Grand Rapids, MI—Baker Book House knows reading is its own reward, but that hasn’t stopped the store from rewarding readers too. This past summer, Baker’s summer reading program had 1,802 participants who earned a combined total of $18,615 in store gift certificates. This December, the store is adding a new reward program aimed at Christmas break.

So far, 13 area schools have taken up Baker’s new Christmas Break Reading Challenge. Students are being challenged to complete 25 different reading-related goals over their break.

“I’m excited about Baker’s Christmas Break Reading Challenge,” says Lois Boerman, Teacher Librarian at Ada Christian School. “One of my favorites squares is ‘Listen to an Audiobook.’ When our kids were little, we listened to audiobooks on tape and CD in the car. Our kids still talk about the books and narrators that they loved. I hope families take advantage of listening to an audiobook together while traveling or while doing life around the house. It’s a great way to create shared memories.”

Some other challenges on the list are “Read 100 minutes in a single day” and “Swap a book with a friend.” Participants can earn 5 different levels of rewards based on the number of challenges they complete. The top prize for participation includes a $5 gift certificate to Baker Book House, a free hot cocoa at Baker’s Beanery, a reading challenge bracelet, an item from Baker’s treasure chest, and an exclusive reading challenge bookmark.

What inspired the challenge?

“My kids were the ones who came up with the idea,” says Josh Mosey, Children’s Book Buyer at Baker Book House. “We were talking about ways to encourage other kids to love reading like we do, and they started coming up with different reading challenges. All I did was write it down to show it to the Baker Book House management team.”

As an added incentive for schools to participate, Baker Book House is awarding a $50 gift card to the librarian whose school has the greatest percentage of participants.

The Christmas Break Reading Challenge isn’t limited to participating schools. Any child can take part. Challenge sheets are available for pick up at Baker Book House, 2768 East Paris Ave. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546. Completed challenge sheets must be returned to Baker Book House by January 11, 2020.

Baker Book House was founded in 1939 when Herman Baker started the store with 500 books from his personal library. Baker is known world-wide for a deep selection of Christian titles, including new, used, and bargain books. Visit www.bakerbookhouse.com for more information.

Contact: Josh Mosey, Children’s Book Buyer, 616-957-3110, josh.mosey@bakerbookhouse.com

WESTMONT, IL—Christopher L. Heuertz has signed a contract with InterVarsity Press to serve as the series editor for Enneagram Daily Reflections, which will provide daily readings for those who want to learn more about the Enneagram, a personality typing system. The series is scheduled to release in October 2020.

“What an honor to be included in this much-needed devotional series. With the rapidly growing body of Enneagram literature, type-specific contributions that are reflective and rooted in spiritual experiences are a welcome addition,” said Heuertz.

The Enneagram Daily Reflections series will build on current interest in the Enneagram and add new voices and perspectives to an already rich conversation about each personality type expressed through the Enneagram. The complete series will have nine volumes, one volume for each Enneagram number. Each volume will be written by a different Christian author, representing their own personality type and providing unique and personal reflections on daily living within the context of that number. The volumes will include Forty Days on Being a One by Juanita Rasmus, Forty Days on Being a Two by Hunter Mobley, Forty Days on Being a Three by Sean Palmer, and Forty Days on Being a Nine by Marlena Graves.

Cindy Bunch, associate publisher and director of editorial at IVP, said, “This is a very significant book project, and we are so pleased to have Chris’s expertise and perspective to guide us through this series. It will give readers an opportunity to view the Enneagram through fresh eyes and go deeper into their own number. These daily volumes will reflect the spiritual path of growth that Enneagram wisdom offers.”

Heuertz previously authored The Sacred Enneagram: Finding Your Unique Path to Spiritual Growth and currently serves as an International Enneagram Association Accredited Professional. He is also founding partner of Gravity, a Center for Contemplative Activism. Known as an authority on the Enneagram, Heuertz recently contributed a feature article to IVP’s newly launched Enneagram Today website, https://enneagramtoday.com.

Enneagram Today launched on October 16, 2019, and is intended to be a resource for all Enneagram enthusiasts. For beginners and experts across the full faith spectrum, Enneagram Today sets out to provide rich, trusted content from a Christian perspective and to open up a space for thoughtful teaching and learning. Articles, books, podcasts, and teachers all serve as resources on the website. While not exhaustive, the content found on Enneagram Today focuses on what best reflects the ongoing conversation and breadth of information on the Enneagram. 

Lorraine Caulton, IVP’s director of creative and customer engagement, said, “As a publisher that has and continues to release resources like the forthcoming Enneagram Daily Reflections series, we saw an opportunity to fill a void online around this topic. Curating content from many different authorities on the subject and providing it all in one central place with this website, we believe we are meeting an important need.” 

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.

Peabody, MA (November 25, 2019) – Christianbook has announced their recent purchase of All Bibles, an independent, Christian-owned and operated retail business specializing in Bibles.

Jody Jones, owner of All Bibles stated “It has been a great blessing to have served All Bibles’ customers, some of the greatest people on earth, these past 17+ years. The All Bibles’ team is thankful to have helped you enjoy and share the greatest Book with so many thousands of precious souls—from World leaders to the indigenous peoples in the remotest parts of the earth.”

Ray Hendrickson, President and CEO of Christianbook commented “Just like All Bibles, Christianbook is a family-owned and operated company dedicated to serving Christians worldwide. Bibles are one of our specialty areas—we’re considered a leader in the market with more than 11,000 Bibles available. We admire Jody and Raeanne’s mission work, and their core beliefs of encouraging, educating, and spreading the Gospel. We applaud—and share—the values upheld by their mission. For more than 40 years we too have dedicated our efforts to offering our customers the largest selection of quality Christian materials with the best savings and the greatest service. The Jones’ have greatly enhanced the market with their personal experience, professional integrity, and devoted stewardship. We appreciate all they have done, and we are honored to be entrusted now with serving All Bibles customers.”

In closing, Jones commented “We are thankful that such a wonderful company as Christianbook is taking over and will be attentive to the personal and ministry needs of our customers. May our Lord’s Word and His will spread and grow for His honor and glory!”

As part of the transaction, Christianbook has acquired the customer list, and various domain names associated with All Bibles. Since the company is privately held, no terms of the transaction are disclosed.

From its humble beginnings in 1978, Christianbook has become the world’s largest seller of Christian products. Through its online presence, Christianbook.com, and 65 unique catalogs, the company offers the lowest possible prices and maintains an inventory exceeding 500,000 items. The wide selection includes books, Bibles, DVDs, music, homeschool materials, toys and games, gifts, academic resources, and church supplies. Christianbook.com provides a depth of information on our products, including author profiles and interviews, detailed product descriptions and excerpts, music clips, articles, reviews, specialized search engines, and video content. The company offers not only great value but also exceptional customer service and support. In addition to being a 9-time recipient of the Boston Globe’s Top Places to Work Award, the company is proud to be the recipient of the Bizrate Circle of Excellence Platinum Award for 18 years. Employing over 600 people from the surrounding communities, Christianbook is committed to the spreading of the gospel both through the products we sell each day and in our philanthropic support of missions around the globe. In particular, we seek to have an exponential impact on the kingdom by equipping overseas pastors and Bible school students, who then have a lifetime of impact in their ministries. We are also a proud supporter of the City of Peabody and many local charities.

Contact:  Bridget Timmins at (978) 573-2201 or email at btimmins@christianbook.com

Wheaton, Ill. (December 2, 2019) — Crossway is pleased to announce that Paul E. Miller’s book J-Curve: Dying and Rising with Jesus in Everyday Life (Crossway, June 2019) has won the 2019 WORLD Magazine Accessible Theology Book of the Year.

“It’s so simple, it’s brilliant: The Christian life is shaped like a capital J. You descend on the left and rise on the right,” writes Marvin Olasky, WORLD Magazine’s editor in chief. “The idea that Christians need to go down to come up challenges prosperity gospel sponge cake—and it’s just what we need to understand when times get tough. Not just once but again and again, the everyday Christian life is dying to convenience, worldly success, and approval, only to be resurrected into repentance, humility, and hope.”

This year, WORLD Magazine honored six nonfiction books in the following categories: Understanding America, Understanding the World, History, Science, and Accessible Theology. Twenty additional titles receive honorable mention in their respective categories.

“In J-Curve, Miller’s compelling message has been forged through years of personal experience applying the gospel in the realities of daily life,” says Dave DeWit, Crossway’s vice president of book publishing. “He begins with a solid biblical foundation found in Philippians 3:10. These truths equip the reader to ‘know him and the power of his resurrection.’ We are grateful to hear of so many lives that have been transformed by the grace of God after reading J-Curve.”

The Bible’s vision of a “good” life is a reenactment of the gospel—a downward path toward self-denial before moving upward toward new life. Miller argues that embracing this “J-Curve” shape of life radically recenters one’s life on Christ. This down-to-earth and practical book, filled with personal stories, explores how Christians can experience rich gratitude and joy as they walk with Christ through the ups and downs of life.

Available in both trade paperback and ebook formats, J-Curve has received commendations from J. D. Greear (president of the Southern Baptist Convention), Joni Eareckson Tada (founder of Joni and Friends), John M. Frame (professor emeritus of systematic theology at Reformed Theological Seminary), and many others.

Paul E. Miller (MDiv, Biblical Seminary) is the executive director of seeJesus as well as the best-selling author of A Praying Life and several other books. With the help of his ministry staff, Miller creates and conducts interactive discipleship seminars throughout the world. He and his wife, Jill, live in the Philadelphia area and have six children as well as a growing number of grandchildren.  SeeJesus.net  |  twitter.com/_PaulEMiller

Founded in 1938, Crossway is a not-for-profit global Christian publishing ministry that publishes gospel-centered, Bible-based 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, crossway.org

ANDERSON, IN:  Warner Press is pleased to announce the company’s acquisition of WordAlive! worship bulletins and the Abingdon Press stock bulletin lines from United Methodist Publishing House (UMPH).

Production on the new lines begins in 2020.

The acquisition brings Warner Press’s bulletin offerings to ten distinct lines, positioning the company as a leading provider of bulletins to the church and trade markets. Adding WordAlive! expands the Warner Press offerings to include the Revised Common Lectionary line offering.

“UMPH is delighted to enter into this new arrangement with Warner Press which will leverage the strengths of both our organizations. Warner Press excels in bulletin design and quality. For UMPH, this partnership frees up talent and resources to develop new products and services for the changing church while seamlessly providing the bulletins and worship resources our Cokesbury customers rely on,” said Tammy Gaines, CFO, UMPH.

Eric King, President of Warner Press, said, “This is an exciting opportunity to partner with the UMPH in providing these relevant resources of exceptional quality to their church communities and trade partners. We will stay true to the mission of the United Methodist Church and its use of the Revised Common Lectionary and the Common English Translation.

“Warner Press has an excellent in-house creative team that stays up-to-date on fresh design and writing. We continue to find new ways of helping equip the church to share the good news of Jesus with bulletins that welcome people into churches, help lead them into a spirit of worship, that express care, and aid in church growth.”

Abingdon Press, an imprint of the UMPH, offers stock bulletins for seasons, holidays, Communion, church-related events, and wedding and graduation celebrations. Currently, over 70 bulletins are offered with an array of images, scriptures, and Christ-centered captions.

About Warner Press: Founded in 1881, Warner Press publishes and distributes Christian products worldwide, including curriculum, ministry resources, church supplies, bulletins, kids’ books, and boxed greeting cards. Warner Press also owns and produces artwork by Warner Sallman that includes some of the most recognizable images of Christ known throughout the world. Warner Press offices are located in Anderson, Indiana.

For further information, please visit www.WarnerPress.org, or call 800-741-7721.

Contact: Mike Meadows, Communications, Warner Press, 800-741-7721, Ext 4520, Mike@WarnerPress.org

Jennifer Gott named associate publisher and Kristi Smith appointed senior director, marketing for Gift books

Nashville, Tenn. (November 18, 2019) – HarperCollins Christian Publishing (HCCP) last week appointed Jennifer Gott as the new associate publisher and Kristi Smith as senior marketing director for the Gift book publishing imprints, Thomas Nelson Gift and Zondervan Gift.

Last week HarperCollins Christian Publishing and HarperCollins Focus announced together a new operational structure for a cohesive Children’s and Gift group, with Laura Minchew leading the strategy as the senior vice president and group publisher. Under the new structure, Gott will report directly to Minchew and Smith will report to Michael Aulisio, the v-p of marketing for the group. Both Gott and Smith will focus their efforts on HCCP’s Gift books, which are beautiful, high designed products such as devotionals, journals, lifestyle and traditional gift books.

Gott is a twenty-year publishing veteran and has been with HCCP since 2011, most recently servicing as the editorial director for Tommy Nelson and Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Gift books. In this role she directed the editorial strategy for authors including Sarah Young, Emily Ley, Sadie Robertson, and Louie Giglio, as well as bestselling Jesus Calling brands which together have sold more than 30 million copies.

In her new role of associate publisher, Gott will oversee editorial and acquisitions for the Gift team, work with key authors, develop strategy, and maintain the budget for Zondervan Gift and Thomas Nelson Gift.

“Jennifer has done fabulous work in mentoring and managing the editorial team, setting processes for workflow, and helping to deliver excellent books,” said Laura Minchew, senior v-p, Children’s and Gift Group publisher. “She has wonderful rapport with key authors and brands, and I can’t wait to see her step into her new role as associate publisher.”

Smith, also a twenty-year publishing veteran, joins the Gift team from her previous role as marketing director for W Publishing, a non-fiction imprint of Thomas Nelson. Throughout her tenure, Smith has led marketing campaigns and brand development projects for high-profile authors including Billy Graham, Kathie Lee Gifford, Dr. David Jeremiah, and more.

As senior director of marketing for Gift books, Smith will cultivate author and agent relationships, spearhead strategic marketing plans, and work creatively to discover new markets for products.

“Our team could not be more excited to have Kristi join us.  Kristi’s passion for the mission of inspiring lives has long driven her tremendous career with W Publishing and shows through in her marketing excellence and deep relationships,” said Michael Aulisio, v-p marketing, children’s and gift books. We absolutely can’t wait for her enthusiastic leadership and creativity to be applied to our gift books and authors.”

HarperCollins Christian Publishing is the world’s leading Christian publisher and 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.

HarperCollins Focus, LLC. owns and operates a collection of publishing imprints, that enlighten and empower readers to transform their hearts and minds, connecting through story, advice, mentorship and community. The company is based in Nashville, TN. For more information, visit www.HarperCollinsFocus.com.

Contact: Casey Harrell, Senior Director, Corporate Communications, 615.902.1109
Casey.Harrell@HarperCollins.com

Nashville, Tenn. (November 19, 2019) — Thomas Nelson today announced Sara Broun as the new publicity director for the W Publishing division.

Broun has over thirteen years of publicity experience, most recently managing national publicity campaigns for authors including Rachel Hollis, Gary Sinise, Kerri Rawson, and Randy Travis. Prior to this, she spent ten years managing entertainment and live event PR for organizations including the Nashville Ballet and Professional Bull Riders, Inc. (PBR).

In her new role as publicity director for W Publishing, Broun will oversee the team’s publicity strategy, determining the best approach for gaining the most effective, wide-spread media coverage through strategic campaigns, brand awareness, and author and media relationship building.

“The W Team is thrilled to have Sara as our new publicity director,” said Caren Wolfe, vice president of marketing for W Publishing. “Her experience, broad-reaching media relationships, and ability to work with authors in various stages of their careers will be a huge asset to our team.”

Thomas Nelson is a world leading publisher and provider of Christian content and has been providing readers with quality inspirational product for more than 200 years. As part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc., the publishing group provides multiple formats of award-winning Bibles, books, gift books, curriculum and digital content, with distribution of its products in more than 100 countries. Thomas Nelson is headquartered in Nashville, TN. For additional information visit www.thomasnelson.com.

Contact: Casey Harrell, Senior Director, Corporate Communications, 615.902.1109,
Casey.Harrell@HarperCollins.com

(Carol Stream, Illinois, USA) – “LittAfrica was such a huge blessing to me. It took us to a deeper level of relationship with each other,” said publisher Luka Vandi Uti of Nigeria. “I gained knowledge of publishing needs across Africa.”

Pastor Luka, general manager of Africa Christian Textbooks (ACTS), was one of 120 publishing staff and writers from 21 African nations who participated in LittAfrica, MAI’s first all-Africa training conference, November 5 to 7, in Accra, Ghana.

Every session was led or co-led by an African resource leader, 27 in all.  Plenary speakers included:Lara Odebiyi of Nigeria, founder of Dabira women’s magazine; Coby Asmah of Ghana, innovative founder and CEO of TYPE Company Ltd.; and Wambura Kimunyu of Kenya, CEO of Eneza Education; among others.  More than 20 small-group workshops taught practical skills in digital publishing, writing, editing, design/illustration, marketing, management, and more.

“A high level of professionalism permeated the conference, from the quality of the sessions to even the signage and branding,” said MAI President John Maust.  “Attenders quickly felt at home with one another, actively engaging in the sessions, and they came away with fresh tools and inspiration to better serve their readers through the written word.”

Agnes Singine had dreamed of launching a Christian publishing house for Zambia, where not one Christian publisher existed. A veteran editor with 25 years’ experience in publishing, Agnes wrote after the conference, “I hope to carry on bringing words to life and fulfilling the Great Commission through writing.” This week she registered Bespoke Publishing House as her business name.

“I thank the MAI-Africa team of Trustees who helped bring this conference together, Lawrence Darmani of Step Publishers, and his stellar local organizing team,” said Rose Inziani Birenge, chair of MAI-Africa.

During LittAfrica, MAI announced the  2019 recipient of the Robert B. Reekie Global Publisher Award, an annual award named for MAI’s founding president recognizing ministry excellence by a Christian publisher serving in a challenging context.  MAI Director of Publisher Development Ramon Rocha III announced Editions PBA of Benin as the recipient, with Publishing Director Georges Laté coming forward to accept it. Founded in 1985, PBA focuses on publishing French-speaking African authors as the publishing arm of the IFES student ministry in Francophone Africa.

“I have learnt that there is power in unity. I have been inspired by people’s stories, and I have learnt a lot of valuable lessons both as a leader of a publishing house and a writer,” wroteLillian Tindyebwa, co-founder of Quiet Garden Publishing House in Uganda.

“This is going to change the landscape of Christian publishing in Africa for years to come and even forever!” she wrote.

Since 1985, MAI has advanced the Gospel by equipping local Christian publishers, editors and writers in 79 countries on 5 continents. These trainings have resulted in more locally published Christian books and articles written in the heart language and culture of readers.  www.littworld.org

For photos or further details, email mai@littworld.org or call (630) 260-9063.
Connect with MAI: littworld.org, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube.

The Conference on Christianity & Literature has announced that A Subversive Gospel: Flannery O’Connor and the Reimagining of Beauty, Goodness, and Truth by Michael Mears Bruner was chosen as the 2020 CCL Book of the Year for literary criticism.

“Bruner breaks new ground in O’Connor studies by discussing in detail the influence of Friedrich von Hügel upon her work,” said Gregory Maillet, professor of English at Crandall University and former coeditor of Christianity and Literature. “Seeing O’Connor’s work as an expression of the many subversive elements of the Christian gospel, Bruner’s critical approach helps us understand how O’Connor asks us to reimagine what beauty, goodness, and truth might mean in the modern world.”

In A Subversive Gospel, Bruner explores O’Connor’s theological aesthetic and argues that she reveals what discipleship to Christ entails by subverting the traditional understandings of beauty, truth, and goodness through her fiction.

David McNutt, associate editor at IVP Academic and the editor for the Studies in Theology and the Arts series said, “We are grateful that the Conference on Christianity & Literature has recognized Michael Bruner’s excellent book on Flannery O’Connor, A Subversive Gospel, with its 2020 Book of the Year award for literary criticism. Like both Flannery O’Connor and Dr. Bruner, IVP Academic seeks to bring thoughtful and creative Christian resources to bear upon a range of issues, including the relationship between faith and the arts, which is reflected in our Studies in Theology and the Arts series. We look forward to continuing to contribute to that conversation.”

The Conference on Christianity & Literature has recognized the book of the year since 1979, in the categories of original literary art, literary criticism, and biography. Past recipients of the award include prominent authors like Flannery O’Connor and Madeleine L’Engle. In January 2020 the Conference on Christianity & Literature will honor A Subversive Gospel as part of the CCL luncheon during the annual MLA conference in Seattle.

For a complete list of IVP award winners visit ivpress.com/award-winners.

WESTMONT, IL – InterVarsity Press was honored to have two titles make the shortlist for WORLD Magazine’s 2019 Books of the Year. WORLD editor Marvin Olasky wrote, “Here’s our pick of vivid and insightful new releases for better understanding America, world events, history, science, and theology.”

Fearfully and Wonderfully: The Marvel of Bearing God’s Image was selected for the shortlist for WORLD’s science book of the year. In this book leprosy surgeon Dr. Paul Brand and bestselling writer Philip Yancey offer a new audience timeless reflections on the body in this updated and combined edition of the award-winning books Fearfully and Wonderfully Made and In His Image.

“I have long loved the collaboration between the marvelous theologian Philip Yancey and his mentor—orthopedic humanitarian surgeon Paul Brand,” said Anne Lamott, author of Traveling Mercies, Bird by Bird, and Hallelujah Anyway. “What a blessing to reread this work after thirty years, to immerse myself in the story of Dr. Brand’s work with leprosy patients in India and the Bayou, and in the resultant lessons about the miraculous workings of the human body, the beauty of human friendship and caring, the profundity of God’s love. Brilliant, charming, and wonder inducing, this is a modern classic of science and faith.”

A Big Gospel in Small Places: Why Ministry in Forgotten Communities Matters by Stephen Witmer was chosen for WORLD’s shortlist in the accessible theology category. In this book pastor Stephen Witmer lays out an integrated theological vision for small-place ministry. Filled with helpful information about small places and with stories and practical advice from his own ministry, Witmer’s book offers a compelling, comprehensive vision for small-place ministry today.

“While I’ve learned a lot, it turns out my experience in small-town ministry hasn’t so much resulted in the discovery of things I didn’t know as in the rediscovery of things I once knew,” said Whitmer. “I’ve come to see afresh the beauty and brokenness of small places—the one in which I now live as well as others around the world and throughout history. I’ve slowly come to view these places through a biblical lens, with a gospel-centered theological vision, more like God sees them. I long to communicate this vision in this book.”

Jake Meador, author of In Search of the Common Good and editor in chief of Mere Orthodoxy, said, “Stephen Witmer’s A Big Gospel in Small Places is compelling because it is a simple depiction of the deeply normal, deeply human life of small places, a life that many evangelicals have regarded with indifference for far too long. For several decades now, evangelicals have thought more often in terms of size, efficiency, and influence than in the more humane and Christian terms of fidelity, affection, and rootedness. There is a call in this book to love small places and serve them faithfully, of course. But there is also a call to cultivate a certain patience in one’s own life, a commitment to belong fully to the local life of one’s home place, and to view all of this work with a smiling affection borne of the confidence that God smiles on such a life.”

WORLD is the nation’s most widely read news outlet from a Christian perspective, with a half-million people reading the magazine and website or listening to the podcast.

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.