The First Testament and Disability and the Way of Jesus Honored by Academy of Parish Clergy, Inc.

WESTMONT, IL— IVP Academic is pleased to announce that two titles were honored by the Academy of Parish Clergy, Inc., as part of its 2020 Book of the Year and Reference Book of the Year Awards. Disability and the Way of Jesus by Bethany McKinney Fox made the Top Ten Book List for Parish Ministry, and The First Testament by John Goldingay was selected as one of the Top Five Reference Books of the Year.

In its March 30 announcement, the Academy of Parish Clergy, Inc., said, “In addition to the Book of the Year and Reference Book of the Year awards, the Academy offers The Top Ten Book List for Parish Ministry. The committee members believe these ten books display excellence and helpfulness to clergy, who are encouraged to add the books to their libraries.”

Also chosen for a 2019 IVP Readers’ Choice Award, Disability and the Way of Jesus: Holistic Healing in the Gospels and the Church provides new lenses on holistic healing for scholars, laypeople, and ministry leaders who care about welcoming all people as Jesus would. McKinney Fox believes that Christian communities are better off when people with disabilities are an integral part of our common life, and she considers how the stories of Jesus’ healings can guide us toward mutual thriving. 

Paul Louis Metzger, professor of theology and culture at Multnomah University and Seminary, said, “Bethany McKinney Fox has provided the contemporary church with an indispensable guide for extending Jesus’ holistic healing ministry for people with disabilities in analogically faithful and appropriate ways. Disability and the Way of Jesus will give many of us new lenses and free our imaginations from cultural impairments that all too often exclude those with disabilities from experiencing Jesus’ multidimensional, miraculous power in our midst. All of us who take to heart, head, and hands the Gospel accounts of Jesus’ healing ministry that this volume so ably conveys for the present time will gain new access to Jesus’ transformative touch.”

The First Testament: A New Translation offers a fresh reference text for the Old Testament and serves as an invitation to read the sacred text through the eyes of one of the most accomplished Old Testament scholars in the English-speaking world today. Gordon McConville at the University of Gloucestershire said, “John Goldingay’s volume is a magisterial work of theology, pastoral insight, and linguistic scholarship—‘magisterial’ used properly of an author who is unsurpassed in his ability to understand and teach. This translation, accompanying his Old Testament for Everyone series, is the product of years of interpretation of the Old Testament, always deeply learned, sharply accurate, and edgily communicative. It has immediately become one of the standard translations that I always consult when trying to understand any Old Testament text myself.”

Recognition of these important contributions to the spiritual and professional development of religious professionals will be given in two Zoom events, as the 2020 Annual Conference of the Academy of Parish Clergy has been canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

For a complete list of IVP award winners visit ivpress.com.

Contact: Krista Clayton | 630.734.4013 | kclayton@ivpress.com

The Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) has announced that three IVP titles are among the finalists for the 2020 Christian Book Award® program.

ECPA president and CEO, Stan Jantz, said, “More than ever, it’s important to celebrate and publicize the outstanding books and Bibles produced by ECPA publishers. The church and our nation are looking for hope, and that’s what these books represent.  We congratulate all the finalist authors and publishers for this year’s program!”

The IVP finalists include: 

Christian Living

Fearfully and Wonderfully: The Marvel of Bearing God’s Image by Dr. Paul Brand and Philip Yancey

The human body is a window into the very structure of God’s creation and a testament to God’s glory. Renowned leprosy surgeon Dr. Paul Brand and bestselling writer Philip Yancey offer a new audience timeless reflections on the body in this updated and combined edition of the award-winning books Fearfully and Wonderfully Made and In His Image. This IVP title was also honored with a 2019 IVP Readers’ Choice Award and was on the shortlist as one of the best science books for the 2019 WORLD Magazine Book of the Year.

Faith & Culture

In Search of the Common Good: Christian Fidelity in a Fractured World by Jake Meador

Common life in our society is in decline—our communities are disintegrating, our public discourse is hateful, and economic inequalities are widening. In this book, Jake Meador reclaims a vision of common life for our fractured times: a vision that doesn’t depend on the destinies of our economies or our political institutions, but on our citizenship in a heavenly city. In Search of the Common Good also received the Christianity Today 2020 Book of the Year Award for Politics and Public Life.

New Author

The Common Rule: Habits of Purpose for an Age of Distraction by Justin Whitmel Earley

This author offers four daily and four weekly habits designed to help us create new routines and transform frazzled days into lives of love for God and neighbor. Earley provides concrete, doable practices, such as a daily hour of phoneless presence or a weekly conversation with a friend. The Common Rule tied for the Christianity Today 2020 Book of the Year Award in the Christian Living/Discipleship category.

The Christian Book Award® program recognizes the highest quality in Christian books and Bibles and is among the oldest and most prestigious awards program in the religious publishing industry. Finalists and winners are selected in twelve categories. Winners will be announced at a virtual celebration on May 5.

For a complete list of IVP award-winning titles visit ivpress.com.

Contact: Krista Clayton | 630.734.4013 | kclayton@ivpress.com

Industry celebrates the year’s best Christian books and Bibles

Carol Stream, Ill. (April 1, 2020) – Tyndale House Publishers (@tyndalehouse) today announced that eight of its titles have been selected as finalists for the 2020 Christian Book Awards® by the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA). Winners will be announced during an online broadcast ceremony on May 5. (Sign up to receive information about registering for the free winners broadcast here.)

Tyndale’s eight finalists include:

BIBLES

• NLT Life Application Study Bible, Third Edition, Tyndale House Publishers, 9781496439284
• NLT Filament Bible: The Print+Digital Bible, Tyndale House Publishers, 9781496436313

BIOGRAPHY & MEMOIR

• What Is a Girl Worth?, Rachael Denhollander, Tyndale House Publishers, 9781496441331

CHILDREN

• Far From Home, Sarah Parker Rubio, Tyndale House Publishers, 9781496436733

CHRISTIAN LIVING

• Giving Is the Good Life, Randy Alcorn, Tyndale House Publishers, 9781496425935

DEVOTION & GIFT

• Made to Create with All My Heart and Soul, Lauren Duncan, Tyndale House Publishers, 9781496431271
• The One Year Book of Amazing Stories, Robert Petterson, Tyndale House Publishers, 9781496424013

YOUNG PEOPLE’S LITERATURE

• Kirby McCook and the Jesus Chronicles, Stephen Arterburn and M.N. Brotherton, Tyndale House Publishers, 9781496429773

The entire list of finalists is available at https://christianbookawards.com/finalists.html.

For more information about books and Bibles from Tyndale House Publishers, visit https://www.tyndale.com/.

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.

Nashville, Tenn. (April 3, 2020) – Thomas Nelson today announced Kyle Olund as senior acquisitions editor for W Publishing, a nonfiction imprint of Thomas Nelson.

In this role Olund will work to acquire key authors as well as discover dynamic, new Christian voices. He will also lead the entire editorial process for his acquired projects, which includes strategic editorial direction, titling, packaging, and author relationship development.

Olund rejoins Thomas Nelson with over thirty years of editorial experience, eleven of which were with Nelson Books, one of Thomas Nelson’s nonfiction imprints. In this role he worked on editorial for bestsellers including Wild at Heart (John Eldredge), Blue Like Jazz (Donald Miller), and Total Money Makeover (Dave Ramsey). Most recently, Olund has served as the executive editor for Worthy Books and FaithWords.

“W Publishing is built on forming and fostering relationships with authors, readers, and most importantly, Jesus.” said Damon Reiss, v-p, publisher for W Publishing. “Kyle’s ability to build strong relationships, coupled with his skilled editorial eye and commitment to excellence make him the right person for the job. I am thrilled to have him join our team.”

About Thomas Nelson:  Thomas Nelson is a world leading publisher and provider of Christian content and has been providing readers with quality inspirational product for more than 200 years. As part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc., the publishing group provides multiple formats of award-winning Bibles, books, gift books, curriculum and digital content, with distribution of its products in more than 100 countries. Thomas Nelson is headquartered in Nashville, TN. For additional information visit www.thomasnelson.com.

Contact: Chelsea Taff, Assistant Manager, Corporate Communications, 615-902-2137, Chelsea.taff@harpercollins.com

Nashville, Tenn. (April 6, 2020) – HarperCollins Christian Publishing (HCCP) today announced Stefanie Schroeder as the publicity director for its Gift division which operates Thomas Nelson Gift and Zondervan Gift.

Schroeder has over fourteen years of PR experience and has spent the last five managing the publicity strategy for the HCCP Children’s and Gift divisions. During this time, she has spearheaded national publicity campaigns for bestsellers including When Less Becomes More (Emily Ley), We Are the Gardeners (Joanna Gaines), Cozy White Cottage (Liz Marie Galvin), and most recently, Live! (Sadie Robertson).

As publicity director for Thomas Nelson Gift and Zondervan Gift, Schroeder will oversee the teams’ publicity strategy, determining and implementing the most effective local and national campaigns for each title. She will also maintain key media, podcast, and radio relationships, while continuing to innovate with cutting edge publicity tactics.

“Stefanie has been an integral part of HCCP’s Children’s and Gift Book teams for over five years, and has become a publicity resident expert, not just for her team but the company as a whole,” said Kristi Smith, senior director of marketing, Thomas Nelson Gift and Zondervan Gift. “Her proven track record of managing our authors and projects with expertise and grace has paved the way for this well-deserved promotion. I look forward to seeing the many successes she has in this position.”

About HarperCollins Christian Publishing:  The world’s leading Christian publisher, HarperCollins Christian Publishing Inc., comprises the Thomas Nelson and Zondervan publishing groups, Olive Tree Bible Software, BibleGateway.com, FaithGateway.com and ChurchSource.com.  The Company produces bestselling Bibles, inspirational books, academic resources, curriculum, audio and digital content for the Christian market space.   Bible Gateway is the world’s largest Christian website with more than 20 million unique monthly visitors. HarperCollins Christian Publishing is headquartered in Nashville, TN.

(April 2, 2020) LARGO, Fla.— While funds are being given for all kinds of businesses affected by the coronavirus closures, Christian Retail Association (CRA) is supporting independent Christian bookstores who carry products that are vital in these challenging times.

“While we know that the government’s $2.2 trillion bailout will help our independent Christian bookstores, they are going to need more help than that,” said Sue Brewer, Chief Operations Officer of the Munce Group, a working partner of CRA. “The products our stores have to offer are just what people need in times like this. They bring hope and encouragement, reminding us we are not alone, because God promises He will never leave us or forsake us.”

Bob Munce, president of CRA, said that most people will give to a good cause, but only Christians will give to spread the gospel. In a grassroots approach, CRA is sending information about the giving page to all vendor partners, asking them to share this initiative on their personal social media pages in order to reach outside the industry.

Donations can be given by visiting http://www.christianretailassociation.org/give-now Since CRA is a non-profit organization, all donations are tax deductible. Net proceeds will be collected by May 30, 2020 and distributed to the approximately 200 CRA member stores.

Christian Retail Association is a non-profit ministry founded by Munce Group President Bob Munce in an ongoing effort to better serve independent Christian retailers. The Munce Group was founded in October 1991 and currently serves nearly 200 member retailers across the US. The mission of the Munce Group is to provide member retailers with the highest quality Christian materials and services to equip independent Christian retailers for the work of their ministry and business. For more information, visit www.christianretailassociation.org or call 800-868-4388.

Contact: Andrea Stock, andrea.stock@munce.com

CHICAGO, IL — Having suddenly found ourselves in an unfamiliar situation of hunkering down at home, living in isolation from our communities, learning to live with this new normal, and dealing with many uncertainties, we are looking for guidance and inspiration on how to be faithful to what God has entrusted to us, how to take care of the people we love, how to be neighborly (while social-distancing, of course), and how to be productive and disciplined—all while keeping our eyes on Jesus.

On Thursday, March 19, Moody Publishers launched a “Rethink Rhythms. Find Joy” campaign to offer practical encouragement in this unprecedented time. A key resource offered in this campaign are curated daily videos newly created by Moody Publishers authors.

“Last week, our team gathered together on a video call (like the rest of the world) to best think how we could serve our readers in these unexpected days. We put out a challenge to our authors, as experts in topics like homeschooling, elder care, discipline, remote working, and more… And asked them to create brand new video content—from the safety of their homes—to help each of us trust God and be well-equipped in this new world. Our authors stepped up!” said Randall Payleitner, Associate Publisher at Moody Publishers.

To view last week’s videos and each daily video moving forward, visit MoodyPublishers.com/Help.

Daily topics include:

• Help for Homeschooling in a Crisis without Panicking– Jamie Erickson
• Creative Ways to Serve Your Elderly Family, Neighbors, and Friends– Isabel Tom
• 12 Ideas for Exercising Self-Control & Discipline When Your Routine Is Shattered– Drew Dyck
• Secrets for Trusting God in a Medical Crisis – J.S. Park
• And more!

CONTACT:  Kathryn Eastham, Moody Publishers, Kathryn.eastham@moody.edu

 

Baker & Taylor Publisher Services’ facilities in Ashland, Ohio, are open and operational, with all of our partner services working at strategically optimized capacity: sales and distribution, manufacturing, inventory, and fulfillment.

Due to an increase in demand for activity books in Christian retailers and the general trade, effective immediately through June 15, BTPS is offering bookstores an additional discount on our top-selling titles in children’s and adult activity categories — the “Spring 2020 Activity Books” promotion features over 100 educational, engaging titles at a 50% discount, order minimum 5 units combined, and free freight. Bookstores can contact their BTPS rep for specific details.

Also, as part of Follett and Baker & Taylor, BTPS is working with publisher clients and industry distribution channels to supply free digital resources to bookstores, school personnel, and libraries to provide parents and teachers opportunities to keep children connected to learning.

(Carol Stream, Illinois, USA)– The coronavirus pandemic’s impact on global publishing and bookselling has been severe, but authors and publishers are seeking creative means to reach online readers and develop new strategies to stay afloat. Christian publishing leaders from seven nations, including China and Italy, gave updates and prayed for each other in MAI’s online “Global Townhall Prayer Meeting” with participants from 24 nations on March 31.

“For Christians this situation is a mirror to see and know ourselves better, to rely on God more,” reflected Larry Liu, general manager of Eight Blessings Communications in Beijing. Obtaining an ISBN in China and gaining approval for any Christian title was always challenging, but the process abruptly halted during the pandemic. Liu’s team seized the opportunity to launch audio books and a weekly online curriculum to help parents answer kids’ difficult questions.

In Africa where the pandemic is just hitting, “most Christian publishers don’t offer ebooks or online products, so book sales will suffer,” said Rose Birenge of Kenya, director of partnerships for Biblica Africa. With 60 percent of Africans living below the poverty line, a lockdown means immediate distress due to lack of food and other basics. “Pray for the Church to be the hands, feet and heart of Jesus at this moment,” she asked.

Latin American publishers are also hampered by an inability to deliver books without bookstores or churches open, says Ian Darke, coordinator of Letra Viva, a network of 30-some Christian publishing houses in Spanish-speaking Latin America. He asked prayer for a large consignment of Bible commentaries heading to Cuba and Venezuela to bless readers there.

In North America, where more than 50 percent of sales for many Christian publishers comes from Amazon, which has dramatically trimmed its ordering books until April 21 or later, the impact of the global health crisis has been severe, said Jeff Crosby, publisher of Intervarsity Press USA and Board chair of ECPA.  As sales slow following Amazon’s

focus on health and home necessities over books, the temporary closure  of Barnes & Noble and most Christian bookstores, many Christian publishing staff throughout the country fear for their jobs and wages.  All but eight of IVP’s 90 employees are working remotely or not at all—if their jobs don’t allow it, Crosby noted, requesting  prayer for publishers to honor their staff, authors and customers with all decisions that may need to be made.

Lebanese publishers were already reeling from the nation’s economic crisis. With 50 percent inflation before the coronavirus hit, Sawsan Tannoury had to cut staff wages at Dar Manhal al Hayat publishing house in Beirut. But bright spots exist: only two months ago the publisher launched an ebookstore on Kindle. And Syrian refugee families are finding hope via Christian publications and Bibles included with food boxes.

Filipinos describe their island nation as a social-media capital, so authors and publishers are busy creating daily resources for online readers.  A free weekly ebook, a prayer guide, downloadable kids’ activities, children’s storytelling and video messages from authors comprise #RejoiceInHope, the social-media campaign launched by OMF Literature, Philippines.

“Pray for books, ‘our little missionaries,’ that are now in many households nationwide,” said Yna Reyes, publishing and communications director. “May our books be used by the Holy Spirit to encourage those who are anxious, give hope to those in distress, and draw our fellow Filipinos to the Lord Jesus Christ.”

Other writers and publishers echoed Reyes’ desire to find opportunities to spread God’s love in a time of despair. “What you’ve shared makes me feel less alone in the fight,” said Daniela Benevelli, editorial and copyright manager of La Casa della Bibbia in Italy, the world’s deadliest hotspot of the pandemic.  The Italian publisher has partnered with Samaritan’s Purse by sending a Christian book, a DVD and New Testaments to a field hospital for COVID-19 patients in the hard-hit northern region.

“It was an honor to have been with you all today from across the world,” Crosby wrote the other speakers after the online meeting. “You, your companies, teams and countries will remain in my heart and my prayers throughout the journey still ahead of each of us.”

“I think every attendee came away with a much clearer understanding of how the pandemic is impacting global Christian publishing and of the importance of prayer for the various ministries at this critical time,” said MAI President John Maust.  “We all felt part of the greater whole, a sense of unity with other Christian communicators around the globe.”

Watch a video of the online meeting, “At Such a Time as This: MAI global townhall prayer meeting.”

For photos or further details, email mai@littworld.org.
Connect with MAI: littworld.org, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube.

At ChristianAudio, an RBmedia company, we’ve responded in several ways to meet listeners’ needs during this time while fulfilling our mission of publishing and selling audiobooks that promote spiritual growth and inspire Christians to think about God, themselves, and the world.

• In mid-March, we posted a blog highlighting several resources to help audiobook listeners find peace and fight anxiety in the midst of the COVID-19 crisis. We discounted these resources from ChristianAudio to help consumers out during this time, as well. https://blog.christianaudio.com/find-peace-and-comfort-in-these-audiobooks/
• Launching Friday April 3^rd, our Free Audiobook of the Month will be Don’t Lose Heart by Jason Meyer (Baker Publishing).
• In addition to giving this audiobook to listeners as part of our ongoing program which features a free new title each month, we’ve discounted a number of other related, encouraging resources to less than $5 per audiobook.
• During April, we’ll also feature a special message on our blog from author Jason Meyer about finding our refuge and strength in Christ.

All of these resources and more can be found at www.ChristianAudio.com starting Friday, 4/3.