BELLINGHAM, Wash., Jan. 11, 2021 – Data compiled by Faithlife, makers of integrated church technology products including Logos Bible Software, in the Year-End Song & Sermon Report provides insight into the worship songs, sermon topics and Scriptures most prevalent in churches across North America throughout 2020 and during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The 2020 Faithlife data highlights the relevancy of church leaders in meeting the needs of their congregants and community during a difficult year,” said Bob Pritchett, co-founder and CEO of Faithlife. “The words of the top worship songs and most used topics of the sermons were speaking to the issues of the day in order to offer comfort among the chaos.”

Worship Song Trends

The most popular worship song in 2020 was “Way Maker” by Nigerian gospel singer Sinach, according to the data from Faithlife Proclaim, Faithlife’s church presentation software.

“Way Maker” reached its peak popularity with Proclaim users the weekend of March 22, 2020, when almost 7% of all worship presentations included the song. “Build My Life” by Pat Barrett (the top song in 2019) was the second most popular, followed by “10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord)” by Matt Redman.

An analysis of songs bringing comfort to churches during the initial months of the COVID-19 pandemic shows an interesting mix of modern and historic hymns such as “It is Well with My Soul” and “’Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus” as well as “His Mercy Is More,” by Matt Boswell and Matt Papa. Other new songs on the list include “Goodness of God,” released in early 2019 by Bethel Music and Jenn Johnson, “King of Kings” by Hillsong Worship, and “See a Victory” by Elevation Worship.

Sermon Topic Trends

According to data from ​Faithlife Sermons,​ there were nearly 200 different topics, including ​loneliness,​ ​friendship​, ​fear,​ ​contentment or ​leadership, represented in at least 100 sermons throughout 2020.​ The most common topics included ​God,​ ​Jesus,​ ​love,​ ​faith,​ ​power​ and​ glory​.

Early in April, during the beginning stages of the COVID-19 pandemic and in anticipation of Easter, topics of ​fear, prayer, faith, suffering, comfort, grief, stress, and church ​were all trending.

Government, justice, freedom, anger, ​and ​judgment peaked in the summer months when there was a wave of civil unrest, including protests and riots following the death of George Floyd. By fall, church fellowship, service, church leadership, work, a​nd ​election w​ere most trending with peace a​nd ​hope having the largest overall sermon trend of the year with peak popularity in December, the season of Advent.

Data Information

Worship music trends are based on data from Faithlife Proclaim​ Church Presentation Software across the over 2.2 million times churches sang 7,000-plus songs together in more than 568,000 services. Insight into what topics and Scriptures pastors preached about in 2020 were compiled using data from over 60,000 sermons posted to ​Faithlife Sermons of which 75% included topic tags created by the author that describe an idea, person, or theological concept covered.

Additional data in the report includes songs that gained popularity in accordance with key calendar dates, including Easter. Father’s Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas, and the top 10 most-preached Scriptures in 2020.

To download the full Year-End Song & Sermon Report from Faithlife, visit Faithlife.com/songs.

About Faithlife:  Faithlife, based in Bellingham, Washington, with offices in Arizona and Mexico, has been using technology to equip the Church to grow in the light of the Bible for more than 25 years. Since 1992, Faithlife has developed a full suite of church management tools, academic study resources, smart digital books, and Logos Bible Software, all part of its integrated ministry platform that automates tasks and simplifies workflows. For more information, visit Faithlife.com.

Media Contact:  Melany Ethridge, 972-267-1111  melany@alarryross.com

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (January 12, 2021) –Tommy Nelson, a children’s book imprint within HarperCollins Christian Publishing, today announced the publication date of June 8, 2021 for “101 Dude Perfect Tricks, Tips, and Cool Stuff.”

Garnering more than 54 million YouTube subscribers and more than 12 billion video views, Dude Perfect has gone from making trick shots in their backyard to making fans all over the world. Dude Perfect has spent the last 11 years growing not only their brand, but also the trust of families and fans world-wide. After completing their first highly successful, nationally sold-out tour, the team is bringing even more Dude Perfection to readers everywhere.

Cory Cotton, Coby Cotton, Garrett Hilbert, Cody Jones, and Tyler Toney, all of whom were former college roommates at Texas A&M University, make up the YouTube sensation Dude Perfect.

“We couldn’t be more thrilled for this partnership with Dude Perfect,” said Shannon Marchese, vice president and publisher for Tommy Nelson. “’101 Tricks, Tips, and Cool Stuff’ brings the Dudes’ high energy and wild schemes into one place, ideal for fans who’ve wondered, ‘how did they do that?’ or any reader looking to learn something new. The Dudes have such fantastic charisma and we’re excited to bring that on to the page with this intensely dynamic book, that also happens to educate and inspire.”

In addition to secrets to top-notch stunts, the book teaches valuable lessons along the way, revealing the secret component to each activity—whether it’s teamwork, perseverance, patience or other timeless principles. Written for kids ages 8-12, this book provides something to do away from screens and teaches important lessons in the process.

Utilizing high-quality, four-color photography, kids will dive deep into the world of Dude Perfect, getting to know each of the 5 guys better than ever before. By following step-by-step instructions, the reader will be able to experience stunts and tricks designed by the guys themselves. Each trick is attainable, but also challenging enough to keep young people occupied for hours. Performed solo, or together as a family, this book will provide endless enjoyment with foundational support at every turn.

The deal for world rights was negotiated by Esther Fedorkevich, CEO for The Fedd Agency Inc. and signed by HarperCollins Christian Publishing’s senior vice president and Group Publisher of Children’s and Gift Books, Laura Minchew.

“Inspiring the type of fun, joy, and wonder seen in their videos, “101 Dude Perfect Tricks, Tips, and Cool Stuff” will not only teach kids the coolest trick shots, but also help them see the opportunities for adventure everywhere they go,” said Fedorkevich. “Who doesn’t want to learn to swish a full court basketball shot while blindfolded?”

“101 Dude Perfect Tricks, Tips, and Cool Stuff” (ISBN# 9781400217076) goes on sale June 8, 2021 for $28.99 wherever books are sold.

About Tommy Nelson:  Tommy Nelson® is the children’s division of Thomas Nelson. As a leading provider of Christian content, Tommy Nelson publishes a wide variety of high-quality, enjoyable products that are consistent with the teachings found in the Bible. Tommy Nelson’s award-winning products are designed to expand children’s imaginations and nurture their faith while inspiring them to develop a personal relationship with Jesus. For more information, visit www.tommynelson.com.

Contact: Natividad Lewis, Publicist (931) 698-9620 natividad.lewis@harpercollins.com

Media Associates International announces new dates for the LittWorld global publishing conference in Hungary. The conference will be held April 24-29, 2022—six months later than previously announced.

“Holding the conference in April 2022 offers many advantages,” MAI President John Maust said. “It will allow more time for participants to receive the Covid-19 vaccine, to regain their confidence in international travel, and to begin to recover from financial hardship caused by the pandemic.”

The decision comes with full support from the MAI-Europe host team and local chair Kornel Herjeczcki of Harmat Publishers in Budapest, who believe the April 2022 dates will result in a stronger participation by publishing staff and writers from all the world regions.

Except for the dates, plans remain the same for the coming LittWorld. Celebrated author Philip Yancey will be the keynote speaker, and the conference will be held at Hotel Azur on Lake Balaton, the largest lake in Central Europe, 60 miles from Budapest.  This will be the first LittWorld in continental Europe.

More than 200 publishing staff and writers from 40-plus countries are expected at the conference, which will have as its theme: Stronger Together: Publishing Hope Beyond Crisis.

“The pandemic has radically changed the world and work of global Christian publishers and writers,” Maust said. “How can we persevere and excel in this new environment? What is God saying to us? What should we be doing differently? How can we more effectively serve our readers? LittWorld 2022 will give us an opportunity to meet and consider these questions together.”

Maust added, “Conference plenary sessions and small group workshops will be interactive in nature. Ideas, experiences, and best practices will be shared. New friendships and networks will form. Needs will be bathed in personal and corporate prayer. In the process, participants will grow stronger together in their ministry of the published word, and countless readers will be the spiritual beneficiaries.”

Leading up to the conference in April 2022, MAI will hold virtual meetings and a writing contest tied to the conference theme.

Participants from 94 countries have attended the LittWorld conference since it began in 1986. The previous LittWorld 2018 conference in Singapore gathered more than 250 Christian publishing staff and writers from 52 countries.

Through LittWorld, MAI has seen publishing houses born; new books, magazines, and podcasts conceived; and skills refined for more effective communication. Inevitably, participants take away a new or reinforced commitment to produce content by writers in the local heart language and culture:

• “I have rarely been as inspired by anything related to my work as I was by the time with the people who gathered [at LittWorld].” –Jeff Crosby, publisher, InterVarsity Press, U.S.
• “I came home from LittWorld 2018 with many new thoughts, insights and knowledge and a deepened experience of God.  The sense of care, unity and servanthood particularly struck me.” –Joan Campbell, author, South Africa
• “It was a good opportunity for me to be at LittWorld. We have lots of foreign books and authors translated from foreign languages. We need to raise up our Ukrainian authors. LittWorld has the same vision.” –Sergey Sologub, author, Ukraine

“Come to LittWorld and share with global colleagues what God has taught us as writers and publishers,” Herjeczki encouraged.

Further program and registration details will become available. For more information, email mai@littworld.org.

Begin Again Reading Club Invites Readers to Enter 2021 with Hope

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., Jan. 14, 2021 — Award-winning and bestselling author Max Lucado, who has over 140 million products in print, is inviting people internationally to start 2021 afresh, abandoning fear, worry, and hopelessness from the crises of 2020 and looking forward to personal restoration and renewal in the new year.

The Begin Again Reading Club runs January 25–March 7, 2021, sponsored by Bible Gateway, the most visited Christian website in the world. Free registration for the event is at BibleGateway.com/Begin.

Participants in the Begin Again Reading Club will read and discuss Lucado’s just-released book Begin Again: Your Hope and Renewal Start Today (Thomas Nelson, 2021).

Over the course of the five-week interactive guided reading club, readers will learn how to B.E.G.I.N.:

• Believe in Your Trustworthy God
• Enjoy God’s Good Gifts
• Ground Yourself in His Promises
• Influence Your World
• Nurture an Eternal Perspective

They will also receive the following free downloads and online access to enhance their experience:

• Chapters 1–3 of Lucado’s book Begin Again.
• Instructions to Start Your Own Begin Again Reading Club.
• Scripture printable of Isaiah 40:31.
• Access to five devotional videos with Lucado. These videos will release week-by-week, no additional registration required.
• Access to Lucado’s online community.

“The oh-so-welcome news of Scripture is this: God is a God of fresh starts and the architect of a new design,” says Lucado. “Together, in this reading club, we’ll explore how God restores and renews every aspect of our lives.”

Watch the video of Max Lucado introducing the reading club.

The devotional videos will be available online for free January 25–March 7, 2021.

Bible Gateway ranks number one on global search engines, is part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc., and is home to more than 200 Bible versions in more than 70 languages—a trusted resource for people in more than 200 countries who rely on it every day for all their desktop and mobile device Bible reading, listening, studying, searching, comparing, and sharing needs.

CONTACT: Jonathan Petersen, 616-656-7159, jonathan.petersen@biblegateway.com

New TV Series “Faithful Finance LIVE” Now Streaming on Pure Flix

Fort Worth, Texas (January 2021) — Today, more than ever, women are filling executive roles in the workplace and passionately pursing their dreams as entrepreneurs. Yet, many are still learning the bare minimum when it comes to finances or leaving the financial planning decisions to their husbands. Entrepreneur, financial advisor of more than 20 years, and the author of the popular Zondervan book: Faithful Finance, Emily G. Stroud passionately helps people move past fear to find joy and peace in their personal finances.

In time for the new year, Stroud is continuing her popular brand with the new TV series “Faithful Finance LIVE.” Stroud and her co-host, motivational speaker and singer, Alison Gengelbach, direct viewers to take control of their financial futures without the feelings of fear or guilt. They also invite inspiring guests, including a two-time Olympic gold medalist, to share their unique stories of making positive impacts on the world.

The 30-minute talk show is debuting four pilot episodes and is now available for viewing on Pure Flix, a division of SONY Entertainment and the top streaming service for faith-based and family-focused media.

“How we manage our money must be intertwined with our faith and values,” said Stroud. “Money is not evil, and it should be used as a tool to purposely bless our families and others. Our new series shows viewers how biblically based financial planning is a source of joy, security, and hope.”

When Stroud and her husband became parents, they left behind their busy city lives and moved into a peaceful farmhouse. Stroud then took the leap of faith to move the offices of her thriving financial firm to her home, with the dream of more family time, and having the opportunity to have intimate discussions with her clients about their unique financial hopes, dreams, and fears. After a year of living in the farmhouse with a successful business and being closer than ever with her family, Stroud felt called to share her story outside of her Fort Worth clientele, and as a result, she wrote the successful book Faithful Finance: 10 Secrets to Move from Fearful Insecurity to Confident Control. Now she is inviting viewers everywhere into her farmhouse to encourage them to plan for living – not dying.

The new series discusses:

• Top financial planning issues
• Stories of those making a greater impact on the world
• Our emotional, habitual expenses that are putting us over budget
• Why charitable giving should be a top priority
• Making room for intentional travel
• Developing a budget – the #1 tool to achieve financial freedom
• How to turn a dream into a reality

In her book Faithful Finance: 10 Secrets to Move from Fearful Insecurity to Confident Control (Zondervan, 2018) Stroud offers ten life-changing secrets that work in every financial situation, for every income level, at every stage of life. With engaging stories and practical examples, Stroud empowers readers to make choices that will allow them and their loved ones to enjoy financial freedom.

About Emily Stroud
Emily Stroud is the host of the new TV series “Faithful Finance LIVE” streaming on Pure Flix and the author of Faithful Finance: 10 Secrets to Move from Fearful Insecurity to Confident Control. She owns and manages the investment firm Stroud Financial Management, Inc and holds the prestigious Chartered Financial Analyst credential. Before launching her business, Stroud held financial planning and banking positions with some of the country’s leading companies including J.P Morgan Chase Private Bank. Emily resides in Fort Worth with her husband and two kids.

Visit FaithfulFinance.com to learn more.

The FAITHFUL Book, Album, And Livestream Event Release May 1, 2021, Featuring A Collection Of Stories, Photos, Art, And Lyrics That Celebrate God’s Faithful To Women

FAITHFUL BOOK
ISBN: 978-0-8307-8173-7
FORMAT: Hardcover
RETAIL: $24.99

15 January 2021 – Nashville, TN – The ministries of Compassion International, David C Cook, and Integrity Music are thrilled to announce their collaborative release of the FAITHFUL Project, bringing together authors and songwriters Amy Grant, Ann Voskamp, Ellie Holcomb, Lisa Harper, Ruth Chou Simons, Trillia Newbell, Amanda Bible Williams and Raechel Myers (both from She Reads Truth), Christy Nockels, Kelly Minter, and many more artistic contributors. The FAITHFUL Project encompasses a book, album, podcast, ticketed livestream event, and multi-city tour, telling the story of God’s faithfulness to women throughout Scripture to the present day. The FAITHFUL book and the album FAITHFUL: Go and Speak will release Saturday, May 1, 2021. To celebrate the launch of this project there will be a ticketed livestream event presented by Compassion LIVE.

The FAITHFUL book, published by David C Cook, is an eclectic collection of written stories, lyrics, photos, and art created and curated by some of the most thought-provoking and influential Christian artists and authors of our time. Amanda Bible Williams, Ann Voskamp, Ginny Owens, Kelly Minter, Kelly Needham, Lisa Harper, Raechel Myers, Ruth Chou Simons, Sally Lloyd-Jones, Sarah Macintosh, Savannah Locke, and Trillia Newbell, along with an introduction by Amy Grant, gathered to create this keepsake book that celebrates God and the enduring legacy of women in the Bible.

Within the chapters of this extraordinary book, each author dives into the stories of women like Ruth, Esther, Naomi, Jehosheba, Anna, Rahab, Leah, Hannah, the bent over woman (Luke 13), and Mary Magdalene. Through storytelling and reflection, readers are encouraged to find hope and connection with these women whose stories are unchanging examples of God’s faithfulness. Designed to invite readers to return again and again for reflection and inspiration, FAITHFUL will increase understanding of how God has always valued the integral role of women and how He continues to guide, shape, and protect their lives today.
“I pray these words, these songs, these lessons from women of the Bible serve to bolster our faith as we find God faithful again and again,” says Ruth Chou Simons. “I’m so honored to be part of a project that ministered to my own heart first. May it do the same for you.”

The songs on the companion album, FAITHFUL: Go and Speak (Integrity Music), were co-written by the book’s authors and a celebrated group of artists/songwriters and feature collaborative performances by Amy Grant, Christa Wells, Christy Nockels, Ellie Holcomb, Ginny Owens, Janice Gaines, Jess Ray, Kelly Minter, Leslie Jordan, Rachael Lampa, Sandra McCracken, Sarah Kroger, Sarah Macintosh, Savannah Locke, Tamar Chipp, and Taylor Leonhardt with production by Nathan Nockels. This unprecedented collaboration between artists and authors has led to a stunning collection of poetry and resonance that will bless readers and listeners for years to come.

Ellie Holcomb shares about her involvement, “FAITHFUL is one of those projects that shaped me. I felt power in coming together with a group of women to tell the stories of a faithful God through the eyes of women throughout Scripture. In this project I experienced sisterhood and the beauty that comes when women simply speak about what they have seen of God. I can’t wait to see how God will use these words and melodies to stir up hope and an invitation to deeper camaraderie and community among women in the church.”

FAITHFUL will kick off with its ticketed livestream event in May, followed by a multi-city tour within the year, featuring the artists and authors involved in the project. These events are being produced by Compassion LIVE, established in 2014 by Compassion International, which produces life-changing events that share the message of faith and impact the church for children around the world.

Compassion International, David C Cook, and Integrity Music, in partnership with Halogen Entertainment, are thrilled to share this beautiful work with readers and listeners everywhere. The FAITHFUL Project is an invitation to experience and celebrate the faithfulness of God like never before.

ABOUT DAVID C COOK: David C Cook is a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving the global Church with life-transforming, Christ-centered materials. Headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colorado—with offices in Illinois, Ohio, Tennessee, and the United Kingdom—David C Cook produces resources that are published in over 150 languages and distributed in more than 170 countries. Originally founded in 1875 as a curriculum publisher, David C Cook now also publishes numerous bestselling books, resources, music (Integrity Music), and media from a variety of award-winning authors and artists. Learn more about David C Cook’s mission at DavidCCook.org.

ABOUT INTEGRITY MUSIC: Integrity Music is part of the David C. Cook family, a nonprofit global resource provider serving the Church with life-transforming materials. With offices in Nashville, Tennessee (US) and Brighton, West Sussex (UK), Integrity is committed to taking songs of substance to the local church and its leaders around the world. Integrity publishes many of the top songs in the Church, including “Great Are You Lord,” “Revelation Song,” “Open The Eyes Of My Heart,” “In Christ Alone,” “10,000 Reasons,” “Here I Am To Worship,” “The Lion And The Lamb,” “Great I Am,” and “We Believe,” among others. Integrity Music artists include Matt Redman, Lincoln Brewster, Darlene Zschech, Martin Smith, Leeland, William McDowell, Paul Baloche, David Leonard, Jon Egan, David and Nicole Binion, Tim Timmons, Sandra McCracken, Selah, Kees Kraeynoord, ICF Church, Matt Marvane, and InSalvation, along with newer artists Thrive Worship, Local Sound, Sarah Kroger, Nashville Life Music, YWAM Kona Music, MDSN, among others. Additional information is available at integritymusic.com.

ABOUT COMPASSION INTERNATIONAL: Founded in 1952, Compassion International is a Christian child development organization that works to release children from poverty in Jesus’ name. Compassion revolutionized the fight against global poverty by working exclusively with the Church to lift children out of spiritual, economic, social and physical poverty. Compassion partners with more than 8,000 churches in 25 countries to deliver its holistic child development program to over 2 million babies, children and young adults. Its child sponsorship program has been validated through independent, empirical research. Find out more at Compassion.com.

For more information, visit FaithfulProject.com.

Media inquiries please contact MERGE PR:  Stacie Vining & Lori Mahon
Stacie@MergePR.com | 615.260.4679
Lori@MergePR.com | 615.579.1266

Partnership with Holman Bibles will feature the CSB Translation 

Nashville, TN (January 15, 2021) — Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth, Founder of Revive Our Hearts, will serve as General Editor for the study notes in a new Bible from Holman Bibles (B&H Publishing). The project, which is underway now with a 2024 target release date, will feature the Christian Standard Bible^® (CSB) and fresh content leveraging Nancy’s decades-long ministry of Bible teaching.

Revive Our Hearts has impacted women worldwide by elevating God’s Word and inviting them into freedom, fullness, and fruitfulness in Christ. As founder and the lead Bible teacher, Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth brings a passion for Christ and his Word to the ministry’s digital outreaches, conference messages, books, and her two daily syndicated radio programs. The new Bible project in the CSB reinforces the ministry’s commitment to the transforming power of Scripture.

“From the time I was a young girl, the Word of God has been a cherished gift and foundational to every aspect of my life and ministry,” explains Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth. “As I have soaked in and taught Scripture through the years, my heart has become increasingly enthralled by the beauty of Christ and awed by the ‘old, old story of Jesus and his love.’ Now, as many of my personal reflections and teaching notes are to be published alongside the Christian Standard Bible (CSB) text, I hope to encourage others to plumb the riches of his Word for themselves and to experience its life-giving impact in a greater way. As this project is launched, I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to partner with the exceptional team at Holman Bibles to publish a devotional study Bible which will magnify Christ and reflect his truth into the hearts of readers around the world.”

“Through her books, podcasts, and speaking events, there are millions who have benefited from Nancy’s faithful ministry over the decades,” offers Andy McLean, Publisher for Bible & Reference, Holman Bibles, “All of us at Holman Bibles couldn’t be more honored at the opportunity to extend the Christ-exalting legacy Nancy’s ministry has come to represent through the publication of a CSB Bible featuring content captured from her years of walking through Scripture.”

Study and devotional resources, to be published alongside the CSB Bible text, will include:

• Study notes and insights from Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth’s writing and teaching ministry
• Devotional content from Nancy’s decades of personal meditation and journaling of the Word
• Articles and callouts, from Nancy’s teaching, featuring key biblical themes
• Profiles of men and women of Scripture whose lives point us to Christ
• Special emphasis on the grand, redemptive narrative of Scripture and the person & work of Jesus

This Bible project will feature the highly readable, highly reliable text of the Christian Standard Bible^® (CSB). The CSB captures the Bible’s original meaning without sacrificing clarity, making it easier to engage with Scripture’s life-transforming message and to share it with others.

Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth is the founder and lead Bible teacher for Revive Our Hearts, a ministry dedicated to calling women to freedom, fullness, and fruitfulness in Christ. For the past two decades Nancy has pointed women to God’s Word and invited them to experience true heart revival through two nationally syndicated audio programs -– “Revive Our Hearts” and “Seeking Him,” both produced in Spanish as well as English on 1,100 unique radio outlets over 2,000 times daily. Nancy has authored more than twenty books and Bible studies. Her books have sold more than four million copies and are reaching the hearts of women around the world. Nancy and her husband Robert live in southwest Michigan. www.ReviveOurHearts.com

Holman Bibles is the oldest Bible publisher in North America, publishing high quality Bibles and reference resources that are trustworthy, accessible, and useful for the pursuit of lifelong discipleship. Print and digital releases include the CSB Tony Evans Study Bible as well as the Tony Evans One Volume Commentary, The She Reads Truth Study Bible, and the Rainbow Study Bible with over 3 million copies sold. Holman Bibles is a subsidiary of B&H Publishing Group. www.BHPublishingGroup.com

Media Contact: Pamela Muntsinger, MMPR, Pamela@mmpublicrelations.com 615-294-5073

Colorado Springs, Colo. (Jan. 11, 2021) —The Bindery announces they have expanded their team with the addition of three new agents: Trinity McFadden as Literary Agent and John Blase and Estee Zandee as Associate Literary Agents. They join Ingrid Beck, Managing Director at The Bindery, who also represents a number of authors at the agency.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Trinity, John, and Estee to The Bindery team,” says Alex Field, Principal & Founder of The Bindery. “Their diverse set of experience, skill, and passion will help our agency continue to publish well and expand into new categories, which will help us better serve both our publishing partners and the authors we represent.”

Trinity McFadden worked her way up in publishing over 12 years, holding editorial and publicity positions at Baker Publishing Group and HarperCollins. Most recently she was Senior Manager of Publicity for Zondervan Books. She has worked with a diverse group of authors, including activists, scholars, celebrities, pastors, educators, musicians, columnists, influencers, and world-changers. She is interested in representing authors writing adult nonfiction, especially diverse voices and perspectives, self-help, women’s interest, compelling memoirs, science, and history. She also appreciates literary fiction, thrillers, mysteries, and children’s books. She lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with her husband and daughter. Trinity can be reached at tmcfadden@thebinderyagency.com.

John Blase spent over a decade as an editor and ghostwriter in traditional publishing, working with such names as Eugene Peterson, Ann Voskamp, Brennan Manning, and Brian Zahnd. During that time, he penned two books with his name on the spine—one of them a selfpublished poetry endeavor titled The Jubilee. At the end of the day, he tries to live by writer George Saunders’ advice: “Stop trying to teach the world something and instead refuse to be boring.” John and his wife, Meredith, have lived in Monument, Colorado, for almost twenty years. They have three children, all grown now and out living their one wild and precious lives. John’s long been a culture junkie hooked on everything from the drama of “Hill Street Blues” (which dates him) to the wonder of Game of Thrones to the thoughts of Ta- Nehisi Coates to the poetry of Taylor Swift. And he still mourns the loss of Anthony Bourdain. While loving all genres of literature, he admits a weakness for fiction, short stories, and memoir. A good story, well-told, he simply finds hard to resist. John can be reached at jblase@thebinderyagency.com.

Estee Zandee has worked in the publishing industry for ten years, since starting out as a magazine columnist in school. Earning a bachelor’s degree in professional writing, she worked her way up to editorial positions at HarperCollins Christian Publishing where she helped support a list of well-loved and bestselling authors. In 2017, Estee and her husband moved to Metro Detroit, and she launched her own literary business to serve publishers, agents, and authors with writing, editing, and coaching services. She has edited numerous manuscripts and written and collaborated on more than a dozen books with publishers such as Zondervan and Baker Publishing Group. As an agent, Estee is focused on partnering with authors to develop thought-provoking messages and great storytelling to inspire readers. Estee can be reached at ezandee@thebinderyagency.com.

Alex Field launched The Bindery in 2017 after 18 years working in book publishing and journalism. Prior to starting The Bindery, he served as vice president and publisher for two imprints of Penguin Random House, the largest publisher of trade books in the English-speaking world. The Bindery serves content creators, guiding authors they represent through every step of the publishing process, from inspiration to bookshelf. Currently, they represent authors in the categories of Commercial Fiction, Religion & Spirituality, Biography & Memoir, Parenting, Self-Help, Pop Culture, Business & Leadership, Christian Life, Science Fiction & Fantasy, and more. Current authors include Jerry B. Jenkins, Michael Todd, Ainsley Arment, Sam Acho, Ashley Lemieux, Propaganda, Sean Dietrich (known as “Sean of the South”), Dr. Gregory L. Jantz, Sally Clarkson, Dr. Derwin L. Gray, Rich Villodas, Carlos Whittaker, Mandy Hale, Danielle Strickland and more. To learn more, visit www.TheBinderyAgency.com.

Contact: Alexander Field The Bindery Principal & Founder afield@thebinderyagency.com 719-351-4897

Ada, Mich. (Jan. 5, 2020)— Revell and (in)courage, a vibrant online community founded by DaySpring, the Christian products subsidiary of Hallmark Cards, Inc., is pleased to launch four new Bible studies. The studies will lead women on a journey to discover what God has to say about living courageously for him, especially when life gets hard, messy, and just generally upside-down.

“If 2020 has taught us anything, it’s how much we need to be tethered to the unshakable truth of God’s Word and how much we need courage to follow Him,” said Joy Groblebe, Content Marketing Director for DaySpring. “We’ve been working on this for months with our whole community and we’re so excited to bring you this new study series.”

Every three months throughout 2021 a new six-week study will be available beginning with Courageous Simplicity: Abide in the Simple Abundance of Jesus. Each day of the study begins with real women from the (in)courage community talking about real life and how the real living God meets them there.

In March Courageous Joy: Delight in God Through Every Season will be released followed by Courageous Influence: Embrace the Way God Made You for Impact; and Courageous Kindness; Live the Simple Difference Right Where You Are. Pre-orders for the studies are available at book retailers, DaySpring.com, and BakerBookHouse.com. (in)courage will be taking their entire community through an online version of Courageous Simplicity beginning Feb. 1, 2021. For more information, visit incourage.me/biblestudy.

(in)courage welcomes you to a place where authentic, brave women connect deeply with God and others. Founded in 2009 by DaySpring, the Christian products subsidiary of Hallmark Cards, Inc., (in)courage is a vibrant online community that reaches thousands of women every day. Through the power of shared stories and meaningful resources, (in)courage celebrates the strength Jesus gives to live out our calling as God’s daughters. Together we build community, celebrate diversity, and become women of courage.

Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, offers practical books that bring the Christian faith to everyday life.  Whether through fiction, Christian living, self-help, marriage, family, or youth books, each Revell publication reflects relevance, integrity and excellence. For more information, visit www.RevellBooks.com.

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

Grand, Rapids, Mich. (Jan. 2020)— Zondervan, a division of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, is proud to announce the upcoming release of the NIV Grace and Truth Study Bible with General Editor Dr. R. Albert Mohler, Jr.