(Ada, Michigan) April 17, 2026 – Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group, is pleased to announce that The Jesus Discoveries: 10 Historic Finds That Bring Us Face-To-Face with Jesus by Dr. Jeremiah Johnston has climbed to #3 on the New York Times Bestsellers List this week, up from #6 the previous week. The book is also #4 on the Publishers Weekly bestseller list, continues to rank on USA TODAY’s Bestselling Booklist, and currently ranks #3 on Amazon charts, and #31 overall on Amazon Books, where it holds the #1 bestseller spot in three categories:

• #1 in Christian Apologetics
• #1 in Ancient Civilizations
• #1 in Christian Bible History & Culture

“We knew this book was special from the start. Jeremiah has a remarkable ability to synthesize biblical research and theology and bring it down to the personal, faith-fortifying level. Plus, the findings he shares are absolutely fascinating,” said Jeff Braun, Bethany House Executive Acquisitions Editor.

The Jesus Discoveries unpacks centuries of archaeological finds that confirm Jesus wasn’t just a story—he was a real person who walked the earth.

In the book, Johnston guides readers through ten of the most significant archaeological and historical finds ever uncovered, each illuminating the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth. From the Shroud of Turin and the James Ossuary to the Pontius Pilate Stone, the Magdalen Papyrus, and the Dead Sea Scrolls, Johnston examines physical artifacts, ancient manuscripts, and historical records that corroborate the Gospel accounts with striking clarity.

Jeremiah J. Johnston, PhD, is an elected member of the preeminent New Testament scholarly guild Studiorum Novi Testamenti Societas (SNTS) and ministers internationally as president of Christian Thinkers Society. Jeremiah loves the local church and serves as pastor of apologetics and cultural engagement at Prestonwood Baptist Church near Dallas, Texas, and Senior Fellow of Christian Origins, Dallas Baptist University. He is the author of several books, including Body of Proof. Learn more at ChristianThinkers.com.

Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group, seeks to uplift readers’ faith, families, and free time with our library of books that emphasize living in alignment with God’s Word.

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

Jeremiah Johnstonis available for limited interviews. To schedule, email Kelli or John.

Contact:
Kelli Smith at ksmith@bakerpublishinggroup.com
John Mudgett at jmudgett@bakerpublishinggroup.com

Bob Edington, Senior Vice President of Content Operations and Supply Chain, has decided to move on from his role at HarperCollins Christian Publishing (HCCP), effective September 4, 2026. For nearly two decades, Bob has been an integral part of our company, leaving a lasting mark through his leadership and dedication. Bob joined Thomas Nelson in June 2006, where he helped grow our direct-to-consumer business and led the company’s launch into ebooks. Throughout his time at HCCP, Bob has been instrumental in applying technology to content in innovative ways, enabling reuse across multiple formats, and collaborating with divisional partners to implement our content workflow system. Bob’s passion for developing highly effective, cross-functional teams has been invaluable in supporting our publishing imprints and sales channels. His leadership has encompassed book and Bible design, art direction, production for physical and digital formats, inventory management, and customer service. Never one to shy away from a challenge, Bob also successfully led our manufacturing diversification efforts during a time of significant supply chain uncertainty.

Randy Bishop will be promoted to Vice President, Production, continuing to oversee the HCCP Bible and Book print production team, overseeing key areas such as cost management, supplier development, and continuous improvement. Randy began his career at Zondervan Publishing House in May 1989 as a Market Research Intern before finding his true calling in Production, where he has dedicated the last 34 years to driving innovation and excellence. Over the past six years, Randy has spearheaded our supply chain diversification efforts, successfully transitioning to new suppliers that meet our high standards for manufacturing quality and service.

Randy will report to Charlotte Veaney, Group Production and Global Sourcing Director, who is based in London. Charlotte leads the group production team and manages the long-term strategic relationships with HarperCollins’s largest key suppliers globally, in addition to leading the business’s global contract renewal program and local print negotiations for outside the US. As part of her expanded role, Charlotte will join the HCCP Executive Leadership Team.

Seth Matlock, Senior Director, Inventory, will report to Doug Menake, Vice President, Inventory, with a dotted line to Troy Edens. This new structure allows us to align with HarperCollins Trade as we anticipate moving to a new US distribution center, while still maintaining the unique aspects of the Bible business. Under Seth’s leadership the Inventory team will continue to balance inventory value with high order fill rates, ensuring customer demand is met.

Lastly, Shannon Droge, Vice President, Publishing Operations, will report to Mark Schoenwald, President and Chief Executive Officer, HarperCollins Christian Publishing, and will join the Executive Leadership Team. She will continue to oversee publishing operations, including managing editorial, data integrity, book and Bible composition, and content operations. Shannon will also drive strategic initiatives such as editorial AI adoption and organizational transformation and lead efforts to unite teams responsible for critical functions including title information management, digital assets, prepress, and creative direction for our book and Bible products.

Lake Mary, FL—Embolden Media Group is proud to announce that six-time GRAMMY Award-winning worship artist, pastor, and entrepreneur Naomi Raine has signed with the agency for literary representation.

Raine’s music has shaped the worship lives of a generation. A founding voice in the Maverick City Music movement, she is widely recognized for her ability to create music that is theologically grounded, emotionally resonant, and accessible across cultural and denominational lines. Her viral anthem “Pour Me Out” and her live record Cover The Earth have become touchstones for a generation of believers hungry to live surrendered lives. In addition to her six GRAMMY wins, Raine has earned nine GRAMMY nominations across two consecutive years and has received NAACP Image Awards, BET Awards, Billboard Awards, Stellar Awards, and Dove Awards.

“I’ve always communicated most naturally through song—through lyrics and melodies that carry what words alone sometimes can’t,” Raine shared. “Writing a book feels like a natural next step in that same obedience. I’m grateful to walk into this new season with a team that genuinely understands the vision and the heart behind what I do.”

Raine’s forthcoming work will invite readers into the same presence-filled, grace-saturated space her music has always occupied—exploring faith, surrender, and the unrelenting love of a God who meets us in our deepest places.

“Naomi carries something rare—a voice that has already shaped the worship landscape of a generation, and a depth of pastoral wisdom that is made for the page,” said Jevon Bolden, founder and CEO of Embolden Media Group. “I believe the books she will write will do what her music has already done: draw people into the presence of God and open space for encounter, leaving them changed forever. It is a joy and an honor to advocate for her next season.”

Further details about Raine’s forthcoming projects will be announced soon.

Naomi Raine is a six-time GRAMMY Award-winning worship artist, producer, musician, pastor, and entrepreneur. A co-founder of the Maverick City Music movement, she has performed on the GRAMMY Awards stage two consecutive years and has been recognized by the BET Awards, NAACP Image Awards, Billboard Awards, Stellar Awards, and Dove Awards. Her passion for uniting and empowering the body of Christ is the throughline of everything she creates. She is the author of the album Journey and the live record Cover The Earth.

Embolden Media Group is a boutique literary agency and publishing consulting firm representing some of the most engaging, transformative, and authentic voices in our culture including several New York Times, USA Today, Publishers Weekly, and ECPA best-selling authors. Founded in 2017, Embolden Media Group is a market leader in cultivating and amplifying the works of women writers, authors of color, and forward-thinking creators whose diverse ideas move the world.

For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact: elodie.leroy@emboldenmediagroup.com.

April 2026 | LISLE, IL—The Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) has announced that two InterVarsity Press (IVP) titles—Rebecca Sue and What Gen Z Really Wants to Know About God—are among the finalists for the 2026 Christian Book Award® program.

Written by five-time New York Times bestselling author Kathleen Norris, Rebecca Sue: A Sister’s Reflections on Disability, Faith, and Love ventures into new territory for the author as she shares an intimate portrait of her younger sister. Becky’s life was shaped by lifelong mental and physical disabilities, and Norris paints a picture of Becky’s complex life, from her hopes, sense of humor, frustrations, and hardships to her journey from bitterness and anger to a life characterized by gratitude.

Norris said, “When Rebecca told me, ‘You should write a book about me, so I can be famous like you,’ I recognized it as a call. It’s been an honor to explore my relationship with my sister and try to present her in all her complexity.”

Rebecca Sue is a finalist in the Biography & Memoir category of the 2026 Christian Book Award® program. Norris’ New York Times bestsellers include The Cloister Walk; Acedia & Me: A Marriage, Monks, and a Writer’s Life; Dakota: A Spiritual Geography; Amazing Grace: A Vocabulary of Faith; The Virgin of Bennington; and several volumes of poetry.

Norris has contracted a second book with IVP, Finding God in the Desert, that is tentatively scheduled to release in fall 2027.

The other IVP Christian Book Award® finalist, chosen for the Ministry Resources category, is a book that provides insights into the seven key questions Gen Z is asking about life and faith, offering actionable advice tailored to their values and worldview. What Gen Z Really Wants to Know About God: Seven Questions About Life and Faith, written by veteran youth worker Tanita Tualla Maddox, goes beyond just answering questions—it explores how to translate the unchanging truths of the gospel into Gen Z’s cultural context.

Maddox is the national director for generational impact for Young Life and serves as an associate regional director in the Mountain West Young Life region.

“Right now, the church is answering questions Gen Z is not asking while ignoring the ones they do ask. This furthers a disconnection between the Christian faith and the realities of everyday life for Gen Z,” Maddox writes. “When we ignore the questions Gen Z is asking, Gen Z doesn’t have an opportunity to see how the Bible is relevant to the longings of their hearts and souls. This means the conversation around faith and the gospel does not intersect the worldview or experience of Gen Z in a meaningful way, even though it could! After all, the gospel is good news for everyone, everywhere, throughout time.”

The Christian Book Award® program has recognized the highest quality in Christian books since 1978 (originally called the Gold Medallion Award). Based on excellence in content, literary quality, design, and impact, the 2026 Christian Book Awards® are the oldest and among the most prestigious awards in religious publishing.

Winners in each category, along with the 2026 Christian Book of the Year®, will be announced April 28 at the ECPA Awards Celebration, held at the Chicago Marriott Schaumburg during the ECPA Leadership Summit.

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

Contact:  Krista Clayton, kclayton@ivpress.com

Nelson Books author, Carlos Whittaker joined TODAY to explore the roots of how to navigate toxic masculinity when raising young boys.

In this powerful two-segment, nine-minute interview, Whittaker shares insights from his backlist title RECONNECTED: How 7 Screen-Free Weeks with Monks and Amish Farmers Helped Me Recover the Lost Art of Being Human, emphasizing the importance of fostering authentic friendships and teaching essential soft skills.

You can watch the full segment here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sHsqxIqiu_U

Exciting new Christian middle-grade fantasy fiction debuts this spring

Calla Press Publishing is pleased to announce the upcoming release of The Keeper of Courage and Light by Meghan Endahl, arriving April 30. The novel will be available in print with preorder options currently open, including free shipping and a special preorder bundle for readers.

The Keeper of Courage and Light follows eleven-year-old Nathanael Andrews as he is swept from the uncertainty of his mother’s serious illness into the extraordinary Land of Nehv, a world filled with wonder, danger, and unexpected allies. From dragon-filled skies to a princess on a mission of her own, Nathanael’s journey becomes one of courage, sacrifice, and discovery as he searches for a way home and learns what it truly means to stand firm in hope. Blending the spirit of classic allegorical fantasy with imaginative storytelling, the novel is written for readers ages 11 and up and explores themes of perseverance, faith, and selflessness.

The April 30 release marks an important addition to Calla Press Publishing’s growing list of middle-grade and young adult fiction centered on faith-inspired storytelling. With its richly built world and emotionally driven narrative, The Keeper of Courage and Light reflects the continued focus on stories that encourage young readers through both adventure and meaning. This novel is specifically helpful for families navigating loss, cancer, and fear, as our author fights her own very real-life battle.

Author Meghan Endahl brings a deeply personal voice to her work, drawing from her background as a homeschooling mother, a graduate of Eastern Michigan University’s Creative Writing program, and a Stage IV colon cancer survivor. Her storytelling is marked by themes of resilience, wonder, and hope, woven throughout immersive fantasy worlds designed to inspire readers of all ages.

Calla Press Publishing looks forward to the April 30 release of The Keeper of Courage and Light and invites readers to experience this unforgettable new fantasy adventure.

For preorders, please order here: https://www.callapresspublishing.com/ourbooks/p/preorder-the-keeper-of-courage-and-light-by-meghan-endahl-free-preorder-shipping-only

Independent publisher expands children’s fiction list with veteran author known for humor and faith-based storytelling

Calla Press Publishing has announced the signing of award-winning author and illustrator Sandy Silverthorne to its growing children’s and middle-grade list, marking an exciting new partnership for the independent press. The acquisition reflects a continued commitment to stories that both entertain and equip young readers with values-driven narratives in the Christian market.

Silverthorne’s upcoming release, Double Take, is a middle-grade mystery for readers ages 8–13 and the first installment in The Backlot Mysteries series. The story blends fast-paced, cinematic storytelling with meaningful themes relevant to young readers navigating the transition into middle school, including identity, friendship, integrity, and wise decision-making. As students face new social and personal challenges in their formative years, The Backlot Mysteries aims to meet them with engaging fiction that fosters empathy, courage, and character development.

Silverthorne brings more than three decades of experience in writing and illustrating for children, with nearly one million copies of his books in print. He is widely recognized for titles such as The Awesome Book of Unusual Bible Heroes for Kids (Harvest House Publishers), 101 Awesome Bible Facts for Kids, and the popular One-Minute Mysteries series, along with additional works including The Awesome Book of Bible Facts for Kids and The Awesome Book of Bible Questions for Kids (Revell).

Known for combining humor with meaningful lessons, Silverthorne’s work has resonated with young audiences worldwide. Early reactions to his illustrations and storytelling continue to reflect his signature ability to engage children through laughter while encouraging thoughtful reflection.

Revell’s Powerful New Release Resonates with Readers Across the Country

ADA, MICH. — Baker Publishing Group is thrilled to announce that Counterweights by Shannan Martin has debuted on the USA TODAY bestsellers list. Published by Revell, an imprint of Baker Publishing Group, the book has resonated deeply with readers nationwide, affirming Shannan Martin’s powerful voice in the Christian publishing space.

Counterweights invites readers into a countercultural way of living, rooted in presence, community, and the quiet resistance of choosing what matters most in a distracted, fragmented world. With her signature warmth and unflinching honesty, Martin challenges readers to examine the forces pulling at their lives and to anchor themselves in what is true, good, and lasting.

“Shannan’s writing speaks directly to this moment,” says Kelsey Bowen, senior acquisitions editor for Revell. “She uniquely invites readers to name both their grief and their gratitude while finding meaning through her own honest, vulnerable storytelling. We’re proud to steward her remarkable voice at Revell.”

Martin is holding a nine-city book tour that began on March 25 in Lancaster, PA (sold out), followed by two sold-out stops in Goshen, IN with Jen Hatmaker on March 28 and  April 9 Davidson, NC with Emily P. Freeman.

The following dates are upcoming:

• April 10 Franklin, IN with Tanorria Askew
• April 11 Nashville, TN with Kat Armas
• April 12 East Nashville, TN with Kat Armas
• April 18 Grand Rapids, MI
• May 12 Abilene, TX
• May 14 Waco, TX with Kelly Harp

Shannan Martin is the bestselling author of several books, including Start with Hello, and the popular Substack The Soup. She is a speaker and writer who found her voice in the country and her story in the city. Shannan works as a cook at The Window, a local nonprofit dedicated to feeding its community. She and her family live as grateful neighbors in Goshen, Indiana. Find her on Instagram @shannanwrites.

Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, was founded in 1870 and has spent more than a century focused on publishing books that offer both inspiration and practical help to readers. Over the decades Revell books have included numerous New York Times bestsellers as well as titles in a variety of genres including fiction, Christian living, marriage, family, youth, and self-help.

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

Contact: Kelli Smith, ksmith@bakerpublishinggroup.com

A finalist in the “New Author” category, Rev. Dr. Jared Ayers’ book invites readers into a compelling, hospitable conversation about faith, doubt, and a God who understands suffering.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (April 10, 2026) — NavPress is pleased to announce that Jared Ayers’ 2025 release, You Can Trust a God with Scars: Faith (and Doubt) for the Searching Soul, has been recognized as a finalist in the “New Author” category for the upcoming Christian Book Award^® program. Written especially for anyone whose experience of Christianity has been touched by suffering, skepticism, or disillusionment, Ayers’ timely book invites readers into an honest, hospitable, and intellectually compelling conversation about Christian faith.

“It’s a joy to see Jared Ayers recognized as a finalist for this award,” shares Deborah Saenz, acquisitions and developmental editor at NavPress. “This book meets readers in their questions and doubts — something we all need, especially in this cultural moment. My hope is that it will continue to offer wisdom and strength to those wrestling with faith.”

With more than two decades of pastoral experience, Rev. Dr. Jared Ayers currently serves as senior minister at First Presbyterian Church in North Palm Beach, Florida, and as adjunct faculty at Palm Beach Atlantic University. He is a graduate of Western Theological Seminary and the Eugene Peterson Center for Christian Imagination.

Winners of the 2026 Christian Book Award program will be announced later this month at the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) Awards Celebration, during the annual ECPA Leadership Summit. One of the most prestigious award programs in religious publishing, the Christian Book Award program was established in 1978 to recognize and promote excellence in Christian books and Bibles.

Visit NavPress.com to learn more about You Can Trust a God with Scars and other NavPress titles.

About NavPress
NavPress is a business ministry of The Navigators. With a rich catalog of bestselling books, discipleship resources, and The Message^® Bible, NavPress equips readers “to know Christ, make Him known, and help others do the same^®.” Since 2014, NavPress has been in a publishing alliance with Tyndale House Publishers, one of the largest independently owned Christian publishers in the world. NavPress resources are sold, distributed, and marketed worldwide through Tyndale House Publishers. NavPress, the NavPress logo, and The Message ^® are registered trademarks of NavPress, The Navigators, Colorado Springs, CO.

About The U.S. Navigators
The Navigators is a ministry that shares the gospel of Jesus and helps people grow in their relationship with Him through Life-to-Life^® discipleship, creating spiritual generations of believers. Since its founding in 1933, The Navigators has upheld the mission “to know Christ, make Him known, and help others do the same^®.” Our Worldwide Partnership includes around 6,000 staff of 85 nationalities, serving in 123 countries. Navigators encourage spiritual growth across life stages, serving wherever people work, live, worship, and play: on college campuses and military bases as well as in urban neighborhoods, workplaces, churches, local communities, and hard-to-reach places. To learn more, visit www.navigators.org.

Contact: Mariah Franklin, Marketing and PR Content Editor
Marketing and Communications, mariah.franklin@navigators.org

Join #1 New York Times bestselling author and Bible teacher Joyce Meyer for a study of God’s Word that will transform the way you see yourself. 

God created you in His image, with specific skills and gifts. You are completely one-of-a-kind, and there’s no one in the whole world exactly like you. But the world often tries to conform us to its image instead. You may have felt the pressure of these lies: that you’re not good enough, that things would be better if you were more like someone else, or that you need to become the person others want you to be in order to be loved and accepted.

God’s Word shows us over and over again that we are loved and chosen by God. He calls us to rest in our identity in Christ, but how can we do that when there is so much confusion and pressure? In Living Confidently, you will explore what God says about who we are with eight sessions designed to help you know and understand everything you have in Christ.

Throughout the eight sessions of this study, you will explore what God says about who you are and be equipped to walk in confidence and stand firm in your identity.
In Living Confidently, you will:

• Grow in knowledge with readings and commentary on New Testament scriptures
• Reflect on the truths from God’s Word that will change your heart and mind
• Apply these truths to your life with reflection questions
• Learn from key verses to memorize or dwell on to keep the truth close to your heart
• Refresh your learning with Scripture memory cards so you can be reminded of the truth long after you’ve finished

You can walk in freedom from worry and self-consciousness through the power of God’s Word. Begin today and experience the power of Living Confidently!

Joyce Meyer is a New York Times bestselling author and one of the world’s leading Bible teachers. Through Joyce Meyer Ministries, she teaches practically and candidly, openly sharing her experiences and helping millions of people to apply biblical principles to their situations and ultimately find hope and restoration through Jesus Christ. Her book Battlefield of the Mind has been a perennial bestseller, teaching people how to win the war in their minds and “think about what they think about.”

Joyce’s Enjoying Everyday Life program is broadcast to millions worldwide in 114 languages. She has also authored over 150 books, which have been translated into over 170 combined languages, including Battlefield of the Mind, which has sold over 9 million copies across the globe. Her ministry has also distributed over 43.5 million books around the world.

A survivor of childhood sexual abuse, Joyce discovered how to overcome the emotional pain of her troubled past and experience true joy, hope, and healing by applying God’s Word to her life. Her passion is to help others do the same. For more than forty years, Joyce has held conferences across the United States and around the world, teaching God’s Word and sharing the message of Christ with millions. Joyce also encourages millions each day through social media and online efforts and resources at joycemeyer.org.

Joyce’s passion to help people who are hurting is the foundation of Hand of Hope, the missions arm of Joyce Meyer Ministries. Each year, Hand of Hope provides millions of meals for the hungry and malnourished, installs freshwater wells in poor and remote areas, provides critical relief after natural disasters, and offers free medical and dental care to thousands through their hospitals and clinics worldwide. Through their Project GRL initiative, they rescue women and children from human trafficking, provide safe places where they can receive an education and nutritious meals, and seek to let all girls everywhere know they are loved and valued by God.

In 2023, Joyce founded Hope Mountain Ranch, an 800-acre refuge in Mount Pleasant, Utah. Inspired by her own personal journey, Hope Mountain Ranch is a place where people can experience the transformative power of God and find hope and healing. It also serves as the hub for Joyce Meyer Ministries’ outreaches across the United States.