New York Times bestselling author, Bible teacher, and speaker to release legacy book on February 4

CAROL STREAM, Ill. (September 5, 2019)—Beth Moore, bestselling author, beloved Bible teacher, and speaker, has written Chasing Vines, in which she shares how everything changes when you discover the true meaning of a fruitful, God-pleasing life that matters. Chasing Vines is scheduled for release from Tyndale House Publishers (@TyndaleHouse) on February 4, 2020.

In her new book, Beth Moore taps into our deep desire to live fruitful lives. In reflecting upon this topic, Moore shares, “At the heart of every believer is the desire to live an immensely fruitful life. But what does an immensely fruitful life look life? How do we access the free-flowing life only the Vine offers? My hope and prayer is that as we explore what Scripture has to say about the Vinedresser and the vine, our hearts would be opened to the bountiful harvest that is ours in Christ.”

In Chasing Vines, Moore employs her trademark wit and wisdom, providing fresh hope through the abundant secrets of a fruitful, Kingdom-building, God-pleasing life. Tracing the images of vinedresser, vine, branch, and fruit through Scripture, and sharing stories from her own journey, Beth shows us how nothing in our lives is wasted: not the place we’ve been planted, not the painful pruning, not even the manure that gets dumped on us when we least expect it.

Moore is convinced from Scripture that every person who knows Jesus is meant to thrive in fruitfulness. Life might not always be easy, but in Christ, it can always be immensely fruitful. Nothing is for nothing.

Beth takes readers on a journey of discovering what it means to chase vines—and learning how everything changes when we understand and fully embrace God’s brilliant design for growing fruitful, abundant, meaningful lives.

Regarding this acquisition, executive publisher Jan Long Harris said, “We believe the church is parched and just waiting and hoping for the message of an immensely fruitful life. Tyndale House Publishers is honored to bring this message of hope and encouragement to those who have chosen to believe, yet who are being attacked with questions and doubt. This message—this conversation—needs to be amplified and promoted to rise above the hopeless din. We are humbled and energized to join Beth Moore at this unique time in church history.”

Chasing Vines by Beth Moore
ISBN: 978-1-4964-4082-2
Hardcover: $26.99

For more information or an advance reader copy, contact Katie Dodillet, katiedodillet@tyndale.com, 630-784-5275.

Beth Moore (@BethMooreLPM) is a dynamic teacher whose Bible studies and conferences have taken her across the globe and reached millions. A wife, mother, and grandmother, Moore lives in Houston, where she leads Living Proof Ministries with the purpose of encouraging and reaching women to know and love Jesus through the study of Scripture. Her first book with Tyndale, So Long, Insecurity, reached the New York Times Best Sellers List, with over one million copies of the book and associated products in print since 2010.
Beth is represented by Yates & Yates, LLP (www.yates2.com).

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.

Media Contact: Katie Dodillet  katiedodillet@tyndale.com

Ada, Mich. (September 7, 2019)—Baker Publishing Group is pleased to announce the promotions of Nathan Henrion and Mark Rice. Nathan will serve as the Executive Vice President of Sales. Mark will take on the newly formed position of Executive Vice President of Marketing, Ada Divisions. These combined positions fill the vacancy of Dave Lewis’s retirement in September, and both positions report to the President/CEO.

Nathan arrived at Baker Publishing Group in 2001 and began managing National Accounts four years later.  Since then he has worked in all aspects of the sales environment, both print and digital. Nathan is a graduate of Western Michigan University and Grand Valley State University (MBA).

Mark began his Baker Publishing Group career in 2014, serving as Executive Marketing Director for Baker Books. He was promoted to Vice President of Marketing and Publicity in 2016, responsible for leading the Revell, Baker Books, and Visual Communications marketing and design teams. Since arriving at Baker Publishing, Mark has helped acquire and launch numerous bestselling and award-winning books and authors.

“Nathan Henrion and Mark Rice are well prepared for an expansion of their responsibilities. They have served Christian authors and readers richly during their professional careers thus far, and their new appointments will fully apply their personal gifts. I am entirely confident in Nathan and Mark, and eager to enlist all their creative skills,” said Dwight Baker, president/CEO of Baker Publishing Group.

Baker Publishing Group publishes high-quality writings that represent historic Christianity and serve the diverse interests and concerns of evangelical readers.

Contact: Ruth Anderson, (616)676-9185 x8131  randerson@bakerpublishinggroup.com

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

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.

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

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.

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.

(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

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

 

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.”