(April 15, 2019) – In an effort to further honor and support hard-working Christian retailers, The Parable Group today announced its industry-wide bookstore makeover giveaway, Refresh / Restore.

The chosen bookstore will receive free store design and merchandising services, valued up to $10,000 in materials and services for enhancements, and on-site assistance to finalize the project.

“We believe in the mission and impact of Christian retailing—and desire to see retailers succeed for years to come,” said Greg Squires, President, and owner of The Parable Group. “Through Parable Gives Back, we’re offering one deserving Christian retailer this exciting opportunity.”

“Enhancing the sense of place can boost a bookstore’s competitive advantage over online retailers and significantly increase sales,” said Jeff Bruenning of The Parable Group. “While a major renovation may not be within every retailer’s budget, updates like a fresh coat of paint, a floor plan reset, merchandising and fixture adjustments, and revamped signage can help create a compelling atmosphere for today’s customers.”

The Refresh / Restore makeover giveaway is open to all Christian retailers regardless of marketing group affiliation.

To apply, retailers must complete an online questionnaire by Wednesday, May 15, 2019. Top candidates will be notified for a phone interview, and the winner will be selected on May 31, 2019.

To learn more, visit https://offer.parablegroup.com/refresh-restore/.

The Parable Group is a 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 and digital technologies 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

 

David Platt, pastor, international speaker, and founder of Radical Inc., announces his new book, Something Needs to Change: A Call to Make Your Life Count in a World of Urgent Need, releasing Sept. 17, 2019, from Multnomah, an imprint of Random House.

In Something Needs to Change, Platt draws on his experiences from a week-long trek through the Himalayas and the urgent human needs he encountered along the way. Stunned by what he saw, he wrestled with deep questions such as, “Where is God in the middle of suffering?”, “What makes my religion any better than someone else’s religion?”, and “What do I believe about eternal suffering?” Platt shares his raw, honest answers to these questions while encouraging readers that, in this hurting world, we all can make a difference right where we are.

Nearly 10 years ago, Platt radically redefined “the American dream” for Christians everywhere with his ground-breaking book Radical, which has sold over 1.4 million copies. This new message in Something Needs to Change is a wakeup call to confront and tend to the needy right in one’s own back yard. In the face of some of life’s most difficult questions, Platt encourages the reader to find answers through action. No one can do everything, but everyone can participate to alleviate suffering one choice, one action, one life at a time.

“God didn’t design the gospel of Jesus to be confined to our minds and mouths in the church and disconnected from our emotions and actions in the world,” writes Platt. “Jesus wept for the needy, He lived and loved to bring healing and comfort to the broken. I fear we have unknowingly guarded our lives, our families, and even our churches from truly being affected by God’s instructions to us in a world of urgent spiritual and physical needs. What we need is not an explanation of God’s Word and the world that puts more information in our heads; we need an experience with the Word in the world that penetrates the recesses of our hearts. Surely, something needs to change.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
David Platt is the author of three New York Times bestsellers, including Radical. He is lead pastor at McLean Bible Church in metro Washington, D.C., the former president of the IMB (International Mission Board), and founder of Radical Inc. (www.Radical.net), a global ministry that serves churches in accomplishing the mission of Christ. Platt received his master of divinity (M.Div), master of theology (Th.M), and doctor of philosophy (Ph.D) from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. He lives in Virginia with his wife and their children.

For more information, visit:
www.waterbrookmultnomah.com or www.Radical.net/SomethingNeedsToChange

Multnomah is an imprint of Random House, a division of Penguin Random House.

Contact: Lisa Beech, Assistant Director of Publicity  lbeech@penguinandomhouse.com  (719) 268-1917

ECPA will host the only U.S.-based Christian Rights & Export Fair of the year on June 25-26 at Moody Bible Institute in Chicago.  This inaugural event is for publishers who are exchanging rights and licensing, as well as customers purchasing for export. Registration is now open.

“In the wake of significant changes to our industry, ECPA was asked by the leadership of the International Christian rights community to help facilitate this first-ever rights event in Chicago,” said ECPA president Stan Jantz. “We accepted the responsibility of hosting the International Christian Rights & Export Fair because it fills an important need for the rights community and Christian publishing.”

Exhibitors represent products from over 50 companies, including:

• ABridge International
• Baker Publishing Group
• Barbour Publishing, Inc.
• Charisma Media
• Crossway
• David C Cook
• F.J.Rudy and Associates
• Goodwill Rights Management
• Gospel Publishing Mission
• Harvest House Publishers
• HarperCollins Christian Publishing
• InterVarsity Press
• Lion Hudson
• Nori Media Group
• Riggins Rights Management
• SPCK & IVP UK
• The Foundry Publishing
• Tyndale House Publishers
• Wipf and Stock Publishers
• Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.

Registration:
Register online here and start making appointments with these exhibiting rights and exports professionals.  Attendees will pay just $49 for a two-day pass, including parking.  Suggested area hotel options are also listed on the registration page at https://www.ecpa.org/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=1210195.  Attendee registration is required.

Schedule:
Tuesday, June 25:  8:30 am – 5:30 pm | Rights & Exports Fair Open
Wednesday, June 26:  8:30 am – 5:30 pm | Rights & Exports Fair Open

Location:
Moody Bible Institute, Alumni Student Center Fellowship Hall
820 N. LaSalle Blvd., Chicago, IL 60610

For more information on attending or exhibiting, contact:
Cynthia Helblig, ECPA, chelblig@ecpa.org or 480-966-3998

Our Mob, God’s Story, Bible Society of Australia’s magnificent art book, was awarded the Vallotton Award for new audience products at the UBS Publishers’ Convention in Nairobi earlier this month.

Seven years in the making, and published in 2017, BSA’s bicentenary year, Our Mob, God’s Story: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Artists Share Their Faith (edited by Louise Sherman & Christobel Mattingley, Bible Society) showcases over 115 paintings by 66 Aboriginal and Torres strait Islander artists to celebrate the impact of the Bible on Australia’s First Nations People.

The reader is invited to re-discover God’s story through the personal faith stories and artworks recreated in the book. The vibrant artworks are visually captivating and spiritually moving, depicting some of the most loved stories from the Old and New Testament.

All artists have donated the use of their paintings so when you buy a copy of Our Mob, God’s Story 100% of all profit goes directly towards Indigenous Scripture publications, translation and ministry.

Our Mob, God’s Story was also awarded the 2017 Australian Christian Book of the Year. The Vallotton Awards: Creativity in Context were created by United Bible Societies Fellowship in 2013 in honour of Annie Vallotton, the pioneering Bible illustrator who died in France aged 99 in 2014. The awards recognise the most creative examples of Bible publishing produced by Bible Societies.

To order book, go to https://www.biblesociety.org.au/our-mob/

For further information, contact: Penny Mulvey Head of Communications and Public Affairs, BSA, pmulvey@biblesociety.org.au 

Nashville, Tenn. (April 2, 2019) –  David and Tamela Mann with Shaun Saunders received the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work – Debut Author for Us Against the World: Our Secrets to Love, Marriage and Family during the 50th Annual NAACP Image Awards March 30, 2019 at the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles. The book is published by W Publishing, an imprint of Thomas Nelson.

“We are honored and blessed by the recognition from the NAACP Image Awards for our book Us Against the World,” said David and Tamela who are currently performing before sold-out crowds on the Tyler Perry Madea Farwell Tour. “We hope readers are uplifted, spiritually encouraged, and feel inspired about love, family, and marriage when they read it.”

With a relationship spanning more than 30 years, David and Tamela are just as, if not more than, happily in love as they were in the early days of life together. In their book, Us Against the World: Our Secrets to Love, Marriage and Family, the superstar couple who has delighted and inspired audiences through music, plays, movies, and the television series’ Meet the Browns, The Manns, and Mann & Wife, candidly share a wonderfully inspiring, funny, and up-close look at their lives while offering hope and practical advice for building a strong relationship, marriage and family in the W Publishing book.

“Thomas Nelson is incredibly proud to be a part of David and Tamela Mann’s ministry. We are also deeply honored that the NAACP Image Awards has recognized the contribution of their book Us Against the World to supporting the spiritual and emotional health of African-American families and communities,” said Daisy Hutton, vice president and publisher, W Publishing. “The talent and commitment of the Mann family inspires us all to give our best back to the world every single day that we are in it, and their humility, faith, empathy, and tenacity challenge us all to work each day at becoming a better version of ourselves.  David and Tamela Mann are extraordinary human beings, and Us Against the World is an extraordinary book that will continue to help foster healing in marriages and families for many, many years to come.”

For the latest updates on David and Tamela visit: 
WEBSITE: www.tillymannmusic.com
FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/davidtamelamann
INSTAGRAM: @DavidandTamela
TWITTER: @DavidandTamela
PRESS KIT: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/6f8s44vnwafz0gp/AACoMsUqXC7ZFI0A_8Ezitsea?dl=0

ABOUT TAMELA MANN
Tamela Mann is a Grammy® Award winner, three-time NAACP Image Award® winner, BET Award winner, Billboard Music Award winner, Stellar Gospel Music Award winner, and GMA Dove Award-winning singer, actress, songwriter, producer, and businesswoman. Tamela’s award-winning album Best Days debuted at No. 1 on multiple Billboard music sales charts and includes the No. 1, RIAA-Platinum certified single “Take Me to The King.” Tamela set a historic personal and industry record as the first Gospel lead artist in Billboard Gospel radio chart history to score three consecutive No. 1’s from an album. The string of hits includes “Take Me to The King,” “I Can Only Imagine,” and “This Place.” Tamela’s Billboard chart-topping fourth solo studio album One Way features the Billboard No.1 singles “God Provides” and “Change Me.” In 2017, Tamela broke the record for the most No. 1’s in the history of Billboard’s Gospel Airplay chart when “Change Me” became her sixth leader. Tamela co-stars with husband actor/comedian David in the hilarious TV comedy, Mann & Wife, and their family docu-series, The Manns. Together, the couple heads up their independent entertainment company Tillymann Music Group.

ABOUT DAVID MANN
Ingeniously funny and extraordinarily talented are understatements when it comes to David Mann, the multi-faceted, two-time NAACP Award-winning actor and comedian. A native of Texas, David masterfully showcases his God-given talents in a most dynamic and distinguished way. His musical and theatrical talents brilliantly epitomize ingenuity at its best. Along with his wife, Gospel singing sensation Tamela Mann, David co-stars in the hilarious TV comedy, Mann & Wife, and their family docu-series, The Manns. When David is not on set shooting, producing or directing, he brings his live comedy show to venues around the country playing to capacity crowds. David, together with Tamela, head up their independent entertainment company Tillymann Music Group.

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 multiple formats of award-winning Bibles, books, gift books, cookbooks, 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.

For media inquiries, guest booking and interviews, contact:
Becky Melvin @ Becky.Melvin@harpercollins.com
Linda Klosterman @ lklosterman@tkomarketing.net 
Chelsey Dickson @ chelsey@tkomarketing.net 

For radio servicing, contact:
Damon Stewart, dstewart@igatalentmgmt.com

WESTMONT, IL—The Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) selected three InterVarsity Press titles as finalists for its 2019 Christian Book Award® program. The books include Last Call for Liberty by Os Guinness, Becoming Dallas Willard by Gary Moon and Window on the World by Molly Wall and Jason Mandryk.

ECPA named sixty-four finalists in twelve categories. The titles represent the industry’s best books and Bibles of the year in Christian Living, Faith & Culture, Biography & Memoir, Devotion & Gift, Young People’s Literature, Children, Ministry Resources, Bible Reference Works, Bible Study, Bibles, New Author—and the new category of Audio.

Last Call for Liberty: How America’s Genius for Freedom Has Become Its Greatest Threat is one of the finalists in the Faith & Culture category. This book was also chosen as the 2018 WORLD Magazine Book of the Year in the Understanding America category. “Os Guinness has stood as a beacon of eloquence and insight,” said Shelby Coffey III, vice chairman of the Newseum and former editor of the Los Angeles Times. “In a host of important books, he has chronicled the struggle of those who resist the modern world’s descent into carnival culture. Last Call for Liberty is his masterwork—an urgent guide that leads out of the maze America has wandered into. For those who seek to understand the best of freedom’s vital gifts, Guinness is the master class leader.”

The IVP finalist in the Biography/Memoir category is Becoming Dallas Willard: The Formation of a Philosopher, Teacher, and Christ Follower. Also selected as a finalist in the biography category of the 2018 Foreword INDIES Book of the Year Awards, this book tells the story of a man who became a personal mentor and inspiration to hundreds of pastors, philosophers, and average churchgoers. His presence and ideas rippled through the lives of many prominent leaders and authors, such as John Ortberg, Richard Foster, James Bryan Smith, Paula Huston, and J. P. Moreland. As a result of these relationships and the books he wrote, he fundamentally altered the way tens of thousands of Christians have understood and experienced the spiritual life. “Gary Moon has written an engaging biography of this philosopher, university professor, and religious thinker who, though an ordinary man of the people, had an extraordinary impact,” said Brendan Sweetman, department of philosophy, Rockhurst University.

Window on the World: An Operation World Prayer Resource was chosen as a finalist in the Children’s category. This revised edition includes new entries for more countries and people groups, with updated information and prayer points from the team at Operation World. Window on the World brings alive the culture, history, and traditions of all sorts of different people. With “Fact Files” and “Do You Know?” features, each section brings information, true stories, maps, and easy-to-use prayer points that take you into homes around the world. It teaches how children live, what they like to do, where they go to school, what they eat and wear, and what they hope and dream.

The Christian Book Award® winners in each category, along with the 2019 Christian Book of the Year®, will be announced on April 30 at the ECPA Awards Celebration held during the ECPA Leadership Summit in Chicago. ECPA president Stan Jantz said, “The Christian Book Award® program is a vital part of our ongoing efforts to bring national attention to the finest books and Bibles published by our members. We are grateful to the publishers who invest in the program by submitting their best work.”

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

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: Krista Clayton, 630.734.4013  kclayton@ivpress.com

Memoir by Steven Elliott—one of two Army Rangers considered likely to have fired the fatal shots that killed former NFL player turned Army Ranger Pat Tillman—to hit stores in May

All of the author’s proceeds from the writing of this book will be donated to organizations serving the mental health needs of the active-duty and veteran community.

CAROL STREAM, ILL.—Tyndale House Publishers (@tyndalehouse) has announced that it has acquired War Story: A Memoir ($25.99, hardcover, May 2019, 978-1-4964-2991-9), the story of the tragic death of NFL player turned Army Ranger Pat Tillman, told by Steven Elliott, the soldier who may have killed him.

“This memoir is a compelling personal narrative of the unseen wounds of war, and Steven Elliott is much-needed voice in advocating for mental health care for veterans and active-duty military,” said Sarah Atkinson, associate publisher. “For both soldiers and civilians, trauma and mental illness still carry societal stigma. We can, and must, do better, and Steven’s story is a light helping us find the way. Each book purchased will have a multiplied impact, as Steven is donating 100 percent of his proceeds to serving the mental health needs of the military community.”

Every soldier has a war story. Steven Elliott’s opens with the death of American hero Pat Tillman by “friendly fire” in Afghanistan—when Army Ranger Elliott pulled the trigger, believing he and his fellow soldiers were firing on the enemy. As it did for so many others, the war that began on foreign soil would follow him home. Tormented by remorse and PTSD after Tillman’s death, Elliott descended into the depths of depression and addiction, lost his marriage, doubted his faith, and struggled to stay alive.

An explosive memoir about the chaos of war—and the battle for life in its aftermath—War Story confronts some of humanity’s biggest questions: Why do we choose to fight for a country or a cause? What happens when the cost of that fight overwhelms and destroys? Can we forgive, be forgiven, and find hope? At its core, War Story is one man’s dramatic personal encounter with war and faith, love and tragedy, destruction and ultimate renewal.

War Story is endorsed by military figures and thought leaders including:

Mark C. Russell, PhD, ABPP; Commander, US Navy (Ret.): “One of the most compelling and moving personal narratives on war-stress injury; moral pain; and the long, twisted road to recovery that I have ever read.”

Jay W. Hood, Major General, US Army (Ret.) says Elliott “courageously shares the deeply personal effects of posttraumatic stress. . . . This is an absolute must-read for every professional soldier.”

Dave Grossman, Lt. Colonel, US Army (Ret.) and author of On Killing: “An amazing and critically important book. . . . I have read many books to come out of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and War Story has touched and moved me like no other.”

The book launch will be supported with a national media tour and comprehensive marketing campaign.

More information is available at https://www.tyndale.com/p/war-story/9781496429919.

Steven Elliott joined the military in 2003 and served as a member of the elite 75th Ranger Regiment. In 2004, he deployed to the Afghanistan-Pakistan border. In the midst of an enemy ambush, he was one of four Rangers who mistook Pat Tillman’s position for that of the enemy and fired there. He is one of two Rangers considered likely to have fired the fatal shots. Elliott served the remaining years of his enlistment and returned to civilian life in 2007. Today he is the president of Capstone Trust in Washington State, has served as a volunteer veterans court mentor, and advocates for change in how the unseen wounds of war are recognized and treated. He and his wife, Brook, have two daughters.

Since its founding in 1962, Tyndale House Publishers has been a voice to trust for generations of readers. Today, Tyndale is one of the largest independent Christian publishers in the world. Tyndale’s mission is to make the Bible accessible to as many people as possible in language they can relate and respond to. Tyndale publishes the Holy Bible, New Living Translation (NLT) and offers nonfiction books that equip readers with Christ-centered insight, counsel, and life-improving stories. In addition, Tyndale publishes fiction from fresh new voices and celebrated authors alike, capturing the imaginations 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 revenue—more than $100 million throughout its history—to charitable missions. With every book purchased, Tyndale readers help meet the physical and spiritual needs of people around the world.

 

Features Lively Discussions with Notable Authors about God, Theology, and the Christian Life

WHEATON, Ill.—Crossway is pleased to announce the launch of The Crossway Podcast, which debuted on April 1, 2019. This interview-based podcast aims at helping Christians think biblically about God, themselves, and the world.

Episodes of The Crossway Podcast will be posted weekly on Mondays, featuring casual conversations on the issues, ideas, and doctrines covered in new and best-selling Crossway books.

Upcoming interviews will spotlight the following authors, and many more:

• Paul David Tripp
• Jen Wilkin
• Wayne Grudem
• Russell Moore
• Sam Allberry
• Tony Reinke

The first three episodes of The Crossway Podcast are now available on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, and other podcast directories. For more information, visit crossway.org/podcast.

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.

For more information, contact: Lauren Harvey, lharvey@crossway.org, (630) 682-4300, ext. 6031

After 25 years and 14MM+ books sold, Strobel selects an agent to navigate the ever-changing publishing world

THE WOODLANDS, Texas, April 5, 2019—After 25 years in the publishing industry, bestselling author Lee Strobel has selected an agent, and announced today his ministry partnership with Don Gates of The Gates Group.

“Change is afoot,” said Strobel, author of the best-selling and award-winning ‘The Case For’ series of books and curricula. “With the seismic shifts in the book sphere, I thought it best to find a ministry partner and a collaborative agent, and I found that in Don Gates at The Gates Group.”

With the success of “The Case for Christ” movie last year, Strobel is in high demand as a speaker and content creator. After a fruitful season as a professor at Houston Baptist University and a teaching pastor at The Woodlands Church, he is now scheduled to speak over 90 times this year, in addition to co-producing “The Case for Miracles” movie that’s currently approaching production.

“I am overjoyed to be collaborating with Lee Strobel on his literary endeavors,” said Gates. “His past works have personally enlightened and shaped me, along with millions of other readers. I know that we will serve him well in the years to come.”

Over the last six years, The Gates Group has worked with many best-selling, well-established and first-time authors. Other impactful authors collaborating with Gates include, Kyle Idleman, Jared C. Wilson, Trillia Newbell, JP Pokluda, and Dr. Michael Youssef, as well as the addition of Mark Mittleberg. Mittleberg and Strobel have collaborated for years on projects such as the Becoming a Contagious Christian Training Course and The Case for Christ Daily Moment of Truth.

“I am excited for Lee in this next stage of his investigative writing journey; I truly believe he, in association with Don Gates, has many more millions to influence for Christ,” commented bestselling author Kyle Idleman.

About the Author
Lee Strobel (www.LeeStrobel.com), with a journalism degree from the University of Missouri and a Master of Studies in Law degree from Yale Law School, was the award-winning legal editor of the Chicago Tribune and a spiritual skeptic until 1981. His books include several Gold Medallion winners and he coauthored the Christian Book of the Year in 2005. He is a frequent speaker for national conventions and in influential churches across the country.

About the Agency
Don Gates formed The Gates Group (www.The-Gates-Group.com) after a season of leading marketing and publicity at Zondervan. With an MBA from Kellogg, an MDiv from Southern Seminary and 20 years of brand management experience, Gates collaborates with and represents Christian pastors and leaders in their literary and associated endeavors.

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LEE STROBEL PUBLISHING FACTS

1. Widely recognized as a practical apologetics expert in science, history, philosophy, archaeology, and all evidences for the life of Jesus and the Christian worldview.
2. Written more than three dozen books and curricula, with over 14 million copies sold, including The Case for Christ, The Case for Faith and The Case for Grace.
3. Former award-winning legal editor of the Chicago Tribune, and recipient of a Master of Studies in Law degree from Yale Law School.
4. Interviewed on TV networks, including ABC, NBC, CNN, Fox, Discovery and PBS, and written for the Wall Street Journal and the Washington Post.
5. Executive produced and/or been featured in six films, including the award-winning  “The Case for Christ,” one of the top 25 Christian films of all time.

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