Verses: Effective steps for memorizing God’s Word; highlights over 130 of the most important verses to commit to memory.
• How to Study the Bible: An easy-to-follow strategy for getting the most out of your Bible reading. It also includes two simple reading plans.
• Overview of the Bible: A concise overview of each book of the Bible, including author, date, style, and summary of the contents.

In addition, Tyndale is offering a YouVersion reading plan called New Believers: 7 Steps for New Christians that provides an excerpt and seven steps for new Christians that is available at: https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/19459/

Additional information about the New Believer’s Bible is available at www.Tyndale.com/sites/newbelieversbible.

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.

Since its founding in 1962, Tyndale House Publishers has been a voice to trust for generations of readers. Today, Tyndale is one of the largest independent Christian publishers in the world. Tyndale’s mission is to make the Bible accessible to as many people as possible in language that they can relate and respond to. Tyndale publishes the Holy Bible, New Living Translation (NLT) and offers nonfiction books that equip readers with Christ-centered insight, counsel, and life-improving stories. In addition, Tyndale publishes fiction from fresh new voices and celebrated authors alike, capturing the imagination of millions of readers. With a deep understanding of the importance of nurturing future generations, Tyndale also publishes children’s products that make God’s Word and wisdom come alive. Tyndale’s independent status allows it to follow its founding model, giving a majority of annual revenue—more than $100 million throughout its history—to charitable missions. With every book purchased, Tyndale readers help meet the physical and spiritual needs of people around the world.

#1 Amazon Best-Selling Kids Bible Helps Make the Bible Accessible for the Whole Family, Providing Relief and Hope in Challenging Times

NASHVILLE, May 7, 2020 — FaithWords, a division of Hachette Book Group, and Minno Kids are pleased to announce its Laugh and Grow Bible for Kids* has won the 2020 Christian Book Award in the Children’s category. Written by VeggieTales® Creator Phil Vischer, the Laugh and Grow Bible for Kids was originally released in September 2019 and quickly became the No. 1 best-selling book in Amazon’s “Children’s Bible” category.

“We are thrilled that Minno’s Laugh and Grow Bible for Kids has been honored with the Christian Book Award for Best Children’s Book. A lot of hard work, creativity, and passion went into creating this Bible and it is wonderful to be recognized in this way by the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA),” said Erick Goss, CEO and Co-founder of Minno and former senior manager at Amazon. “We set out to create a Bible that made the Gospel and other Bible stories fun and accessible to the whole family, and we are so proud and grateful for the positive response.”

The Minno Laugh and Grow Bible for Kids is more than a children’s Bible storybook, it’s a deep, engaging, laugh-out-loud gospel experience. It will guide readers from Genesis to Revelation, retelling beloved Bible stories AND tackling challenging questions like “What is sin?” and “What is the Trinity?”

Each story is vividly illustrated, takes just five minutes to read, and includes a family connection to encourage family Bible study and help readers learn, talk, and pray together! PLUS, bonus content connects the dots of each Bible story, making the Minno Laugh and Grow Bible for Kids a family devotional Bible that provides a big picture, applicational view of the Biblical narrative.

The Minno Laugh and Grow Bible for Kids, as well as its companion Bible for toddlers-Minno Laugh and Grow Bible for Little Ones-is available wherever you buy the books you love. Visit laughandgrowbible.com to check out all of our retailers.

*Previously published as the Laugh and Learn Bible for Kids.

Facts about the Laugh and Grow Bible for Kids

• This is the FIRST EVER storybook Bible from Phil Vischer; author, film-maker, writer with over 70M children’s products sold
• It is connecting families in new and spectacular ways to share a whole new Bible experience
• It is unlike any other children’s Bible with companion resources that include: printed book, e-book, and audiobook narrated by author, Phil Vischer.
• Check out the press website-click here.

About the Christian Book Awards
Presented annually, the Christian Book Award® program honors the “best of the year” in 12 categories. Five finalists are chosen in each category unless there is a tie. This year’s winners were announced live during the Celebration of the 2020 Christian Book Awards that took place by webinar on May 5, 2020. The Christian Book Award® program recognizes the highest quality in Christian books and Bibles and is among the oldest and most prestigious awards programs in the religious publishing industry.

About Minno
Minno is a Nashville-based children’s digital media company partnering with Christian parents to provide safe, values-based choices for their families. Minno’s offering includes an ad-free subscription video-on-demand platform, along with Minno Life, an expert-driven parenting blog, Minno Kids, its book publishing division, and the Minno store, a digital shopping platform. Minno seeks to entertain, inform and inspire-encouraging kids and parents to laugh and grow together.

CONTACT: Press@inspire.buzz, 323-379-5180

HarperCollins Christian Publishing congratulates the three winners and eleven finalists from Thomas Nelson and Zondervan

Nashville, Tenn. (May 7, 2020) – Zondervan is honored to have three books receive 2020 Christian Book Awards. These awards have been presented annually since 1978 to honor the “best of the year” in 12 categories. The winners in each category are typically awarded at the ECPA Executive Leadership Summit. However, this year’s in-person event was cancelled due to COVID-19, and a virtual celebration was hosted on May 5, 2020 to recognize the recipients of the distinguished awards.

The winning titles from Zondervan are:

• Audio – Palau by Paul J. Pastor narrated by Cástulo Guerra, produced by Gabe Wicks/HarperCollins Christian Publishing – (Zondervan Books)
• Bible Study – The Logic of God written by Ravi Zacharias – (Zondervan Gift)
• Devotion and Gift – Settle My Soul: 100 Quiet Moments to Meet with Jesus written by Ruth Schwenk and Karen Ehman – (Zondervan Gift)

Between Thomas Nelson and Zondervan, HarperCollins Christian Publishing also had 11 titles named finalists in eight out of 12 categories.

• Audio – It’s Not Supposed to Be This Way written and narrated by Lysa TerKeurst, produced by Gabe Wicks/HarperCollins Christian Publishing – (Thomas Nelson, Nelson Books)
• Audio – Voice Only Audio Bible – New King James Version narrated by Simon Bubb, produced by David Angus/HarperCollins Christian Publishing – (Thomas Nelson, Thomas Nelson Bibles)
• Bibles – NIrV The Illustrated Holy Bible for Kids – (Zondervan, Zondervan Bibles)
• Bible Reference – Zondervan Essential Companion to Christian History written by Stephen Backhouse – (Zondervan, Zondervan Academic)
• Bible Reference – Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament: Romans, General Editors – Frank Thielman and Clinton Arnold – (Zondervan, Zondervan Academic)
• Children – Just in Case You Ever Wonder written by Max Lucado, illustrated by Eva Tharlet – (Thomas Nelson, Tommy Nelson)
• Christian Living – Rhythms of Renewal written by Rebekah Lyons – (Zondervan, Zondervan Books)
• Faith and Culture – Shrewd Samaritan: Faith, Economics, and the Road to Loving our Global Neighbor written by Bruce Wydick – (Thomas Nelson, W Publishing)
• New Author – The Color of Compromise; The Truth About the American Church’s Complicity in Racism written by Jemar Tisby – (Zondervan, Zondervan Reflective)
• Young People’s Literature – Show Up for Your Life by Chrystal Evans Hurst – (Zondervan, Zonderkidz)
• Young People’s Literature – BibleForce Devotional: The First Heroes Devotional by Tama Fortner – (Thomas Nelson, Tommy Nelson)

“We are thrilled to have 14 books recognized by the Christian Book Awards this year,” said Mark Schoenwald, president and CEO of HarperCollins Christian Publishing. “When these works were written, our authors never would have guessed the unprecedented struggles our nation would face in 2020. However, the God-honoring content our authors produced is serving people across the globe as they navigate this new normal. I am grateful to see their work celebrated by the Christian book industry. Congratulations to all of the well-deserved winners and finalists.”

For more information on this year’s winners and finalists please click here.

About HarperCollins Christian Publishing: The world’s leading Christian publisher, HarperCollins Christian Publishing Inc., comprises both Thomas Nelson and Zondervan publishing groups in addition to Olive Tree Bible Software.  The Company produces bestselling Bibles, inspirational books, academic resources, curriculum, audio and digital content for the Christian market space.  Also home to BibleGateway.com, the world’s largest Christian website, and FaithGateway.com, an online community dedicated to helping people grow in their faith. HarperCollins Christian Publishing is headquartered in Nashville, TN with additional offices in the U.S., Mexico and Brazil.  For more information visit www.HarperCollinsChristian.com.

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

VIRTUAL ECPA MEETINGS AND EVENTS WELL ATTENDED

Despite the restrictions placed on in-person gatherings, ECPA was able to convene a trio of virtual industry meetings and one event last week. In every case, the attendance topped anything experienced in previous years.

The ECPA board responds to posed questions at the ECPA Member Meeting and Town Hall webcast on May 6.

On Monday, May 4, the ECPA board and its five standing committees met via Zoom to consider matters crucial to the ongoing effectiveness of Christian publishing. Following the election by voting members conducted by electronic response, two new board members were acknowledged by the ECPA board: Tina Constable, WaterBrook/Multnomah Publishing Group; and Tammy Gaines, Abingdon Press/UMPH. Additionally, two outgoing board members were thanked for their service to ECPA: Byron Williamson, Worthy Publishing, past chair; and Tim Murphy, Urban Ministries Inc., past treasurer.

The following board officers were approved by the board: Jeff Crosby, InterVarsity Press, chair; Dan Kok, Crossway, vice-chair; Dan Baker, Baker Publishing Group, treasurer; Barb Sherrill, Harvest House Publishers, secretary; and Mary Burns, Barbour Publishers, director-at-large.

On Tuesday, May 5, the Christian Book Award® winners webcast was streamed via Microsoft Teams, powered by The knk Group. Besides announcing the winners in 12 categories, host Stan Jantz revealed the ECPA Book of the Year. Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy by Mark Vroegop, published by Crossway, took home the honors.

“It was a total ECPA team effort to conceive, plan, and then execute of this important virtual event,” said ECPA president Stan Jantz. “Julia Borden and Cindy Carter in particular ramped up quickly in their knowledge of what it takes to produce a quality online event, and we were grateful to the experts at knk for helping us deliver something of value to the industry.”

Nearly 350 people watched the Christian Book Award webcast, more than twice the number that typically attends the event in person. Although this award program is for the benefit of ECPA publishers, several authors whose books were finalists were able to watch as well.

On Wednesday, May 6, ECPA held its first ever virtual Member Meeting and Town Hall, moderated by ECPA board chair Jeff Crosby. The business of the annual member meeting is to officially approve the election of board members and also to recognize those companies and individuals who have joined ECPA over the past year. Two voting members, six small press publishers, nine industry affiliates, three international associates, and one individual affiliate were welcomed to ECPA.

Immediately following the member meeting, the ECPA board participated in a virtual Town Hall. Again, the number of attendees to both the member meeting and the Town Hall far exceeded the attendance at any such meetings in the past. Registered participants were able to submit questions in advance, and viewers watching the live Town Hall could ask questions by using the Q&A feature on Zoom. Nearly every ECPA board member fielded  or commented on a question.

A recording of the Christian Book Award® winners webcast is available here.
The ECPA Member Meeting and Town Hall recording is available to ECPA members and affiliates by request.

CAROL STREAM, Ill. (May 7, 2020)—Karen Stiller, senior editor of the Canadian magazine Faith Today, has written The Minister’s Wife, a memoir in essays that transports you into one woman’s life, while inspiring you to think differently about your own. Karen never expected to be a minister’s wife. And the life she discovered was more challenging—and more beautiful—than she could have anticipated. As she shares her own deep-from-the-heart experiences, she welcomes us to join her on a rich, difficult, yet ultimately grace-filled journey through real-life stuff like forgiveness, marriage, family, doubt, loneliness, and much more.

We all wrestle with tough questions about life and faith, and Karen Stiller has learned that answers don’t come any easier when you’re married to a minister. What does it mean to live faithfully in our complicated world? Is there a place here for me—the real me? What does everyone expect of me, and what if I fail? In The Minister’s Wife, Karen shines a light on the rhythms and tough realities of the spiritual life for every one of us. She explores how community helps us grow; the unexpected beauty of doubt; the messy pain of families and funerals; how church can hurt and heal; and the beauty of showing up when sometimes it’s more appealing to go to a coffee shop on a Sunday morning (even when you’re the pastor’s wife).

Warm, witty, and achingly honest, The Minister’s Wife is a memoir in essays on choosing to belong and an invitation to join Karen on a spiritual adventure.

Regarding this release, associate publisher Sarah Atkinson said, “Karen Stiller invites us to peek behind the curtain and see into the private world of a minister’s wife. Everyone expects you to appear perfect—to model an ideal marriage, family, and faith—but you know you’re as flawed and complicated as the rest of us. Karen brings the life of a minister’s wife to light in a warm and winning way, writing with both utter love and raw honesty. It is an absolute privilege to publish an author of Karen’s caliber, and I can’t wait for the world to read her words. This book will be a blessing to anyone who knows and loves a minister’s wife.”

Karen Stiller is a writer with more than twenty years of experience. She serves as a senior editor of the Canadian magazine Faith Today and as a journalist who has shared stories from refugee camps in South Sudan and Uganda, the slums of Senegal, and the countryside of Cambodia. Her work has appeared in Reader’s Digest and The Walrus, among other publications. She moderates the Religion and Society Series at the University of Toronto, a debate between leading atheists and theologians. Karen holds a master of fine arts in creative non-fiction from University of King’s College, Halifax. She lives in Ottawa, Canada.

Karen is represented by Westwood Creative Artists Ltd.

Since its founding in 1962, Tyndale House Publishers has been a voice to trust for generations of readers. Today, Tyndale is one of the largest independent Christian publishers in the world. Tyndale’s mission is to make the Bible accessible to as many people as possible in language that they can relate and respond to. Tyndale publishes the Holy Bible, New Living Translation (NLT) and offers nonfiction books that equip readers with Christ-centered insight, counsel, and life-improving stories. In addition, Tyndale publishes fiction from fresh new voices and celebrated authors alike, capturing the imagination of millions of readers. With a deep understanding of the importance of nurturing future generations, Tyndale also publishes children’s products that make God’s Word and wisdom come alive. Tyndale’s independent status allows it to follow its founding model, giving a majority of annual revenue—more than $100 million throughout its history—to charitable missions. With every book purchased, Tyndale readers help meet the physical and spiritual needs of people around the world.

Contact: Katie Dodillet, katiedodillet@tyndale.com, 630-784-5275.

WHEATON, Ill.—Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy by first-time author Mark Vroegop has been named the 2020 Christian Book of the Year by the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA). The Christian Book of the Year “represent(s) the year’s best book or Bible for its literary merit and extraordinary impact.”1 Vroegop also won the award in the New Author category. Untangling Emotions by J. Alasdair Groves and Winston T. Smith was awarded the top prize in the Christian Living category.

Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy (Crossway, March 2019) seeks to restore the lost art of lament in order to help readers discover the power of honest wrestling with the questions that come with grief and suffering. Drawing on examples from the Bible and his own story of loss, Vroegop walks through the steps of lament (Turn, Complain, Ask, and Trust) to show what lament is, why it is important, and how to enter into it—teaching the grieving to live between the poles of God’s goodness and the pain of a hard life. More information about the author can be found at markvroegop.com.

Untangling Emotions (Crossway, March 2019) explores how God designed emotions for good and shows readers how to properly engage their emotions—even the more difficult ones like fear, anger, shame, guilt, and sorrow—so they can better understand what emotions reveal about their hearts and handle them wisely in everyday moments. “The Bible has a lot to teach us about emotions,” write Groves and Smith. “It’s true that Scripture warns us about the dangers of emotions. . . . But it also teaches us that they are an indispensable part of being human and play a crucial role in our relationship with God and others.”

“What a joy to see the industry recognizing the value and ministry potential of these books,” comments Justin Taylor, Crossway’s executive vice president of book publishing and book publisher. “Even though both books were published well before the global outbreak of COVID-19, it strikes me that their messages—both, in a sense, about how God wants us to feel about what we feel—are especially timely in these difficult days. One of the reasons that Crossway exists is to provide resources that give hope, comfort, and biblical recalibration, so it is gratifying to know that these books are being used among God’s people.”

The ECPA Christian Book Award® program awards winners in 12 categories, including Bibles, Biographies & Memoirs, Faith & Culture, and Ministry Resources. The program “recognizes the highest quality in Christian books and Bibles and is among the oldest and most prestigious awards programs in the religious publishing industry.”2

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

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

1. “About,” Christian Book Award, ECPA, 2019, accessed May 6, 2020, https://christianbookawards.com/about.html.
2. ibid.