by Stan Jantz, President and CEO, ECPA

One of the most critical issues facing the book publishing industry is the strong possibility that a tariff of up to 25 percent will be placed on goods imported from China, including books and Bibles. Because this would affect many of our members, ECPA is working with the Association of American Publishers (AAP) to express our concerns to the United States Trade Representative (USTR) in Washington.

Thanks to the efforts of Craig Gipson of Flagler Law Group, along with Luisa Simpson, the VP of Global Policy for AAP, we were able to schedule two ECPA members and myself to give testimony this week before the USTR. As you read this, I am flying to Washington in order to present reasons why books and Bibles should be exempted from the Chinese tariff. Mark Schoenwald, President of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, and ECPA board member Paul Hendrickson, general manager of Hendrickson Publishers, are also giving testimony in Washington on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Publishers who belong to ECPA account for the majority of the Bibles distributed within the U.S. A large number of these these Bibles—well over 50 percent—are printed in China. While there are some domestic Bible options available, the U.S. printers comparable to China on price and quality to not have the capacity to meet current demand. The same can be said for four-color books printed in China.

A 25 percent tariff imposed on Bibles would cause a hardship for many publishers. As I have talked with many of our members about the impact of the tariffs, I am hearing the same concern. There will be significant damage to Bible accessibility if Bibles and books are not excluded from the tariffs. Some believe such a tariff would place a practical limitation on religious freedom. For sure we know that competitive options for printing Bibles outside of China are limited, especially if the current average price of a Bible is to be maintained.

I will provide additional updates in the coming days. In the meantime, please feel free to reach out to me with your concerns, comments and questions by sending me an email me at sjantz@ecpa.org.

Faith-Based Family Film Set for August 2019 Challenges Viewers on Identity

New books emphasize importance of finding identity in Christ

NASHVILLE, TN (May 22, 2019) – OVERCOMER, the highly anticipated sixth film from Alex and Stephen Kendrick (WAR ROOM, FIREPROOF, COURAGEOUS, FACING THE GIANTS, FLYWHEEL) will debut in theaters nationwide on Aug. 23, 2019 from AFFIRM Films, a Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc. (SPE) company, and Provident Films. OVERCOMER follows on the heels of the Kendricks’ 2015 hit WAR ROOM, which was the #1 movie in theaters across North America in its second week of release, surprising Hollywood by bringing in more than $70 million at the box office.

The film is accompanied by a suite of products releasing this fall from B&H Publishing Group, including a trade book by New York Times best-selling authors Alex and Stephen Kendrick titled Defined: Who God Says You Are, a trade book titled Radiant by New York Times best-selling author Priscilla Shirer, who plays a principal character in the film, plus two full Bible study suites, books for children and teens, and other resources.

“B&H is thrilled to partner again with the Kendricks to provide resources that enrich the viewers’ experience,” said Jennifer Lyell, VP for Book Publishing and Merchandising with B&H Publishing Group. “Our products tied to their past films, most recently WAR ROOM, were New York Times best-sellers and we believe these OVERCOMER products will help readers connect deeper with the themes explored in the film and be equally successful in terms of sales.”

OVERCOMER is a live-action family film that dares to leave viewers filled with hope, inspired to dream, and asks the question: What do you allow to define you? “The movie is about identity, an issue that everyone deals with,” said writer and director Stephen Kendrick. “When a person discovers who they are in Christ, it opens up an understanding of how they can live that out in a daily basis. The resources from B&H will help readers do just that.”

In the film, life changes overnight for coach John Harrison when his high school basketball team’s state championship dreams are crushed under the weight of unexpected news.  When the largest manufacturing plant in town suddenly shuts down and hundreds of families begin moving away, John must come to grips with the challenges facing his family and his team. Urged by the school’s principal to fill-in and coach a sport he doesn’t know or like, John is frustrated and questioning his worth… until he crosses paths with a student struggling with her own journey.

Filled with a powerful mix of faith, a twist of humor, and a ton of heart, OVERCOMER will open nationwide in theaters on August 23.

The film features Priscilla Shirer (WAR ROOM, I CAN ONLY IMAGINE), director Alex Kendrick (WAR ROOM, MOMS’ NIGHT OUT, COURAGEOUS), Shari Rigby (OCTOBER BABY, WILDFLOWER), Cameron Arnett (MEET THE BROWNS, STAND YOUR GROUND), and newcomer Aryn Wright-Thompson.

OVERCOMER is directed by Alex Kendrick (WAR ROOM) and produced by Stephen Kendrick (WAR ROOM) with a screenplay by Alex and Stephen Kendrick. OVERCOMER was filmed in Columbus, GA.

AFFIRM Films and Provident Films partnered with the Kendricks on the film.

To learn more, visit:  OvercomerMovie.com | Facebook.com/OvercomerMovie

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.

LifeWay Christian Resources is one of the world’s largest providers of Christian products and services, including Bibles, Bible studies, research, church music and supplies, and digital services. Learn more at LifeWay.com.

AFFIRM Films produces, acquires and markets films that inspire, uplift and entertain audiences around the world. Since releasing its first theatrical film—The Kendrick Brothers’ drama FACING THE GIANTS, in 2007, AFFIRM Films has released numerous quality faith-based films including SOUL SURFER, WHEN THE GAME STANDS TALL, WAR ROOM, which hit No. 1 on the domestic box office chart; RISEN, and was the faith-based marketing partner with Columbia Pictures and TriStar Pictures for their films MIRACLES FROM HEAVEN and HEAVEN IS FOR REAL. AFFIRM Films also released ALL SAINTS, the animated film, THE STAR, in partnership with Sony Pictures Animation and Columbia Pictures, in 2017, and PAUL, APOSTLE OF CHRIST in 2018. AFFIRM will release the highly anticipated next Kendrick Brothers’ film OVERCOMER on August 23, 2019. AFFIRM Films is a division of Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions (SPWA), a Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc. (SPE) company. AFFIRMFilms.com

Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc. (SPE) is a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE’s global operations encompass motion picture production, acquisition, and distribution; television production, acquisition, and distribution; television networks; digital content creation and distribution; operation of studio facilities; and development of new entertainment products, services, and technologies. SPE’s Motion Picture Group production organizations include Columbia Pictures, Screen Gems, TriStar Pictures, Sony Pictures Animation, Stage 6 Films, AFFIRM Films, and Sony Pictures Classics. For additional information, visit www.SonyPictures.com/Corp/Divisions

Provident Films, a division of Provident Music Group, a Sony company, develops, produces and markets faith-based films.  A pioneer in the genre since 2006, Provident Films’ partnerships include Sherwood Pictures/Kendrick Brothers (War Room, Courageous, Fireproof and Facing the Giants), The Erwin Brothers (Woodlawn, Moms’ Night Out and the $83 million box office surprise, I Can Only Imagine), Kirk Cameron (Connect) and Graceworks Pictures (Indivisible released Oct. 26, 2018). www.ProvidentFilms.com

Kendrick Brothers Productions is the company of brothers Alex, Stephen and Shannon Kendrick that exists to honor God and share the truth and love of Jesus Christ through movies, books, curriculum and speaking. By blending engaging stories with doctrinal integrity, the Kendricks seek to encourage and inspire audiences with resources that positively impact their lives and strengthen their faith, families, and personal relationships.

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OVERCOMER related B&H Publishing Group Products

Defined: Who God Says You Are
By Alex & Stephen Kendrick
August 6
Jacketed Hardcover • 005813392 • $22.99

Radiant: His Light, Your Life (for teen girls)
By Priscilla Shirer
August 6
Trade Paper • 005813514 • $16.99

Revealed: Discovering Your True Identity in Christ (for teen guys)
By Alex & Stephen Kendrick with Troy Schmidt
August 6
Trade Paper • 005813515 • $12.99

Definidos: Quien Dice Dios Que Eres
By Alex & Stephen Kendrick
September 1
Trade Paper • 005817138 • $12.99

Overcomer Bible Study
June 1
Overcomer Church Campaign Kit • $34.99
Overcomer Leader Kit • $24.99
Overcomer Bible Study Book • $8.99
Overcomer Estudio Biblico • $8.99

Defined: Who God Says You Are Bible Study
August 1
Defined Bible Study Kit for Adults • $99.99
Defined Bible Study Book for Adults • $13.99
Defined Bible Study Book for Teen Girls by Priscilla Shirer • $13.99
Defined Bible Study Leader Kit for Teen Girls • $59.99
Defined Bible Study Book for Teen Guys by Alex & Stephen Kendrick • $13.99
Defined Bible Study Leader Kit for Teen Guys by Alex & Stephen Kendrick • $59.99
Defined Bible Study for Kids Leader’s Guide • $19.99
Defined Bible Study for Kids Younger Kids Activity Workbook • $6.99
Defined Bible Study for Kids Older Kids Activity Workbook • $6.99

Wonderful: The Truth About Who I Am (for middle-grade readers)
August 9
Hardcover • 005813512 • $12.99

What’s So Wonderful About Webster?
November 23
Hardcover Picture Book • 005813513 • $12.99

To learn more, visit OvercomerMovie.com/Resources

Contact:  Shanon Stowe, 931-307-1988 Shanon@IconMediaGroup.com
Jennifer Willingham, 615-483-4729 Jennifer@IconMediaGroup.com

To address today’s challenges surrounding sexuality, Stan and Brenna Jones add new content to their trusted family resource

Carol Stream, Ill. (June 5, 2019)—NavPress announces updated and revised editions of the entire God’s Design for Sex series, which includes:

• How and When to Tell Your Kids about Sex, a comprehensive guidebook for parents
• The Story of Me, for ages 3–5
• Before I was Born, for ages 5–8
• What’s the Big Deal?, for ages 8–12
• Facing the Facts, for ages 12–16

With over one million copies sold in the series, God’s Design for Sex has helped countless families establish a Christian understanding of sex and sexuality. The principal book in the series, How and When to Tell Your Kids about Sex, won the EPCA Medallion of Excellence Christian Book Award. In this updated version of the series, Stan and Brenna Jones tackle today’s pressing issues surrounding sexuality and technology with new chapters on pornography, same-sex marriage, gender identity confusion, and more.

Jamie Ivey, best-selling author of If You Only Knew and host of The Happy Hour with Jamie Ivey podcast, said of the God’s Design for Sex series: “Talking with your kids about sex sometimes feels like the hardest thing to do in the world, but these books have helped discussions happen in my household for over ten years now. I’ve also been recommending these books to listeners of my podcast for years and years. These books will help you guide a conversation between you and your child that glorifies God and his desire for our sexuality.”

Stan, a clinical psychologist, and his wife, Brenna, wrote the original versions of their books on sex education while their three children were young. Stan served as provost and professor of psychology at Wheaton College for many years. Earlier, he led in establishing Wheaton’s PsyD program in Clinical Psychology. Brenna serves in a professional ministry of discipleship and spiritual counsel for women. Carolyn Nystrom, author of over 80 children’s books, wrote Before I Was Born.

The God’s Design for Sex Series, by Stan and Brenna Jones:

• How and When to Tell Your Kids about Sex | 978-1-63146-944-2 | $19.99
• The Story of Me | 978-1-64158-133-2 | $10.99
• Before I Was Born | 978-1-64158-145-5 | $10.99
• What’s the Big Deal | 978-1-63146-952-7 | $14.99
• Facing the Facts | 978-1-63146-948-0 | $15.99

Softcovers | August 2019 | NavPress.com

NavPress acts as the publishing arm of The Navigators, whose mission is “To know Christ and to make Him known.” NavPress serves to advance the calling of The Navigators by publishing life-changing products that are biblically rooted, culturally relevant, and highly practical. Challenging people to thrive in their journey with Jesus Christ, NavPress produces resources that will edify, instruct, and inspire disciples to grow in their faith and make disciples of others.

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.

Call for 2020 Book Award Nominations

Charlotte, NC, Release: June 10 2019.   The Good Book Company is pleased to announce that Geoff Dennis has been appointed as Vice President of Sales for North America. Geoff will oversee all aspects of the company’s sales activities, including serving key accounts, representing TGBC at conferences and events, identifying and growing new sales opportunities, and strengthening and developing relationships with strategic ministry partners.

Geoff takes over from Peter Anderson, who will transition into the role of Vice President of Operations, with overall responsibility for providing outstanding service to customers, and particular emphasis on data-driven innovation and delivery of TGBC’s digital strategy.

James Burstow, TGBC President, said, “We are thrilled that Geoff is joining the team. He brings with him over 25 years of experience in Christian publishing and a wealth of ideas and contacts which will add even greater strength and depth to our sales capacity. But more than that, Geoff shares our passion for getting biblical, relevant, and accessible books into the hands of Christian individuals and churches across the country which we pray will encourage them in their walk with Christ.”

Geoff said, “I am delighted to be joining TGBC at such an exciting time. I have admired the company from afar for several years and noted their rapid growth in the US market, and I am looking forward to using my skills and experience to raise the profile of some truly excellent titles. I love the biblical and theological foundations upon which the company is established and I believe that TGBC has enormous potential for growth and on-going ministry impact. It is a genuine honor and joy to be a part of this important ministry!”

Geoff starts at TGBC on June 17 and will initially be working remotely from Grand Rapids.  He can be reached at geoff.dennis@thegoodbook.com.

The Good Book Company was founded in 1991 and has grown to become an international provider of Christian content, with offices in the UK and US, and partner offices in Australia and South Africa. The staff team are all united in their desire to support and encourage the spread of the gospel by providing resources that help Christians grow in their understanding and love of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Contact:  For more information please contact Abigail Talbott at (866) 244-2165.

Ascender Books offers spiritual refreshment for caregivers

June 3, 2019—Iron Stream Media is proud to announce the premier title in its Ascender Books line: The Heart of the Caregiver: From Overwhelmed to Overjoyed. Author and caregiver Mary Tutterow wrote this biblically based study out of a deep desire to meet the spiritual needs of the caregiver. She saw a need in the marketplace for a resource that brings encouragement, healing, and hope to the spiritual lives of the growing number of caregivers worldwide. A transformational study, The Heart of the Caregiver urges the reader to seek God’s life-changing love through Scripture each day—allowing the Holy Spirit to compel the caregiver to live out God’s call to love others through service to them.

With nearly 40 million adults providing care for a family member or loved one, the need for caregiver resources are at an all-time high. “The timing of the release of this book could not be more perfect,” says Tutterow. “The bipartisan legislation, RAISE (Recognize, Assist, Include, Support, and Engage) Family Caregivers Act, has been signed into law. When I wrote the study, it was on my heart to provide the church a tool to RAISE families just like ours!”

This resource can bring caregivers together and help them walk a tough path by providing encouragement and solace through God’s Word. Ramona Richards, associate publisher for Iron Stream Media explains. “As a former, long-term caregiver, I recognized that Mary’s work can touch the heart of people struggling with trials they never anticipated tackling. Caring for a loved one can drain you mentally and spiritually, and Mary speaks directly to the heart of those issues. I’m pleased we are able to launch our Ascender Books line with this invaluable resource.”

Craig Johnson, executive pastor of Lakewood Church, in Houston, Texas, and founder of Champions Club, concurs, “When you are looking at overwhelming circumstances as a caregiver you need a guidebook that not only helps you on your journey but allows you to walk on the journey with others going through similar circumstances. I can’t think of a better resource for caregivers that provides the experience, wisdom, and hope Mary has poured into this resource. You will move from victim to victor and find your joy in the journey is not only possible but probable.”

Mary and her husband Winn have two adult children and live in Charleston, South Carolina. Their daughter Mary Addison has cognitive and physical challenges and an active seizure disorder. They also cared for Winn’s mother through cancer and dementia. A former anchorwoman and marketing executive, Mary now writes, speaks, and leads online and in-person small groups for caregivers.

WHEATON, Ill.—Crossway is pleased to announce two new initiatives designed to better serve their independent retail partners. Going forward, Crossway will be offering updated terms and a customized website designed specifically for independent retailers.

The new, simplified terms will be available to all retailers, featuring higher discounts for all orders of 10 or more assorted books and Bibles and free shipping on all orders. By offering improved discounts on books and Bibles and reduced minimums, Crossway’s goal is to provide stores with increased margins, allowing them to discount and maintain tighter inventory control.

In addition to the new terms, Crossway is also launching a new website (crossway.org/trade) specifically for independent retailers. This simple and convenient interface will make it easier for stores to place orders anytime and will automatically apply seasonal and short-term specials. Seasonal discount information, e-catalogs, downloadable order forms, and creative assets for new resources will also be available on the site.

“Christian and ABA independent stores are more important than ever in helping customers find Crossway books and ESV Bibles,” says Dan Bush, Crossway’s senior vice president of sales. “As the marketplace continues to change, our hope is to ease the burden on stores by introducing easy online ordering and improved terms. We are excited to work closely with stores to better serve their customers.”

To view the new sales terms and website, visit crossway.org/trade.

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

Contact: Lauren Harvey, lharvey@crossway.org, 1 (630) 682-4300, ext. 6031, crossway.org

COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. – NavPress (@NavPress) author Jessie Minassian (www.LifeLoveandGod.com) has been formally named an Associate by Focus on the Family, the Colorado-based global Christian ministry dedicated to helping families thrive. In this role, Minassian will be partnering with Focus to create new content on a variety of platforms. She will continue to live in California and work with LifeLoveandGod.com.

“Four years ago, I was invited to Focus on the Family to record a Daily Broadcast radio program,” said Minassian in a statement. “In the years since, I’ve enjoyed every opportunity and interaction I’ve had with this ministry that had such a tremendous impact on my own childhood family, and continues to encourage and shape mine today. So when the opportunity arose to become an official Focus on the Family Associate, the decision was easy.”

Minassian is the author of 12 books, including the following NavPress titles: Family: How to Love Yours (and Help Them Like You Back) (2017), Backwards Beauty: How to Feel Ugly in 10 Simple Steps (2016), Unashamed: Overcoming the Sins No Girl Wants to Talk About (2015), and Crushed: Why Guys Don’t Have to Make or Break You (2014).

Added Caitlyn Carlson, Acquisitions Editor, Nav Press, “Jessie speaks and writes from a place of vulnerability, authenticity, and love for Jesus and people. We’re thrilled that she is partnering with Focus on the Family and look forward to the dynamic and important content she’ll be creating.”

JESSIE MINASSIAN is a popular speaker and blogger, and the author of 12 books and Bible studies, including Crushed, Unashamed, and Backwards Beauty. She is the “resident big sis” at LifeLoveandGod.com, a Q&A website for teen girls. Her work for girls and their parents has been featured internationally through outlets such as Focus on the Family, Parenting Today’s Teens, She Reads Truth, Axis, Revive Our Hearts and YouthWorker Journal. She and her husband live at Hume Lake, California, and have two daughters. To find out more or connect with Jessie, visit LifeLoveandGod.com.

The mission of NAVPRESS 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 people’s lives. In January 2014, NavPress entered into an alliance with Tyndale House Publishers to strengthen and better position NavPress and its rich content for the future. NavPress provides books and other content that bring spiritual impact, life transformation, and help lead in the mission of making disciples.

CAROL STREAM, Ill. (May 13, 2019)—The Evangelical Christian Publishers Association has presented a Platinum Award to Tyndale House Publishers (@tyndalehouse) for A Child’s First Bible, which has surpassed one million copies in sales. Established in 1990, the Gold | Platinum | Diamond Book Awards recognize outstanding sales achievement in the publication of quality Christian literature. A Child’s First Bible was one of four titles to be recognized with a platinum award, joining Jesus Calling: 365 Devotions for Kids by Sarah Young, The New Spirit-Controlled Woman by Beverly LaHaye, and You Are Special by Max Lucado.

“We are thrilled to see A Child’s First Bible continue to touch the hearts of tens of thousands of children each year. Bringing the Bible to life for children was the central reason Dr. Taylor founded Tyndale House Publishers, and his legacy lives on to this day,” said Linda Howard, Associate Publisher.

First published in 2000, A Child’s First Bible is a collection of 125 of the most familiar Bible passages, from both the Old and New Testaments. Beginning with the story of Creation and ending with Revelation, the text is retold in simple words by well-known author and translator Kenneth N. Taylor. With its charming illustrations and clear, inspiring text, A Child’s First Bible is a must for every child’s bookshelf.

FEATURES

• All the great characters and stories of the Bible are included in this beautiful treasury.
• Clear, easy-to-read text is appropriate for young readers and fun to read aloud to the preschool child.
• Simple questions at the end of each Bible passage are designed to highlight important biblical truths.

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 

For generations of readers since its founding in 1962, Tyndale House Publishers has been a voice to trust. Today, one of the largest independent publishers in the world, Tyndale’s mission is to open the Bible to as many people as possible in language that they can relate and respond to, namely as home of the Holy Bible, New Living Translation (NLT). Not only a Bible publisher, Tyndale offers nonfiction books that equip readers with Christ-centered insight, counsel, and life-improving stories. Tyndale also publishes fiction from fresh, new voices and celebrated authors alike—capturing the imagination 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 profits—and more than $100 million dollars in its history—to charitable missions. With every book purchased, Tyndale readers give life to the needs of people around the world.

Tyndale House Foundation, established in 1963 by Kenneth and Margaret Taylor, is a charitable fund that makes grants to support Christian work around the world. For over 50 years the Foundation has received all royalties from the sales of Living Letters (1962), The Living Bible (1971), and the New Living Translation (1996). In 2001, Ken and Margaret Taylor transferred ownership of Tyndale House Publishers to the Foundation. As a result, dividends from the profitable operations of the publishing company also now flow to the Foundation.