COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. – (May 14, 2019) – Janice Peterson, NavPress (@NavPress) author and beloved widow of pastor and author Eugene Peterson, passed away Friday, May 10, in Kalispell, Montana, where she was cared for in an assisted living facility. NavPress published Janice’s Becoming Gertrude: How Our Friendships Shape Our Faith, her first book, in November 2018. Eugene Peterson passed away on October 22, 2018.

“When I first met Jan, it was very clear: This is the woman behind the man,” said Don Pape, publisher, NavPress. “She selflessly stood by Eugene, yet very much had her own voice. She was amazing—a spunky Southern belle. I loved her candor. I loved her little smirk. I loved when she’d say, ‘Oh, Don . . .’—knowing she was going to correct me on one matter or another. Here was a woman who loved her husband, her family, and her Jesus. I have learned so much in just being present with her. A grand lady who is leaving behind a huge aching hole in my soul, but I am so very pleased she is now reunited with her Gene.”

Janice (née Stubbs) married Eugene in 1958. She is survived by their three children—Karen, Eric, and Leif Peterson—and nine grandchildren.

Said Janice in a Christianity Today article about Becoming Gertrude, “These years later, I’m well aware that being a pastor’s wife brings with it a lot of demands and a lot of time spent serving others. But the amazing thing about service is that it rarely returns void, even if we don’t see the end results ourselves.”

Becoming Gertrude is Janice’s wisdom on the beauty of spiritual friendship and God’s unfolding grace over the course of a life lived for Him. Jan used the term spiritual friendshipto capture this idea of journeying with others through life, sharing experiences and wisdom and seeking God together.

Eugene Peterson wrote more than 30 books, including a number of volumes that were assembled into his best-known and most popular work, The Message: The Bible in Contemporary Language (2002).

The NavPress mission is to advance the calling of The Navigators by bringing biblically rooted, culturally relevant, and highly practical products to people who want to know and love Christ more deeply. Through THE MESSAGE Bible and other insightful resources, NavPress seeks to bring positive spiritual movement to peoples’ lives. In January 2014, NavPress entered into an alliance with Tyndale House Publishers to strengthen and better position NavPress for the future. NavPress helps lead in the mission of making disciples by providing rich content that brings spiritual impact and life transformation.

Statement to ECPA customers

On the heels of Baker & Taylor Wholesale and Library announcing a shift in its business operations to align with the education focus of parent company Follett Corporation, Baker & Taylor Publisher Services’ Christian channel is as strong as ever. We will continue to invest in our client publishers and relationships with the independent bookstore market with the Christian integrity and dedication that we are known for.

The recent shift that the Christian retail industry is experiencing gives BTPS’ Christian channel an opportunity to help publishers and independent bookstores continue to gain access to great Christian content. “We are energized by the number of partners who recognize the difference customized service from dedicated professionals can make in the publisher service market”, said Mark Suchomel, Senior VP of Baker & Taylor Publisher Services.

BTPS’s Christian channel is poised to continue with the initiatives already set in place to make sure the Christian independent retail market finds no obstacle in ordering books. Randy McKenzie, Baker & Taylor Publisher Services Christian Sales Manager said, “Noble Marketing group is the best Christian sales team out there and they will continue to represent Baker & Taylor Publisher Services across America to the Christian independent and Church bookstores. We also have Canadian Christian representation through Parasource Marketing & Distribution.” Randy continued, “With some shift in Christian buying crossing over to non-Christian bookstores, BTPS is uniquely positioned to offer our Christian books to the secular stores with over 100 special markets and traditional trade sales representatives.”

Karen Broach, Christian Sales Specialist adds, “In our suite of publisher services, we not only have our sales channels, but give opportunities to the small to medium sized publisher, printing services including POD, full-service distribution, warehousing, fulfillment and more.”

BTPS continues to be an important piece of the Follett and Baker & Taylor business strategy going forward. The future is bright, and we are excited to achieve great things with our partners. Please feel free to reach out to either of us if you have any questions at all.

Partners in Christ,
Randy McKenzie & Karen Broach
Baker & Taylor Publisher Services – Christian Channel
kbroach@btpubservices.com

Book featured on the Trade Paper Frontlist, continues to gain momentum since launch

[Nashville, Tenn. (May 20, 2019)]—Bestselling author and Passion movement founder Louie Giglio’s latest book “Not Forsaken: Finding Freedom As Sons and Daughters of a Perfect Father” (May 7, B&H Publishing) debuted at No. 3 on the Publishers Weekly Trade Paper Frontlist for the week ending May 11.

After a successful launch week, the book continues to gain momentum as Giglio completed a large book signing at the Atlanta Barnes & Noble (Buckhead) on May 8, national media interviews and book signings in Los Angeles, Atlanta and Columbus, with more events planned for the coming weeks.

“Not Forsaken” was inspired by Giglio’s own life experiences, as well as a thirty-year-plus burden to see young people know God as he originally intended: a perfect father who loves them unconditionally. This is a message with life-altering implications for every reader regardless of background; and as Father’s Day approaches, the message of “Not Forsaken” will continue to be necessary and welcomed by readers.

“The response to ‘Not Forsaken’ has made it clear that this message is resonating with readers from all walks of life and all types of earthly fathers,” said Jennifer Lyell, V.P. of Book Publishing and Merchandising. “We are excited to see how this momentum continues to build and pray this book will impact the way readers see God, as their perfect heavenly Father.”

Though every individual has a unique experience with their earthly father, Giglio says what unites is the need woven into every soul, “the need to be loved, and treasured, and noticed and accepted by our father.” Statistics show that more children than ever live without a father at home and the millennial generation, which Giglio has been ministering to for over three decades through Passion, has been called “the fatherless generation.” However, Giglio says this book is for everyone—not just those with “daddy issues”—because every Christian needs to discover more of what it means to be a loved son or daughter of the King.

“‘Not Forsaken’ was birthed from a truth that’s transformed my life, and a message I’ve carried for many years: God is not the reflection of your earthly father, He is the perfection of your earthly father,” Giglio said. “No matter how amazing or absent our earthly fathers may be, we can find the utmost freedom in seeing God as our perfect Father.”

Since the first Passion gathering in 1997, Passion events have drawn over 20 million young people all over the world. Giglio and his wife Shelley are passionate about calling a generation to leverage their lives for the fame of Jesus, and in addition to the collegiate gatherings of Passion Conferences, they lead the teams at Passion City Church, sixstepsrecords and Passion Global Institute.

For more information, visit NotForsakenbook.com.

Louie Giglio is Pastor of Passion City Church and the Original Visionary of the Passion movement, which exists to call a generation to leverage their lives for the fame of Jesus.

Since 1997, Passion has gathered collegiate-aged young people in events across the US and around the world, and continues to see 18-25 year olds fill venues across the nation in pursuit of lives lived for God’s glory. Most recently, Passion hosted 40,000 college students and their leaders in four venues linked together across three cities at Passion 2019.

In addition to the collegiate gatherings of Passion Conferences, Louie and his wife Shelley lead the teams at Passion City Church, sixstepsrecords and the Passion Global Institute.

Louie is the national-bestselling author of “Not Forsaken,” “Goliath Must Fall, The Comeback, The Air I Breathe, I Am Not But I Know I Am” and “Indescribable: 100 Devotions About God & Science.” As a communicator, Louie speaks at events throughout the U.S. and across the globe. He is widely known for messages like Indescribable and How Great is Our God.

An Atlanta native and graduate of Georgia State University, Louie has done post-graduate work at Baylor University and holds a master’s degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Louie and Shelley make their home in Atlanta.

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.

Passion Publishing, the book-publishing imprint of Passion Ministries, Inc., is committed to lifting and amplifying the messages of the Passion movement and Passion City Church. Above all else Passion is about glorifying God by calling people to live for what matters most, the name and renown of Jesus. Launched in 2014, Passion Publishing has published notable bestsellers “Goliath Must Fall,” “Indescribable” and “The Comeback” Louie Giglio, “Good Good Father” by Chris Tomlin and Pat Barrett, “Single. Dating. Engaged. Married.” by Ben Stuart and “The Jesus Bible.”

Series will guide readers on how to understand each work from a Christian worldview

 [NASHVILLE, TENN., (May 17, 2019) —] B&H Publishing is proud to announce its acquisition of acclaimed author and award-winning English professor Karen Swallow Prior.

Though many are familiar with and perhaps can even recite quotes from classic literature such as “Sense and Sensibility,” “Frankenstein” or “The Scarlet Letter,” many adults don’t know how to read them and likely haven’t picked them up since their high school English class.

To that end, Prior will pen a beautifully-designed literature series for B&H that guides readers through a selection of the classics, helps them navigate the pitfalls that often trap readers and shows them how to read each work in light of the gospel and to the glory of God. The first books to release will be “Sense and Sensibility” by Jane Austen and “Heart of Darkness” by Joseph Conrad in March of 2020.

Prior is editing each volume, adding an introduction to guide the reader on how to read it and adding supplemental information.

Forthcoming titles (not final, subject to change) in the series are: “Frankenstein” by Mary Shelley and “Jane Eyre” by Charlotte Bronte, “The Scarlet Letter” by Nathaniel Hawthorne and “Tess of the D’Urbervilles” by Thomas Hardy.

“I’ve been teaching literature to college students for nearly 30 years. I’ve often been told by people who’ve not had the chance to take a class with me that they wish they could. And, likewise, I have often wished to be able to expand my teaching to readers outside the classroom walls,” Prior said.

“Writing introductions to a few of the works I love and teach most will do just this. I hope through this series to assist general readers to achieve greater understanding and appreciation of, not only these selected works, but also the vast world of classic literary works beyond these titles as well. Reading such books can be challenging at first, but reading well is a skill like any other—one that can be learned and improved with experience and practice. And it’s enjoyable, too!”

Prior’s previous books include “Booked: Literature in the Soul of Me” (T. S. Poetry Press, 2012), “Fierce Convictions: The Extraordinary Life of Hannah More—Poet, Reformer, Abolitionist” (Thomas Nelson, 2014) and most recently, “On Reading Well: Finding the Good Life through Great Literature” (Brazos, 2018). Her writing has appeared at “Christianity Today,” “The Washington Post,” “The Atlantic,” The Gospel Coalition, BreakPoint, “Think Christian,” “Comment,” “Relevant” and “Books and Culture.” She has spoken at numerous writing conferences including the Festival of Faith and Writing and the Roanoke Regional Writers Conference.

“We are thrilled to partner with the esteemed Karen Swallow Prior on this literature series, which we pray will help readers both better understand these classics texts and see God’s truth and beauty in each work,” said Jennifer Lyell, V.P. of Book Publishing and Merchandising. “There is no one better to compile and edit these than Karen; I know her editorial insight will inspire a new generation of readers to fall in love with the classics.”

Prior’s contract was negotiated by Clarissa Dufresne, B&H publisher for specialty products, with worldwide rights. For more information, visit bhpublishinggroup.com.

Karen Swallow Prior is an award-winning professor of English at Liberty University. She earned her Ph.D. in English at SUNY Buffalo. Her writing has appeared at “The Atlantic,” “Christianity Today,” “The Washington Post,” Vox, “First Things,” “Sojourners,” “Relevant,” “Think Christian” and other places. She is a Senior Fellow at the Trinity Forum, a Research Fellow with the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention, a Senior Fellow at Liberty University’s Center for Apologetics and Cultural Engagement and a member of the Faith Advisory Council of the Humane Society of the United States. She and her husband live on a 100-year-old homestead in central Virginia with sundry horses, dogs and chickens. And lots of books.

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 17, 2019)—] Pastor, author and Send Network V.P. Dhati Lewis will release his second book this June, exhorting churches to be advocates for racial reconciliation.

Lewis’ book, “Advocates: The Narrow Path to Racial Reconciliation,” focuses on the book of Philemon, unpacking key timeless principles that Paul applied to being an advocate in the midst of division. Lewis frequently speaks to pastors and trains leaders on holistic restoration, racial reconciliation and disciple-making in urban contexts.

In the book, Lewis contends that though the divisions of today don’t look the same as in Paul’s time, the principles are timeless, as the world today needs godly advocates in every sphere of life. “Advocates” applies these principles to issues of ethnic division and asks the reader to consider questions like, “Are you willing to call any division caused by discrimination, prejudice or racism a sin?” “Do you want to grow in your ability to navigate tense and emotional conversations about ethnic divisions?” “Are you ready to become an advocate?”

“In 2 Corinthians 5, God commissioned us to be his ambassadors and gave us the ministry of reconciliation. Whether we’re engaging in issues of politics, ethnicity or religious beliefs, our heart posture should be one of an advocate set on reconciliation,” Lewis said.  “My prayer for readers is that this book would be the next step in their journey toward living out their identity

as an advocate for Christ, that they would gain more tools for how to engage racial division in healthy, biblical ways and that they would know Jesus better because of it.

Lewis is the lead pastor of Blueprint Church in Atlanta, Georgia, and the vice president of NAMB’s Send Network. He is the author of both the Bible study and book “Among Wolves: Disciple-Making in the City” (March 2017, B&H Publishing).

“Advocates” is launching with a special bulk purchase offer to help churches easily utilize the message for their congregation or leadership teams. In addition, Lewis will be traveling through North America over the next year, speaking to churches, seminaries and organizations. The book has been endorsed by J.D. Greear, Kevin Ezell, Derwin Gray, Daniel Im and others.

“We are grateful to publish ‘Advocates’ and pray this important resource equips and encourages churches to be advocates for racial reconciliation,” said Jennifer Lyell, V.P. of Book Publishing and Merchandising.

For more information, visit dhatilewis.com.

Dhati Lewis is the lead pastor of Blueprint Church in Atlanta, Georgia, and the vice president of the North American Mission Board’s Send Network. He earned a Master of Arts in Cross Cultural Ministry from Dallas Theological Seminary and most recently received his Doctorate of Ministry in Great Commission Mobilization from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Dhati has seven beautiful children and is married to Angie, a discerning woman who empowers and encourages him to live fully in his identity in Christ. He is the author of both the Bible study and book “Among Wolves: Disciple-Making in the City.” 

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.

CAROL STREAM, Ill.—May 7, 2019—Tyndale House Publishers (@tyndalehouse) is pleased to announce that The Wonder of the Greatest Gift by Ann Voskamp has been recognized as the Evangelical Christian Publishing Association (ECPA) 2019 Christian Book Award winner in the Devotion & Gift category. The announcement was made at the ECPA Awards Celebration, which was held April 30 at the Rosemont Hilton in Chicago, during the ECPA Leadership Summit.

“Congratulations to Ann Voskamp on winning the Christian Book Award for The Wonder of The Greatest Gift. I’m grateful to have had the honor and privilege of helping bring this amazing book to life. The Tyndale Kids team is grateful to Ann for trusting us to share her dream and create such a beautiful celebration of Advent!” said Linda Howard, Associate Publisher, Children and Youth.

The Wonder of the Greatest Gift, which released in November 2017, is based on Voskamp’s bestseller Unwrapping the Greatest Gift. Voskamp expands her presentation of the timeless Advent tradition of the Jesse Tree with this beautiful keepsake that can be handed down and enjoyed for generations. Each December, families can celebrate the coming of Jesus by opening the book to see a stunning 13-inch, three-dimensional Jesse Tree pop up from the page. At its foot are 25 doors, one for each day of December leading up to Christmas, which hide meaningful, beautifully detailed ornaments, including the Christmas star, that are ready to be hung on the tree. Also inside is a simple devotional book with a reading for each ornament. Create precious holiday memories with The Wonder of the Greatest Gift pop-up book and recapture the sacredness of the Advent season as you celebrate the epic pageantry of the coming of the Messiah.

“ECPA was founded 45 years ago by publishers, for publishers, to make the Christian message more widely known through the products they produce,” said Stan Jantz, ECPA president. “In the spirit of that founding purpose, the Christian Book Award® program recognizes those books, Bibles and resources that fulfill our mission with excellence.”

For more information on Tyndale titles, please visit www.tyndale.com.

The Christian Book Award® program has recognized the absolute highest quality in Christian books since 1978. Based on excellence in content, literary quality, design, and impact, the Christian Book Award® program is the oldest and among the most prestigious awards in the religious publishing industry.

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

Tyndale House Publishers, founded in 1962, is the world’s largest privately held Christian publisher of books, Bibles, and digital media. Tyndale has published many New York Times bestsellers. The largest portion of its profit goes to the nonprofit Tyndale House Foundation, which makes grants to help meet the physical and spiritual needs of people around the world. Tyndale was founded to publish Living Letters, which later comprised part of The Living Bible, a contemporary paraphrase of the Bible that became a global publishing phenomenon. Tyndale now publishes the Holy Bible, New Living Translation (NLT), the translation of choice for millions of people.

The Best of Christianity Today is a new series from Lexham Press, featuring the most enduring articles from decades of Christianity Today. The first three titles in this series include essential writings from Carl F. H. Henry and John Stott and a robust account of the basics of Christian doctrine from leading evangelical theologians. This publishing partnership will last three years, with more titles forthcoming.

Since 1956, Christianity Today has been the leading voice for evangelicalism in America—a bellwether of theology, politics, and culture for evangelicals. Some of the most influential and respected modern evangelical leaders have written for Christianity Today, shaping the minds and hearts of millions of Christians for more than half a century. Lexham Press is proud to partner with Christianity Today to bring these treasures of evangelicalism’s heritage to readers today.

Lexham Press is an innovative evangelical publishing house creating thoughtful Bible study materials, scholarly works, and pastoral resources. Part of Faithlife Corporation, makers of Logos Bible Software, Lexham is committed to excellent Christian publishing in service of the church.  https://lexhampress.com/

Carol Stream, Ill. (May 8, 2019) Focus on the Family, in alliance with Tyndale House Publishers, will release How God Used “the Other Woman” on July 9, 2019. Tina Konkin and her husband were both working as marriage counselors when she learned that he was having an affair with her best friend. Amid her devastation, Tina felt God asking her this question: “What role did you play in this, Tina?” That question and her willingness to answer it led to a restored, renewed marriage that was better than ever before, as well as a marriage counseling program that has an 80 percent success rate.

Tina Konkin is a registered professional counselor with 25 years of experience in personal coaching and leading relationship seminars. She is the cofounder and executive director of Relationship Lifeline and the author of Love, Sex and Money. She regularly speaks to men’s and women’s groups, couple’s conferences, church groups, and business organizations. For couples in distress or on the brink of divorce, How God Used “the Other Woman” will provide proven tools for restoring and improving a marriage, even after betrayal.

How God Used “the Other Woman” by Tina Konkin
ISBN: 978-1-58997-987-1
Softcover: $15.99
July 2019
FocusontheFamily.com
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 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 imaginations 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.

Focus on the Family, which reaches about 38 million people in 120 countries, is a global faith-based ministry that helps families thrive. Tyndale House Publishers is pleased to partner with Focus on the Family to help provide trusted resources for strengthening believers in their faith and sharing the gospel; building resilient marriages that reflect God’s design; equipping parents to raise their children with a thriving faith; advocating for the preborn, orphaned and life at every stage; and engaging the culture through a biblical worldview. Visit Focus at FocusontheFamily.com or on Facebook and Twitter.

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.

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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/