rush-to-press
The Week's News in Christian Publishing
  • Industry News
  • Milestones
  • Media Announcements
  • Product News
  • Other News

Publishing in Color conference coming to Nashville

September 3, 2019 by Sheri Toomb

A Spiritual Writers’ Conference for Under-represented Groups

Publishing in Color is a series of conferences for groups of spiritual writers of color who are currently under-represented in terms of getting  published. These include, but are not limited to, African Americans, Asian Americans, Latino Americans and Native Americans.

Registration is now open for Publishing in Color Nashville scheduled for Saturday, October 19, 2019. A pre-conference session, The Business of Being a Spiritual Writer, will be held the day before on Friday, October 18.

The conference will emphasize networking, relationship building and learning “how to get published.” Participating companies will be accepting book proposals. This is your chance to meet acquisition editors and other key representatives from:

  • Abingdon Press
  • HarperCollins
  • Thomas Nelson
  • Westminster John Knox Press
  • Upper Room Books
  • Harambee Press
  • Jevon Bolden, literary agent

The goals of these conferences are to:

  • Foster relationships between spiritual writers of color and representatives of spiritual book publishing companies and spiritual magazines
  • Provide networking and educational opportunities so that prospective writers can learn more about how to work with these publishers and magazines
  • Result in an increased number of books and articles published by writers of color

People of color have important stories to tell that shape the great American narrative. Heroic struggles for justice; incredible contributions to technology, science and the arts; remarkable resistance and resilience are hallmarks of these stories.

The Publishing in Color conference series is sponsored by Writing for Your Life. They also produce Writing for Your Life conferences, which feature more authors than Publishing in Color conferences and are more focused on the art and craft of writing and less on getting published.

Learn more and register here.

Writing For Your Life
https://writingforyourlife.com
Publishing in Color
https://publishingincolor.com
Enliven Your Tribe!
https://enlivenyourtribe.com

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Lee Strobel and Colorado Christian University create innovative new center to impact America with the Gospel

September 3, 2019 by Sheri Toomb

The Lee Strobel Center for Evangelism and Applied Apologetics Launches Today

LAKEWOOD, COLORADO, August 27, 2019 – New York Times best-selling author Lee Strobel is teaming up with Colorado Christian University to launch an unprecedented new center for evangelism and apologetics, with the goal of fueling a spiritual renewal in America.

“Who is the next Billy Graham? It is millions of contagious Christians who are trained, equipped, and deployed,” said Strobel. “We have a vision to fulfill this mission as quickly as possible.”

The Lee Strobel Center for Evangelism and Applied Apologetics will offer accredited courses on the undergraduate and graduate levels – all designed to help churches, ministries, and individual Christians share and defend their faith naturally and effectively.

CCU is the preeminent interdenominational Christian university in the Rocky Mountain region, with an online impact that spans the globe. “We stand within the great tradition of Christian universities who are serious about faith and the gospel, and we’re thrilled to have Lee Strobel join our team,” said CCU President Don Sweeting. “Strobel’s background as a former atheist, portrayed in the book and film The Case for Christ, gives him valuable insight into how to reach people who are far from God.”

Described in the Washington Post as “one of the evangelical community’s most popular apologists,” Strobel has authored more than forty books and curricula that have sold nearly 14 million copies, including The Case for Faith, The Case for a Creator, and The Case for Miracles. The Yale-trained former legal editor of theChicago Tribune also has been a teaching pastor at three of the largest and most evangelistic churches in the country.

The Center’s executive director is Strobel’s long-time ministry associate Mark Mittelberg, the best-selling author of such books as Confident Faith, The Reason Why Faith Makes Sense, and The Questions Christians Hope No One Will Ask (With Answers).

Through their Becoming a Contagious Christian training course, Strobel and Mittelberg have already equipped nearly two million Christians worldwide in how to reach others with the gospel. They have also led the outreach and apologetics efforts of one of the largest and most outreach-oriented churches in America, and for three decades have innovated evangelism and apologetics conferences, training seminars, national simulcasts, and outreach events.

Strobel explained that the word apologetics comes from a Greek term used in the Bible for defending the faith – something, he added, that’s needed more than ever in our increasingly skeptical nation. “We’re focusing on what we’re calling ‘applied apologetics,’ which means we’re going to equip Christians who will be actively engaged in the marketplace of ideas – in local churches and communities, in the media, in the entertainment world, on the Internet, and throughout popular culture,” he said.

Strobel and Sweeting agreed that CCU is the perfect home for the new center. Explained Sweeting: “It is a Strategic Priority of Colorado Christian University to share the love of Christ on campus and around the world, and to teach our students to be evangelists. The Strobel Center at CCU is an incredible vehicle to enable us to make new strides to achieve these priorities.”

One of the Center’s unique objectives is to train and certify evangelism directors for local churches, who will serve full-time, part-time or on a volunteer basis in partnership with the senior pastor in order to mobilize the church to reach their community for Christ.

“We believe in the power of leadership,” Mittelberg said. “The senior pastor can’t do everything himself. We want to equip, mentor, and deploy leaders who will work creatively and effectively under the direction of the senior pastor to reach everyone with the gospel.”

To facilitate that training, the Center’s courses will be offered through CCU Online so that people from all backgrounds and stages of life can study from the convenience of their own home. “The Center will feature the latest and most creative technology, the most current and proven content, and live interaction with passionate and credentialed educators,” Strobel said.

Other unique features of the Center include organizing a Think Tank, composed of leading Christian scholars, innovators, and practitioners, to collaborate on fresh ways of explaining and spreading the gospel, as well as hosting national conferences to share best practices and encourage churches in saturating their communities with the Christian message.

Founded in 1914, Colorado Christian University provides Christ-centered higher education that transforms students to impact the world with grace and truth. Located in Lakewood, Colorado, a suburb of Denver, CCU is consistently ranked in the top 2 percent of colleges nationwide for its core curriculum by the American Council of Trustees and Alumni.

CCU offers undergraduate and graduate degrees for traditional and adult students through its College of Undergraduate Studies and College of Adult and Graduate Studies. More than 8,000 students attend the University on the main campus, in regional centers throughout Colorado, and online. The Strobel Center’s courses are expected to begin Fall 2020.

For more information on the new Lee Strobel Center at Colorado Christian University, visit www.ccu.edu/strobelcenter.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

The Jesus Calling brand celebrates 30 million units sold

September 3, 2019 by Sheri Toomb

Devotional continues to grow year-over-year, more than 15 years post-release                   

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Aug. 26, 2019) – Today, Thomas Nelson announced that the Jesus Calling brand by Sarah Young has surpassed 30 million units sold since it was first published in October 2004. It remains one of the most successful devotionals of all time.

Since it was first published, this 365 devotional has expanded to include children’s devotionals, Bible storybooks, journals, seasonal books, as well as other devotionals including ECPA book of the year Jesus Always.  Its strong sales history, product diversity, and customer loyalty are unlike any other devotional on the market. It has been 15 years since publication and sales continue to grow year-over-year. In fact, from 2018-2019, sales increased five percent. But, this milestone represents a great deal more than sales alone.

“I’ve never seen a book connect with so many people in such a deeply personal way,” said Laura Minchew, senior vice president and publisher of Gift books and Tommy Nelson Children’s Books at Thomas Nelson. “Aside from the sales numbers—which are, of course, remarkable—what we value are the tens of millions of lives that have been impacted by Sarah’s work. Through her writing, study of the Bible, and prayers, people from all walks of life, all over the world, experience a closer, more intimate relationship with Jesus. Helping people develop a stronger faith is a benefit that is impossible to measure.”

The deep connection that readers feel to the content in Jesus Calling is evident across its various social media accounts, which total more than 1.5 million followers across Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest. Readers regularly share their experiences with Jesus Calling on social media, and those experiences led to the creation of the Jesus Calling: Stories of Faith Podcast, which recently surpassed 3 million downloads.

The podcast, available on iTunes, iHeartRadio, Spotify, and other podcasting platforms, features stories from readers of Jesus Calling and illustrates how spending time with the devotional has made a difference in their lives. Guests on the podcast range from everyday readers to celebrities like Kathie Lee Gifford, T.D. Jakes, Reba McEntire, Rita Wilson, Randy Travis, Charlie Daniels and Melinda Gates. And, there were so many stories that the podcast expanded to include video episodes as well, which have been viewed more than 8 million times.

To author Sarah Young, there is one word that comes to mind when she thinks of the success of the book.

“I consider this 30 million milestone miraculous!” Young said. “I can remember sitting at my desk in Perth, Australia—daydreaming about reaching the 100,000 milestone. It seemed like just a pipe dream at the time… The Lord has done great things for us.”

But, regardless of the various milestones, one factor that remains the same is that Young will continue to pray for her readers on a daily basis.

“I pray daily for readers of all my books, and I long for them to really grasp that there’s no condemnation for those who belong to Jesus,” she shared. “Also, I want readers to remember that Jesus is with us always and nothing can separate us from His Love!”

More information is available at www.jesuscalling.com.

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, cookbooks, 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: Stefanie Schroeder, Publicity Manager, 615.902.1722, Stefanie.schroeder@harpercollins.com

Filed Under: Uncategorized

FaithWords releases new Facebook devotional chatbot to fan page with 2.5m followers

September 3, 2019 by Sheri Toomb

NASHVILLE, Tenn., August 2019– FaithWords has launched a new Facebook devotional chatbot that delivers content on-demand for free! Followers will be able to receive messages from our bestselling authors including Joyce Meyer, Joel Osteen, T.D. Jakes and many more.

“FaithWords is excited to bring our brand author’s popular devotionals to the Facebook audience,” said Patsy Jones, VP of Marketing at Hachette Book Group Nashville. “This allows us to uplift our readers. They are able to access a free daily devotional on our Facebook page from their Smartphone or from their desktop.”

This chatbot, powered by Messenger, delivers themed devotional content from FaithWords’ selected books like Joyce Meyer’s Battlefield of the Mind Devotional and Joel Osteen’s Daily Readings from Your Best Life Now. After messaging the FaithWords’ Facebook page, users select “Get Started” and then choose a devotional based on topics like “empowerment,” “relationships,” or “forgiveness.” Users have the opportunity to  “Learn more;” “Order now;” or “Get another devotion” to continue the experience.

With a robust Facebook fan page of over 2.5 million fans, this allows FaithWords’ social media following to engage with their authors’ content on the go and in an easily digestible way.

About FaithWords:
FaithWords, a division of Hachette Book Group, is a top publisher of books and resources for the Christian inspirational market. Our bestselling authors include Joel Osteen, Joyce Meyer, Robert Morris, and T.D. Jakes. Many of our authors are pastors and Bible teachers, focusing on Christian living, spiritual growth, and devotionals. Our titles regularly appear on the New York Times and other national bestseller lists while inspiring millions of readers worldwide. Based near Nashville, Tennessee, FaithWords has sold over 60 million books since its founding 2001.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

ECPA announces new name for Christian book proposal database

August 26, 2019 by Sheri Toomb

ECPA has renamed their online database of book proposals, formerly known as ChristianManuscriptSubmissions.com (CMS), to ChristianBookProposals.com.  “We believe that our new name, ChristianBookProposals.com, states more clearly what this service is:  an online book proposal submission program,” explains ECPA president Stan Jantz.

“This program has always allowed publishers to review formal book proposals and writing samples – rather than full manuscripts.” The change does not affect existing proposals and writer/publisher logins.  Only the logo and url have changed with the former url redirecting.

Another recent update to the program is the ability of writers to indicate if they are from an under-represented ethnic background.  Publishers are then able to search the proposal database by this field, in order to be more intentional in growing diversity in their publishing programs.

The ChristianBookProposals.com program is the only manuscript service created by Christian publishers looking for unsolicited book proposals in a traditional royalty based relationship. It allows authors to submit their book proposal in a secure, online format for review by editors from publishing houses that are members of ECPA.

For more information, visit ChristianBookProposals.com or contact Cindy at ccarter@ecpa.org.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Iron Stream Media launches premier title in Children’s line, New Hope Kidz

August 26, 2019 by Sheri Toomb

(Birmingham) August 20, 2019—Iron Stream Media is excited to announce the launch of Rivers Overseas, the inaugural title in the New Hope Kidz line. The new imprint is designed to engage the hearts and minds of young readers for Christ. Rivers Overseas does just that and more.

Readers are invited to take an incredible journey with the loveable and adorable puppy Rivers as he travels overseas with his adoptive dad. Rivers, through his own journey, experiences the world through God’s eyes and finds joy in God’s faithfulness as he encounters new people, places, and things. It is a delightful story of adventure and learning to love something new—even when you have to leave the comforts of home. Colorful illustrations make this a must-read for young children who are just forming their understanding of love in action and different cultures.

Associate Publisher Ramona Richards remarked, “I started my career in publishing with children’s books, and I’m thrilled to be able to work with a children’s line again. Picture books have a long life and the potential to reach more than one generation of children. Sarah Nunnally’s Rivers Overseas is just such a book, with a timeless message of hope and an endearing—and enduring—central character. Rivers, the goldendoodle, captured my heart.”

Iron Stream Media will continue to release New Hope Kidz titles that capture young readers’ imaginations and grow their understanding and relationship with God.

Iron Stream Media derives its name from Proverbs 27:17, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” This sharpening describes the process of discipleship, one to another. Iron Stream Media provides a variety of solutions for churches, missionaries, and nonprofits that include in-depth Bible study curriculum, Christian book publishing, and consultative services. Iron Stream Media is the home of New Hope Publishers, Iron Stream Books, Ascender Books, and New Hope Kidz. Through the popular Life Bible Study and Student Life Bible Study brands, they also provide web-based, full-year and short-term Bible study teaching plans as well as printed devotionals, Bibles, and discipleship curriculum.

Media Inquiries:  Meredith Dunn, Meredith@IronStreamMedia.com

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Denhollander, Nassar’s first public accuser, launches two books at Baker Book House

August 26, 2019 by Sheri Toomb

Grand Rapids, MI—Rachael Denhollander, a sexual assault victim who helped spearhead the arrest, trial, and conviction of sports doctor Larry Nassar, will speak at Baker Book House on Tuesday, Sept. 17 to mark the launch of her two new books.

Denhollander is author of her memoir What Is a Girl Worth? My Story of Breaking the Silence and Exposing the Truth about Larry Nassar and USA Gymnastics, as well as the children’s picture book How Much Is a Little Girl Worth? Both release in September and are published by Tyndale.

“We are honored to have Rachael at Baker Book House. Her story is one of courage, perseverance, and trust in God,” said Sue Smith, bookstore manager. “Part of our store mission is to invite the Church to engage our culture through quality Christian books and community. These books and Ms. Denhollander do just that.”

Denhollander, an attorney and victim advocate, was the first victim to publicly accuse Larry Nassar, the former USA Gymnastics team doctor and sports medicine expert, of sexual abuse. She answers tough questions—How did he get away with it for so long? How was justice finally served? — as she tells the story of being a young gymnast searching for physical healing to becoming a strong woman who helped hundreds like her find emotional healing through revealing the systemic abuse that was ignored for years. Her book is tough, honest, and ultimately a story of God’s grace and healing.

“Rachel Denhollander speaks into one of the most grievous events in Michigan’s recent history,” said Smith. “We anticipate that many in West Michigan will want to hear her story.”

Tickets for the event, which includes Denhollander’s talk and book purchase, cost $20. Visit the website (https://bakerbookhouse.com/events/rachel-denhollander-book-launch-2019-09-17) for more information and to purchase tickets. Both of Denhollander’s books will be available for purchase at the store.

About Baker Book House
Baker Book House was founded in 1939, when Herman Baker started the store with 500 books from his personal library. Baker is known world-wide for a deep selection of Christian titles, including new, used, and bargain books. Visit www.bakerbookhouse.com for more information.

Contact: Sue Smith, Bookstore Manager, 616-957-3110, sue.smith@bakerbookhouse.com

 

Filed Under: Uncategorized

LifeWay wins Spanish publishing awards, preps for growth in Hispanic market

August 26, 2019 by Sheri Toomb

LifeWay employees and authors showcase the 12 SEPA awards B&H Publishing Español won this year. Pictured left to right are William Castano, Jairo Namnun (author), Gladys Nava, Craig Featherstone, Chelsea Collins, Luis Pabon (author), Giancarlo Montemayor, Estuardo Aroche, Nathan Bonilla, Rolando Gonzalez and Cesar Custodio.

LifeWay Global and its B&H Publishing Español division snagged a dozen awards – more than any other publisher – at the Spanish Evangelical Publishers Association’s (SEPA) awards banquet Aug. 7.

The annual event recognizes the highest quality and excellence in the publication, sale and marketing of Spanish Christian literature.

“This is about more than just publishing. It’s equipping the saints for every good work,” said Craig Featherstone, director of LifeWay Global, citing Ephesians 4:12.

Giancarlo Montemayor, manager of Spanish editorial at LifeWay Christian Resources, agreed the award recognition is a sign of greater ministry impact.

“We’re thrilled to take part in putting Bible-saturated content into the hands of Christians and non-Christians all around the world.” Montemayor said. “Part of the story these awards tell is that we’re indeed achieving this goal.”

The top SEPA award for “Best Original Book in Spanish” went to LifeWay Global and B&H Español for Siervos Para Su Gloria [Servants for His Glory] by Miguel Núñez.

Other awards LifeWay received were:

  • Best Book Cover – Light In the Darkness by Patricia Namnún
  • Best Bible Cover and Interior – RVR 1960 Large Print Note-Taking Bible
  • Best Video – NVI Reader’s Bible
  • Best Bible Study – Experiencing God by Henry T. Blackaby
  • Best Gift Book – Battle Plan for Prayer
  • Best Specialty Bible – RVR 1960 Fisher of Men Bible

LifeWay Global was also recognized for the following Milestone Honors for exceptional sales achievements:

Silver (more than 100,000 units sold)

  • Pershitta Bible
  • Holman Bible Dictionary

Gold (more than 250,000 units sold)

  • RVR 1960 Rainbow Bible
  • The Love Dare by Stephen and Alex Kendrick

Platinum (more than 500,000 units sold)

  • RVR 1960 Gift and Award Bible

At the LifeWay Annual Luncheon, which took place a day after the SEPA awards, Featherstone’s team was also able to surprise LifeWay retiree Jim Cook by honoring him on the floor of the event. Cook is a 30-year employee from global sales who Featherstone says was instrumental in paving the way for the worldwide reach LifeWay Global is experiencing.

“Jim turned over to me relational equity – the trust and the confidence people in the [publishing] industry have in us.” Featherstone said. “I’m glad we had the chance to honor him before a couple hundred industry friends and colleagues.”

Featherstone said the honoring of Cook represented the legacy of the past and that the awards signify an “extraordinary” present. But he’s particularly excited about what new opportunities exist for LifeWay Global’s efforts over the next several years.

“You take all the Spanish Christian publishers combined, and we’re probably reaching 2 percent to 3 percent of the Spanish-speaking world,” he said. “How big is the dream and how much can we innovate to reach hundreds of millions of people that have no idea this Christian content even exists?”

Featherstone previewed three levers he believes will make that possible: investing in local authors, training Spanish-speaking Christians leaders and developing new channels for distribution.

“The last five years have been breathtaking for us to go from having only one international author to – by the end of this year – hitting the 50-author mark,” Featherstone said about LifeWay Global. “Honoring the voices of Latin America leaders is working. There will be more partnerships going forward.”

For training, LifeWay Global recently launched LifeWayEquipa.com, an online, video-driven training platform designed specifically for Spanish-speaking Christians.

“In just a few short months, around 4,000 pastors from 30 countries have signed on and are using this resource,” said Featherstone, who says this is just the beginning of larger Spanish-focused training initiatives.

César Custodio, LifeWay’s Spanish sales and marketing manager, who also served as emcee at the SEPA awards, said the 12 awards LifeWay received should encourage the LifeWay Global team to press harder into the calling God has given them to take the gospel to the nations.

“To everyone who has been given much, much will be required,” he reminded his team. “God gives us the wisdom, skill, and determination to keep raising the bar.”

Filed Under: Uncategorized

New picture book from Joni and Friends helps children see the value and uniqueness in every person

August 26, 2019 by Sheri Toomb

God Made Each and Every Person in His Image

Greensboro, NC – It’s natural for children to ask questions when they meet someone who is different from them in one way or another. It’s important when those questions come up to make sure they understand that even though God made every person unique, each has a special place in his plan. To help families talk about differences, especially disabilities, Joni and Friends, the ministry of Joni Eareckson Tada, has released God Made Me Unique: Helping Children See Value in Every Person (New Growth Press/August 19, 2019).

“This book was written to help teach children that God creates each unique individual and that disability is sometimes part of his plan, whether as a result of a condition from birth, or an injury or illness,” Joni Eareckson Tada writes in the book’s foreword. “We want children to understand that every person is made in the image of God and has tremendous value, regardless of their appearance or abilities.”

God Made Me Unique is a colorfully illustrated book set in a Sunday school classroom where a new girl, Brie, will be joining the class for the first time. Brie’s teacher, Ms. Campbell, takes the time to welcome Brie and explain to the other children why she is wearing headphones. Brie is joined in class by several other children, each unique in their own way, including others who have disabilities or special needs. There is Jamal, who has a wheelchair, and Wyatt, who sometimes needs some help to pay attention.

Through getting to know Brie, the children are guided into a biblical understanding of the uniqueness of each of God’s children. Along the way they learn to ask questions and gain an understanding about their new friend. “We want to help eliminate fear and misconceptions about those who have special needs and emphasize the fact that every person deserves to be treated with kindness and respect,” Tada shares. “We believe an open dialogue can help children replace harsh words and cold stares with honest questions and empathy.”

Told in a charming rhyming style perfect for pre-schoolers, the story also shares how Paul taught in 1 Corinthians 12 that each member of the church works together like the human body and each has a specific part to play. Ms. Campbell also teaches the children about talents and how no act of service is too big or too small.

The back of the book contains a special section specifically for parents and caregivers that will guide them in how to have biblical, loving conversations with children and give additional information and resources to equip them in talking about this important subject.

God Made Me Unique is the latest release in God Made Me series from New Growth Press. Each title in the God Made Me series gives parents the tools to have important, impactful conversations with their children that will grow their understanding of God, themselves, and others. Other titles in the series include God Made All of Me by Justin and Lindsey Holcomb, God Made Me AND Youby Shai Linne and God Made Boys and Girls by Marty Machowski.

God Made Me Unique: Helping Children See Value in Every Person
by Joni and Friends
August 19, 2019 / Retail Price: $15.99
Print ISBN 978-1-948130-70-7
Religion / Christian Living / Family & Relationships

Joni and Friends is an organization that accelerates Christian outreach in the disability community. Founded in 1979, their mission is to communicate the gospel and equip Christ-honoring churches worldwide to evangelize and disciple people affected by disability.  The organization authors numerous books including the new releases The Gospel in Hard Times and The Gospel in Hard Times for Students (study guides about suffering in which participants are guided to look to Jesus to understand who God is in the midst of their own suffering and the suffering of others), God Made Me Unique (a children’s book helping parents and caregivers teach children that God creates every person in the image of God), and a series of minibooks providing personal insight & encouragement for tough circumstances.  You can learn more about Joni and Friends at www.joniandfriends.org.

New Growth Press publishes gospel-centered Christian books, small group, and children’s Bible resources for discipleship, biblical counseling, and missional ministry. For more information about other releases from New Growth Press, visit www.newgrowthpress.com.

Contact:  Audra Jennings – audra@newgrowthpress.com – 903-874-8363

 


Suggested Interview Questions

  • Tell us a little bit about Joni and Friends’ new children’s release, God Made Me Unique.
  • What age group is God Made Me Unique written?
  • Is this a book to be read by parents to their children or would it be appropriate to read it in a classroom setting like the one featured in the story?
  • What is the best way to describe what a disability is to a young child?
  • Children are naturally curious and ask lots of questions. Is ok for them to ask questions when they meet someone who is different than they are?
  • As adults, sometimes it’s hard to understand why some things are a part of God’s plan. How can parents explain that God has a plan and can use a disability for a greater purpose?
  • God Made Me Unique includes scripture to reinforce its teaching. What are some of the verses used to illustrate how we each have a part in God’s church and his plan?
  • Mrs. Campbell, the teacher in the book, points out that no act of service is too big or too small. Does the story also address how children can serve one another?
  • In the back of God Made Me Unique, there is a section for parents titled, “Four Ways to Help Your Child Understand Uniqueness and Disability as Part of God’s Plan.” Can you briefly share a little bit about each of the four ways?
  • In many congregations, teachers are volunteers without special training in working with children with special needs. Does Joni and Friends offer resources for teachers and church leaders to help them learn more about working with children who have disabilities?
  • What other new resources are now available from Joni and Friends and New Growth Press?

Filed Under: Uncategorized

ECPA Member making a move toward interactive voice

August 26, 2019 by Sheri Toomb

This summer, app developer Interstudy, Inc. (Franklin, TN), launched an app that offers books and small group studies in a new interactive format. By Fall, there will be hundreds of books available for purchase from Christian publishers like David C Cook, InterVarsity Press, New Growth Press, and more. The app presents books in a conversational style, offering discussion-based material the way the author intended.

Interstudy’s co-founder and CEO Dan Beauregard said, “We wanted to build something for the church to offer studies electronically, and include a flexibility that worked for any type of material or audience.”

“The inspiration for Interstudy was always that there should eventually be a hands-free option, however, with the absence of this type of engaging technology for published books, there opened up several opportunities to innovate. God has been revealing very specific needs, giving us a real appreciation for this community. We’ve developed a laser focus on serving them… because ‘they’ are also us.”

The team is as excited about using this product as they are building it, having experienced for themselves all of the obstacles that come along with leading small groups. The voice tool, expected to launch next year, will be available on most voice platforms as well as The Interstudy App, which is already free on iOS and Google Play.

With the flexibility of both importing ePubs and building studies from scratch, the back-end creative tool is being offered to churches and ministries with the support of the team that has been converting published books into their platform since the beginning. Churches who wish to immediately begin engaging their people more deeply are encouraged to contact Interstudy by visiting sermonstudy.com.

Publishers interested in offering their library through the app should contact Dan Beauregard directly at danb@interstudy.io

Interstudy… engage, respond, transform.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

  • « Previous Page
  • 1
  • …
  • 211
  • 212
  • 213
  • 214
  • 215
  • …
  • 280
  • Next Page »

Sign Up To Receive Industry News Each Week

Subscribe

This Month’s Bestsellers

VIEW BY GENRE
1 JESUS CALLING
SARAH YOUNG
2 KJV STANDARD LESSON COMMENTARY® LARGE PRINT EDITION 2025-2026
STANDARD PUBLISHING
3 FORGIVING WHAT YOU CAN'T FORGET
LYSA TERKEURST
4 THE 5 LOVE LANGUAGES
GARY CHAPMAN
5 PRACTICING THE WAY
JOHN MARK COMER
6 NEW MORNING MERCIES
PAUL DAVID TRIPP
7 BREATH AS PRAYER
JENNIFER TUCKER
8 IMAGINE HEAVEN
JOHN BURKE
9 THE CASE FOR CHRIST
LEE STROBEL
10 LIVING FEARLESS
JAMIE WINSHIP
View All
1 THE ISRAEL DECREE
AMIR TSARFATI
2 60 DAYS OF PROPHECIES
DAVID JEREMIAH
3 JOY BOMB
TAUREN WELLS
4 YOU ARE CALLED
JOHN BEVERE
5 THE KINGDOM OF CAIN
ANDREW KLAVAN
6 HOW TO READ THE BIBLE
DAVID PLATT
7 A JESUS-SHAPED LIFE
LISA HARPER
8 HOMESCHOOLING
GINNY YURICH
9 FIVE MERE CHRISTIANS
JORDAN RAYNOR AND KALEIGH COX
10 HOW TO SPEAK LIFE TO YOUR HUSBAND
ANN WILSON WITH DAVE WILSON
View All
1 VANISHED
DAVID JEREMIAH WITH SAM O'NEAL
2 WHEN CRICKETS CRY
CHARLES MARTIN
3 REDEEMING LOVE
FRANCINE RIVERS
4 THE SUMMER OF YES
COURTNEY WALSH
5 WHAT NOT TO DO ON VACATION
RACHEL MAGEE
6 HINDS' FEET ON HIGH PLACES
HANNAH HURNARD
7 PERILOUS TIDES
ELIZABETH GODDARD
8 THE PRETENDER
WANDA E. BRUNSTETTER
9 THE SHACK
WILLIAM PAUL YOUNG
10 THE WATER KEEPER
CHARLES MARTIN
View All
1 JESUS CALLING
SARAH YOUNG
2 KJV STANDARD LESSON COMMENTARY® LARGE PRINT EDITION 2025-2026
STANDARD PUBLISHING
3 FORGIVING WHAT YOU CAN'T FORGET
LYSA TERKEURST
4 THE 5 LOVE LANGUAGES
GARY CHAPMAN
5 PRACTICING THE WAY
JOHN MARK COMER
6 NEW MORNING MERCIES
PAUL DAVID TRIPP
7 BREATH AS PRAYER
JENNIFER TUCKER
8 IMAGINE HEAVEN
JOHN BURKE
9 THE CASE FOR CHRIST
LEE STROBEL
10 LIVING FEARLESS
JAMIE WINSHIP
View All
1 THE ACTION BIBLE
SERGIO CARIELLO
2 THE BEGINNER'S BIBLE
THE BEGINNER'S BIBLE
3 THE JESUS STORYBOOK BIBLE
SALLY LLOYD-JONES
4 GREAT AND SMALL PRAYERS FOR BABIES
PAMELA KENNEDY
5 THE WORLD NEEDS WHO YOU WERE MADE TO BE
JOANNA GAINES
6 MOSTLY WHAT GOD DOES IS LOVE YOU
SAVANNAH GUTHRIE
7 GOD GAVE US YOU
LISA TAWN BERGREN
8 THE COMPLETE ILLUSTRATED CHILDREN'S BIBLE
JANICE EMMERSON
9 THE WORLD NEEDS THE WONDER YOU SEE
JOANNA GAINES
10 JUST IN CASE YOU EVER FEEL ALONE
MAX LUCADO
View All
1 LIVE ON PURPOSE
SADIE ROBERTSON HUFF WITH BETH CLARK AND TAMA FORTNER
2 SINGLE, DATING, ENGAGED, MARRIED
BEN STUART
3 THE 5-MINUTE BIBLE STUDY FOR TEEN GIRLS
CAREY SCOTT
4 GOD IS WITH YOU EVERY DAY
MAX LUCADO
5 YOURS, NOT HERS
KARI KAMPAKIS
6 DO HARD THINGS
ALEX HARRIS AND BRETT HARRIS
7 MANGA BIBLE
SIKU
8 THE PRAYER MAP FOR TEENS
COMPILED BY BARBOUR STAFF
9 THE CASE FOR CHRIST STUDENT EDITION
LEE STROBEL WITH JAME VOGEL
10 OUTDATED
JONATHAN POKLUDA AND KEVIN MCCONAGHY
View All
1 365 READ-ALOUD BEDTIME BIBLE STORIES
DANIEL PARTNER
2 THE GOSPEL STORY
MARY WILEY
3 ONE-MINUTE INSPIRATIONS FOR WOMEN
ELIZABETH GEORGE
4 KNOW YOUR BIBLE
PAUL KENT
5 THE BIBLE PROMISE BOOK - KJV
BARBOUR PUBLISHING
6 199 PROMISES OF GOD
BARBOUR PUBLISHING
7 LOTS OF KNOCK-KNOCK JOKES FOR KIDS
WHEE WINN
8 ONE-MINUTE INSIGHTS FOR MEN
JIM GEORGE
9 BIBLE PROMISES FOR MOMS
HEIDI ST. JOHN
10 IS GOD SPEAKING TO ME?
LYSA TERKEURST
View All
1 NIV ADVENTURE BIBLE, Hardcover
ZONDERVAN
2 NIV THE WOMAN'S STUDY BIBLE
THOMAS NELSON
3 KJV BIBLE GIANT PRINT FULL SIZE BIBLE
CHRISTIAN ART PUBLISHERS
4 ESV CHURCH BIBLE
CROSSWAY
5 NKJV PERSONAL SIZE LARGE PRINT REFERENCE BIBLE
THOMAS NELSON
6 NIRV ADVENTURE BIBLE FOR EARLY READERS, Hardcover
ZONDERVAN
7 CSB SHE READS TRUTH BIBLE, Grey
RAECHEL MYERS AND AMANDA BIBLE WILLIAMS AND CSB BIBLES BY HOLMAN
8 ESV STUDY BIBLE
J. I. PACKER AND MARK DEVER AND JOHN PIPER
9 NIV THE JESUS BIBLE
ZONDERVAN
10 KJV LARGE PRINT PERSONAL SIZE REFERENCE BIBLE
HOLMAN BIBLE PUBLISHERS
View All
1 ESV ECONOMY BIBLE
CROSSWAY
2 ESV ECONOMY HOLY BIBLE FOR KIDS
CROSSWAY
3 ESV LARGE PRINT ECONOMY BIBLE
CROSSWAY
4 KJV GIFT & AWARD BIBLE, Black
THOMAS NELSON
5 NLT LARGE PRINT HOLY BIBLE ECONOMY OUTREACH EDITION
TYNDALE
6 NIV LARGER PRINT HOLY BIBLE ECONOMY EDITION
ZONDERVAN
7 KJV ECONOMY BIBLE
HENDRICKSON PUBLISHERS
8 NIV ECONOMY BIBLE
ZONDERVAN
9 KJV ECONOMY BIBLE
THOMAS NELSON
10 NLT ECONOMY BIBLE
TYNDALE
View All
1 New International Version
2 English Standard Version
3 King James Version
4 New Living Translation
5 New King James Version
6 Christian Standard Bible
7 Reina Valera
8 New International Reader's Version
9 Nueva Version International
10 New American Standard Bible
View All
1 UN ANO CON DIOS
B&H ESPANOL EDITORIAL
2 PERDONA LO QUE NO PUEDES OLVIDAR
LYSA TERKEURST
3 LOS 5 LENGUAJES DEL AMOR EDICION REVISADA
GARY CHAPMAN
4 UNA MUJER SABIA
WENDY BELLO
5 UNA VIDA CON PROPOSITO, Bolsillo
RICK WARREN
6 EL PODER DE LA MUJER QUE ORA
STORMIE OMARTIAN
7 DESTINADO AL EXITO
DANTE GEBEL
8 DICCIONARIO BIBLICO ILUSTRADO HOLMAN
B&H ESPANOL EDITORIAL
9 LA MUJER EMOCIONALMENTE SANA
GERI SCAZZERO AND PETER SCAZZERO
10 JESUS TE LLAMA, Tapa dura
SARAH YOUNG
View All
1 RVR1960 BIBLIA PARA REGALOS Y PREMIOS, Tapa dura, Negro
B&H ESPANOL EDITORIAL
2 RVR1960 BIBLIA LETRA GRANDE TAMANO MANUAL EDICION TIERRA SANTA, CAFE SIMIL PIEL MASS MARKET
B&H ESPANOL EDITORIAL
3 RVR1960 BIBLIA DEL PESCADOR LETRA GRANDE
LUIS ANGEL DIAZ-PABON
4 RVR 1960 BIBLIA PARA REGALOS Y PREMIOS, ROSA
B&H ESPANOL EDITORIAL
5 RVR1960 BIBLIA PARA REGALOS Y PREMIOS, IMITACION PIEL, Negro
B&H ESPANOL EDITORIAL
6 RVR1960 BIBLIA PARA REGALOS Y PREMIOS, TURQUESA
B&H ESPANOL EDITORIAL
7 RVR1960 BIBLIA DE APUNTES
B&H ESPANOL EDITORIAL
8 BIBLIA CATOLICA EDICION ECONOMICA
EDITORIAL CATOLICA
9 RVR1960 BIBLIA DE ESTUDIO ARCO IRIS, NEGRO
B&H ESPANOL EDITORIAL
10 RV1960 SANTA BIBLIA DE PROMESAS EDICION PARA NINOS
EDITORIAL UNILIT
View All
1 365 HISTORIAS BIBLICAS PARA LA HORA DE DORMIR
COMPILED BY BARBOUR STAFF
2 LA GRAN HISTORIA DEL EVANGELIO
B&H ESPANOL EDITORIAL
3 PREOCUPATE MENOS Y ORA MAS
DONNA K. MALTESE
4 EL SECRETO DE LA PAZ PERSONAL
BILLY GRAHAM
5 JESUS SALVA AL MUNDO
VIDA
6 ¿PARA QUE ESTOY AQUI EN LA TIERRA?
RICK WARREN
7 DEMASIADO BENDECIDA PARA ESTAR ESTRESADA
DEBORA M. COTY
8 ESTRESATE MENOS, ORA MAS
DONNA K. MALTESE
9 EL VALLE DE LOS HUESOS SECOS
YIYE AVILA
10 199 PROMESAS DE DIOS
COMPILED BY BARBOUR STAFF
View All

Upcoming Events

ECPA Asia Rights & Export Fair
September 1-2, 2025 | Bangkok, Thailand
ECPA C-Suite Symposium
September 7-9, 2025 | Tucson, Arizona
The Christy Award® Finalist Reveal webcast
September 19 | 10 am central
The Christy Award® Winners Gala webcast
November 7 | 7 pm central
ECPA PubU Online
Oct 31 through Nov 14, 2025

Career Center

Advancement Manager
Crossway, Wheaton, Illinois
Marketing Manager, Trade NonFiction
Baker Book House Company, Ada, Michigan (Hybrid)
Senior Designer
Crossway, Wheaton, Illinois
ECPA LOGO
submit icon

Submit a News Item

Submit industry related news releases to rushtopress @ecpa .org for consideration. Rush to Press is sent every Monday and eligible releases must be received by end of day Friday prior to the Monday’s publication.

announce icon

Career Posts

To announce a job opening in Rush to Press, post it first at the ECPA Career Center and your announcement will appear in the next issue.

subscribe icon

Subscribe

To receive Rush to Press, along with other industry updates from ECPA, please follow the instructions here to create or modify your ECPA community profile. To subscribe to Rush to Press without using a profile, subscribe here.

unsubscribe icon

Unsubscribe

If you would like to be removed from the Rush to Press distribution list, please edit your ECPA profile preferences or email info @ecpa .org.

advertise icon

Advertise

If you would like to reach over 3,300 industry subscribers and media contacts each week, consider advertising in Rush to Press. Contact sponsorship @ecpa .org for more information.

More news at RushtoPress.org. #RushtoPress @ECPA
This is a publication of the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association. For more information about ECPA, contact info@ecpa.org or visit ECPA.org.
Copyright © 2025 · ECPA