Calvin University January Series draws crowds to Baker Book House

Program for writers, Prologue Writer Nights,  flourishing at Baker Book House

Grand Rapids, MI—Baker Book House, the largest independent Christian bookstore in North America, drew crowds to its event space as an offsite viewing location for the popular January Series hosted by Calvin University, located in Grand Rapids.

The January Series, in its 33^rd year, is a free, 15-day lecture series designed to cultivate thought and conversations about issues of the day. This year’s events ran from Jan. 8-28 on the Calvin campus and were seen at more than 60 remote sites across the United States and Canada, as well as Lithuania. Speakers included Alice Marie Johnson, Mitch Albom, Ann Compton, and Karen Gonzalez.

Baker Book House filled its event space nearly every day of the series, with some days requiring overflow seating in the store’s community room. Average attendance was 83, with a high of 137 guests for Albom’s talk.

“We see the January Series as a way to meet the needs of the many people who want to participate in the series but who may not want to attend at the large university. It’s a good way to engage the community in important conversations,” said Sue Smith, EVP of Retail. “The live broadcast is also a way to introduce people to the store who may not have been here before.”

The bookstore offers a 25 percent discount on books by January Series speakers, and sees an uptick in book and café sales during the series. Mid-day foot traffic at least doubles from any other month’s mid-day traffic.

“We love offering people a relaxed, pleasant place to view the January Series speakers, and love it that they can take advantage of our café,” said Smith. “Bookstores, via good use of technology, have a unique opportunity to provide the public with access to events and speakers they may not see otherwise.”

Visit the website at www.bakerbookhouse.com/events for information on store events.

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Program for writers, Prologue Writer Nights,  flourishing at Baker Book House

Baker Book House, the largest independent Christian bookstore in North America, is reaching its niche customers via Prologue Writer Nights, a free, monthly program for writers. Authors and publishing professionals from the West Michigan area are guest speakers at the event.

“We have a vibrant writing community here in West Michigan,” said Prologue organizer Julie Schwab. “We want a space for new writers to learn and grow, and an avenue for experienced writers and publishing professionals to share their knowledge.”

Prologue Writer Nights began in May 2019 and has seen steady growth in attendance, with an average of 20 attending each event, held Tuesday evenings once a month. Baker Book House stocks a wide range of books for new and experienced writers, and gift products that appeal to writers such as journals, bookmarks, and stationary.

“Baker Book House not only sells good books but also attracts bookish people. We want to connect with those who love books and dream of writing them,” said Sue Smith, EVP of Retail. “That’s also why we have so many books about writing and gifts that appeal to writers on our shelves.”

Prologue speakers have included Zondervan acquisitions editor Andy Rogers and Cornerstone University professors Cynthia Beach and Jason Stevens. Upcoming speakers include Our Daily Bread Ministries editor Tim Gustafson and NY Times bestselling author Lorilee Craker.

For more information on Prologue Writer Nights, visit https://bakerbookhouse.com/events

About Baker Book House
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.

Contacts: Becky Schwartz, Event Coordinator, 616-957-3110, becky.schwartz@bakerbookhouse.com
Julie Schwab, Nonfiction Buyer and Prologue Organizer, 616-957-3110, julie.schwab@bakerbookhouse.com

Charlotte, NC, February 2020—The Good Book Company is delighted to announce that Laura Wifler, Co-Founder of Risen Motherhood and Co-Author of Risen Motherhood: Gospel Hope For Everyday Moments, will be publishing her first children’s book with TGBC in the fall of 2021.

The book will be the twelfth book in the bestselling Tales that Tell the Truth series, which boasts award- winning titles such as The Garden, the Curtain and the Cross, and God’s Very Good Idea. The series combines stunning illustrations by Catalina Echeverri with faithful, Bible-centered story-telling.

Wifler’s book will explore prayer and show children how and why we pray. Starting in Eden and leading children through how God has always invited his people to speak to him, it will not only help children know what they can say to their Father, but excite them about the wonder and privilege of being able to talk to their Creator anywhere, anytime, about anything.

Carl Laferton, Executive Vice President of Publishing at The Good Book Company, says, “As one of the founders of Risen Motherhood, Laura has been a huge blessing to hundreds of thousands of children through encouraging and equipping their moms (and dads!) to live out and teach well the gospel to them. I’m thrilled that Laura has chosen to publish her first kids’ book with TGBC; and I’m looking forward to my own kids becoming excited about the privilege of prayer as they read her book.”

Laura commented, “It’s an honor to partner with The Good Book Company to contribute to such a well-respected and beloved series as Tales that Tell the Truth. I’m thrilled for the opportunity to help children grasp what a joy and privilege it is to pray, and learn how this important spiritual discipline is not too lofty or complicated for even the youngest among us.”

Wifler is represented by the Wolgemuth & Associates literary agency.

Laura Wifler and Emily Jensen founded Risen Motherhood with the aim to encourage, equip, and challenge moms to apply the gospel to their everyday lives. In 2019, they published a book by the same name, Risen Motherhood: Gospel Hope For Everyday Moments.

ABOUT THE GOOD BOOK COMPANY
Founded in 1991, The Good Book Company (TGBC) is an international Christian publisher. Their Bible studies, books, devotionals, videos, tracts, evangelistic courses, and training materials are used throughout the English-speaking world, and in translation in over 35 languages worldwide. Everyone at TGBC is passionate about the Lord Jesus, His word, His church, and His gospel of grace. They create and publish biblical, relevant, and accessible resources that will encourage Christians to keep going, keep growing, and keep sharing their faith.
thegoodbook.com
thegoodbookcompanynorthamerica
@thegoodbookusa
@thegoodbookcompanyusa

FOR FURTHER DETAILS, PLEASE CONTACT:
Marketing & Publicity Assistant Eleanor Elms (eleanor.elms@thegoodbook.com)

Gundry recognized for his 40+ years of leadership and impact on the Christian publishing industry as publisher, author, theologian, and professor

Tempe, Ariz., Nov. 18, 2020 – On behalf of the Christian publishing industry, ECPA presented the Kenneth N. Taylor Lifetime Achievement Award to STAN N. GUNDRY, Senior Vice President & Publisher and Editor-in-Chief for HarperCollins Christian Publishing (HCCP), for his 40+ year impact on Christian publishing.

The award was presented online on November 18 during the ECPA Industry Awards Celebration webcast that concluded the ECPA C-Suite Connect online conference.  HarperCollins Christian Publishers (HCCP) presented a tribute video that included Rick Warren sharing how Stan was the impetus behind the groundbreaking best-sellers “Purpose Driven Church” and “Purpose Driven Life.”  Warren praised Stan as a theologian and one who loves pastors, the church, and authors.  HCCP President and CEO Mark Schoenwald presented the award with personal remarks and congratulations.  In accepting the award, Stan presented his 10 principles for Christian publishers.

“The Kenneth N. Taylor Award carries an incredibly high standard, and there is no more worthy recipient than Stan Gundry,” said ECPA president Stan Jantz. “He embodies all that the Award represents for our industry—exemplary Christian character, innovation, and growth.”

Gundry’s tenure with HCCP goes back to 1980 when he accepted a position at Zondervan to build the Zondervan Academic program acquiring and editing textbooks, Bible commentaries, and other resources for Christian scholarship. Today, Zondervan Academic publishes 50-60 titles a year.

He is the husband of Patricia S. Gundry, and they have four grown children. He is a graduate of the Los Angeles Baptist College (B.A., summa cum laude), Talbot Theological Seminary (B.D., summa cum laude), Union College of British Columbia (S.T.M.), and the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago (S.T.D.). His graduate degrees were in historical theology. After serving in a pastorate, he taught as an adjunct professor at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and was Professor of Theology at Moody Bible Institute where he taught for eleven years. He has also served two terms on the Board of Christians for Biblical Equality and is a past president of the Evangelical Theological Society. He has seven books to his credit, produced by himself or in collaboration with others and has written numerous articles for a wide variety of publications. In some circles he is best known for his articles and book on restoration of the Studebaker Avanti automobile.

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

The Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) is an international non-profit trade organization comprised of member companies that are involved in the publishing and distribution of Christian content worldwide. Since 1974, ECPA has strengthened Christian publishing by building networking, information, and advocacy opportunities within the industry and throughout multiple channels so that our members can more effectively produce and deliver transformational Christian content. For more information about ECPA: info@ecpa.org, ECPA.org.

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

[NASHVILLE, TENN., February 17, 2020—] Award-winning and bestselling author Jamie Sumner will release her second adult trade book, “Eat, Sleep, Save the World: Words of Encouragement for the Special Needs Parent” (March 3, 2020, B&H Publishing Group), following her critically acclaimed middle grade novel, “Roll With It.”

Designed to be an encouraging and empowering read, the book reminds every parent of a child with special needs that they are superheroes. With a mixture of humor and honesty, Sumner brings hope to other parents like herself who need to hear that God has made them more than capable to raise their special kids.

Sumner is a mother to a son with cerebral palsy and is an advocate for parents of children with special needs. Sumner writes and speaks about disability in literature and partners with many schools to teach about reading, writing and special needs.

“‘Eat, Sleep, Save the World’ isn’t a ‘how-to-parent’ book,” said Sumner. “We have enough of those. As a mother to a son with special needs, I wanted to write the book that I needed – one that cheers you on and eases the pressure of parenting. I hope readers will utter sighs of relief as they see all the ways that God is taking care of their children and them. Basically, it’s a hug in book form.”

Sumner is a regular contributor to major publications such as “The New York Times” and “The Washington Post” and is the reviews editor at Literary Mama. Her social media posts about life as a special needs parent have been featured by “Good Morning America,” Target, Motherly and many more.

Sumner is also the author of “Roll With It,” which was awarded one of Amazon’s Best Books of the Year and Kirkus’ Best Books of the Year, and “Unbound: Finding Freedom from Unrealistic Expectations of Motherhood.” Her second and third middle grade novels are forthcoming in late 2020 and 2021.

B&H is supporting “Eat, Sleep, Save the World” with a preorder campaign, national marketing and publicity campaign and special launch event in Nashville, Tennessee at Draper James on March 5. All who preorder the book can redeem a special downloadable emoji coloring and activity sheet. Orders can be redeemed on eatsleepsavetheworldbook.com.

For more information, visit eatsleepsavetheworldbook.com.

Jamie Sumner has written for “The New York Times” and “The Washington Post” among many other publications. She is the author of a nonfiction book on motherhood, “Unbound,” and the middle-grade novel “Roll with It.” She is also mom to twins and a son with cerebral palsy, and she writes and speaks about disability in literature. She loves stories that celebrate the grit and beauty in all kids. She and her family live in Nashville, Tenn. Visit her at www.jamie-sumner.com.

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.

(February 3, 2020) – Today, the Parable Group released its 2020 State of Christian Retailing report, providing data and insights into the current climate within the Christian retailing industry. Progress, challenges, and important industry findings are explored to help strengthen business and ministry in the year ahead.

Drawing on $66 million in sales data, 2.1 million consumer receipts, and survey results from U.S. Christian retailers across marketing groups, church stores, and other independents, the report highlights include: comparisons of bestsellers across channels, leading trends in product categories, analysis of Christmas sales and year-end sales, and shifts in retailer outlook.

“2019 was another year of change, but the resilient and tenacious independents continue to work faithfully in their business and ministry,” stated Greg Squires, President of The Parable Group. “We’re thankful for the many individuals who contributed to this report, offering honest responses to surveys and insightful comments. It’s our hope that up-to-date facts, research, and analysis encourage both retailers and publishers to press forward for years to come.

To view the report, click here.

The Parable Group helps Christian retailers, publishers, and ministries magnify their mission by connecting them to engaged Christian consumers, pastors, and church leaders. The San Luis Obispo, CA. based data-driven marketing agency and media group has served over 1000 Christian organizations since 1985. For more information, contact sally.ross@parable.com or visit www.parablegroup.com.

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

[NASHVILLE, TENN., February 7, 2020—] In 2019, 35% of the American workforce was a part of the gig economy, up from five years prior. In addition, 68% of all gig workers surveyed joined the gig economy in the last five years.

The rise of Amazon Prime, Facebook Marketplace, Uber, Grubhub and Airbnb are all part of the explosion of the gig economy and the shift in American work culture. As pastor, author, international speaker and leadership consultant Daniel Im began to research the gig economy and its effects, he discovered seven lies that had subtly worked their way into the American psyche, contradicting what the Bible says about a Christian’s identity.

In his new book, “You Are What You Do: And Six Other Lies About Work, Life and Love” (February 2020, B&H Publishing), Im dissects seven common lies that have changed the way Americans approach work, life and love:

• You are what you do.
• You are what you experience.
• You are who you know.
• You are what you know.
• You are what you own.
• You are who you raise.
• You are your past.

Through relatable stories, research and pastoral insight, Im shows readers how to recognize these everyday lies and discover the truth on the other side. In a world where anxiety and depression result from constant hustling, chasing success and the American dream, Im reminds readers that they are already accepted and loved because of the gospel.

“I wrote this book because in the last few years, there’s been a significant shift in the way that we approach work, life and love. And it’s all because of the rise of the ‘gig economy,’ which has become the new normal,” Im said.

“But here’s the thing: This is not some sort of neutral and harmless shift in culture. There’s actually a complex and fragile web of lies holding it all together, leading to a devastating pile of unintended consequences. My hope is to shed light on these lies and what happens if we live our lives according to them so that readers can see the truth on the other side, one that leads to freedom.”

Im is a seasoned speaker and leader who has traveled to cities around the globe to teach, consult and coach. He currently serves on the pastoral staff of Beulah Alliance Church in Edmonton, Canada, and has served and pastored in church plants and multisite churches ranging from 100 people to 50,000 people in Vancouver, Ottawa, Montreal, Korea, Edmonton and Nashville.

Im is the author of two other books: “No Silver Bullets: Five Small Shifts that will Transform Your Ministry” and “Planting Missional Churches: Your Guide to Starting Churches that Multiply” (second edition).

B&H is supporting “You Are What You Do” with a preorder campaign, national marketing and publicity campaign and a launch team online to support the launch. For more information, visit https://danielim.com/youare

Daniel Im is a speaker and leader who has traveled to cities around the globe including New York, Vancouver, Los Angeles, Sydney and Seoul to teach, consult and coach. His podcasts have been downloaded over 3 million times and more than 72,000 people follow him on Twitter for his wisdom and insight.

He has written three paradigm-shifting books including his latest, “You Are What You Do” (Feb. 4, 2020, B&H Books). He has an M.A. in Global Leadership and is a Gallup Certified Strengths Performance Coach. Daniel lives in Canada with his wife Christina and their three children. For more information, visit danielim.com and follow him on social media @danielsangi.

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.

[NASHVILLE, TENN., Feb. 5, 2020—] B&H Kids is proud to announce that Ellie Holcomb, renowned singer-songwriter and bestselling author of “Who Sang The First Song?,” is releasing her second book titled “Don’t Forget to Remember” (March 2020, B&H Publishing Group).

In “Don’t Forget to Remember,” Holcomb uses rhyme and beauty to remind young readers of comforting truths from God. When they see snowflakes fall, they can remember that God made each person as one of a kind. If they hear the waves crash to shore again and again, they’ll recall that God’s love never runs out. High and low, on sad days and glad days, creation reminds us that God’s love is ever-present. Holcomb ends her comforting reminder with a message for hearts young and old: “And even on days you forget what is true, don’t forget to remember God won’t forget you.”

“This book was largely inspired by Psalm 19, which says, ‘The heavens declare the glories of God,’” said Holcomb. “I hope ‘Don’t Forget To Remember’ will help children and the adults in their lives pay attention to the beautiful song creation sings each day. There are countless clues that point us to the truth, and my hope is that this book will be like a treasure map to help us all discover and remember the wonders of God’s love for us.”

Holcomb will also release another children’s EP to accompany the book on February 21, titled “Sing: Remembering Songs.” The songs on “Sing” are rooted in Scripture to remind children (and adults) of how God created the earth to remind us of his love.

Holcomb’s first book, “Who Sang the First Song?” (October 2018, B&H Publishing Group), spent several months on the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) juvenile bestseller list and was a finalist for Christian Book of the Year in the children’s category.

“I hope ‘Don’t Forget to Remember’ will start many conversations about what really matters at the end of the day,” said Holcomb. “My dream is that this book will be like a campfire to gather around each night, and that it will warm each heart with the light of God’s love for them.”

Holcomb partnered once again with illustrator Kayla Harren, who worked with her to create the illustrations for “Who Sang the First Song?”

“Sharing the creative process with Ellie Holcomb is nothing short of delightful; she conveys not only her lyrical and musical talents but also an instinctive joy and an intense love for the Lord,” said Michelle Freeman, B&H Kids Publisher. “Readers will feel that joy and love in the pages of ‘Don’t Forget to Remember,’ which no doubt will soon be recited and sung by many little voices.”

B&H is supporting the book with national marketing and publicity campaign. Each pre-order will also include a LifeWay exclusive, jacketed hardcover copy of “Who Sang the First Song?” For more information, visit https://www.ellieholcomb.com/dont-forget-to-remember

Ellie Holcomb began her musical career touring with her husband in the Americana band Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors. Then her solo adventures deemed her a 2014 Dove Award, followed by the hope-inducing “Red Sea Road” album. In 2018, she created a new generation of little fans with her first children’s book and album, “Who Sang the First Song?” and “Sing: Creation Songs.” Ellie, her husband, Drew, and their three children live and make music in Nashville.

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.

Terre Haute, IN (February 7, 2020) PrayerShop Publishing is pleased to announce that its all-time best seller, Love to Pray by Alvin VanderGriend has just gone into its 19th printing.

This simple, 40-day devotional on prayer has been used by thousands of churches over the past decade to lead their people into deeper levels of prayer.  PrayerShop publisher, Jonathan Graf, shares “In my 25 years of prayer ministry, I have not seen another book like it. Love to Pray has the most complete theology of prayer of any book I know, yet it lays it out in such a simple, clear way.” PrayerShop has developed an entire line of products based off this book.

VanderGriend is the co-founder of the Denominational Prayer Leaders Network, which he helped to form while a national evangelism and prayer leader with the Christian Reformed Church. Author of 8 books on prayer, VanderGriend has discipled and inspired easily more than a half million people in the area of prayer over his years of ministry.

Originally developed by the Church Prayer Leaders Network and Harvest Prayer Ministries, PrayerShop Publishing was launched as a publishing house to develop and produce niche books on prayer that focus primarily on growing prayer in the local church.

Contact:  Jon Graf, Publisher, PrayerShop Publishing, jon@prayershop.org

GRAND RAPIDS, MI—Credo House Publishers announces a new edition of Christian Publishing 101: The comprehensive guide to writing well and publishing successfully—for new authors, editors, and students by Ann Byle that features three new chapters by elite publishing professionals.

Stan Jantz, President and CEO of the Evangelical Christian Publishing Association, answers questions in the book about the Christian publishing industry today, highlighting the bright spots for Christian publishers as well as some of the biggest challenges they face today.

“The biggest bright spot is the rise of Millennials as the largest segment of the reading public. First of all, they prefer print to digital, leading to an 80 percent market share for books in physical format. Second, as Millennials are getting married and having children, they are increasingly interested in those issues that have always concerned families,” said Jantz in the book. He also points to the expanding global market and the rise in audio books as positives.

Challenges include distractions readers face (especially phones), the dramatic decrease in Christian brick-and-mortar stores, and the rise in third-party sellers on Amazon leading to counterfeit books and copyright infringement.

Said publisher Tim Beals, “Stan’s input makes this new edition of CP101 invaluable for writers and those in the publishing industry. He adds depth to the discussion about Christian publishing.”

Other additions to the book include a chapter on point-of-view for fiction writers with Whidbey Writers Workshop instructor Wayne Ude, and “Proverbs for Writers” by Robert Hudson. Hudson is author of The Christian Writer’s Manual of Style and The Art of the Almost Said: A Christian Writer’s Guide to Writing Poetry.

“CP101 is a helpful compendium that addresses everything from creating a writing life to reaching readers, from the business of writing to writing for children,” said Beals. “It’s a writers conference in book form.”

The newest edition of Christian Publishing 101 is available on Amazon and select Christian retailers.

About Credo House Publishers:  Credo House Publishers, a division of Credo Communications, offers authors a tailored, creative experience through traditional royalty and custom partnership publishing options. Visit credohousepublishers.com for more information.

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

Colorado Springs, Colorado (February 10, 2020)—IF:Gathering founder and visionary Jennie Allen has made her debut on the New York Times Best Sellers list, coming in at #2 in the Advice, How-To & Miscellaneous category following the release of her latest book, Get Out of Your Head: Stopping the Spiral of Toxic Thoughts (January 28, 2020, WaterBrook). The book also earned #9 on the USA Today Best-Selling Books List, #3 on Wall Street Journal’s Bestselling Books list in the nonfiction category, #8 on Publishers Weekly’s Top 10 Overall Bestsellers list, and #8 on ECPA’s Non-Fiction Bestsellers list.

Get Out of your Head is a powerful read for anyone who has found himself or herself trapped in the spiral of toxic thinking. On behalf of readers and herself—she too has been caught in the spiral—Allen wages war on the negative thoughts that take our minds captive by equipping us all with the one thought that can change everything: I have a choice.

For more information, visit www.waterbrookmultnomah.com.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:  

JENNIE ALLEN is the founder and visionary behind IF:Gathering, an organization that equips women with gospel-centered resources, events, and community so they may learn more about who God is and disciple others. Through simulcast and live events, IF has reached more than one million women in nearly two hundred countries and has seven thousand women leading in-person gatherings around the world. She is also the host of the new “Made for This” podcast which has already exceeded 1.8 million downloads since its launch in July 2019. Allen has a master’s degree in biblical studies from Dallas Theological Seminary.

Contacts:
Beverly Rykerd, VP, Director of Publicity, brykerd@penguinrandomhouse.com  (719) 268-1935
Chelsea Woodward, Publicist, cwoodward@penguinrandomhouse.com  (719) 268-1915