[NASHVILLE, TENN., (May 17, 2019)—] Pastor, author and Send Network V.P. Dhati Lewis will release his second book this June, exhorting churches to be advocates for racial reconciliation.

Lewis’ book, “Advocates: The Narrow Path to Racial Reconciliation,” focuses on the book of Philemon, unpacking key timeless principles that Paul applied to being an advocate in the midst of division. Lewis frequently speaks to pastors and trains leaders on holistic restoration, racial reconciliation and disciple-making in urban contexts.

In the book, Lewis contends that though the divisions of today don’t look the same as in Paul’s time, the principles are timeless, as the world today needs godly advocates in every sphere of life. “Advocates” applies these principles to issues of ethnic division and asks the reader to consider questions like, “Are you willing to call any division caused by discrimination, prejudice or racism a sin?” “Do you want to grow in your ability to navigate tense and emotional conversations about ethnic divisions?” “Are you ready to become an advocate?”

“In 2 Corinthians 5, God commissioned us to be his ambassadors and gave us the ministry of reconciliation. Whether we’re engaging in issues of politics, ethnicity or religious beliefs, our heart posture should be one of an advocate set on reconciliation,” Lewis said.  “My prayer for readers is that this book would be the next step in their journey toward living out their identity

as an advocate for Christ, that they would gain more tools for how to engage racial division in healthy, biblical ways and that they would know Jesus better because of it.

Lewis is the lead pastor of Blueprint Church in Atlanta, Georgia, and the vice president of NAMB’s Send Network. He is the author of both the Bible study and book “Among Wolves: Disciple-Making in the City” (March 2017, B&H Publishing).

“Advocates” is launching with a special bulk purchase offer to help churches easily utilize the message for their congregation or leadership teams. In addition, Lewis will be traveling through North America over the next year, speaking to churches, seminaries and organizations. The book has been endorsed by J.D. Greear, Kevin Ezell, Derwin Gray, Daniel Im and others.

“We are grateful to publish ‘Advocates’ and pray this important resource equips and encourages churches to be advocates for racial reconciliation,” said Jennifer Lyell, V.P. of Book Publishing and Merchandising.

For more information, visit dhatilewis.com.

Dhati Lewis is the lead pastor of Blueprint Church in Atlanta, Georgia, and the vice president of the North American Mission Board’s Send Network. He earned a Master of Arts in Cross Cultural Ministry from Dallas Theological Seminary and most recently received his Doctorate of Ministry in Great Commission Mobilization from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Dhati has seven beautiful children and is married to Angie, a discerning woman who empowers and encourages him to live fully in his identity in Christ. He is the author of both the Bible study and book “Among Wolves: Disciple-Making in the City.” 

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.

CAROL STREAM, Ill.—May 7, 2019—Tyndale House Publishers (@tyndalehouse) is pleased to announce that The Wonder of the Greatest Gift by Ann Voskamp has been recognized as the Evangelical Christian Publishing Association (ECPA) 2019 Christian Book Award winner in the Devotion & Gift category. The announcement was made at the ECPA Awards Celebration, which was held April 30 at the Rosemont Hilton in Chicago, during the ECPA Leadership Summit.

“Congratulations to Ann Voskamp on winning the Christian Book Award for The Wonder of The Greatest Gift. I’m grateful to have had the honor and privilege of helping bring this amazing book to life. The Tyndale Kids team is grateful to Ann for trusting us to share her dream and create such a beautiful celebration of Advent!” said Linda Howard, Associate Publisher, Children and Youth.

The Wonder of the Greatest Gift, which released in November 2017, is based on Voskamp’s bestseller Unwrapping the Greatest Gift. Voskamp expands her presentation of the timeless Advent tradition of the Jesse Tree with this beautiful keepsake that can be handed down and enjoyed for generations. Each December, families can celebrate the coming of Jesus by opening the book to see a stunning 13-inch, three-dimensional Jesse Tree pop up from the page. At its foot are 25 doors, one for each day of December leading up to Christmas, which hide meaningful, beautifully detailed ornaments, including the Christmas star, that are ready to be hung on the tree. Also inside is a simple devotional book with a reading for each ornament. Create precious holiday memories with The Wonder of the Greatest Gift pop-up book and recapture the sacredness of the Advent season as you celebrate the epic pageantry of the coming of the Messiah.

“ECPA was founded 45 years ago by publishers, for publishers, to make the Christian message more widely known through the products they produce,” said Stan Jantz, ECPA president. “In the spirit of that founding purpose, the Christian Book Award® program recognizes those books, Bibles and resources that fulfill our mission with excellence.”

For more information on Tyndale titles, please visit www.tyndale.com.

The Christian Book Award® program has recognized the absolute highest quality in Christian books since 1978. Based on excellence in content, literary quality, design, and impact, the Christian Book Award® program is the oldest and among the most prestigious awards in the religious publishing industry.

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

Tyndale House Publishers, founded in 1962, is the world’s largest privately held Christian publisher of books, Bibles, and digital media. Tyndale has published many New York Times bestsellers. The largest portion of its profit goes to the nonprofit Tyndale House Foundation, which makes grants to help meet the physical and spiritual needs of people around the world. Tyndale was founded to publish Living Letters, which later comprised part of The Living Bible, a contemporary paraphrase of the Bible that became a global publishing phenomenon. Tyndale now publishes the Holy Bible, New Living Translation (NLT), the translation of choice for millions of people.

The Best of Christianity Today is a new series from Lexham Press, featuring the most enduring articles from decades of Christianity Today. The first three titles in this series include essential writings from Carl F. H. Henry and John Stott and a robust account of the basics of Christian doctrine from leading evangelical theologians. This publishing partnership will last three years, with more titles forthcoming.

Since 1956, Christianity Today has been the leading voice for evangelicalism in America—a bellwether of theology, politics, and culture for evangelicals. Some of the most influential and respected modern evangelical leaders have written for Christianity Today, shaping the minds and hearts of millions of Christians for more than half a century. Lexham Press is proud to partner with Christianity Today to bring these treasures of evangelicalism’s heritage to readers today.

Lexham Press is an innovative evangelical publishing house creating thoughtful Bible study materials, scholarly works, and pastoral resources. Part of Faithlife Corporation, makers of Logos Bible Software, Lexham is committed to excellent Christian publishing in service of the church.  https://lexhampress.com/

Carol Stream, Ill. (May 8, 2019) Focus on the Family, in alliance with Tyndale House Publishers, will release How God Used “the Other Woman” on July 9, 2019. Tina Konkin and her husband were both working as marriage counselors when she learned that he was having an affair with her best friend. Amid her devastation, Tina felt God asking her this question: “What role did you play in this, Tina?” That question and her willingness to answer it led to a restored, renewed marriage that was better than ever before, as well as a marriage counseling program that has an 80 percent success rate.

Tina Konkin is a registered professional counselor with 25 years of experience in personal coaching and leading relationship seminars. She is the cofounder and executive director of Relationship Lifeline and the author of Love, Sex and Money. She regularly speaks to men’s and women’s groups, couple’s conferences, church groups, and business organizations. For couples in distress or on the brink of divorce, How God Used “the Other Woman” will provide proven tools for restoring and improving a marriage, even after betrayal.

How God Used “the Other Woman” by Tina Konkin
ISBN: 978-1-58997-987-1
Softcover: $15.99
July 2019
FocusontheFamily.com
Tyndale.com 

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.

Focus on the Family, which reaches about 38 million people in 120 countries, is a global faith-based ministry that helps families thrive. Tyndale House Publishers is pleased to partner with Focus on the Family to help provide trusted resources for strengthening believers in their faith and sharing the gospel; building resilient marriages that reflect God’s design; equipping parents to raise their children with a thriving faith; advocating for the preborn, orphaned and life at every stage; and engaging the culture through a biblical worldview. Visit Focus at FocusontheFamily.com or on Facebook and Twitter.

After serving for nine years with ‘absolute distinction’

After nine years at the helm of Australia’s oldest continuous organisation, Dr Greg Clarke announced today he will be stepping down from his position as CEO of Bible Society Australia.

Clarke told staff and supporters this morning that he felt like his role at BSA was one he had “prepared for my whole life.”

“I remember taking my Bible with me to my first meeting [at Bible Society], the Bible my mum and dad gave me when I was seven. It has sat on my shelf here the whole time. I’m one of the privileged ones who has known the Word of God from a very early time,” Clarke said.

“This organisation is all about making that kind of experience with God’s word possible for anyone, anywhere on the planet.”

Clarke became CEO of Bible Society Australia in 2010, the first CEO of the newly-amalgamated national organisation, which was previously a state-based structure. He said it felt like “the right time to leave,” following the organisation’s celebration of 200 years and an intense period of planning “for the next 200 as we look to the next era of our mission.”

Bible Society Australia’s chair Anne Robinson said it was “with a mix of gratitude, sadness and faith for the future that the Board accepts the resignation of Dr Greg Clarke.”

Robinson said Dr Clarke had led BSA “with absolute distinction”, highlighting achievements including the acquisition of retail book chain Koorong in 2015 and of this news service, Eternity, in 2011, as well as the continued international and local Bible mission work and helping all Australians to engage with the Bible.

Clarke will leave Bible Society Australia at the end of June. A search for the next Bible Society CEO is underway, with Rev Melissa Lipsett stepping up as interim CEO from her current position as Chief Operating Officer. After leaving BSA, Clarke intends to take some time to seek God’s guidance in discerning the next steps for his future.

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From https://www.eternitynews.com.au/australia/greg-clarke-to-step-down-as-head-of-bible-society-australia/

The Good Book Company is delighted to announce the launch of The Good Book Company Podcast, which was released on May 8th. On the podcast you’ll hear lively conversations with authors about church, culture and the Christian life. The first two episodes are available wherever you listen to podcasts. They feature Dan Strange, author of Plugged In, as he talks to us about faith and culture, and Christopher Ash, author of The Book Your Pastor Wishes You Would Read, as he covers the often neglected area of how we can care well for our pastors.

Subscribe to the podcast to hear new episodes as soon as they are released. Upcoming interviews will feature the following authors:

• Steph Williams, author of new children’s series, Little Me Big God
• Sharon Dirckx, author of Am I Just My Brain
• Alistair Begg, author of Pray Big

Find out more at www.thegoodbook.com/podcast/

PEABODY, MA (May 7, 2019)—The Complete Hebrew-Greek Bible has been selected as “Best in Category” in the reference category at the 62nd annual New England Book Show awards ceremony. The Award was presented by the Book Builders of Boston on May 7th, at Boston’s Symphony Hall.

Hendrickson’s The Complete Hebrew-Greek Bible combines under one cover the complete text of the Hebrew Bible (edited by Aron Dotan) and the Greek New Testament (edited by B. F. Westcott and F. J. A. Hort). Ideal for pastors, students, scholars, and anyone else who has studied both Greek and Hebrew, this is an excellent volume for those who want a complete original-language Bible in an attractive package and at an affordable price.

The Complete Hebrew-Greek Bible  was selected for its design, quality of materials, and workmanship. “A complex typographic feat in two languages,” commented the judges. They also remarked that it has an elegant binding, sensitively chosen. Karol Bailey designed the cover and packaging, and Dave Pietrantonio coordinated the production and printing.

The New England Book Show has been recognizing the outstanding work done by New England publishers, printers, graphic designers, and developers for more than 60 years. It is an annual, juried show that features a number of categories, including trade, juvenile, college and more, for work in both print and digital media..

Hendrickson Publishers has a strong history of producing outstanding academic, trade, reference books, and Bibles at a reasonable price. Their products include books on Christian living, biblical studies and reference works for pastors, thoughtful laypeople, and the academy. Learn more about The Complete Hebrew-Greek Bible at www.hendrickson.com.

Media Contact: Meg Rusick, Marketing & Communications Manager, Hendrickson Publishers
mrusick@hendrickson.com  978-573-2147

NASHVILLE, TENN., May 10, 2019—B&H Publishing is proud to announce its acquisition of pastor, author and former NFL player Derwin Gray for a two-book deal.

Gray is the founding and lead pastor of Transformation Church (TC), one of the fastest growing churches in America as recognized by “Outreach Magazine.” TC is a multi-ethnic, multi-generational, mission-shaped community with three campuses near Charlotte, N.C. After graduating from Brigham Young University, Gray played professional football in the NFL for five years with the Indianapolis Colts (1993-1997) and one year with the Carolina Panthers (1998), after which he went into full-time ministry.

Gray’s first book is tentatively slated for publication in June 2020 and will focus on Jesus’ surprising teachings about happiness from Matthew 5:3-12. Gray’s second book will be on the Lord’s Prayer and is tentatively slated for publication in the fall of 2021. Gray will also write a complementary Bible study on happiness, published by LifeWay’s Groups Ministry.

“I’m humbled, honored and excited to join the B&H family of authors, and to partner with their talented team to launch my next two books,” said Gray.

Gray’s previous books include “Hero: Unleashing God’s Power in a Man’s Heart (2010),” “Limitless Life: You Are More Than Your Past When God Holds Your Future (2013),” “Crazy Grace for Crazy Times Bible Study (2015)” and “The High-Definition Leader (2015).”

“Anyone who has witnessed Pastor Derwin Gray’s ministry knows that he loves to preach and teach the Bible,” said Taylor Combs, Associate Publisher of Christian Living and Leadership. “God has so clearly gifted him in this area, which is why we’re thrilled to publish two books by Derwin that will expound the teachings of Jesus from the Beatitudes and the Lord’s Prayer.”

Gray’s contract was negotiated by his literary agent, Alex Field of The Bindery, with worldwide rights. For more information, visit bhpublishinggroup.com.

Dr. Derwin L. Gray is the founding and Lead Pastor of Transformation Church (www.TransformationChurch.tc), a multiethnic, multigenerational, mission-shaped community in Indian Land, S.C., just south of Charlotte, N.C. Transformation Church has been recognized by “Outreach Magazine” as one of the fastest growing churches in America.

Gray met his wife, Vicki, at Brigham Young University (BYU). They have been married since 1992 and have two adult children. After graduating from BYU, he played professional football in the National Football League for five years with the Indianapolis Colts (1993-1997) and one year with the Carolina Panthers (1998).

In 2008, Gray graduated from Southern Evangelical Seminary magna cum laude, with a Master of Divinity with a concentration in apologetics, where he was mentored by renowned theologian and philosopher Dr. Norman Geisler. In 2018, Gray received his Doctor of Ministry in the New Testament in Context at Northern Seminary under Dr. Scot McNight. In 2015, he was awarded an honorary doctorate from Southern Evangelical Seminary.

Gray is the author of “Hero: Unleashing God’s Power in a Man’s Heart” (2009), “Limitless Life: You Are More Than Your Past When God Holds Your Future” (2013), “Crazy Grace for Crazy Times Bible Study” (2015) and “The High-Definition Leader” (2015).

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., May 10, 2019—B&H Publishing is excited to announce the first two Slugs & Bugs books, “Who Will Play with Me?” and “Are We Still Friends?,” from award-winning family musician and Slugs & Bugs creator Randall Goodgame.

Goodgame has released four critically-acclaimed Slugs & Bugs children’s albums in the past 12 years, with CCMMagazine.com describing the brand as “. . . the greatest thing to happen to children’s music in a generation.” Goodgame has received multiple Dove Award nominations and rave reviews from families all over the world that love his Scripturally-based, witty and unique music.

Now, Goodgame has written the first two Slugs & Bugs children’s books, “Who Will Play with Me?” and “Are We Still Friends?” (May 15, B&H Publishing). Goodgame says he designed the books so that old and new friends of Slugs & Bugs alike can enjoy its witty world and biblical wisdom through books, even when the music isn’t playing.

Both books are designed to get kids ages 4 to 8 laughing while teaching them Scriptural truths, using few words and engaging, visual storytelling. “Who Will Play with Me?” teaches kids a lesson on humility from Philippians 2:3, while “Are We Still Friends?” shows kids that friendship is about forgiveness and trust, based on Ephesians 4:32.

“I’m thrilled to bring Slugs & Bugs into the world of books! I am passionate about the gospel and how it influences our daily life and choices, specifically how the fruit of the Spirit is born out of our moment-to-moment submission to Jesus. I think even very young kids can glean a lot from books that are steeped in those deep concepts, especially if the stories are funny and honest,” Goodgame said.

“My hope is that kids see themselves in these books. In ‘Who Will Play with Me?,’ I hope they see the challenge of thinking of others first, as well as the joy that can bring. I hope ‘Are We Still Friends?’ helps them build a foundation for thinking like Jesus and shows them a healthy way forward when in conflict with friends—whether they are the victim or the culprit.” Both books reflect back into the Bible and provide yet another context for understanding life through God’s Word.”

B&H will release two more Slugs & Bugs books this fall, “The Society of Extraordinary Raccoon Society” and “The Society of Extraordinary Raccoon Society on Boasting” (October 15, B&H Publishing).

Goodgame has written songs for Veggie Tales, Caedmon’s Call, Andrew Peterson, Jason Gray, Jill Phillips and Eric Peters. He is also a frequent collaborator with singer-songwriter Andrew Peterson, working on the 2006 music album, “Slugs & Bugs & Lullabies.” From this album, the song, “You Can Always Come Home,” was featured on the Veggie Tales’ “The Wonderful Wizard of Ha’s” (2007).

“We are honored to partner with Randall and the incredible, Christ-centered Slugs & Bugs brand he created,” said Jennifer Lyell, V.P. of Book Publishing and Merchandising. “We pray that kids not only love these books, but grow to love God more because of them.”

B&H is supporting the release of “Who Will Play with Me?” and “Are We Still Friends?” with a book release party hosted at the LifeWay Headquarters on Tuesday, May 21, as well as a national marketing and publicity campaign. For more information, visit bhpublishing.com.

Hailed by CCMMagazine.com as ” . . . the greatest thing to happen to children’s music in a generation,” Randall Goodgame has a deep and abiding passion for helping families get to know Jesus and the joy of the gospel. His Slugs & Bugs music is among the most revered and critically lauded series in Christian family entertainment, garnering multiple Dove Award nominations. He now brings his trademark artistic excellence and delightful enthusiasm for the Word to these books written for children and the grown-ups who love them.

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.

Moody Publishers’ author Arlene Pellicane joined thousands of people to stand for life right in the middle of Times Square in New York City.  Focus on the Family hosted this event called Alive in Times Square: See Life Clearly on Saturday, May 4, 2019.  Arlene caught up with John Fuller, co-host of the Focus daily broadcast, who was broadcasting live during the event.

Arlene Pellicane is a speaker and the coauthor of Growing Up Social: Raising Relational Kids in a Screen-Driven World (with Dr. Gary Chapman). Arlene’s other books include Calm, Cool, and Connected, and most recently, Parents Rising. She has been a featured guest on the Today Show, Fox & Friends, Focus on the Family, FamilyLife Today, The 700 Club, and Turning Point with Dr. David Jeremiah. Before becoming a stay-at-home mom, Arlene worked as the associate producer for Turning Point Television with Dr. David Jeremiah. Arlene earned her BA from Biola University and her master’s in journalism from Regent University. Arlene lives in Southern California with her husband and their three children. To learn more about Arlene and to hear her monthly Happy Home podcast, visit ArlenePellicane.com.

Media contact:  Janis Todd, Moody Publishers, Janis.todd@moody.edu