(Nashville, Tenn.) March 2, 2020—Thomas Nelson today announced that Stephanie Newton, a HarperCollins Christian Publishing veteran and most recently the director of the backlist vault program, will become the associate publisher for its non-fiction imprint W Publishing. Newton will assist in the management of W Publishing’s publishing program by leading the imprint’s editorial team and helping the division carry out its strategy to meet revenue goals.

Newton joined Thomas Nelson in 2006 as a publicist, leading several major media campaigns for books such as the iconic New York Times bestselling Heaven Is For Real by Todd Burpo with Lynn Vincent. Published in October 2010, the book appeared on the NYT bestsellers list for three consecutive years and was #1 for more than 52 consecutive weeks.  In 2015, after working on more than 200 publicity campaigns, Newton became the marketing director of backlist content for HarperCollins Christian Publishing. This initiative later transformed into The Vault, a custom product specialty publishing program where she worked to revitalize content in a new way through fresh cover treatments, revised titles, updated content, and creating The Seasons Edition’s book line, a highly detailed and custom crafted design for fictional classics.

“We are elated to have Stephanie Newton rejoin the W Publishing team,” said Damon Reiss, v-p and publisher for W Publishing. “She has a proven track record of leading in every role she has served in, most recently with publishing our backlist titles. Her strong drive and vision are matched by her large network of relationships and attention to detail. I have no doubt that she will be a vital leader, guiding W Publishing into the future.”

Newton will assume her new position on March 9, 2020.

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 multiples formats of award-winning Bibles, books, gift books, curriculum and digital content, with distribution of its products in more than 100 countries. Thomas Nelson is headquartered in Nashville, Tenn. For additional information visit www.thomasnelson.com

Contact: Chelsea Taff, Assistant Manager, Corporate Communications, 615.902.2137  Chelsea.Taff@HarperCollins.com

INDUSTRY’S PREMIERE CHRISTIAN FICTION AWARD ACCEPTING SUBMISSIONS MARCH 1-31

Nominations for The Christy Award® are now being accepted through March 31 in nine fiction categories:

General
Contemporary Romance
Historical Romance
Historical
Mystery/ Suspense/ Thriller
Visionary
First Novel
Young Adult
Short Format

Submissions are open to works of fiction written from a Christian worldview, published traditionally or independently from March 2019 to March 2020. (Submitting publishers do not need to be members of ECPA.)
The finalists will be announced in September, and the winners will be celebrated at the Christy Award Gala in Nashville on November 11.

ECPA works with media outlets, prominent fiction community voices, and retailers to bring awareness to The Christy Award® finalists and winners. Last year, Just Read Tours (@JustCommonly) and Reading is My Superpower conducted campaigns that included book giveaways. Our valued retail partners featured the award finalists and/or winners on their sites and in special programs.  They include Amazon, Barnes & Noble, ChristianBook.com, LifeWay, Logos, NetGalley (eblast to 16,600), Parable (eblast to 350,000), and Signature Marketing Network (200+ store websites and email to 200K product buyers).

For more information, visit ChristyAwards.com and click on the SUBMISSIONS tab in the top menu.

The Power of a Praying® series of 20 books has sold over 30 million units worldwide

November 18, 2020 – Tempe, Ariz. –  The Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) has presented bestselling author STORMIE OMARTIAN with the industry’s PINNACLE AWARD for the outstanding contribution of The Power of a Praying® series, both to the industry and to society at large.  The award was presented at the ECPA Industry Awards Celebration webcast on November 18th, held during the ECPA C-Suite Connect online conference.  Harvest House Publishers president Bob Hawkins gave a moving tribute to Stormie, and presented a video honoring her worldwide ministry.

The series’ collection of 20 books, published by Harvest House Publishers, has achieved more than 30 million in sales worldwide since the debut of The Power of a Praying® Parent in 1994.  Five of the books in the series have received ECPA Sales Milestone Awards (four Platinum Awards and one Gold Award). The bestselling book in the series is The Power of a Praying® Wife with over 8 million sold. In 2002, the book broke a 21-year industry record by claiming the number one spot on the Christian Booksellers bestsellers list for 27 consecutive months. The Power of a Praying® Husband received the 2002 Gold Medallion Book Award (now known as the ECPA Christian Book Award® program).

“Stormie Omartian is so deserving of this recognition,” said ECPA president Stan Jantz. “As impressive as her book sales are, they tell just one part of the story. For the past 25 years, Stormie’s books on prayer have had an enormous impact on the way Christians relate to God and to each other. I’m not exaggerating when I say her books have spawned a global movement of prayer.”

Stormie is the third recipient of this high honor from the industry.  Dr. Gary Chapman was presented with the Pinnacle Award last year for The 5 Love Languages® series (Moody). The first Pinnacle Award was presented to Jerry Jenkins and Tim LaHaye for the Left Behind® series (Tyndale House) in 2007.

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Stormie Omartian is an award-winning, bestselling author and speaker whose books have sold more than 40 million copies worldwide. The Power of a Praying® series includes The Power of a Praying Wife®, The Power of a Praying® Husband, The Power of a Praying® Woman, The Power of a Praying® Parent, The Power of Praying® for Your Adult Children, and The Power of a Praying® Grandparent. She is also the author of Just Enough Light for the Step I’m On; Lead Me, Holy Spirit; Prayer Warrior; and Out of Darkness, which is her personal journey out of the devastating darkness of the first 28 years of her life until she found Everlasting Light in her Lord and Savior, Jesus. Her new release is The Power of Prayer™ to Enrich Your Marriage (February 2, 2021).

The Power of a Praying® Wife broke a 21-year industry record by claiming the number one spot on the Christian Booksellers bestsellers list for 27 consecutive months. In September 2002, Stormie’s prayer series astonishingly held the top four spots on the bestsellers paperback list: Praying Wife at number 1, Praying Woman at number 2, Praying Parent at number 3, and Praying Husband at number 4. For an unprecedented three years in a row, The Power of a Praying® Wife was named a finalist for The Charles “Kip” Jordon Christian Book of the Year Award. Stormie personally connects with readers and listeners by sharing her experiences and lessons from the Bible, illustrating how God transforms lives when we learn to pray and trust in Him. Stormie and Michael have been married for more than 47 years and have two married children and two granddaughters.

Harvest House Publishers, a Christian publishing company based in Eugene, Oregon, publishes more than 100 books per year and carries a strong backlist offering nearly 1,700 titles. Over 145 million Harvest House books have been sold worldwide through diverse distribution channels, and additional tens of millions have sold in over 75 different languages. For more information, visit www.HarvestHousePublishers.com.

The Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) is an international non-profit 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. For more information about ECPA: info@ecpa.org  ECPA.org  @ECPA

Media contacts:
Stan Jantz, President, ECPA, sjantz@ecpa.org, 480-966-3998
Cindy Carter, ECPA Awards Manager, ccarter@ecpa.org, 480-966-3998

 

Iron Stream Media announces the release of Soul Strong: 7 Keys to a Vibrant Life by Lucinda Secrest McDowell. 

The faith journey is not one of physical perseverance or mental determination. It is something that goes much deeper. To live vibrantly rests in the soul’s capacity to endure. But how you might ask can we strengthen our soul so we are able to live out God’s story for our lives? Soul Strong offers stories, biblical teaching, and practical suggestions centered around seven key areas essential in the vibrant woman’s life. Soul Strong shows you how to:

• Live Loved
• Be Authentic
• Dwell Deep
• Pray Always
• Overcome Pain
• Extend Kindness
• Share Stories

About the Author
Lucinda Secrest McDowell is a storyteller and seasoned mentor who engages both heart and mind while helping you choose a life of serenity and strength. A graduate of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and Furman University, McDowell has authored thirteen books, including the award-winning Dwelling Places, Ordinary Graces and Life-Giving Choices. Known for conveying deep truth in practical and winsome ways, McDowell codirects the reNEW writer’s retreat and blogs weekly at EncouragingWords.net.

Media Contact:  Meredith Dunn, Meredith@IronStreamMedia.com

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ENDORSEMENTS

“With the heart of a gentle encourager, Lucinda Secrest McDowell provides practical wisdom for how to live a vibrant life, rooted and grounded in God’s extravagant love and grace. Soul Strong is a generous offering from an honest, trustworthy mentor. I’m grateful for this beautiful gift.”— Sharon Garlough Brown, Author of the Sensible Shoes Series and Shades of Light

“The first time I met Lucinda Secrest McDowell she looked me straight in the eyes as asked me how she could pray for me, revealing her heart. In Soul Strong, we are all the beneficiaries of practical guidance that will help any women who wants to live the full, vibrant life Jesus promises us.”— Teri Lynne Underwood, author of Praying for Girls: Asking God for the Things They Need Most

“Each day we are faced with choices that determine our posture and stamina as we run the race Jesus has laid out for his own.  In Soul Strong, Lucinda Secrest McDowell tracks right alongside and lovingly points us to the Word of God. Dig in, do the work and watch your soul strength rise.”— Lee Nienhuis, Author Brave Mom, Brave Kids, Host of Moms in Prayer Podcast

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INTERVIEW with Lucinda Secrest McDowell on Soul Strong

Why did you write Soul Strong?
The simple answer is that I wrote Soul Strong as a response to a five-word question by a younger woman – “How do you do it?” I meet so very many people as I speak around the country and have had many conversations which served as a catalyst to put into writing some of my hard life lessons.

Yes, I focus on 7 keys, but the truth is that we journey through life not merely to check off achievements. The formula of A + B = C doesn’t always work. While there’s no exhaustive to-do list, I do believe that choosing what matters most will lead us into both living authentically and loving extravagantly.

Who is your audience for this book?
I wrote Soul Strong for anyone who has ever wondered

• How do I know if my life is making a difference?
• How do I persevere through discouragement or disaster?
• How do I move forward spiritually and with purpose?

I believe the journey of faith is indeed “a long obedience in the same direction.” And I’ve discovered that this deep commitment and even deeper empowerment make me soul strong. Yes, even while making mistakes and standing daily in need of God’s grace and mercy.

Are there any unique elements in Soul Strong?
I love that Soul Strong is an interactive tool for those who are willing to do the hard work of getting to know themselves better, and digging deep into God’s call and purpose for their lives. Each of the seven chapters fleshes out a key to vibrant living. As a seminary graduate, I love to delve into the intricacies of biblical sources for contemporary life. I use personal stories, challenging quotes, and the best of spiritual disciplines and practice to guide my reader in exploring what it means for them to live soul strong. Parts of the book look like a Bible study, while other sections resemble a prayer book or a personal journal. I like this variety and hope the reader will as well.

What are your hopes for this message?
I pray that God will orchestrate getting these words into the hands of those who will work through each chapter with a teachable heart — both to learn more of God, but also to discover their true self and unique calling. I pray that when readers close Soul Strong they are transformed. More purpose, more power, more of embracing God’s presence, and filled with more perseverance to live loved.

Can you explain your 7 keys?

1. I begin with “Live loved.” Because people need to fully grasp how much God loves them — not because of anything they have or have not done, but because they are His idea, His creation. When we are already loved, already accepted, already chosen and equipped, we are free to live loved. From that starting place we then begin to flesh out the other six keys.
2.  “Be authentic” speaks to our deep desire to be fully known and used to change the world. As we are. But also, to be encouraged to know ourselves and develop our passions and gifts.
3. “Dwell deep” offers the practical steps anyone can take for much-needed soul care — spiritual practices that strengthen us within and without. I loved seeking to make such things approachable and attainable.
4. “Pray always” sounds impossible, but not if we see prayer as a way of life, not just a certain task. I help guide the reader through many different aspects of communication with God, including some of the best prayers over time and history.
5. “Overcome pain” is perhaps the hardest and most encouraging chapter of all, as we witness those who have suffered and survived, those who were transformed from their trials. We find hope as we make choices to allow our pain to enlarge our lives.
6. “Extend kindness” asks the hard questions of how we are responding and reacting to the needy world that surrounds us. As we explore themes of compassion, civility, and conversation, we realize kindness can be expressed in many life-giving ways.
7. “Share stories” is where it all comes together as I vulnerably share some of my hardest lessons and call each of us to spend the rest of our lives as messengers of light and faith, that others might be drawn to God.

These descriptions are very simplistic of course, but give the basic flow of how the book works. In my prologue I feature the question “How do you do it?” and conclude in my epilogue with “Why do you do it?”

What was it like sharing God’s fingerprints on your own life story?
Although I knew what I wanted to say, it was a challenge to decide which stories, scripture, quotes, and prayers to include. For a book on life, there is a temptation to write everything I know. Everything I’ve ever done and every lesson learned. But you will notice this is not a long book — I didn’t want my readers to get bogged down, but merely taste the “Lucinda version” of God’s story so they could recognize His movement in their own lives. So, it was a challenge to leave out some pretty important stuff, but it was also scary to include some of my most vulnerable moments. In the end, I did so with the hope that God’s redemption of all things will shine as a beacon of light.

How did writing Soul Strong affect your own life?
In the process of writing, I became aware that my deepest desire in this season is to be a Spiritual Mama. I am committed to encouraging and discipling younger women and men who are traveling through life with questions and searching hearts. I want to fan the flames of creativity and courage in new voices for the Kingdom.  It was easy to realize that my own word for 2020 is Strong – “March on, my soul; be strong!” (Judges 5.21) I come from a long line of strong Southern women — steel magnolias if you will. But I still have to choose to live the message of this book each day. I pray to become even stronger — spiritually, emotionally, mentally, and physically. But I also believe that even when my mind and body weaken, God can keep me soul strong to the end. Perhaps that’s why my final words in the last chapter are “Here am I, Lord, send me.”

Tyndale Momentum’s new release, from New York Times bestselling author, Bible teacher, and speaker, earns #5 spot on Publishers Weekly and Wall Street Journal bestsellers lists

CAROL STREAM, Ill. (February 20, 2020)—Chasing Vines, the new release from Beth Moore, earned bestseller status on both the Publishers Weekly Hardcover Frontlist Nonfiction and Wall Street Journal Nonfiction bestsellers lists in release week. Both lists are based upon actual point-of-sale transactions, using data from NPD BookScan for the week ending on February 8.

In Chasing Vines, Moore shares how everything changes when you discover the true meaning of a fruitful, God-pleasing life that matters. Chasing Vines released 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 release, executive publisher Jan Long Harris said, “We believe people of faith are parched and just waiting and hoping for the message that it’s possible to have an immensely fruitful life. Tyndale House Publishers is honored to join Beth Moore in bringing them this message of hope and encouragement.”

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.

For more information, contact Katie Dodillet, katiedodillet@tyndale.com, 630-784-5275.

Effective March 1, Thomas Silkjaer will leave his long time career at 2K/DENMARK to pursuing his passion for blockchain technology and data analytics, while he continues contributing to Forbes.com on topics of XRP and Big Data. For the past 15 years, Thomas Silkjaer has worked at 2K/DENMARK, 12 years as a partner in various leading positions.

“It is with equal parts appreciation for Thomas’ multifaceted contributions to the company and sadness for missing a committed, talented, and beloved partner, colleague, and friend, that we bid him farewell,” expressed Klaus Krogh, president.  “In gratitude, we wish Thomas good luck on his journey towards future challenges and victories.”

Grand Rapids, Mich.—Credo Communications president Tim Beals announces that Pete Ford has joined Credo as a literary agent and publishing coordinator. Ford previously held an internship at Credo, and Beals is delighted to have him back with the team. “Pete has been working hard for several years to be in this position. He represents the future of publishing and is prepared to make an immediate impact,” Beals says.

A recent graduate of Calvin University, Ford holds a degree in literature. During his time at Calvin, he was the managing editor of Chimes, the student newspaper. He also worked as a Hudson-Townsend Student Fellow at the Calvin Center for Faith & Writing, which hosts the biennial Festival of Faith & Writing.

Since 2016 Ford has been on the Breathe Christian Writers Conference planning committee. He has also been the web services coordinator at Apricot Services for over five years. In 2019 he was awarded an Emerging Leader scholarship to PubU for his work at Apricot Services.

“I’m excited to serve our authors by bringing together my experience with words and technology in this role,” Ford says. He will focus on authors who are thoughtfully engaged with the church. He will work with both nonfiction and fiction authors. He joins Beals and Credo COO Karen E. Neumair in Grand Rapids.

About Credo Communications LLC
Credo Communications is a premier literary agency that represents some of the leading Christian thinkers and writers addressing a wide range of needs and interests by faithfully communicating the hope of the gospel message. Credo is directed by the Spirit, distinguished by excellence, and driven by results.

If you would like more information about this topic, or to schedule an interview with Pete Ford, please call Tim Beals at 616.363.2686 or email Tim at tim@credocommunications.net.

Contact: Tim Beals, 616.363.2686, tim@credocommunications.net

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Industry veteran Marilyn Largent has joined Kregel Publications as sales manager.

Marilyn looks forward to being part of Kregel Publications, especially at this time of rebranding and repositioning for the future. “I’ve always appreciated that Kregel Publications is a trusted, biblically based publisher that has worked hard to remain an independent and family-owned business,” says Largent. “I have a passion for Christian publishing and am excited to be part of what Kregel is doing in the marketplace.”

“We are excited to have Marilyn Largent join us to lead our sales initiatives,” says Jerry Kregel, president of Kregel Publications. “I appreciate her commitment to this ever-changing industry and her determination to push beyond the status quo.”

“Marilyn will be a great new addition to our Kregel team,” adds Kregel publisher Catherine DeVries, “as we continue to publish award-winning, engaging content across a wide variety of genres and formats for all ages.”

Kregel Publications is an evangelical Christian publisher that aims to develop and distribute—with integrity and excellence—trusted, biblically based resources that lead individuals to know and serve Jesus Christ.

Building on the Successful Launch of its #1 Amazon Best-Selling Kids Bible, Minno Press and Hachette Book Group’s FaithWords Division Roll out New “Laugh and Learn Bible for Little Ones” this Month to Help Make the Bible Accessible for the Whole Family

NASHVILLE, Feb. 24, 2020 — FaithWords, a division of Hachette Book Group, and Minno Kids are pleased to announce its latest addition to the already-popular collection of kid’s books by VeggieTales® creator and celebrated author Phil Vischer-the Laugh and Learn Bible for Little Ones. This new board book edition builds on the successful launch of the Laugh and Learn Bible for Kids, first released in September 2019 which became the No. 1 best selling book in Amazon’s “Children’s Christian Bible Stories” category.

“The Bible makes life make sense, and I’ve spent most of my life helping kids make sense of the Bible through creative media, culminating last year with the launch of my new Laugh and Learn Bible for Kids. The response to that fun-filled walk through God’s word has been so fantastic, that now we’re back with a new board book version for our littlest friends. And just in time for Easter baskets,” said Phil Vischer, author of The Laugh and Learn Bible books.

Watch Phil’s video here: https://rb.gy/305qtk

The Laugh and Learn Bible for Little Ones, written by VeggieTales® creator Phil Vischer, includes fifteen beautifully illustrated, whimsically written Bible stories that will introduce little learners to God’s great story.

This simple board book Bible is the perfect companion to the Laugh and Learn Bible for Kids or a delightful stand-alone tool that will introduce toddlers and preschoolers to beloved, one-minute, gospel-focused Bible stories.

The Laugh and Learn Bible for Little Ones has a Family Connection at the end of the book with parent tips, questions that can apply to all of the 15 stories, a memory verse, and prayer.

Facts about the Laugh and Learn Bible 

• This is the FIRST EVER children’s Bible collection written by Phil Vischer; author, filmmaker, writer with over 70M children’s products sold
• The first edition, the Laugh and Learn Bible for Kids, was released in September 2019 which became the No. 1 best selling book in Amazon’s “Children’s Christian Bible Stories” category
• It is connecting families in fun, new ways as they engage together in a whole new Bible experience
• The Bible is unlike any other children’s Bible complete with amazing bonus resources including maps, charts, and Bible section introductions to help readers understand each story’s place in God’s big story
• Full product line includes board book Bible for little ones, hardcover Bible for Kids with eBook and audiobook narrated by author Phil Vischer
• Check out the press website-click here.

In addition to the Laugh and Learn Bible for Kids, Faithwords has released a series of children’s books featuring VeggieTales® creator Phil Vischer’s beloved characters, Buck Denver and Friends-stars of the popular Buck Denver Asks™ . . . What’s In the Bible? series-a new collection of board, picture, and coloring books.

The Laugh and Learn Bible for Little Ones is available now wherever you buy the books you love. Visit laughandlearnbible.com to check out all of our retailers.

About FaithWords
FaithWords, a division of Hachette Book Group, is a leading publisher of books and resources for the inspirational Christian market. Bestselling authors include Joel Osteen, Joyce Meyer, Joseph Prince, John C. Maxwell, and T.D. Jakes.

About Minno
Minno is a Nashville-based children’s digital media company partnering with Christian parents to provide safe, values-based choices for their families. Minno’s offering includes an ad-free subscription-video-on-demand platform Minno Life, an expert-driven parenting blog, Minno Kids, its book publishing division, and Minno store, a digital shopping platform. Minno seeks to entertain, inform and inspire, encouraging kids and parents to laugh and learn together.

CONTACT: Press@inspire.buzz, 323-379-5180

Long-time Zondervan senior v-p and publisher receives industry’s top honor

Nashville, Tenn. (February 24, 2020) — HarperCollins Christian Publishing (HCCP) congratulates senior v-p, publisher, and Zondervan editor-in-chief, Stan Gundry, for being recognized as this year’s recipient of the Kenneth N. Taylor Lifetime Achievement Award from the Evangelical Christian Publisher’s Association (ECPA), announced on  February 17, 2020. The award will be presented at the ECPA Leadership Summit on May 5, 2020 in Nashville, Tenn.

Recognized for his forty-year dedication to the Christian publishing industry as both a publisher and author of seven published works, Gundry’s name is synonymous with the Zondervan publishing program. Gundry joined Zondervan in 1980 to develop the Zondervan Academic publishing program, today one of the most highly recognized and world-renowned Christian theological imprints used in colleges, universities, and seminaries across the globe. Throughout his tenure, Gundry has acquired many leading Christian academic scholars including Wayne Grudem (Systematic Theology), Tremper Longman (Introduction to the Old Testament), D. A. Carson and Douglas Moo, (Introduction to the New Testament), Moises Silva (New International Dictionary of New Testament Theology and Exegesis), Willem VanGemeren (New International Dictionary of Old Testament Theology and Exegesis), William Mounce (Basics of Biblical Greek), Daniel Wallace (Greek Grammar Beyond the Basics), and John R. Kohlenberger and Edward W. Goodrick (The NIV Exhaustive Concordance). Gundry also acquired numerous bestselling trade books including New York Times bestselling authors Rick Warren (The Purpose Driven Life) and Ben Carson (Gifted Hands).

Gundry consistently brings biblical and theological focus to the Zondervan brand, as well as vision to keep pace with technological changes in publishing. Under his leadership, the Zondervan Academic team has pioneered new developments in online education, becoming an industry-leader with nearly 100 online courses and streaming video studies now available.  Over the past two years, Gundry has steered the development and launch of Zondervan Reflective, a new trade imprint specializing in books for thoughtful readers on topics related to leadership, ministry, and the intersection of faith and culture. It is home to authors including Andy Stanley (Deep & Wide), Jemar Tisby (The Color of Compromise), and Nabeel Qureshi (Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus).

Although Zondervan plucked Gundry out of academia forty years ago, he continues to impact the next generation of biblical scholars as an adjunct professor of historical and systematic theology at Grand Rapids Theological Seminary.

“Stan Gundry is a pillar in the Christian publishing world,” said Mark Schoenwald, president and CEO of HCCP. “He has dedicated his life to our mission to inspire the world by meeting the needs of people with content that promotes biblical principles and honors Jesus Christ, and because of his dedication to his craft millions of lives have been introduced to or impacted by God’s Word. We are thrilled to see him receive this well-deserved honor.”

“I never planned or expected to go into publishing. At age 40 I had completed my formal education and was happily settled in as a college and seminary professor of theology,” said Gundry. “I expected that I would spend the rest of my career teaching, while occasionally doing a bit of editing and writing of my own. However, unbeknownst to me but providentially, everything in my background was leading toward and preparing me for something else – publishing. I am so honored that the ECPA has bestowed on me, the ‘accidental publisher,’ this prestigious recognition.”

The Kenneth N. Taylor Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes a leader from within the Christian publishing profession whose lifetime of achievement goes above and beyond: leading with exemplary Christian character, initiating innovative programs and products, and contributing to the mission and advancement of the Christian publishing industry. ECPA has presented Lifetime Achievement Awards since 1981 to those who have significantly impacted the industry.  Recipients listed at ECPA.org/page/lifetime.

About HarperCollins Christian Publishing: The world’s leading Christian publisher, HarperCollins Christian Publishing Inc., comprises the Thomas Nelson and Zondervan publishing groups, Olive Tree Bible Software, BibleGateway.com, FaithGateway.com and ChurchSource.com.  The Company produces bestselling Bibles, inspirational books, academic resources, curriculum, audio and digital content for the Christian market space.   Bible Gateway is the world’s largest Christian website with more than 20 million unique monthly visitors. HarperCollins Christian Publishing is headquartered in Nashville, TN with additional offices in the U.S. and Mexico.  For more information visit www.HarperCollinsChristian.com.

Contact: Chelsea Taff, Assistant Manager, Corporate Communications, 615.902.2137, Chelsea.taff@harpercollins.com