(August 6, 2018) – After nearly five decades in Christian retailing and consumer marketing, Steve Potratz has selected a new leader for The Parable Group, the multi-service Christian marketing agency based in San Luis Obispo, CA. Effective August 1st, 2018, Greg Squires and Steve Potratz have entered into a definitive purchase agreement, where Squires will become the owner-operator for the business.

“I am thrilled to pass the torch to Greg,” said Potratz, founder and former president of The Parable Group. “When we began meeting over 5 years ago, I recognized he had the potential to be a leader in this industry.  God has providentially been preparing Greg with his vocational experience in independent retail, brand and digital marketing, software technology, and agency management. He loves the church, cares deeply about the local retailer, and has a breadth of understanding of the digital landscape.  He is undoubtedly the right person for this job.”

After earning an Industrial Engineering degree from California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, Greg Squires served in a variety of roles including digital agency leadership, executive account management, and executive marketing responsibilities in retail and distribution technology companies. Notably, he spent 10 years serving independent retailers by implementing local product search and retail-integrated ecommerce solutions for manufacturers and retailers.

“Steve Potratz has built a remarkable company,” Squires says, “with talented staff who do exceptional work for clients who value the services offered. Steve leaves a legacy of innovation, having pioneered data-driven marketing programs in this industry for decades. I plan to build upon this legacy, to continue to serve our stores, vendors, and ministry partners—and provide fresh and measurable ways to connect with Christian audiences through direct mail, data intelligence, digital marketing, email and social media.

Potratz will remain in a support role with The Parable Group for years to come, providing advice to Squires as he takes on leadership of the company. Squires added, “I am fortunate to have Steve as a business mentor and friend. His industry insights and innovative ideas, coupled with my energy to execute, will offer clients and partners more value as we move forward.”

“Greg has spent the last 15 years searching for a Kingdom impact company to serve with,” said Potratz, “and he has found what he is looking for. Following recent conversations with retailers, I believe the future is bright for Christian retail. I’m delighted that Greg and The Parable Group team are poised to serve the industry for years to come.”

The Parable Group is a privately-owned multi-service Christian marketing agency based in San Luis Obispo, CA. Since 1985, we’ve served over 1,000 Christian brands; including retailers, publishers, churches, non-profits, film studios and more. Today, we pair decades of Christian consumer data with proven business practices, cutting-edge digital technologies, and thoughtful design to drive measurable results for those we serve. For more information, contact sally.ross@parable.com or visit www.parablegroup.com.

Contact: Sally Ross (805) 329-4020  sally.ross@parable.com

 

YouVersion Bible Lens climbs to #2 of all free apps in the first weekend

Beloved worship leader shares God’s faithfulness in tragedy and the inspiration for his new book, ‘God Will Make a Way’, releasing Oct. 16

NASHVILLE, August 3, 2018 — Emanate Books, an imprint of Thomas Nelson, announced today the forthcoming publication of God Will Make a Way: Discovering His Hope in Your Story (October 16, 2018) by Don Moen, an internationally renowned, multi award-winning worship artist and writer whose albums have sold more than 5 million units.

Written with prominent biographer Robert Noland and featuring a foreword from World Champion Boxer Manny Pacquiao, God Will Make a Way shares the story behind the award-winning hallmark song of Moen’s career, and encourages readers to rest in the fact that God is always working, though often in ways we cannot see. Moen knows first-hand and wants others to know that no matter how dire the circumstances, God does not forget his children.

“As I’ve traveled around the world, I’ve seen God work in countless ways, bringing hope to people who have lost hope. I have seen Him make a way where there seemed to be no way, and I’m excited to share many of these stories in my new book,” said Moen.

“We are absolutely honored to partner with Don on his first, groundbreaking book God Will Make a Way,” said Joel Kneedler, publisher of Emanate Books. “His fans will immediately recognize Don’s heart in the pages of this book. He is the ultimate encourager and storyteller.”

Through personal stories and encouraging Scripture, Don provides comfort to those struggling with doubt. He reminds readers that the same God who parted the Red Sea, saving Moses and the children of Israel, is the same God we know and serve today.

“Don Moen is one of those iconic artists who never seems to age. I’m excited to see how this book will encourage his fans during these troubled times,” said Danny McGuffey of Iconic Media Brands.

Joel Kneedler of Emanate Books acquired the book from Danny McGuffey of Iconic Media Brands, who represented Don Moen.

Don Moen, a pioneer of the modern Praise and Worship movement, has spent his career as a worship leader, producer, songwriter, and music executive. While a student at Oral Roberts University in the early 70s, Moen began touring with the musical group Living Sound and evangelist Terry Law. By 1986, Moen had recorded “Give Thanks” for the Hosanna Music! praise and worship series at Integrity Music, where he would serve as creative director, executive producer, and eventually, president of the label. During his tenure there, he sold more than 5 million units and signed worship leaders and songwriters, such as Paul Baloche, Ron Kenoly, Darlene Zschech, and many more. Today, Moen lives in Nashville, Tenn., with his wife, Laura, where he is president of Don Moen Productions and oversees his international nonprofit ministry, Worship in Action.

Emanate Books is where the Spirit meets the word. This Thomas Nelson imprint publishes and promotes content for the ever-growing nondenominational, charismatic community. Authors at Emanate have a passion for Jesus, an abiding trust in the veracity of the Scriptures, and believe in the present-day work of the Holy Spirit.

Media Contact: Kelsey Hulgan, ICON Media Group  kelsey@iconmediagroup.com, 404-754-3474

When Emmy Award-winning journalist John Gray experienced the unexpected death of his six-month-old puppy, Samuel, he wanted to turn his pain into something positive. Together, John Gray and illustrator Shanna Brickell created God Needed a Puppy (Paraclete Press) – a story to help every child (and grownup) who has lost a pet. In the story, Edgar the Owl and Freddy the Fox show readers of all ages how saying goodbye to a beloved animal does not mean saying goodbye forever.

To make a great story even better, proceeds from the sales of the book are donated to animal shelters all over the country. John Gray sold 14,500 of the original self-published version of the book; the hardcover edition will keep the steady stream of donations coming to help animals everywhere. 

John Gray and Shanna Brickell will launch the book with a signing at Barnes & Noble in Albany on Saturday, August 18. Gracing the event will be John’s very special rescue dog, Keller – a local celebrity in his own right. For information call (518) 438-1728.

“We all need a little comfort sometimes. ‘God Needed a Puppy’ will satisfy some certain reader in your circle; maybe it’s yourself.” —Gregory Maguire, author of Wicked

“This is what to read when there is nothing you can say.” —Steve Hartman, CBS News

John Gray is a native of Troy, New York. He is currently a journalist at Fox 23 and writes for several publications. John won an Emmy Award in 2014 in the Historical/Cultural News Category for his production Gunny: I Have a Dream August 28, 2013. (WXXA-TV). John is a loving husband and father, and an avid dog-lover.

Shanna Brickell remembers as a child being in awe of what could be crated with a box of crayons and a few sheets of paper. The mystery and magic of creativity still inspires her today. She infuses her artwork with light and energy to connect with the hearts and minds of those who view it.

To request a review copy or an interview, contact:
Laura McKendree lauram@paracletepress.com or 800-451-5006 ext 316

WESTMONT, IL—IVP Academic is thrilled to announce the revision and expansion of one of its most prestigious volumes Dictionary of Paul and His Letters.

Originally published in 1993 and edited by Gerald F. Hawthorne, Ralph P. Martin, and Daniel G. Reid, the dictionary received wide acclaim, including an ECPA Gold Medallion award for reference books. Upon its release, N.T. Wright wrote that the dictionary was “a mine of information for all students of Paul for many years to come.”

The new edition set to be published in 2022, will be similar in format to the original in terms of overall length and number of articles, but given the significant changes in Pauline studies over the last twenty-five years, approximately 80 percent of the articles will be entirely rewritten, with the remainder thoroughly revised and updated.

“The scholarship published in the first edition of the Dictionary of Paul and His Letters was groundbreaking for its time and has had an enduring impact on scholars, students, and the church since 1993,” said Jeff Crosby, publisher for IVP. “In the skillful hands of volume editors Dr. Scot McKnight, Dr. Lynn Cohick, and Dr. Nijay Gupta along with the careful editorial oversight of Anna Moseley Gissing, the second edition will bring the scholarship up-to-date and provide a valuable reference tool for years to come. I’m delighted to support the publication of this important volume.”

McKnight, professor of New Testament at Northern Seminary, will serve as general editor, and Cohick, provost and dean of Denver Seminary, and Gupta, associate professor of New Testament at Portland Seminary, will serve as associate editors on this new edition. Each expressed a desire to be a part of this new project, the original of which influenced their own work in the field of Pauline studies. Anna Gissing, associate editor for IVP Academic, is heading up the project for IVP and will work with the three editors to compile new articles and revisions.

“Since the appearance of the first IVP dictionary I have had each of them within arm’s reach of my studies,” said McKnight. “Rarely does a day go by that I don’t use one of them, and on many days I use more than one. These dictionaries have made information and scholarship immediately accessible. I consider the IVP dictionaries to be a deposit of the best scholarship in the last century. The privilege of being general editor for the second edition of Dictionary of Paul and His Letters is a highlight of my academic life.”

Added Cohick: “IVP’s Dictionary of Paul and His Letters helped shape Pauline studies over the last several decades with its exceptional articles written by leading scholars. I’m delighted and honored to be part of the editorial team that will produce the second edition. I look forward to updating the volume and adding articles to reflect the new contours of Pauline studies.”

“The first edition of Dictionary of Paul and His Letters was instrumental in my formation as a Pauline scholar when I was in seminary,” Gupta said. “And since then I have recommended it to countless students and friends. It is an honor and privilege to be a part of the editorial team for this second edition. In fact, it is a major highlight of my career to be invited to be a part of this important project with these distinguished editors.”

This project reflects a need, both in terms of updated research and study, and a market demand for a revised edition. Since 1993, Dictionary of Paul and His Letters has sold nearly 200,000 copies to scholars, bookstores, and academic institutions.

“Dictionary of Paul and His Letters and the others in the eight volume series have been a cornerstone of our reference offerings for nearly three decades,” said Justin Paul Lawrence, director of sales for IVP. “I’ve received orders from librarians for second and third copies because their shelf copies have been thumbed to dust. I am pleased that IVP has chosen to continue to revise and extend this incredibly useful tool for a new generation of pastors, scholars, and students.”

IVP’s Bible dictionaries have been the foundation of its academic publishing program since the release of Dictionary of Jesus and the Gospels in 1992. Three other volumes followed in the New Testament and four in the Old Testament. Hundreds of specialists have contributed to these volumes, whether through serving on editorial boards or contributing specific articles. Additionally, the 1993 Dictionary of Paul and His Letters has been translated into five other languages: Chinese, Italian, Korean, Polish, and Portuguese.

The volumes themselves have won accolades each year, including ECPA awards, Preaching Magazine awards, Christianity Today Book of the Year awards, Logos awards, and more. Scholars such as Sandy Richter, Ben Witherington III, Craig Blomberg, and John Goldingay have all highly recommended them.

“I couldn’t be more delighted with the intellectual leadership we have on this project, both here at IVP and with our volume editors,” said Jon Boyd, editorial director for IVP Academic. “McKnight, Cohick, Gupta, and Gissing make a formidable lineup to cover Pauline studies and its related fields with integrity, vision, and creativity. I’ll be honest: I can’t wait to have this updated volume on my shelf just so I can use it myself.”

To learn more about the series of IVP Bible Dictionaries, please visit www.ivpress.com/the-ivp-bible-dictionary-series.

Founded in 1947 as an extension of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship/USA, InterVarsity Press serves those in the university, the church and the world by publishing thoughtful Christian books that equip and encourage people to follow Jesus as Savior and Lord in all of life. For more information, visit ivpress.com.

Contact: Alisse Wissman | 630.734.4059 | awissman@ivpress.com

It is with deep sadness that UMPH announces the passing of Mary Catherine Dean Monday afternoon. Many of you will have known her as the Managing Editor/Editor-in-Chief of Abingdon Press.

A member of the UMPH staff since 1983, Mary Catherine served as editor for scores of Abingdon authors, including Jim Moore, who wrote Yes, Lord, I Have Sinned, But I Have Several Excellent Excuses and other best sellers. Having served in a variety of editorial and leadership roles, including as an associate publisher, producing materials ranging from books to church curriculum, worship resources, and music products, she most recently oversaw publication of The Advance Daily Christian Advocate, The Daily Christian Advocate, The Book Discipline, and The Book of Resolutions.

We celebrated her 35 years at UMPH with a festive retirement party on January 26, 2018. Beyond retirement, she continued to provide expert part-time counsel and helped guide the complex new United Methodist Hymnal project. Though she has courageously and valiantly battled cancer for some time, she maintained an energetic and productive schedule right up until the last few weeks.

We celebrate Mary Catherine’s abiding love for her family, her deep faith in Christ through the Roman Catholic tradition, her expert command of the English language, her thorough knowledge of the theology, polity, and history of The United Methodist Church, and her extraordinary loyal service to and through UMPH.

President and Publisher Emeritus Neil Alexander notes: “Mary Catherine’s incisive humor, expansive intellect, uncommon competence, capacity for loyalty, and easy kindness were expressed in her outstanding professionalism, love for our ministry, respect for her colleagues, and full-hearted servant’s spirit.”

Mary Catherine blessed our community with her devotion to excellence and her contagious love of life.

The United Methodist Publishing House is a publisher and distributor to Christian clergy and laity, with primary responsibilities for the publishing and distribution for The United Methodist Church. The Publishing House is a fully self-supporting agency and receives no general church funds.

Abingdon Press is the primary publishing imprint for The United Methodist Publishing House and has a tradition of crossing denominational boundaries with thought-provoking and inspirational books. Abingdon Press titles include a wide array of quality Bibles, Bible studies, small group studies, Christian living, fiction, devotional, academic, professional, and reference titles published each year to enrich church communities across the globe. Visit AbingdonPress.com.

Contact: Amy Smith, Communications Phone: 615-749-6860 Email: asmith@umpublishing.org

From Palm Pilot to iPhone X, Olive Tree Bible Software has come a long way!

(Spokane, WA) July 30, 2018—With more than 6,500,000 user installs, the Olive Tree Bible App has experienced a phenomenal decade. Since the beginning, Olive Tree has been dedicated to its mission: inspiring people to connect with God and the Bible through technology. The past ten years are a testimony to Olive Tree’s dedication for creating a missional solution via mobile Bible study with their unique app development. When the company began just eight years, previous to the launch of its iOS app, the primary connecting point was desktop computers and Palm Pilots.

In 2008, Olive Tree released BibleReader for iPhones, an app made available through Apple’s latest iOS development, the App Store. Apple, allowing third-parties to develop and distribute apps for consumers within the iPhone platform, created a paradigm shift in communications. Olive Tree jumped on the opportunity, being one of the very first Bible apps.  Now, ten years later, Olive Tree Bible App users can read and study God’s Word anytime, anywhere.

“We are extremely excited, thankful, and humbled to have been given the opportunity to serve millions through our apps over these last ten years. We hope and pray for another ten years and beyond to continue inspiring people to read and study the Bible in digital form,” commented Steven Cummings, v-p of operations at Olive Tree Bible Software.

Olive Tree users have access to 100 free resources and 12,000 purchasable commentaries, study Bibles, dictionaries, cross-references, ebooks, and more. Resources are enhanced for quick-use inside the app. For example, study Bibles may have hyperlinked verses for quick reference and commentaries can automatically scroll with a user as he or she reads the Bible. Better yet, Bibles tagged with Strong’s numbers are one of the most powerful and easy-to-use Bible study tools, providing users with Hebrew and Greek word definitions with just a tap of a finger. All tools, once downloaded to your device (now available for iPhones, iPads, Androids, Kindles, PCs or Macs) can be used without Internet connection.

Celebrate 10 years of connecting to God and the Bible through technology with Olive Tree Bible App, available in iOS and Android app stores.  For more information please visit www.olivetree.com.

About Olive Tree: Olive Tree is a leading online and mobile Christian Bible resource and e-commerce company, owned by HarperCollins Christian Publishing. Its software, The Olive Tree Bible App, is accessible on desktop, tablet, and mobile devices across all major platforms and offers a wide range of products designed to help users take their Bible Study to the next level. Olive Tree’s offices are located in Spokane, WA. Please visit Olive Tree at www.olivetree.com.

(Nashville, TN) July 26, 2018—Today, HarperCollins Christian Publishing (HCCP) announced Cristopher Garrido has joined the company as v-p and publisher for its Spanish publishing program.  HCCP’s Spanish publishing program includes product under the Grupo Nelson, Editorial Vida and CLIE imprints.

Cris Garrido comes to HCCP after developing and directing a successful Spanish publishing program at Lifeway Christian Resources.  In this role, Garrido led both B&H Espan͂ol and the Lifeway International publishing initiatives for the company. During this time, he expanded the company’s Spanish Bible business, as well as taking on the curation of the Spanish point of sale in all Lifeway’s storefronts.   He joined Lifeway as the company’s Spanish acquisitions editor with the task to launch the Spanish trade book program, B&H Libros.  Garrido also has theological training, earning his Masters of Arts in Christian Education from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and a Bachelors of Business Administration from the Universidad Central del Este in San Pedro, Dominican Republic.

HCCP continues to focus on expanding its reach in the global Spanish-speaking market.   The company will combine Garrido’s successful Spanish book publishing track record, as well as his professional business experience working in Latin America, with its longstanding history of being a leader in the region’s Christian market, to drive its international growth initiatives.

“The foreign-language market, specifically our Spanish business, continues to be one of our primary focus areas and we see great opportunities from both a business and mission perspective,” says Mark Schoenwald, president and CEO of HarperCollins Christian Publishing.  “Our Spanish publishing program will benefit from Cris’ passion and enthusiasm for God’s Word as well as his global perspective and experience in Latin America.  We are excited to welcome him to HarperCollins Christian Publishing.”

As v-p and Spanish publisher for HCCP, Garrido will be charged with overseeing all aspects of the Spanish publishing business, including long-term strategic planning, product and marketing development oversight as well as editorial oversight.  He will also be responsible for identifying, pursuing, presenting and acquiring both domestic and international projects.  Garrido’s first day will be August 6 and he will be based in Nashville, TN at the HarperCollins Christian Publishing main office. Garrido will also be attending at Expolit 2018 from August 9^th through 12^th in Miami.

About HarperCollins Christian Publishing:  The world’s leading Christian publisher, HarperCollins Christian Publishing Inc., comprises both Thomas Nelson and Zondervan publishing groups in addition to Olive Tree Bible Software.  The Company produces bestselling Bibles, inspirational books, academic resources, curriculum, audio and digital content for the Christian market space.  Also home to BibleGateway.com, the world’s largest Christian website, and FaithGateway.com, an online community dedicated to helping people grow in their faith. HarperCollins Christian Publishing is headquartered in Nashville, TN with additional offices in the U.S. and Mexico.  For more information visit www.HarperCollinsChristian.com.

New Growth Press is pleased to announce the addition of Audra Jennings to their team as Publicity and Social Media Manager. Jennings has more than 16 years’ experience in the Christian publishing industry having been on staff with publicity agencies, most recently Litfuse Publicity Group and as a freelancer. She has represented hundreds of authors and many Christian publishers.

“We have worked with Audra many times over the years and are very excited to have her on our staff. She has always been proactive and gotten great placements for our authors. We look forward to the new opportunities and ideas she brings to the table,” says Karen Teears, President of New Growth Press.

New Growth Press (NGP) is a growing Christian publisher, producing a wide variety of gospel-centered resources for individuals, families, and churches. NGP publishes books, minibooks, small group, and Gospel Story for Kids resources that provide churches, families, and individuals with gospel-driven publications for all ages. They specialize in helping like-minded ministries and currently publish for the Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation (CCEF), Serge, Faith Biblical Counseling, Harvest USA, Godly Response to Abuse in the Christian Environment (GRACE), Key Life Network, the World Reformed Fellowship, Joni & Friends, and Be Broken Ministries.