WESTMONT, IL— Outreach magazine named three InterVarsity Press titles as Outreach Resources of the Year, with four additional books making the short list for the Also Recommended resource in its category.

The Outreach Resources of the Year aim to highlight valuable resources for church leaders and bring deserved attention to resources that can help churches better engage in effective outreach to share the gospel and reach communities for Christ.

More than 170 resources published between November 1, 2017 and October 31, 2018 were submitted for consideration and placed into eleven categories. An expert in each category evaluated the resources and chose what they considered to be the best. The experts also chose how many resources to recognize and whether to include any as Also Recommended.

Here are the IVP titles that were honored as part of the Sixteenth Annual Outreach Resources of the Year:

Culture

Healing Our Broken Humanity: Practices for Revitalizing the Church and Renewing the World by Grace Ji-Sun Kim and Graham Hill was the Resource of the Year in the culture category.

Based on their work with diverse churches, colleges, and other organizations, Grace Ji-Sun Kim and Graham Hill offer Christian practices that can bring healing and hope to a broken world. They provide ten ways to transform society, from lament and repentance to relinquishing power, reinforcing agency, and more. York Moore, national evangelist for InterVarsity Christian Fellowship and an expert for the culture award category, said, “This book is a fantastic invitation to pursue the vision of a church that flourishes in every category.”

Social Issues/Justice

IVP also received top honors in the social issues/justice category. Rethinking Incarceration: Advocating for Justice That Restores by Dominique DuBois Gilliard and What Does It Mean to Be Welcoming: Navigating LGBT Questions in Your Church by Travis Collins were both named the social issues/justice Resources of the Year.

Exploring the history and foundations of mass incarceration, Gilliard examines Christianity’s role in its evolution and expansion by assessing justice in light of Scripture and showing how Christians can pursue justice that restores and reconciles. Category expert Mark DeYmaz, Outreach magazine contributing editor and cofounder and president of Mosaix Global Network, said, “Readers will gain a holistic overview of past and present complexities concerning mass incarceration and be encouraged toward future engagement with people at-risk or affected by them, in ways that are merciful, empathetic, and just.”

In What Does It Mean to Be Welcoming Collins calls readers to both grace and truth, with humility, as they wrestle with LGBT questions. Collins has been there. A pastor who has walked congregations through the complex issues surrounding gay Christians, he knows firsthand the confusion and hurt that often follow. In this practical resource, readers gain insight into relevant biblical passages and, while the author is working from a traditional perspective, he offers insights from interpreters on both sides of the debate. DeYmaz said that What Does It Mean to Be Welcoming is “a legitimate attempt to navigate complexities in an honest way that includes and respects varying voices, positions and opinions.”

IVP titles chosen as Also Recommended resources include:

Social Issues/Justice

A Sojourner’s Truth: Choosing Freedom and Courage in a Divided World by Natasha Sistrunk Robinson

“An insightful and well-written narrative that is thoughtful, theological, and truthful.” —Mark DeYmaz, Outreach magazine contributing editor, founding pastor of Mosaic Church of Central Arkansas, and cofounder and president of Mosaix Global Network

Apologetics

God Is Stranger: Finding God in Unexpected Places by Krish Kandiah

“God Is Stranger is listed in the apologetics section (and that’s a good place for it), but it’s also a remarkably insightful look at the faith and embracing its strangeness.” —Ed Stetzer, an Outreach magazine contributing editor and director of the Billy Graham Center

Leadership

The Fellowship of the Suffering: How Hardship Shapes Us for Ministry and Mission by Paul Borthwick and Dave Ripper

“This resource offers readers a helpful perspective on what best shapes us for ministry leadership.”—Ron Edmondson, chief executive officer of Leadership Network who previously served for sixteen years as a senior pastor

Cross Cultural/Missional

Megachurch Christianity Reconsidered: Millennials and Social Change in African Perspective by Wanjiru M. Gitau

“Wanjiru Gitau provides an engaging analysis of the rise, growth, and position of megachurches worldwide in the twenty-first century, centering on the role of millennials in the midst of globalization and postmodernity.” —Robert L. Gallagher, director and professor of intercultural studies at Wheaton College Graduate School

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

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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

 

New Film ‘Kingdom Men Rising’ Addresses God’s Purpose for Masculinity; Features Tony Dungy, Kirk Franklin, Lecrae, Dallas Cowboys’ Jon Kitna, Others

NASHVILLE, March 5, 2019 — What do Heisman Trophy-winner Tim Brown, Super Bowl-winning Coach Tony Dungy, NFL Vice President Troy Vincent, Grammy Award-winners Kirk Franklin and Lecrae, and former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Jon Kitna have in common? They are all “Kingdom” men – embracing and walking out God’s true design for masculinity in a culture that seems confused about the way manhood should look. In the new film KINGDOM MEN RISING, respected pastor, author and broadcaster, Dr. Tony Evans explores the biblical intentions of masculinity and encourages believing men everywhere to take up the mantle of God’s original purpose.

Presented by Tony Evans Films, LifeWay Films and Fathom Events, KINGDOM MEN RISING will release in movie theaters for two nights only, April 29 and 30.

“We as men have to understand while we’re waiting on God, God’s waiting on us. He’s waiting on us to step up and become men of faith…who not only believe in God, but believe God. Men who act like God is telling the truth and who walk by faith not just talk by faith,” said Dr. Evans. “There’s a difference between being a man and being a male. You can be one without the other because you’re not taking responsibility under God. So it is absolutely critical that we own this. We own the responsibility of calling a culture in decline back, calling men back.”

Through the stories of the men cited above, and others, KINGDOM MEN RISING explores God’s ultimate purpose for masculinity and provides an honest portrayal of today’s man that is countered by God’s original design.

The powerful documentary will explore what it means to be a real man in a modern age, addressing many of the unique circumstances facing men today. Drawing from his own experiences and using a biblical perspective, Dr. Evans addresses the topics of significance, priorities, race and passivity, challenging men to step more actively into their purpose – no more sitting on the sidelines, no more excuses.

“KINGDOM MEN RISING presents a unique and powerful opportunity for churches and ministries to bring men together for a life-changing experience,” said LifeWay Films’ Trent Myers. “Through their Fathom Affinity Network, Fathom gives churches the option to host screenings at local movie theaters or in their own churches, offering new possibilities for men’s outreach that we’ve never seen before.”

For more information on KINGDOM MEN RISING visit www.kingdommenrising.com.
For tickets visit: www.fathomevents.com/events/kingdom-men-rising.

About Dr. Tony Evans
Dr. Tony Evans is the founder and senior pastor of Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship in Dallas, founder and president of The Urban Alternative, chaplain of the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks, and author of over 100 books, booklets and Bible studies. The first African American to earn a doctorate of theology from Dallas Theological Seminary, he has been named one of the 12 Most Effective Preachers in the English-Speaking World by Baylor University. Dr. Evans holds the honor of writing and publishing the first full-Bible commentary and study Bible by an African American. His radio broadcast, The Alternative with Dr. Tony Evans, can be heard on more than 1,300 US outlets daily and in more than 130 countries.  Dr. Evans launched the Tony Evans Training Center in 2017, an online learning platform providing quality seminary-style courses for a fraction of the cost to any person in any place. The goal is to increase Bible literacy not only in lay people but also in those Christian leaders who cannot afford nor find the time for formal ongoing education. For more information, visit TonyEvans.org.

About Tony Evans Films
Tony Evans Films ushers in positive life change through compelling video-shorts, animation and film. We seek to build kingdom disciples through the power of story. We use a variety of platforms for viewer consumption and have over 25,000,000 digital views. We are launching the distribution of our films through movie theaters in 2019. We also merge video-shorts and film with relevant Bible Study materials to bring people to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ and to strengthen the body of Christ worldwide. We aim to expand viewership and participation through demonstrable market strategies. TUA’s mission is to serve as a teaching, training and resource ministry in order to restore hope and transform individuals, families, churches and communities through the proclamation and application of the Word of God.

About LifeWay Films
LifeWay Christian Resources is one of the world’s largest providers of Christian resources. LifeWay Films exist to empower churches and Christians to engage faith-based films as a tool for discipleship and growing in their faith.

About Fathom Events
Fathom Events is the leading event cinema distributor with theater locations in all top 100 DMAs® (Designated Market Areas) and ranks as one of the largest overall theater content distributors. Owned by AMC Entertainment Inc. (NYSE: AMC); Cinemark Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: CNK); and Regal Cinemas, a subsidiary of the Cineworld Group (LSE: CINE.L), Fathom Events offers a variety of unique entertainment events in movie theaters such as live performances of the Metropolitan Opera, top Broadway stage productions, major sporting events, epic concerts, the yearlong TCM Big Screen Classics series, inspirational events and popular anime franchises. Fathom Events takes audiences behind the scenes for unique extras including audience Q&As, backstage footage and interviews with cast and crew, creating the ultimate VIP experience. Fathom Events’ live Digital Broadcast Network (“DBN”) is the largest cinema broadcast network in North America, bringing live and pre-recorded events to 975 locations and 1,578 screens in 181 DMAs. The company also provides corporations a compelling national footprint for hosting employee meetings, customer rewards events and new product launches. For more information, visit www.FathomEvents.com.

CONTACTS:
Jennifer Willingham, Icon Media Group, 615-483-4729, Jennifer@iconmediagroup.com;
Trent Myers LifeWay Films, 615-251-3696, trent.myers@lifeway.com;
Jessica Nelson, 720-262-2753, jnelson@fathomevents.com; Katherine Schwappach, 720-262-2713, kschwappach@fathomevents.com; both with Fathom Events

What Is a Girl Worth? and How Much Is a Little Girl Worth? to be published by Tyndale House Publishers in September 2019

CAROL STREAM, ILL. (March 5, 2019) – For forty minutes in January 2018, Rachael Denhollander stood in a Lansing, Michigan, courtroom and resolutely faced a slumped-over Larry Nassar, the now-disgraced former USA Gymnastics team doctor who had been her abuser years prior. Denhollander, the first to go public in accusing Nassar of abuse, was granted the opportunity by Judge Rosemarie Aquilina to provide the final of the more than 150 victim impact statements before Nassar was sentenced to up to 175 years in prison. Denhollander’s impact statement received a standing ovation in the courtroom and garnered widespread resect for her bravery and sacrifice as a key force in the #MeToo movement.

In September 2019, Denhollander (@R_Denhollander), a former gymnast, lawyer, and mother of four, will publish her highly anticipated memoir, What Is a Girl Worth?, with Tyndale House Publishers (@TyndaleHouse and www.tyndale.com). The memoir ($26.99, ISBN: 978-1-4964-4133-1, Hardcover) will be accompanied by the simultaneous release of the illustrated children’s bookHow Much Is a Little Girl Worth? ($14.99, ISBN: 978-1-4964-4168-3, Hardcover)

“What Is a Girl Worth? will be one of the most important books to come out of 2019,” said Sarah Atkinson, associate publisher. “Rachael is the voice our culture needs right now on how to support survivors, create communities that are safe for the vulnerable and unsafe for predators, and do unimaginably hard things with integrity, courage, and faith. The impact of abuse is immeasurable and the cost of speaking out is high, but Rachael is fearlessly sharing her experience to help others. She is one of my heroes, and it is a privilege to be entrusted with her story.”

In requesting that the judge impose the maximum sentence, Denhollander asked, “How much is a little girl worth?” She answered her own question: “These victims are worth everything. . . . I plead with you to impose the maximum sentence under the plea agreement because everything is what these survivors are worth.”

Over the course of the next year, Denhollander was recognized as one of Glamour magazine’s Women of the Year and named one of Time’s 100 Most Influential People.

Additionally, Sports Illustrated recognized her as its 2018 Inspiration of the Year. In her acceptance speech for the award, Denhollander said in part, “I accept this on behalf of my sister survivors and on behalf of every victim who is still living in silence. May this be a reminder to us to stand with them. This award means that their voices matter, that their stories matter, and that we are here with them.”

The Nassar abuse story began in August 2016, when the Indianapolis Star began reporting on Indianapolis-based USA Gymnastics. The Star’s five-month investigation led to a pivotal email from Denhollander. The initial article, written by Marisa Kwiatkowski, Mark Alesia, and Tim Evans, detailed several cases in which USA Gymnastics received complaints about coaches and filed them away, even as the coaches continued to abuse young gymnasts.

Denhollander wrote the IndyStar in an email: “My experience may not be relevant to your investigation, but I am emailing to report an incident that may be. I was not molested by my coach, but I was molested by Dr. Larry Nassar, the team doctor for USAG. I was fifteen years old, and it was under the guise of medical treatment for my back.”

Denhollander offered to be named in the story and to record a video testimony for the IndyStar. The article explained how USA Gymnastics learned about allegations against Nassar but did not tell either Michigan State University or Twistars USA gymnastics club—two organizations that continued to employ Nassar as a team doctor.

As a result of the article, a criminal investigation was opened and Denhollander became a key witness.

What Is a Girl Worth? will disclose the untold story of the systemic abuse that was reported and ignored for years. It will detail the system that looked the other way and refused to listen to and protect abuse victims. Denhollander will reveal the crushing impact that this abuse has had on her life; trace her journey in harnessing the courage to speak out against such abuse—both for herself and on behalf of abuse victims everywhere; and illuminate the path to a better way forward. The book will also enable readers to recognize the patterns of predators; understand the damage caused by abuse; and offer validation, hope, and healing to survivors.

The children’s book How Much Is a Little Girl Worth? is Rachael’s tenderhearted anthem to little girls everywhere, teaching them that they have immeasurable value. Armed with this understanding, girls will develop confidence and blossom into women who can face any challenge life puts in their paths.

The launch of Denhollander’s books will be supported by a significant marketing campaign and national media tour.

Contacts:
Katie Dodillet, Tyndale House Publishers, Director of Public Relations, Books – katiedodillet@tyndale.com
Todd Starowitz, Tyndale House Publishers, Director of Public Relations, Corporate – toddstarowitz@tyndale.com

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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 that 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.

Mike Nawrocki returns with comical and character-building stories for a new generation with The Dead Sea Squirrels series 

Carol Stream, Ill. (March 6, 2019)— Mike Nawrocki, co-founder of Big Idea Entertainment and voice of the beloved Larry the Cucumber, has written the first two installments of The Dead Sea Squirrels, a series of first chapter books intended for ages 6–10. Squirreled Away and Boy Meets Squirrels are scheduled for release on May 7, 2019.

The series opens with Squirreled Away, in which ten-year-old Michael Gomez sneaks into the Dead Sea caves near the archeological dig where his dad is working. There, Michael discovers two 2,000-year-old squirrels petrified in salt. Hijinks ensue as Michael tries to bring them back to the U.S., hidden in his backpack. Kirkus Reviews noted that, “there is plenty of humor to tickle young readers, and the target audience will undoubtedly laugh out loud. . . . Fans of such characters as Big Nate and Stink will likely enjoy the silly humor and adventures in this series opener, while many of their caregivers will appreciate the character-building lessons.”

In the second book of the series, Boy Meets Squirrels, Michael discovers his “souvenirs” are alive. Michael learns that Merle and Pearl Squirrel lived at the same time as Jesus—and they have great stories and lessons to share in their own hilarious way. The squirrels even help Michael and his friends confront a bully. Further installments in the series will continue to intertwine humor and biblical lessons alongside comic-book style illustrations.

Regarding this acquisition, associate publisher Linda Howard said, “I am thrilled and honored to have the opportunity to work on this series with Mike. His sense of humor and engaging storytelling will have kids learning great life lessons and laughing through every minute of it.”

Mike Nawrocki has been dedicated to helping parents pass on biblical values to their kids through storytelling for over two decades. Mike currently serves as assistant professor of film and animation at Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tennessee, and makes his home in nearby Franklin with his wife, Lisa, and their two children. The Dead Sea Squirrels is Mike’s first children’s book series.

Squirreled Away and Boy Meets Squirrels by Mike Nawrocki
ISBN: 978-1-4964-3498-2, 978-1-4964-3502-6
Softcover $6.99 each
May 2019
Tyndale.com

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.

COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. – Outreach Magazine (www.outreachmagazine.com), which provides practical resources for pastors and volunteer leadership in all areas of outreach, has announced that NavPress  (@NavPress) book Unwanted: How Sexual Brokenness Reveals Our Way to Healing (SC, 978-1-63146-67204, September 2018) by Jay Stringer (https://jay-stringer.com/) has been selected as its Resource of the Year in the Counseling/Relationships Category. The book will be highlighted in the March/April issue of Outreach as well as online.

“Jay brings a wealth of wisdom, a pastor’s heart, and the desire to remove shame from the lives of many sexually addicted men & women,” said Don Pape, Publisher, NavPress. “His book is a hopeful tonic for many in the grips of an addiction that harmfully shapes their story. Unwanted is a wanted gift to the church.”

Unwanted is a ground-breaking resource that explores the “why” behind self-destructive sexual choices. The book is based on research from more than 3,800 men and women seeking freedom from unwanted sexual behavior, be that the use of pornography, an affair, or buying sex.

Stringer’s (M.Div, MA, LMHC) original research found that unwanted sexual behavior can be both shaped by and predicted based on the parts of our story—past and present—that remain unaddressed. When we pay attention to our unwanted sexual desires and identify the unique reasons that trigger them, the path of healing is revealed.

Although many of us feel ashamed and unwanted after years of sexual brokenness, the book invites the reader to see that behavior as the very place God can most powerfully work in their lives. Counselors, pastors, and accountability partners of those who experience sexual shame will also find in this book the deep spiritual and psychological guidance they need to effectively minister to the sexually broken around them.

Jay Stringer has spent more than a decade working on the frontlines of the demand for pornography and sexual exploitation. As a writer, speaker, and therapist, as well as a lecturer in the Seattle “john school” (mandatory courses for people arrested for soliciting a prostitute), Jay has unique insight into the cultural calamity of sexual brokenness. His research is used internationally by such organizations as Josh McDowell Ministry and Fight the New Drug to help men and women find a lasting path to healing and wholeness.

The NavPress mission is to advance the calling of The Navigators by bringing biblically rooted, culturally relevant, and highly practical products to people who want to know and love Christ more deeply. Through The Message Bible and other insightful resources, NavPress seeks to bring positive spiritual movement to peoples’ lives. In January 2014, NavPress entered into an alliance with Tyndale House Publishers to strengthen and better position NavPress and its rich content for the future. NavPress provides books and other content that bring spiritual impact, life transformation, and help lead in the mission of making disciples.

March 7, 2019, Tempe, Ariz. — The Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) has announced the formation of the International Christian Rights & Export Fair (ICREF), being held June 25 and 26 in Chicago on the campus of Moody Bible Institute.

This inaugural event is for publishers who are exchanging rights and licensing, as well as customers purchasing for export.

“We were asked by the leadership of the Christian rights community to facilitate this first-ever event in Chicago,” said Stan Jantz, president of ECPA. “This is a wonderful opportunity for members of the international Christian publishing community to meet with foreign publishers, retailers, and distributors to discuss licensing and international sales.”

Registration is now open for ICREF. Pricing has been set at $399 for an exhibitor table for up to two people, with additional tables priced at $99. Attendees will pay just $49 for a two-day pass, including parking.

For more information, please contact Cynthia Helblig, ECPA administrator, at chelblig@ecpa.org.
Register at https://www.ecpa.org/event/ICRF

WHEATON, Ill.—Crossway is pleased to announce that Donald S. Whitney’s Praying the Bible (Crossway, July 2015) has surpassed 100,000 units in print sales.

Although prayer is a vital discipline of the Christian life, many Christians struggle to know how they should pray—especially when they find their focus drifting and their prayers becoming increasingly repetitive. In this brief yet profound book, Whitney helps readers transform their prayer lives through the simple method of praying the words of Scripture. Praying the Bible shows Christians how God’s Word can direct their thoughts and words as they pray through passages line by line, deepening their communion with their heavenly Father.

“What you are doing,” writes Whitney, “is taking words that originated in the heart and mind of God and circulating them through your heart and mind back to God. By this means his words become the wings of your prayers.”

Available in both hardcover and ebook formats, Praying the Bible has received commendations from Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth (host of Revive Our Hearts), Bryan Chapell (pastor of Grace Presbyterian Church in Peoria, Illinois), and more.

“This little book is explosive and powerful,” writes Albert Mohler, president of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. “Read it ready to experience a great step forward in your walk with Christ and in your commitment to prayer.”

Justin Taylor, Crossway’s publisher for books, comments: “We are so pleased to see the ways in which God is using this little book to connect hearing from God in his Word and then communicating to him in prayer. The material has been changing lives for many years, and we are honored to publish it in book form for the good of the church and unto the glory of God!”

Whitney is the author of Family Worship (Crossway, 2016) and Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life (NavPress, 1991). He also wrote the introduction for the upcoming ESV Prayer Bible (Crossway, April 2019). For more information about the author, visit biblicalspirituality.org.

Donald S. Whitney (PhD, University of the Free State) is professor of biblical spirituality at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. He has written several books related to Christian spirituality, including Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life and Family Worship. biblicalspirituality.org | facebook.com/donwhitney/ | twitter.com/DonWhitney

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.

Contact: Lauren Harvey • lharvey@crossway.org (630) 682-4300, ext. 6031 • crossway.org

(March 11, 2019, Grand Rapids, Mich.)—With nearly a ninety-year history of publishing Christian content that is both thought-provoking and trusted, Zondervan announced today the official launch of Zondervan Reflective and Zondervan Academic.

Zondervan Reflective is a new imprint featuring the familiar voices of Christian leaders, pastors, and leaders in ministry like Andy Stanley, Clay Scroggins, J.D. Greear, and Peter Scazzero. Books in this imprint aim to spur readers toward insight and responsible action in their personal lives and in the public realm. Zondervan Reflective focuses on deep, yet applicable content, and will address topics related to leadership, the intersection of faith and culture, and growing and exploring a reader’s ministry.

Ryan Pazdur, associate publisher and executive editor for Zondervan Reflective commented, “Zondervan Reflective books are more than just good, engaging reads—they inspire action and call for a response. Our goal for this imprint is to be part of the conversation and to engage our readers, providing answers or perspective around really tough questions that Christianity is facing today.”

While Zondervan has been a well-established brand in the academic space for decades, the creation of the Zondervan Academic imprint brings additional focus to the market. “As a leader in Christian higher education and digital learning, Zondervan Academic seeks to show the breadth and diversity—both theologically and globally—of Christianity in its broadly evangelical expression,” says Katya Covrett, executive editor. “As a publisher of textbooks, reference books, and monographs, we consider ourselves both a broker of ideas and an equipping partner for our readers, wherever they are teaching and learning.”

Upcoming titles in the Zondervan Reflective imprint include Clay Scroggins’ How to Lead in a World of Distraction (September 2019), a follow-up to the bestselling How to Lead When You’re Not in Charge. Lead titles this fall for the Zondervan Academic imprint include The New Testament in Its World by N.T. Wright and Michael F. Bird and America’s Religious History by historian Thomas S. Kidd (both November 2019).

Stanley N. Gundry, senior v-p and publisher, will oversee both Zondervan Reflective and Zondervan Academic. “This creation of two distinct imprints,” notes Gundry, “will position us for growth and better align our publishing with Zondervan’s future while retaining continuity with our eighty-eight years of history in publishing for the academy and a general readership concerned with the ideas, issues, and future of Christianity.”

About Zondervan
Zondervan is a world leading Bible publisher and provider of Christian communications.  Zondervan, part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, delivers transformational Christian experiences through its bestselling Bibles, books, curriculum, academic resources and digital products. The Company’s products are sold worldwide and translated into hundreds of languages. Zondervan main office is located in Grand Rapids, MI.  For additional information, please visit www.zondervan.com.

Contact: Casey Harrell, Senior Director, Corporate Communications,
615-902-1109, casey.harrell@harpercollins.com

New Era of “Beautiful Bibles for a Beautiful Faith” for Mainline Churches as Zondervan, the World’s Leading Bible Publisher, Expands Its Publishing Portfolio with the New Revised Standard Version

Zondervan, a division of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, has long been known for its wide range of elegantly designed Bibles for the evangelical market, in translations such as the NIV and NKJV. Now, as it takes the reins of the publishing giant’s line of New Revised Standard (NRSV) Bibles, Zondervan intends to bring that same elegance and attention to detail to new editions of the NRSV.

Prepared by the National Council of Churches and first released in 1989, the NRSV is the only widely ecumenical translation, vetted by Protestant, Roman Catholic, Orthodox, Evangelical, and Jewish scholars. Many Mainline Protestant churches officially accept or recommend the NRSV to their members, and the translation is also widely used by Roman Catholics. The three editions of the NRSV add to its ecumenical appeal:

• the NRSV common edition, containing the 66 books of the Old and New Testaments
• the NRSV with Apocrypha, placing these books between the Old and New Testaments
• the NRSV Catholic Edition, containing the 66 books of the common edition as well as 7 Deuterocanonical books following the order of the Vulgate.

The rule of the NRSV translating committee was “As literal as possible, as free as necessary,” rendering the NRSV both a literal and elegant, readable translation. The NRSV is also a direct descendant of the King James, American Standard Version, and Revised Standard Version Bibles, passing on the richest and most influential works in the English language while thoroughly updating words, phrases, and grammar.

Zondervan has developed an exclusive new easy-to-read typeface for the NRSV. Comfort Print® delivers an exceptionally smooth reading experience, with a well-crafted, highly-readable style that aids comprehension—essential, since a typical Bible has 800,000 words and 4 million letters.

“The NRSV typeface was developed in partnership with 2K/DENMARK, and the design inspiration for the font family came from 1901, when the legacy of the NRSV stretched back to its roots in the ASV. Vibrant, rich colors dominated the art and liturgical scene, along with exquisitely crafted typefaces. That was our inspiration for the creation of the Zondervan NRSV Comfort Print Typeface, as well as for our bold, beautiful packaging and cover designs.” said Melinda Bouma, Publisher Zondervan Bibles.

Zondervan’s plans for the NRSV include several exciting new editions. First up is an NRSV edition of the award-winning Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible, published March 12, 2019. Featuring notes by scholars Dr. John H. Walton, an Old Testament expert, and Dr. Craig S. Keener, whose scholarship focuses on the New Testament, the study Bible offers readers a “behind-the-scenes” tour of the ancient world, offering deeper insights into even the most familiar passages.

In April, Zondervan will release a range of beautifully-designed text Bibles, in keeping with their motto for the NRSV: “Beautiful Bibles for a Beautiful Faith.” Whether paperback or bonded leather, Thinline, Thinline Large Print, Pew & Worship, Premium Gift, or Gift & Award, each edition is handsome and highly readable, thanks to the Comfort Print typeface. For the full lineup including downloadable Comfort Print text samples, visit www.NewRevisedStandard.com.

Zondervan is the world’s leading Bible publisher and provider of Christian communications. Zondervan, part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc., delivers transformational Christian experiences through its bestselling Bibles, books, curriculum, academic resources and digital products. The Company’s products are sold worldwide and have been translated into nearly 200 languages. Zondervan offices are located in Grand Rapids, Michigan. For additional information, please visitwww.zondervan.com.

Contact: Kelly Hughes, 312-280-8126 kelly@dechanthughes.com

Film shares powerful story of a wife, mother, and friend sharing her long goodbye after a cancer diagnosis.
Film to release on the 4^th anniversary of Kara’s homecoming

Los Angeles, CA – In 2014 and 2015, one young woman in Colorado dared to explore the raw edges of dying with grace and dignity in real time, and, in the process, unknowingly impacted tens of thousands around the world. Now, her powerful story is being shared in the documentary THE LONG GOODBYE: The Kara Tippetts Story, distributed through Ocean Avenue Entertainment and available on DVD and digital channels, on the 4^th anniversary of her passing, March 22.

A new trailer for the film has just been released:  https://youtu.be/ToS3zVdZlqQ

Kara was a 38-year old pastor’s wife and mother of four young children who had begun a mommy blog titled “Mundane Faithfulness”, sharing the concept of parenting with kindness. The website already had a successful following when she began facing and processing a cancer diagnosis on the site. The site became a sacred space, as people around the world were touched by Kara’s faith, honesty, and candor. She allowed the world to walk with her as she chronicled first what it meant to be a young wife and mother battling a disease, and then ultimately what it means to live and die, with love and dignity.

Kara was thrust into the spotlight with her letter to Brittany Maynard going viral.  Kara’s vulnerability had an incredible impact on thousands of people around the world, and grew that community of support in surprising ways.  Faith influencers from around the globe began to find ways to assist Kara by sharing her posts, sending personal messages, serving the family’s needs, as well as just becoming her friend.  A few of these friends have reflected on her life:

“I want more of what Kara Tippetts had.” – Ann Voskamp, Kara’s writing mentor

“I think Kara and I both understand that deep suffering stretches the capacity of the soul.” -Joni Eareckson Tada

“The impact of her life was huge. I’m blessed to know her.” – Joanna Gaines

During her journey with cancer, Kara was able to write and publish three books, including Just Show Up: The Dance of Walking Through Suffering Together and And It was Beautiful: Celebrating Life in the Midst of the Long Good-Bye.  Her third book, The Hardest Peace: Expecting Grace in the Midst of Life’s Hard, won the 2015 ECPA Christian Book Award® in the Inspiration category. The award was announced after Kara’s passing, but she had been informed of the win in her final days.

Kara’s story came to the attention of filmmakers Jay and Sofia Lyons early after her diagnosis, and the couple felt led to do something for her. Sofia states how God led them down a path to create the film by a series of ‘breadcrumbs’: “First, we just wanted to do something special for Kara and her family. This evolved into creating a 7-minute video about her life, which ultimately opened up a conversation about fully documenting her last few months on earth.

“Sharing this time with her family was nothing short of a holy experience.”

One of the unique views of THE LONG GOODBYE is experiencing their local community that gathered to help the family in their time of need. “Their impact in Kara’s story is remarkable. These friends walked alongside the Tippetts through every aspect of her diagnosis, and truly show us how to love and honor someone who is at the end of their journey.”

“We know that Kara’s story will continue to have an incredible impact,” continues Jay. “Cancer and other similar diseases are impossibly prevalent in our society. If we aren’t personally facing any number of health crises, we know someone who is. Kara helps us understand what it means to be facing an impossible health battle. She helps us understand how God walks with us in our pain. She helps us understand what it means to say goodbye with grace and an abundance of love.”

In association with Freely, LLC, THE LONG GOODBYE: The Kara Tippetts Story will be available March 22 on DVD and Digital formats. http://karatippettsdocumentary.com/

About Ocean Avenue Entertainment: 
Ocean Avenue Entertainment, Inc. is the destination for productions that offer hope to audiences looking for inspiration in entertainment. Ocean Avenue is committed to releasing inspiring and redemptive films and television programming. Its distribution strategy optimizes each release platform to find the widest possible audience theatrically on VOD, DVD and ultimately on streaming sites like Netflix and Amazon Prime. For more information, please visit www.oceanave.tv.

About Freely:
Freely specializes in projects that touch the human spirit.  Freely is building content across all platforms including film, TV, live events, digital media, and has recently launched a talent management division. www.freely.com

For more information, to receive a screener, or to schedule and interview, please contact:
Lori Heiselman  714-553-5181   Lori@BiscuitMediaGroup.com