William Martin granted unprecedented access to document Graham’s life
Grand Rapids, Mich., November 6, 2017 — This week marks beloved Evangelist Billy Graham’s 99th birthday on Nov. 7, and looking forward to his centennial celebration, Zondervan Publishing has announced plans to release “A Prophet with Honor: The Billy Graham Story,” by William Martin, in March 2018. Graham himself requested Martin for the project and granted him unprecedented access to the Billy Graham archives and team members, lending this work the authenticity and transparency of no other.
“As I have written in this book, I have constantly examined what I have said in an effort to make sure that I was neither shading the truth in Graham’s or his associates’ favor out of gratitude for their helpfulness, nor taking an inappropriately negative slant as a way of emphasizing that I had not been taken in by slick manipulation,” Martin writes. “But since Billy Graham and his associates – like all humankind – have weaknesses, I determined not to gloss those over.
“I have tried to be scrupulously fair, not only because I do not wish the taint of unfairness to mar the most notable scholarly enterprise in which I have engaged to date, but also because I regard fairness as a cardinal virtue,” Martin continues. “I do not imagine, of course, that my judgment is flawless. But the account and the assessments I have rendered have been given with great care.”
Martin begins the work with a short introduction to evangelicalism and the revivalist movement starting with John Cotton’s messages to the settlers of New England in the 1600s. Other names to follow include Solomon Stoddard, Jonathan Edwards and George Whitefield through to Dwight L. Moody, Billy Sunday, and Mordecai Ham, the evangelist under whom Graham came to faith in Christ as a teenage boy in 1934.
Fans of Graham’s autobiography “Just As I Am,” will recognize many of the names, places and events chronicled here, but “A Prophet with Honor” goes further behind the scenes to explain the conditions that made it possible for Graham to achieve his spectacular success and to reveal how sometimes he succeeded in spite of himself.
As Graham explained when approaching Martin about writing the book, “There are no conditions. It’s your book. I don’t even have to read it. I want you to be critical. There are some things that need criticizing.”
Despite Graham’s humble expectations of a biography that would reveal his true self – warts and all – Martin came away from his research with the overwhelming sense that despite his flaws, Graham was a man of rare integrity. Martin concludes that there will likely never be another like him. “Unless and until that happens, William Franklin Graham, Jr., can safely be regarded as the best who ever lived at what he did – ‘a workman,’ as Scripture says, ‘who needed not to be ashamed.’”
For more information about “A Prophet with Honor,” visit http://www.zondervan.com/a-
William Martin (BD, PhD, Harvard) is the Harry and Hazel Chavanne Emeritus Professor of Religion and Public Policy in the Department of Sociology at Rice University in Houston, Texas. Since his retirement from teaching in 2005, he has served as the Chavanne Senior Fellow for Religion and Public Policy at the James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy at Rice. He has appeared on many national radio and television programs, including “60 Minutes,” “Nightline,” “20/20,” “Today,” “Frontline” and “All Things Considered.” He has been published in numerous national and regional periodicals, including The Atlantic, Harper’s, Esquire and Texas Monthly.
Zondervan is a world 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 translated into nearly 200 languages. Zondervan offices are located in Grand Rapids, Mich. For additional information, please visit www.zondervan.com.
Contacts: Jennifer VerHage jennifer.verhage@
Industry pioneer John Bass passes
COLORADO SPRINGS, CO. – Former CBA Executive Director John Bass passed away Nov. 5 at age 91.
Bass led CBA from 1965-1985, and is credited with visionary thinking that grew the association from 800 member stores to more than 3,200 members, as well as forging the path for technology implementation that would result in the POS and e-commerce systems used today. During his leadership, he expanded workshops and the education program, transformed the association newsletter to the Bookstore Journal trade magazine, developed the vision for international CBA chapters, and added winter caravan shows, which eventually became regional conventions.
“The growth in CBA took place because of grassroots efforts between my dad and some of his board members who viewed the association not only from a business standpoint, but from a ministry standpoint as well,” reflects John Bass, Jr.
Bass succeeded CBA’s first president, Bill Moore, a Chicago bookseller who went to work for Ken Taylor, then Moody Press director and later founder of Tyndale House Publishers. The men saw a need for training and development support for Christian booksellers who knew ministry but not business.
With connections back to evangelist Dwight L. Moody, the Moody Bible Institute was the foundational leader for the formation of CBA postwar World War II to spread the Gospel message through a network of local bookstores. The association grew out of Moody’s Bible Institute Colportage Association formed in 1894 to promote inexpensive Christian books. By the time it became Moody Publishers in 1941, it produced nearly 34 million copies of sermons, Bible teaching, and doctrinal books, leading to CBA’s formation in 1950.
A member of what has been called “The Greatest Generation,” Bass Sr. served in the United States Navy during WWII, and he never lost his penchant for service. He had a heart for the purpose of Christian retail and believed strongly in the mission, stating, “Christian bookselling is one of the most enviable ministries and business opportunities that can be found anywhere. From the ministry viewpoint, who is in a better position to offer hope to a troubled world than Christian booksellers, who can offer the printed message of the Prince of Peace?” (from His Time, His Way: The CBA Story: 1950-1999).
Bass also served as executive director and as a board member of Crowell Trust since November 1981, resigning his position as trustee in 2013. Henry Parsons Crowell, founder of Quaker Oats, founded the Trust in 1927. Crowell was chairman of Moody Bible Institute’s board of directors when he had a vision of creating perpetual funding dedicated to the teaching and active extension of Evangelical Christianity.
Former CBA President Bill Anderson (1985-2009), who had previously worked at Moody Press, said, “John took CBA from start-up mode to a very influential organization that served the entire industry—retailers in particular, but being very inclusive of suppliers, publishers, music companies, and gift companies.”
Anderson reflects on the legacy that had been passed on to him when he assumed CBA leadership from Bass in 1985. “Some people have a very wide sphere of influence, and some have a very deep one, but John is one of those rare individuals whose sphere of influence is both deep and wide,” he said.
Other industry leaders offered their condolences and tribute.
“John was a stalwart in the world of Christian retailing. He led CBA through many years, going back to the very early years of the industry. All Christian publishers and retailers owe him a debt of gratitude for his leadership,” said Mark Taylor, chairman/CEO of Tyndale House Publishers.
Bob Hawkins, president of Harvest House Publishers said, “John Bass was an amazing leader for the Christian Booksellers Association in the glory days of Christian retail. Though I did not personally know him well, I know my folks, Bob and Shirley Hawkins, loved both John and his wife Betty very much. I well remember John’s strong presence and voice for the Association back in the 1980’s at CBA conventions when he would share the vision of the Association with resolve and passion. He was loved and deeply respected by so many and will be greatly missed by those whom he led and whose lives he affected.”
“John was a great leader and dear friend,” said Parable Group President Steve Potratz. “He always had time for people and took deep personal interest in them. I remember in 1971, when I was managing Biola College Bookstore, I had this crazy idea to start an association under the umbrella of CBA for Christian College and Seminary bookstores. John went out of his way to help me—a 21-year-old kid without any experience. I’ll never forget his care, his interest in me, and the time he gave me. Because of his support we had excellent attendance at our first meeting and accomplished much for the Kingdom. I will always appreciate John’s heart for God, our industry, and the people in it. He will be deeply missed.”
CBA President Curtis Riskey said, “CBA is indebted to John Bass for his vision for the Christian products industry and his willingness to sacrifice much for a then fledging industry that now reaches around the world with Christian resources that support and teach the Gospel. My memory of John is of a man who could light up a room and make everyone in his presence feel special. I am grateful to have known John Bass and for his leadership of CBA. He will be missed.”
During a 2016 Christian MARKET interview, Bass reflected on his years at CBA: “The concepts and innovations that take place [today] are completely different than I had experienced. The thing I know is that it wasn’t John Bass who succeeded but rather it was a group of wonderfully moral people who were sensitive to the needs of the industry. That’s why CBA became what it did.”
A celebration of Bass’ life will be held Nov. 10 at the First Presbyterian Church in Colorado Springs, Colorado at 10:00 a.m., with a lunch buffet to follow. Private inurnment will follow at a later date.
John’s faith and dedication to the Lord were paramount to him. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution to the First Presbyterian Church of Colorado Springs in which he served as a Deacon, Elder and Trustee or the Pikes Peak Hospice Foundation.
CBA, the Association for Christian Retail, is the global trade association for Christian-product providers and distributors. CBA supplies vital connections, information, education, and encouragement to help Christian resource providers reach all people.
Contact: Eric Grimm egrimm@cbaonline.org (719) 272-3503
IVP Art Director honored with four 2017 Top Shelf Book Cover Awards
WESTMONT, IL—InterVarsity Press is pleased to congratulate art director David Fassett for his work on four designs that were chosen for 2017 Top Shelf Book Cover Awards by the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA). Judges chose sixteen books, one Bible, and a book of Psalms to represent the year’s best designs. Fassett received the most awards of all the designers represented.
The Top Shelf Award program is managed by ECPA in order to recognize design excellence in the Christian publishing industry. “The Top Shelf award program continues to honor and celebrate art, design, and creativity in Christian publishing,” said Stan Jantz, ECPA executive director. “The caliber of these winning designs is testament to the extreme talent and expertise in our industry.”
Fassett’s four award-winning cover designs include
- The Decalogue: Living as the People of God by David L. Baker
- Recapturing the Wonder: Transcendent Faith in a Disenchanted World by Mike Cosper
- Introduction to Political Science: A Christian Perspective by Fred Van Geest
- Embodied Hope: A Theological Meditation on Pain and Suffering by Kelly M. Kapic
“When he was hired more than seven years ago as a graphic designer for marketing materials, David Fassett quickly distinguished himself with exceptional work on our catalogs, advertisements, and sales collaterals,” Jeff Crosby, IVP’s publisher, said. “In recent years David has elevated his contribution significantly through the creation of powerful cover designs for both academic and trade titles. He was a student of design as an undergraduate and that impulse to stay abreast of design trends and deploy them through his work has clearly been recognized by his peers who have awarded these Top Shelf Awards. We are grateful for the recognition David has received and, even more, for his contribution to our work and mission at InterVarsity Press.”
ECPA announced the winners of this year’s awards on November 7 at Lipscomb University in Nashville during the opening session of ECPA PubU. Winning book covers are featured at TopShelfAwards.org.
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
Chris Fabry recipient of two 2017 Christy Awards™
Tyndale Fiction Author Wins in General Fiction and Short Form Categories
CAROL STREAM, Ill.—November 10, 2017—Tyndale House Publishers is pleased to announce that Tyndale fiction author Chris Fabry received two Christy Awards™ at the Christy Award Gala hosted by the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) on November 8. The Christy Awards celebrate excellence in Christian fiction and honor the power of story. The 18th annual Christy Award Gala was held at Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tenn., and was hosted by Fabry, bestselling author Karen Kingsbury, and Christian recording artist and author Andrew Peterson.
Fabry received his awards for two novels in separate categories. He won in the general fiction category for his novel The Promise of Jesse Woods, which Booklist called a “riveting, no-punches-pulled coming-of-age tale,” and in the short form category for Looking into You, a poignant story about the power of a mother’s love and fear. Karen Watson, publisher of Tyndale fiction, shared, “We are thrilled for Chris, in winning two prestigious Christy Awards for these exceptional novels.”
Chris Fabry, an accomplished writer and radio talk show host of Chris Fabry Live, is a 1982 graduate of the W. Page Pitt School of Journalism at Marshall University and a native of West Virginia. His most recent Christy Awards are just two of several awards he has received, including three previous Christy Awards and an ECPA Fiction Book of the Year Award, but it’s his lyrical prose and tales of redemption that keep readers returning for more. Fabry has published eighty books, including nonfiction and novels for children and young adults. Go to www.chrisfabry.com to learn more about Chris Fabry and preorder his newest title, Under a Cloudless Sky, releasing in January 2018.
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
The Christy Award™ is the foremost award honoring and promoting excellence in Christian fiction since 1999, and is named for Catherine Marshall’s novel, Christy, which has sold over 10 million copies since its publication in 1967. ECPA assumed ownership and administration of the award in 2017 to focus and grow the unique opportunity of fiction in Christian publishing. ChristyAwards.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.
For more information on Tyndale fiction titles, please visit www.tyndalefiction.com.
Abingdon Press announces Robin Glennon as new Director of Trade Sales
(Nashville, TN) – Abingdon Press has announced the promotion of Robin Glennon to Director of Trade Sales effective November 11.
Contact: Lindsey Sparrow, Associate Marketing Manager
(615)749-6420 lsparrow@abingdonpress.com
New Bible traces God’s perfect promises for toddlers and preschoolers
Gospel-Centered Stories for Young Children
Seattle: In today’s world where the word promise doesn’t hold the value that it used to, we still encourage our children early on to learn what a promise is, and more importantly, what it means to keep one. While all promises have value, the promises God makes to his people are more valuable than anyone could ever think of or imagine-and our God always keeps his promises.
Jared Kennedy, MDiv, ThM, is the husband to Megan and the father of three girls—Rachael, Lucy, and Elisabeth. He serves as Pastor of Families at Sojourn Community Church—Midtown in Louisville, KY and as children’s ministry strategist for Sojourn Network. He blogs regularly at gospelcenteredfamily.com.
“The Myth of Equality” earns spot among Publishers Weekly’s Top Books of 2017
WESTMONT, IL— InterVarsity Press is pleased to announce that The Myth of Equality: Uncovering the Roots of Injustice and Privilege by Ken Wytsma earned a spot inPublishers Weekly’s list of top one hundred books of 2017 as one of the five best religion titles of the year.
“Such an unexpected blessing!” Wytsma said.
Al Hsu, senior editor for IVP said, “I’m thrilled that Ken’s book has received this recognition. His keen insight is just what our conflicted society needs. Congrats, Ken!”
In this timely book Wytsma unpacks what we need to know to be grounded in conversations about today’s race-related issues. He also helps us come to a deeper understanding of both the origins of these issues and the reconciling role we are called to play.
The June 2017 Publishers Weekly starred review of The Myth of Equality said: “Wytsma (Pursuing Justice), lead pastor of Antioch Church in Bend, Ore., and president of Kilns College, has a gift for persuasive argument, well displayed in his deployment of history, biblical theology, and current affairs to demonstrate the subtle and unsubtle ways that white dominance shapes American culture and conversations about race. He does so from the perspective of a passionately committed evangelical Christian calling prophetically for justice for those who have been consistently disadvantaged by a system and culture built on ‘a white normative standard’ that shapes perceptions and judgments. Wytsma makes his points without accusation, the better to address an audience of white readers who may be unaccustomed to looking beneath the surface of attitudes about race or unaware of the history of Jim Crow laws and other forces that have driven racial segregation. His tour of the post-Reconstruction history of race is a neat synthesis of history. Slavery was formally ended, but disenfranchisement (“Black Codes” in the South, redlining in housing, and other forms of social control) perpetuated inequality. This book should be a wake-up call to Christian communities nationwide.”
Wytsma said, “I’m hoping that The Myth of Equality can serve as an introduction for people who feel that something is wrong, are looking for a way to understand some of the roots, or are looking for language to make sense of their experience.”
Nicholas Wolterstorff, Noah Porter Professor Emeritus of Philosophical Theology at Yale University said, “The Myth of Equality is written so skillfully that it’s easy to miss how much it accomplishes . . . I have no doubt that some readers will be angered by the claim that they participate in and benefit from structures of racism and white privilege, well supported though that claim is. I predict that there will be more who are convinced and inspired by the patient, passionate, and nondefensive way in which Wytsma makes his case. It’s a book that someone had to write.”
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.
Media Contact: Krista Clayton
630.734.4013 kclayton@ivpress.com
Zondervan editor John Sloan to retire in December
(Grand Rapids, MI) November 1, 2017—After a 34-year editorial career at Zondervan, John Sloan, senior executive editor, has announced his plan to retire, effective December 15, 2017.
UFC superstar Cody Garbrandt announces book in advance of title fight on November 4th
(Nashville, Tenn.) November 2, 2017 – As a UFC fighter, Cody “No Love” Garbrandt knows what it’s like to win a fight – to face a challenger head on and defeat him blood, sweat, tears, and all. But for the 26-year-old MMA Bantamweight Champion ready to defend his title at Madison Square Garden on November 4th, it was his relationship with one boy fighting a very different battle that helped make him into the champion he is today.
About Thomas Nelson: Thomas Nelson is a world leading publisher and provider of Christian content and has been providing readers with quality inspirational product for more than 200 years. As part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc., the publishing group provides multiple formats of award-winning Bibles, books, gift books, cookbooks, curriculum, and digital content, with distribution of its products in more than 100 countries. Thomas Nelson is headquartered in Nashville, TN. For additional information visit www.thomasnelson.com.
Media Contact: Becky Melvin
615.902.1211 becky.melvin@harpercollins.com
Baker & Taylor Publisher Services announces new Vice President of Client Services
Industry Veteran Jeff Tegge Joins Team
Baker & Taylor Publisher Services, the premier provider of full-service sales and distribution for client publishers, has named Jeff Tegge its new vice president of client services.
Tegge will focus on leveraging the full spectrum of Baker & Taylor and Follett solutions to achieve greater sales for BTPS publisher clients. He will also represent BTPS titles to the public library, K-12, and higher education markets.
Tegge comes to BTPS with more than 25 years of industry experience, most recently as president of Legato Publishers Group and prior to that as vice president of sales at Independent Publishers Group.
He joins BTPS reporting to Mark Suchomel, senior vice president of sales and client services.
“It is an exciting time at Baker & Taylor and Follett and I am thrilled to join the BTPS team,” said Tegge. “The solutions we can provide client publishers are deep and the service is at a level unique to our industry.”
“Jeff will be a key asset to our BTPS team,” said Mark Suchomel. “His knowledge of client needs is unsurpassed and our partners will benefit from his energy and focus.”
Baker & Taylor announced the launch of BTPS earlier this month, the new business unit offering children’s, trade, K‐12, higher education and academic publishers, and Christian publishers economical solutions for warehousing and order fulfillment, sales and marketing support, inventory management and virtual inventory programs, book manufacturing including offset and digital short run, POD, and editorial services.
BTPS is using the existing distribution assets of Bookmasters and has retired that brand as it relates to distribution and client services. The Bookmasters name will continue to represent the printing and manufacturing business, under Ken Fultz’s leadership as the senior vice president of operations.
Publishers interested in Baker & Taylor Publisher Services should contact Mark at Mark.Suchomel@baker‐taylor.com
About Baker & Taylor
Baker & Taylor is the premier worldwide distributor of books, digital content and entertainment products from approximately 25,000 suppliers to over 20,000 customers in 120 countries. The company offers cutting‐edge digital media services and innovative technology platforms to thousands of publishers, libraries, schools and retailers worldwide. Baker & Taylor also offers industry leading customized library services and retail merchandising solutions. For more information about Baker & Taylor visit www.baker‐taylor.com. Baker & Taylor is part of Follett Corporation, the world’s largest single source of books, entertainment products, digital content and multi‐media for libraries, schools and retailers. Follett is headquartered in Westchester, Illinois. For more information about Follett, visit www.follett.com.
About Follett Corporation
Follett is a $3.4 billion privately held company headquartered in Westchester, Illinois. As a leading provider of education technology, services and physical and digital content, Follett works with 70,000 schools and operates more than 1,250 local campus stores and 1,600 virtual stores. With the 2016 acquisition of Baker & Taylor, LLC, Follett’s reach also extends into the public library and global retail markets. For more information, visit www.follett.com. For more information on our OER partnership with Lumen Learning, visit www.follett.com/lumen.
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