[NASHVILLE, TENN., April 18, 2019—] —New Southern Baptist Convention president and bestselling author J.D. Greear will release his next book, “Above All: The Gospel Is the Source of the Church’s Renewal” (B&H Publishing), this June.

In “Above All,” pastor and author Greear argues that the most pressing need today is not new programs, strategies or messages, but a return to keeping the gospel message above all. When he was elected president in June 2018 at the SBC annual meeting, Greear stated his presidential theme as “Gospel Above All” and expressed a desire to reflect on the gospel “again and again” during his term. “Above All” is also the theme for the SBC annual meeting in June 2019 in Birmingham, Alabama.

“It is the gospel that is the source of our renewal, and it is the gospel that should be our defining characteristic as a people,” Greear said in his first presidential address to the Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee at its fall meeting. “[The gospel] should be what people think about and talk about when they think and talk about us.”

Greear says Christians should “want to remember the greatness of the gospel in such a way that it becomes of first importance, above all else.” Thus the book is a roadmap for what this looks like in practice:

• Gospel Above All
• Gospel Change
• Gospel Mission
• Gospel Multiplication
• Gospel Hope
• Gospel Grace
• Gospel Above My Culture
• Gospel Above My Preferences
• Gospel Above My Politics

Greear is the pastor of The Summit Church in Raleigh Durham, North Carolina, and is the author of several books, including “Not God Enough: Why Your Small God Leads to Big Problems,” “Stop Asking Jesus into Your Heart: How to Know for Sure You Are Saved” and “Gospel: Recovering the Power that Made Christianity Revolutionary.”

Greear was elected SBC president in June 2018 and is the youngest president in recent convention history. Greear is also the host of the national Moody Radio show, “Summit Life,” which reaches over two million people a day.

B&H is supporting the release of “Above All” with a nationwide media campaign, special deals for churches and individuals to buy the book in bulk and online incentives geared toward supporting the book to be read and shared. For more information, visit GospelAboveAllBook.com.

LifeWay also released an eight-session Bible study, “Gospel Above All” with a Leader Kit, member book and teen edition, all of which are available for purchase now on lifeway.com.

“Dr. Greear has consistently called his church to keep the gospel central to all they do. We’ve also seen this message from him as he has taken the helm as president of the Southern Baptist Convention,” said Jennifer Lyell, V.P. of Book Publishing and Merchandising. “Now, through these new resources, he lays out the blueprint through which we can all walk in such a way that the gospel is always central to every thought, decision and step in our lives.”

J.D. Greear (PhD, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary) is pastor of The Summit Church, a gospel-centered community of more than 10,000 in Raleigh Durham, North Carolina. J.D. is the author of several books, including “Not God Enough: Why Your Small God Leads to Big Problems” (2018), “Stop Asking Jesus into Your Heart: How to Know for Sure You Are Saved” (2013) and “Gospel: Recovering the Power that Made Christianity Revolutionary” (2011). In 2018, he was elected the 62nd president of the Southern Baptist Convention and the youngest in almost 40 years. J.D. and his wife Veronica live in Raleigh, where together they are raising four amazing kids, Kharis, Alethia, Ryah Layne and Adon.

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.

Elk Lake Publishing, Inc., in Plymouth, Mass., announces five books named finalists for the 2019 Selah Award in their categories at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writer’s Conference (BRMCWC).  They are:

• Uninvited by Beckie Lindsey is a finalist in YA Fiction/Nonfiction
• Manhattan Grace by Clarice G. James in Women’s Contemporary Fiction
• Dangerous to Know by Megan Whitson Lee in Historical/Biblical Fiction
• Faith Is Not Silent Billie Fulton in Historical/Biblical Fiction
• Battle Buddies by Shelley Pierce in Middle-Grade Novels

Publisher Deb Haggerty states, “These books are wonderful examples of their genres, and I am very proud of the authors.”

For more information about Elk Lake Publishing Inc., contact Deb at Deb@ElkLakePublishingInc.com.

Phil Vischer’s Beloved ‘Buck Denver Asks . . . What’s in The Bible?’ Characters Star in New Collection of Kids Books Promoting Biblical Values

NASHVILLE, April 10, 2019 — FaithWords, a division of Hachette Book Group, and JellyTelly Press, a new division of JellyTelly, a values-driven, video-on-demand platform for children, is announcing a unique new collection of kids’ books this Easter.

Featuring VeggieTales creator Phil Vischer’s beloved characters, Buck Denver and Friends-stars of the popular Buck Denver Asks . . . What’s in the Bible? series-the new collection of board, picture, and coloring books is the very first offering from JellyTelly Press.

“Parents are actively looking for books that reinforce Biblical values while keeping children engaged, interested, and excited. We designed this collection with a passion to deliver on a promise to provide fresh options in a marketplace that is packed with books but offering surprisingly few new titles in the values-driven category,” said Erick Goss, CEO of JellyTelly. “For parents and grandparents looking to spend time with their children this Easter, and share a gift that will last a lifetime, this collection is literally the gift that keeps on giving. Our deepest thanks to Phil Vischer and Hannah Hall for creating truly spectacular storytime resources.”
The new collection of picture books written by Phil Vischer includes:

• Buck Denver’s Giant Robot Suit: A Lesson in Friendship
• Buck Denver’s Bad, Bad Day: A Lesson in Thankfulness 
• Buck Denver’s Hammer of Strength: A Lesson in Loving Others

The new collection of board books written by Hannah C. Hall-featuring belovedWhat’s in The Bible? brothers, Clive and Ian-includes:

• God Made the World
  
• God Made Night and Day
  
• God Made the Animals
  
• God Made Me

The JellyTelly Press launch collection also features two exciting coloring books:

• Buck Denver’s Bible Coloring Book: Old Testament Stories
  
• Buck Denver’s Bible Coloring Book: New Testament Stories

The book collection can be viewed and purchased at jellytelly.com or by clicking on this link.

About JellyTelly
JellyTelly (jellytelly.com) is a rapidly growing media company focused on helping Christian parents navigate the often-complicated world of parenting, spiritual formation, and raising great kids. Its transmedia properties include a subscription streaming video on demand platform for kids (JellyTelly TV), a resource-rich parents blog (JellyTelly Parents), a curated online store with the best books, toys, and videos for Christian families (JellyTelly Store), and now, an exciting publishing imprint focused on faith and values-based books for kids (JellyTelly Press). JellyTelly helps families experience the goodness of God and integrate faith into everyday life.

About FaithWords
FaithWords, a division of Hachette Book Group, is a leading publisher of books and resources for the inspirational Christian market. Bestselling authors include Joel Osteen, Joyce Meyer, Joseph Prince, John C. Maxwell, and T.D. Jakes.

CONTACT:  323-379-5180, press@inspire.buzz

Austin Texas-based author Jennifer Fulwiler will receive a Christopher Award for One Beautiful Dream: The Rollicking Tale of Family Chaos, Personal passions, and Saying Yes to Them Both (Harper Collins/Zondervan). It is one of 11 books for adults and young people to be honored on May 23rd at the 70^th annual Christopher Awards in New York. The Christophers will also recognize creators of 9 feature films and TV/Cable programs.

She hosts a two-hour daily live radio show– The Jennifer Fulwiler Show–on SiriusXM channel 129, where she shares fresh takes on pop culture and the spiritual life. She describes herself as an extreme introvert who speaks all over the country and co-founded a women’s conference, Edel Gathering, that promotes spiritual renewal through good company and bad karaoke. Topics include living without limits, rethinking balance, and the spiritual life.

The Christopher Awards were created in 1949 to celebrate authors, illustrators, writers, producers and directors whose work “affirms the highest values of the human spirit.” A nonprofit organization founded in 1945 by Maryknoll Father James Keller, it is rooted in the Judeo-Christian tradition of service to God and humanity. The ancient Chinese proverb—“It’s better to light one candle than to curse the darkness”— guides its publishing, radio, and awards programs. Visit www.christophers.org for more information.

[NASHVILLE, TENN., April 12, 2019—] Award-winning singer-songwriter and author Andrew Peterson will release his first adult trade book, “Adorning the Dark: Thoughts on Community, Calling, and the Mystery of Making,” this fall (October 15, 2019, B&H Publishing).

“Adorning the Dark” is both a memoir of Peterson’s journey and an encouragement for artists, written in the hope that his story will provide practical tools to others stumbling along in pursuit of a calling to adorn the dark with the light of Christ.

Over the last 20 years, Peterson has performed thousands of concerts, published four novels, released ten albums, taught college and seminary classes on writing, founded a nonprofit ministry for Christians in the arts and executive-produced a film, all in a belief that “God calls us to proclaim the gospel and the coming kingdom using whatever gifts are at our disposal.”

“Adorning the Dark” deals first-hand with the intersection of songwriting, storytelling and vocation, along with nuts-and-bolts exploration of the great mystery of creativity. Peterson describes six principles for the writing life: serving the work, serving the audience, selectivity, discernment, discipline and community. Through stories from his journey, he shows how these principles are not merely helpful for writers and artists, but they are for anyone interested in imitating the way the Creator interacts with his creation.

“Twenty-five years ago I asked God to let me sing and write about him. I’m so grateful that he said yes,” Peterson said. “I started this book when I was in the thick of a new record and kept up with it for a few years, hoping that somehow this glimpse into the creative process would encourage others in whatever creative field they’re in–whether they’re songwriters or painters, parents or pastors. All of us are image-bearers, called to speak light into the darkness. It’s my prayer that whoever reads this book, whatever their gifting, would discover a fresh passion to cultivate, beautify and illuminate their corner of creation for God’s glory.”

Peterson is the author of the award-winning, bestselling series for young readers, “The Wingfeather Saga,” four fantasy-adventure novels that were later adapted into a short film. The second book in the series, “North! Or Be Eaten” (2009) won the Christy Award for Young Adult Fiction, and the fourth, “The Warden and the Wolf King” (2014) won Children’s Book of the Year in 2015 from “WORLD Magazine.”

In 2008, driven by a desire to cultivate a strong Christian arts community, Peterson founded a ministry called The Rabbit Room, which led to a yearly conference, countless concerts and symposiums, and Rabbit Room Press, which has published 30 books to date.

“Andrew Peterson’s musical influence on the church has been one of lyrics that stir the spirit God placed in each of us to long for more. We don’t have to set aside our reality to worship through Andrew’s music. In fact, it’s through our reality that God has used Andrew to stir our hearts to a place of understanding God more fully and worshiping him more deeply,” said Jennifer Lyell, V.P. of Book Publishing and Merchandising, B&H Publishing.

“Now, in ‘Adorning the Dark,’ Andrew brings that same giftedness to book form, taking us from the place of broken sinners yearning to make a difference to redeemed sinners able to create for the glory of God and the good of his bride. We are thrilled to be the publisher with the honor of stewarding this unparalleled, important work.”

For more information, visit bhpublishing.com.

Andrew Peterson is an award-winning singer-songwriter and author. The second book in his Wingfeather Saga, “North! Or Be Eaten” (2009) won the Christy Award for Young Adult Fiction, and the fourth, “The Warden and the Wolf King” (2014) won Children’s Book of the Year in 2015 from “WORLD Magazine.”

In 2008, driven by a desire to cultivate a strong Christian arts community, Andrew founded a ministry called The Rabbit Room, which led to a yearly conference, countless concerts and symposiums, and Rabbit Room Press, which has published thirty books to date.

He’s been married for 24 years to his wife Jamie, with whom they have three children. His eldest is an animation student at Lipscomb University, his second son is a touring drummer and record producer, and his daughter recently released her first album. In his spare time Andrew keeps bees, builds dry stack stone walls, gardens, draws, and sleeps.

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., April 11, 2019 — This week Christianity Today won 29 publishing awards chosen by journalism peers at the Evangelical Press Association’s (EPA) annual convention April 7-9, 2019 in Oklahoma City.

Each year the Evangelical Press Association honors member publications through two contests: the Awards of Excellence for publications as a whole and the Higher Goals for individual pieces that were produced during the 2018 calendar year.

ChristianityToday.com won the top Award of Excellence for General Publication (Digital). Additionally, the ministry won two Awards of Merit in the Ministry (Digital) category for ChurchLawandTax.com and the Newsletter (Print) category for Church Finance Today.

Of the 26 Higher Goals awards the ministry received, the following six categories included first place winners:

• Biblical Exposition: CT, A Consecrated Fool – Fred Smith
• Critical Review: CT, The Dangerous Mr. Rogers – D. L. Mayfield
• Editorial: CT Online, We Need an Independent Investigation of Sovereign Grace Ministries – Mark Galli
• Standing Column: CT, Spirited Life – Andrew Wilson
• Titles: CT, My Pregnancy, Not My Baby; The Arbor of God; Love Your Frenemies – Kate Shellnutt, Alecia Sharp, Matt Reynolds, Sarah Gordon, Andy Olsen
• Two-Page Spread Design: CT, My Pregnancy, Not My Baby – Alecia Sharp, Melanie Grizzel

“We’re always grateful to be recognized by fellow professionals for journalistic excellence,” said CT editor in chief Mark Galli. “What’s good to see is that we received awards in many areas, which suggests that CT overall is firing on all cylinders. What’s not noted in the awards is the work of our marketing, advertising, circulation, finances, technology, fundraising, and operations departments-all of which makes the work of our editors and designers possible.”

A full list of EPA 2019 awards, including the other Christianity Today awards, can be found at the association’s website: Awards of Excellence and Higher Goals.

Christianity Today is a nonprofit, global media ministry centered on Beautiful Orthodoxy-strengthening the church by richly communicating the breadth of the true, good, and beautiful gospel. Reaching over five million people monthly with various digital and print resources, the ministry equips Christians to renew their minds, serve the church, and create culture to the glory of God.  https://www.christianitytoday.com/

Contact: Cory Whitehead, 630-260-6200, ext 4220, cwhitehead@christianitytoday.com

 

(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