After serving for nine years with ‘absolute distinction’

After nine years at the helm of Australia’s oldest continuous organisation, Dr Greg Clarke announced today he will be stepping down from his position as CEO of Bible Society Australia.

Clarke told staff and supporters this morning that he felt like his role at BSA was one he had “prepared for my whole life.”

“I remember taking my Bible with me to my first meeting [at Bible Society], the Bible my mum and dad gave me when I was seven. It has sat on my shelf here the whole time. I’m one of the privileged ones who has known the Word of God from a very early time,” Clarke said.

“This organisation is all about making that kind of experience with God’s word possible for anyone, anywhere on the planet.”

Clarke became CEO of Bible Society Australia in 2010, the first CEO of the newly-amalgamated national organisation, which was previously a state-based structure. He said it felt like “the right time to leave,” following the organisation’s celebration of 200 years and an intense period of planning “for the next 200 as we look to the next era of our mission.”

Bible Society Australia’s chair Anne Robinson said it was “with a mix of gratitude, sadness and faith for the future that the Board accepts the resignation of Dr Greg Clarke.”

Robinson said Dr Clarke had led BSA “with absolute distinction”, highlighting achievements including the acquisition of retail book chain Koorong in 2015 and of this news service, Eternity, in 2011, as well as the continued international and local Bible mission work and helping all Australians to engage with the Bible.

Clarke will leave Bible Society Australia at the end of June. A search for the next Bible Society CEO is underway, with Rev Melissa Lipsett stepping up as interim CEO from her current position as Chief Operating Officer. After leaving BSA, Clarke intends to take some time to seek God’s guidance in discerning the next steps for his future.

---

From https://www.eternitynews.com.au/australia/greg-clarke-to-step-down-as-head-of-bible-society-australia/

The Good Book Company is delighted to announce the launch of The Good Book Company Podcast, which was released on May 8th. On the podcast you’ll hear lively conversations with authors about church, culture and the Christian life. The first two episodes are available wherever you listen to podcasts. They feature Dan Strange, author of Plugged In, as he talks to us about faith and culture, and Christopher Ash, author of The Book Your Pastor Wishes You Would Read, as he covers the often neglected area of how we can care well for our pastors.

Subscribe to the podcast to hear new episodes as soon as they are released. Upcoming interviews will feature the following authors:

• Steph Williams, author of new children’s series, Little Me Big God
• Sharon Dirckx, author of Am I Just My Brain
• Alistair Begg, author of Pray Big

Find out more at www.thegoodbook.com/podcast/

PEABODY, MA (May 7, 2019)—The Complete Hebrew-Greek Bible has been selected as “Best in Category” in the reference category at the 62nd annual New England Book Show awards ceremony. The Award was presented by the Book Builders of Boston on May 7th, at Boston’s Symphony Hall.

Hendrickson’s The Complete Hebrew-Greek Bible combines under one cover the complete text of the Hebrew Bible (edited by Aron Dotan) and the Greek New Testament (edited by B. F. Westcott and F. J. A. Hort). Ideal for pastors, students, scholars, and anyone else who has studied both Greek and Hebrew, this is an excellent volume for those who want a complete original-language Bible in an attractive package and at an affordable price.

The Complete Hebrew-Greek Bible  was selected for its design, quality of materials, and workmanship. “A complex typographic feat in two languages,” commented the judges. They also remarked that it has an elegant binding, sensitively chosen. Karol Bailey designed the cover and packaging, and Dave Pietrantonio coordinated the production and printing.

The New England Book Show has been recognizing the outstanding work done by New England publishers, printers, graphic designers, and developers for more than 60 years. It is an annual, juried show that features a number of categories, including trade, juvenile, college and more, for work in both print and digital media..

Hendrickson Publishers has a strong history of producing outstanding academic, trade, reference books, and Bibles at a reasonable price. Their products include books on Christian living, biblical studies and reference works for pastors, thoughtful laypeople, and the academy. Learn more about The Complete Hebrew-Greek Bible at www.hendrickson.com.

Media Contact: Meg Rusick, Marketing & Communications Manager, Hendrickson Publishers
mrusick@hendrickson.com  978-573-2147

NASHVILLE, TENN., May 10, 2019—B&H Publishing is proud to announce its acquisition of pastor, author and former NFL player Derwin Gray for a two-book deal.

Gray is the founding and lead pastor of Transformation Church (TC), one of the fastest growing churches in America as recognized by “Outreach Magazine.” TC is a multi-ethnic, multi-generational, mission-shaped community with three campuses near Charlotte, N.C. After graduating from Brigham Young University, Gray played professional football in the NFL for five years with the Indianapolis Colts (1993-1997) and one year with the Carolina Panthers (1998), after which he went into full-time ministry.

Gray’s first book is tentatively slated for publication in June 2020 and will focus on Jesus’ surprising teachings about happiness from Matthew 5:3-12. Gray’s second book will be on the Lord’s Prayer and is tentatively slated for publication in the fall of 2021. Gray will also write a complementary Bible study on happiness, published by LifeWay’s Groups Ministry.

“I’m humbled, honored and excited to join the B&H family of authors, and to partner with their talented team to launch my next two books,” said Gray.

Gray’s previous books include “Hero: Unleashing God’s Power in a Man’s Heart (2010),” “Limitless Life: You Are More Than Your Past When God Holds Your Future (2013),” “Crazy Grace for Crazy Times Bible Study (2015)” and “The High-Definition Leader (2015).”

“Anyone who has witnessed Pastor Derwin Gray’s ministry knows that he loves to preach and teach the Bible,” said Taylor Combs, Associate Publisher of Christian Living and Leadership. “God has so clearly gifted him in this area, which is why we’re thrilled to publish two books by Derwin that will expound the teachings of Jesus from the Beatitudes and the Lord’s Prayer.”

Gray’s contract was negotiated by his literary agent, Alex Field of The Bindery, with worldwide rights. For more information, visit bhpublishinggroup.com.

Dr. Derwin L. Gray is the founding and Lead Pastor of Transformation Church (www.TransformationChurch.tc), a multiethnic, multigenerational, mission-shaped community in Indian Land, S.C., just south of Charlotte, N.C. Transformation Church has been recognized by “Outreach Magazine” as one of the fastest growing churches in America.

Gray met his wife, Vicki, at Brigham Young University (BYU). They have been married since 1992 and have two adult children. After graduating from BYU, he played professional football in the National Football League for five years with the Indianapolis Colts (1993-1997) and one year with the Carolina Panthers (1998).

In 2008, Gray graduated from Southern Evangelical Seminary magna cum laude, with a Master of Divinity with a concentration in apologetics, where he was mentored by renowned theologian and philosopher Dr. Norman Geisler. In 2018, Gray received his Doctor of Ministry in the New Testament in Context at Northern Seminary under Dr. Scot McNight. In 2015, he was awarded an honorary doctorate from Southern Evangelical Seminary.

Gray is the author of “Hero: Unleashing God’s Power in a Man’s Heart” (2009), “Limitless Life: You Are More Than Your Past When God Holds Your Future” (2013), “Crazy Grace for Crazy Times Bible Study” (2015) and “The High-Definition Leader” (2015).

B&H Publishing Group, an imprint of LifeWay Christian Resources, is a team of mission minded people with a passion for taking God’s Word to the world. Because we believe Every Word Matters® we seek to provide intentional, Bible-centered content that positively impacts the hearts and minds of people, inspiring them to build a lifelong relationship with Jesus Christ. Among our print and digital releases for the trade, church and academic markets, titles include “The New York Times” No. 1 bestsellers “The Love Dare” and “The Vow,” No. 1 CBA bestseller “I Am a Church Member,” as well as the newly-revised Christian Standard Bible (CSB) version.

NASHVILLE, TENN., May 10, 2019—B&H Publishing is excited to announce the first two Slugs & Bugs books, “Who Will Play with Me?” and “Are We Still Friends?,” from award-winning family musician and Slugs & Bugs creator Randall Goodgame.

Goodgame has released four critically-acclaimed Slugs & Bugs children’s albums in the past 12 years, with CCMMagazine.com describing the brand as “. . . the greatest thing to happen to children’s music in a generation.” Goodgame has received multiple Dove Award nominations and rave reviews from families all over the world that love his Scripturally-based, witty and unique music.

Now, Goodgame has written the first two Slugs & Bugs children’s books, “Who Will Play with Me?” and “Are We Still Friends?” (May 15, B&H Publishing). Goodgame says he designed the books so that old and new friends of Slugs & Bugs alike can enjoy its witty world and biblical wisdom through books, even when the music isn’t playing.

Both books are designed to get kids ages 4 to 8 laughing while teaching them Scriptural truths, using few words and engaging, visual storytelling. “Who Will Play with Me?” teaches kids a lesson on humility from Philippians 2:3, while “Are We Still Friends?” shows kids that friendship is about forgiveness and trust, based on Ephesians 4:32.

“I’m thrilled to bring Slugs & Bugs into the world of books! I am passionate about the gospel and how it influences our daily life and choices, specifically how the fruit of the Spirit is born out of our moment-to-moment submission to Jesus. I think even very young kids can glean a lot from books that are steeped in those deep concepts, especially if the stories are funny and honest,” Goodgame said.

“My hope is that kids see themselves in these books. In ‘Who Will Play with Me?,’ I hope they see the challenge of thinking of others first, as well as the joy that can bring. I hope ‘Are We Still Friends?’ helps them build a foundation for thinking like Jesus and shows them a healthy way forward when in conflict with friends—whether they are the victim or the culprit.” Both books reflect back into the Bible and provide yet another context for understanding life through God’s Word.”

B&H will release two more Slugs & Bugs books this fall, “The Society of Extraordinary Raccoon Society” and “The Society of Extraordinary Raccoon Society on Boasting” (October 15, B&H Publishing).

Goodgame has written songs for Veggie Tales, Caedmon’s Call, Andrew Peterson, Jason Gray, Jill Phillips and Eric Peters. He is also a frequent collaborator with singer-songwriter Andrew Peterson, working on the 2006 music album, “Slugs & Bugs & Lullabies.” From this album, the song, “You Can Always Come Home,” was featured on the Veggie Tales’ “The Wonderful Wizard of Ha’s” (2007).

“We are honored to partner with Randall and the incredible, Christ-centered Slugs & Bugs brand he created,” said Jennifer Lyell, V.P. of Book Publishing and Merchandising. “We pray that kids not only love these books, but grow to love God more because of them.”

B&H is supporting the release of “Who Will Play with Me?” and “Are We Still Friends?” with a book release party hosted at the LifeWay Headquarters on Tuesday, May 21, as well as a national marketing and publicity campaign. For more information, visit bhpublishing.com.

Hailed by CCMMagazine.com as ” . . . the greatest thing to happen to children’s music in a generation,” Randall Goodgame has a deep and abiding passion for helping families get to know Jesus and the joy of the gospel. His Slugs & Bugs music is among the most revered and critically lauded series in Christian family entertainment, garnering multiple Dove Award nominations. He now brings his trademark artistic excellence and delightful enthusiasm for the Word to these books written for children and the grown-ups who love them.

B&H Publishing Group, an imprint of LifeWay Christian Resources, is a team of mission minded people with a passion for taking God’s Word to the world. Because we believe Every Word Matters® we seek to provide intentional, Bible-centered content that positively impacts the hearts and minds of people, inspiring them to build a lifelong relationship with Jesus Christ. Among our print and digital releases for the trade, church and academic markets, titles include “The New York Times” No. 1 bestsellers “The Love Dare” and “The Vow,” No. 1 CBA bestseller “I Am a Church Member,” as well as the newly-revised Christian Standard Bible (CSB) version.

Moody Publishers’ author Arlene Pellicane joined thousands of people to stand for life right in the middle of Times Square in New York City.  Focus on the Family hosted this event called Alive in Times Square: See Life Clearly on Saturday, May 4, 2019.  Arlene caught up with John Fuller, co-host of the Focus daily broadcast, who was broadcasting live during the event.

Arlene Pellicane is a speaker and the coauthor of Growing Up Social: Raising Relational Kids in a Screen-Driven World (with Dr. Gary Chapman). Arlene’s other books include Calm, Cool, and Connected, and most recently, Parents Rising. She has been a featured guest on the Today Show, Fox & Friends, Focus on the Family, FamilyLife Today, The 700 Club, and Turning Point with Dr. David Jeremiah. Before becoming a stay-at-home mom, Arlene worked as the associate producer for Turning Point Television with Dr. David Jeremiah. Arlene earned her BA from Biola University and her master’s in journalism from Regent University. Arlene lives in Southern California with her husband and their three children. To learn more about Arlene and to hear her monthly Happy Home podcast, visit ArlenePellicane.com.

Media contact:  Janis Todd, Moody Publishers, Janis.todd@moody.edu

Life to the Extreme Releases May 14, 2019, with Media Appearances on TODAY and FOX & Friends 

Grand Rapids, Mich., May 13, 2019— Ty Pennington is sharing much of his personal story for the first time. In Life to the Extreme: How a Chaotic Kid Became America’s Favorite Carpenter (available May 14), Pennington describes his early life in Georgia where he organized neighborhood kids to build his first treehouse, to being diagnosed with ADHD in his college years, to accidentally becoming a model and a carpenter, to achieving incredible television success on the hit shows Trading Spaces and Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. Pennington’s life has been one incredible adventure after another.

Pennington will launch the book with major national media in New York City this week, including the TODAY Show on Wednesday, May 15, and FOX & Friends on Thursday, May 16. Additional appearances include PBS’ World News America, FOX News Radio, Guideposts, and Sirius XM’s The Highway and The Jenny McCarthy Show.

To celebrate the release of Life to the Extreme, Zondervan is sponsoring a $25,000 Ty Pennington Dream Kitchen Makeover Sweepstakes. One grand prize winner will receive a $25,000 check and an in-person interior kitchen design consultation with Ty Pennington. The sweepstakes begins May 16. Sign up now for a text reminder by texting “25k” to 31996 to receive a text as soon as it’s time to enter the sweepstakes on May 16. To learn more, visit LifetotheExtremeBook.com/25K.

Ty Pennington has been recognized as a leader in the field of volunteerism for his work on Extreme Makeover and Ty’s Great British Adventure. He is back on the small screen in the new Trading Spaces, Small Business Revolution and While You Were Out. He served as ambassador for the Sears American Dream campaign. In line with his passion for creative and practical housing, he frequently volunteers time with Abōd Shelters Foundation, a charitable organization whose mission is to provide sustainable, quality housing to areas in need around the world.

Web site: TyPennington.com
Instagram: thetypennington
Facebook: typennington
Twitter: @typennington

For interview requests, reach out to Robin Barnett at robin.barnett@harpercollins.com or (616) 698-2351.

Book Info:
Life to the Extreme: How a Chaotic Kid Became America’s Favorite Carpenter
Ty Pennington with Travis Thrasher
Release date: May 14, 2019
9780310357377
$26.99; Hardcover

Zondervan is a world leading Bible publisher and provider of Christian communications.  Zondervan, part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc., delivers transformational Christian experiences through its bestselling Bibles, books, curriculum, academic resources and digital products. The Company’s products are sold worldwide and translated into nearly 200 languages. Zondervan offices are located in Grand Rapids, Mich.  For additional information, please visit www.zondervan.com.

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Sweepstakes begins at 9:00:00 AM PT on 5/16/19 and ends at 11:59:59 PM PT on 6/1/19. Open to legal residents of the 50 US/DC who are 18 years of age or older and homeowners at the address submitted at the time of entry and at the time of prize distribution. To enter, visit www.lifetotheextremebook.com/25k or www.typennington.com/25k and complete the official entry form as directed. Void in PR, all US territories and possessions and overseas military installations, and where prohibited by law. Total combined ARV of prizes is $25,107.96. Odds of winning depend on number of eligible entries received. Limit one (1) entry per person or email address. For complete Official Rules including entry instructions and prize details, visit www.lifetotheextremebook.com/25k or www.typennington.com/25k.
Sponsor: HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc., c/o Zondervan Books, 3900 Sparks Drive SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546.

WHEATON, Ill.—The Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) announced the winners of the 2019 Christian Book Awards® in Chicago on April 30, and three Crossway titles received distinction.

The Gospel according to God: Rediscovering the Most Remarkable Chapter in the Old Testament (Crossway, March 2018) by John MacArthur was the winner in the Bible Study category. This book explains the prophetic words of Isaiah 53 verse by verse, highlighting important connections to the history of Israel and to the New Testament—ultimately showing how this ancient prophecy illuminates essential truths that undergird readers’ lives today.

The award for the Bible Reference Works category was presented to Theistic Evolution: A Scientific, Philosophical, and Theological Critique (Crossway, November 2017), edited by J. P. Moreland, Stephen C. Meyer, Christopher Shaw, Ann K. Gauger, and Wayne Grudem. This volume of more than two dozen essays written by highly credentialed scientists, philosophers, and theologians from Europe and North America sets forth the most comprehensive critique of theistic evolution yet produced, opening the door to scientific and theological alternatives.

The ESV Archaeology Study Bible (Crossway, March 2018) earned the award in the Bible category. With editorial oversight from Dr. John Currid (PhD, University of Chicago) and Dr. David Chapman (PhD, University of Cambridge), as well as contributions from a team of field-trained archaeologists, the ESV Archaeology Study Bible roots the biblical text in its historical and cultural context, offering readers a framework for better understanding the people, places, and events recorded in Scripture.
“We are thrilled that these substantial books, designed to help the church recover and live in light of God’s truth, are being recognized and honored in this way!” says Justin Taylor, Crossway’s executive vice president of book publishing, and book publisher.

The ECPA Christian Book Awards® are awarded in twelve different categories—including Bible study, Christian living, children, and devotion and gift—and have recognized quality Christian books since 1978.

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

Media Contact: Lauren Harvey, lharvey@crossway.org, (630) 682-4300, ext. 6031

[WM] Worship Musician Digital Magazine Expands Distribution to 1.1 Million Opt-in Emails and Returns to FrontGate Media for Advertising Representation

Orange County, CA – [WM] WORSHIP MUSICIAN has gone all digital and returned to FRONTGATE MEDIA, the leading faith-based marketing agency and media group, to exclusively represent Worship Musician for sales of their digital advertising and promotions to the Christian market outside of the music and NAMM industries.

With the conversion to a fully digital magazine, the monthly publication has expanded its distribution partners, now delivering directly to 1.1 MILLION EMAIL INBOXES through the addition of direct partners including Worship Together, iTickets.com, Loop Community, Creation Festival and OnSong.

In addition to expanding in reach, the digital magazine has also expanded in size, now topping out at as many as 200+ PAGES. New coverage sections have been added for BOOK REVIEWS, MOVIE REVIEWS, and expanded EDITORIAL ARTICLES, along with additional coverage in their featured sections on Worship Guitar Player, Worship Drums + Bass, Keys, Pads + Loops, Artist Songwriting + Recording, Vocals, Teams + Leadership and Church Tech + Production.

All full-page ads receive a free additional INTERACTIVE PAGE that creates a 2-page digital spread. This fully interactive page features the advertiser’s video embedded and/or other multimedia content linked to the site of their choice. See the most recent issue at www.WorshipMusician.com.

“[WM] Worship Musician has captured the true value of what a digital magazine can be and is attaining a deeper reach to church leaders than anything that has come into the market before them. I’m excited to have them back home with FrontGate,” states Scott A. Shuford, Founder & CEO of FRONTGATE MEDIA.

“Our #BetterBySunday content is instructional and immersive not only for worship leaders, worship team musicians, and tech teams but also for Christians who want to go deeper in their personal relationship with the Lord. Our unique sell-through experience for advertisers is innovative and effective. We are pleased to be working with FrontGate again for advertisers looking to impact the Christian community,” shares Bruce Adolph, Publisher of [WM] WORSHIP MUSICIAN and co-founder of the Christian Musician Summit conferences.

Those interested in a promotional partnership with [WM] WORSHIP MUSICIAN should contact FrontGate Media at FrontGateMedia.com.

About FrontGate Media
Award-winning FrontGate Media is the leading marketing agency and media group specializing in the faith and family audience.  With a 19-year track record of success, the firm serves as “Your Gateway to the Christian Audience.” FrontGate’s full-service agency and media group has been trusted with over 5,000 campaigns, providing Faith-based market Strategy Development, Public Relations, Social Marketing, and Media Buying. FrontGate’s own Web & Events Network also provides reach to tens of millions of people each month via their sites, events and email subscribers.  Founded in 2001, FrontGate has repeatedly been honored in the Internet Advertising Competition and the WebAwards. The company plays a key role in the success of for-profit and non-profit organizations seeking the faith-based and family-friendly audiences.  http://FrontGateMedia.com.

WESTMONT, IL—The Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) has announced that Becoming Dallas Willard: The Formation of a Philosopher, Teacher, and Christ Follower by Gary W. Moon was chosen as the book of the year in the category of Biography and Memoir for the 2019 ECPA Christian Book Awards®.

“Those who did not know Dallas in person can get a good sense of him from his lectures and writings. But what has been a gnawing omission is the details of his life made available to the public—until now,” said J. P. Moreland, distinguished professor of philosophy at the Talbot School of Theology, Biola University. “Becoming Dallas Willard is a first-rate, accurate, honest, timely, and riveting biography. I am so thankful to Gary for doing such a careful and painstakingly accurate treatment of the life of the greatest man I ever met.”

In Becoming Dallas Willard, Moon, a close friend of Willard, offers a candid and inspiring biography about a great man of the faith who was a personal mentor and inspiration to hundreds of pastors, philosophers, and average churchgoers. His presence and ideas rippled through the lives of many prominent leaders and authors, such as John Ortberg, Richard Foster, James Bryan Smith, Paula Huston, and Moreland. As a result of these relationships and the books he wrote, Willard fundamentally altered the way tens of thousands of Christians have understood and experienced the spiritual life. Moon writes about the development of Willard’s personal character, philosophical writing, and spiritual teaching and how he has inspired some of the most influential books on spirituality of the last generation.

Christopher Hall, president of Renovaré, said, “The web of Dallas Willard’s life is a highly complex, wondrous, and redemptive story woven from strands of God’s providence: family, friends, colleagues, events, institutions, ministry, teaching, writing, choices, pain, grief, healing, deep faith, and love. How difficult and maybe all but impossible task it is for a biographer to untangle and explain the story of any image bearer’s life, much less a giant in the land such as Dallas Willard. But Gary Moon does this in a kind, discerning, and wise manner. We can now know Dallas Willard much better—and be enriched and encouraged in the knowing—because his close friend Gary Moon has researched and written so clearly.”

Cindy Bunch, IVP associate publisher, director of editorial, said, “Gary W. Moon approached this project with the attitude of a historical researcher, traveling to visit the sites of Willard’s childhood, and the places where he lived and studied. He interviewed hundreds of people, including colleagues, family, and friends. He read deeply into both Willard’s spiritual and philosophical work in order to follow the development of Willard’s thought and teaching. Then Moon added his psychological understanding to consider how these factors came together to shape the person Willard became. But most importantly Moon gave attention to the formational work of God through the shaping forces in Willard’s life. This book fits well into our formation line because of the guidance it offers the reader on the transformational power of spiritual practice.”

The Christian Book Award® program has recognized the highest quality in Christian books since 1978, honoring the best titles of the year in twelve categories. Five finalists are chosen in each category unless there is a tie, and this year’s winners in each category were announced on April 30 as part of the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association Awards Celebration in Chicago.

See a complete list of IVP’s award-winning titles at ivpress.com/award-winners.

Founded in 1947 as an extension of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship/USA, InterVarsity Press serves those in the university, the church and the world by publishing thoughtful Christian books that equip and encourage people to follow Jesus as Savior and Lord in all of life. For more information, visit ivpress.com.

Media Contact: Krista Clayton, 630.734.4013, kclayton@ivpress.com