Set Me Free: The Good News of God’s Relentless Pursuit – Out December 2

ATLANTA — November 10, 2025 — Best known for reshaping the sound and soul of Christian hip- hop with unapologetic authenticity, GRAMMY® Award-winning artist, author, activist, and investor Lecrae is now bringing that same raw honesty to the page. His new book Set Me Free: The Good News of God’s Relentless Pursuit (Zondervan Gift Books; ISBN 9780310460923), arrives December 2nd, offering a deeply personal collection of poems and essays about identity, healing, and liberation through faith.

In the book, Lecrae writes with the same lyrical conviction that has defined his music, exploring what it means to wrestle with shame, embrace grace, and walk in true spiritual freedom. Through a blend of poetic meditations and confessional reflections, he invites readers into his journey of dismantling false expectations, reclaiming purpose, and finding peace in God’s love.

“I know what it’s like to wear chains you can’t see. I wanted to put words to the process of breaking them, so others know they’re not alone in rebuilding their lives.”

Lecrae takes the themes he’s known for, justice, faith, and wholeness, and pushes themfurther, offering raw insight for anyone wrestling with belonging, doubt, and hope.

Set Me Free is for:

• Readers craving bold, faith-rooted storytelling
• Fans of Lecrae’s music and cultural voice
• Anyone ready to break free from shame, brokenness, or identity struggles

“True freedom,” Lecrae says, “isn’t the absence of scars but the courage to let them tell the story of how you were rebuilt, trusting that redemption is big enough for us all.”

Set Me Free is available for preorder now wherever books are sold.

For media inquiries, interview requests, or review copies, please contact:
Chasity Edwards, Director of PR, Chasity.Edwards@harpercollins.com

HippoBooks, the African imprint of Langham Publishing, and Zondervan Academic, an imprint of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, are pleased to announce the release of the second edition of the Africa Bible Commentary — a one-volume commentary on the whole Bible, produced by African scholars, now extensively revised and updated to address today’s most pressing theological and cultural realities across the continent.

First published in 2006, the Africa Bible Commentary (ABC) was the first one-volume commentary on the entire Bible written by African scholars to meet the needs of African pastors, students, and lay leaders. With more than 70 contributors and now translated into six other languages, it has been a vital resource for hundreds of thousands of pastors and church leaders across the continent and around the world.

Nearly two decades later, the second edition brings together over one hundred scholars from across Africa and raises the bar set by its predecessor, shining powerful and relevant insights into the biblical text.

“This second edition of the Africa Bible Commentary features new and compelling contextual articles that address the urgent and pertinent challenges confronting Africa today. The commentary is intended for all individuals engaged in Bible teaching at all levels within the local church and beyond, including pastors, lay leaders, students, Sunday school teachers, youth workers, chaplains, and believers striving to meaningfully interact with Scripture in their daily lives.”
— Nathan Chiroma, Articles Editor of the Africa Bible Commentary, Second Edition

With new and extensively revised commentaries across the Old and New Testament, in addition to over 120 articles, this revised and updated edition reflects on some of the most pertinent issues facing Christians in Africa today. 

“Africa has changed massively in the past twenty years. Technology and the internet is even more accessible and more affordable, social media is part of our daily lives, and same-sex relationships and the discussion on such things is less taboo. The Covid-19 pandemic shook the world and highlighted the fragility of human life, terrorist attacks are more frequent and religious extremism is on the increase. Despite this, and amid conflicts and political unrest that forces migration, the church in Africa continues to grow and with it so do its challenges. The second edition of the ABC builds on the first one even as it addresses old and current issues in depth.”
— Yacouba Sanon, General Editor & Old Testament Editor of the Africa Bible Commentary, Second Edition

There is a global need for biblical teaching that is grounded in the true and written word of God, and the authors of the revised and updated Africa Bible Commentary expertly weave biblical interpretation with a contextual understanding of African realities. Containing thorough exegesis and explanations of the whole Bible as seen through the eyes of African scholars, this bold and faithful commentary will equip pastors and teachers across the continent, along with Christians in every culture who have much to learn from them.

“When we were discussing what this revised and updated version should accomplish, we recognized the need to expose the users of this commentary to three worlds: the world behind the text, the world of the text, and the world in front of the text… The revised and updated ABC shows a greater sensitivity to issues that surround women, children, and youth, such as patriarchy, harmful traditional religious practices, marginalization, gender and age inequalities, and the influence of technology. I believe that these fresh perspectives add more value to the revised and updated ABC.”
— Elizabeth Mburu, New Testament Editor of the Africa Bible Commentary, Second Edition

The church of the future is being shaped on the African continent. With this commentary, African scholars speak not only to the church in Africa, but also to the wider body of Christ across cultures and regions.

The Africa Bible Commentary, Second Edition is now available globally in print and digital formats. This volume is published in Africa by HippoBooks and distributed there and in international markets outside of North America by Langham Publishing. In North America and international markets outside of Africa, this volume is published by Zondervan Academic, an imprint of HarperCollins Christian Publishing.

About Langham Publishing
Langham Publishing is a ministry of Langham Partnership whose vision is to strengthen the global church. Through Langham Publishing, we publish books for Christian leaders, preachers, and scholars that represent a diverse church around the world, furthering our understanding of scripture, our mission as God’s people, and our love in Christ.

About Zondervan
Zondervan, a worldwide leading Christian publisher of books and Bibles, is part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc. Its publications include a variety of Bible translations for all ages; books in different genres and subject areas for the general reader; curriculum for individual and group Bible study; books for children and young adults; academic resources including textbooks and reference books; ministry resources; and books on faith and culture. Zondervan is located in Grand Rapids, MI. For more information, visit www.zondervan.com.

For press related questions and information or interview requests, please contact:
sophia.soloviy@langham.org (Langham Publishing) and serena.dekryger@harpercollins.com (Zondervan Academic)

 

Ada, Mich. (November 12, 2025)—On Friday, November 7, the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) announced the winners of the 2025 Christy Awards in an online gala presentation, which honored this year’s best Christian fiction. Four Baker Publishing Group authors were selected as recipients of this award, including Nicole Deese, Amanda Cox, Amanda Dykes, and Jaime Jo Wright.

CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE

Nicole Deese received a Christy Award in the Contemporary Romance category for The Roads We Follow (Bethany House), which is part of the Fog Harbor Romance series. Nicole, who also won both a Carol Award and a Christy Award in 2022 for All that Really Matters, is a bestselling author who writes hope-filled, humorous, and heartfelt contemporary romance novels.

GENERAL FICTION

Amanda Cox was honored with a Christy Award in the General Fiction category for Between the Sound and Sea (Revell). Cox’s previous works The Edge of Belonging and The Secret Keepers of Old Depot Grocery were both selected as Christy Book of the Year Award winners. As a former counselor, Amanda has used her studies and her interactions with hurting families to create multidimensional characters that connect emotionally with readers.

HISTORICAL

Amanda Dykes tied for first place in the Historical category for her standalone novel Born of Gilded Mountains (Bethany House). Dykes was also honored in 2022 when her debut novel Whose Waves These Are was selected as the winner of the prestigious Christy Book of the Year award.

MYSTERY/SUSPENSE/THRILLER

Jaime Jo Wright claimed the Christy Award in the Mystery/Suspense/Thriller category for Night Falls on Predicament Avenue (Bethany House). Her previous titles The Vanishing at Castle Moreau and The House on Foster Hill have also been recipients of this award in 2024 and 2018, respectively. Wright is a Publishers Weekly and ECPA bestselling author.

The 2025 webcast was hosted by ECPA president Jeff Crosby and award-winning novelist and radio host Chris Fabry. The featured keynote speaker was Dr. Jessica Hooten Wilson, who is the Fletcher Jones Chair of Great Books at Pepperdine University and author of Reading for the Love of God (Brazos Press, a division of Baker Publishing Group). Crosby stated, “What a remarkable set of award-winning books that publishers and novelists have given to readers this year. It’s a joy to recognize excellence in Christian fiction across a diverse set of genres.”

Since 1999, the Christy Award has honored and promoted excellence in Christian fiction. This program became part of ECPA in 2017 as a means of further elevating the role of fiction in Christian publishing. For the complete list of winners, visit 2025 Christy Award Winners.

Baker Publishing Group extends heartfelt appreciation to ECPA for their commitment to strengthen the Christian publishing industry and to honoring inspirational fiction authors through the esteemed Christy Awards.

Bethany House seeks to uplift readers’ families, faith, and free time with our library of industry-leading fiction and bestselling, Christ-centered nonfiction.

Revell publishes books that help bring the Christian faith to everyday life. Whether through fiction, Christian living, self-help, marriage, family, or youth resources, each Revell publication reflects relevance, integrity, and excellence.

Contact:  Karen Steele, 616.676.9185 x 100, ksteele@bakerpublishinggroup.com

A New Year of Faith and Science

Carol Stream, IL (November 17, 2025)—This spring, the Tyndale Kids team is excited to add a new title to their Faith and Science kids titles: Wake Up, Little Seed (February 3, 2026). Going from seed to table, this lift-the-flap board book connects kids (ages 0–4) with real-life plant science.

Tyndale Faith and Science books seek to foster a deep understanding of God’s creation through the lens of science. The books include one of the following: the story of creation, experiments or lessons about a branch of science, and/or elements of STEM or STEAM curriculum.

According to the Acquisitions Editor for Tyndale Kids, Talia Messina: “Each book in the line encourages discovery, whether through the story of creation, hands-on experiments, or engaging STEM and STEAM activities, so that children can see how learning about science deepens their understanding of God’s design. We’re excited about this line because it equips kids to ask big questions, think critically, and grow both in knowledge and faith.”

Tyndale Faith and Science has a wide assortment of available titles:

• Faith and Science with Dr. Fizzlebop by Brock Eastman (November 2021): offers kids (ages 6–10) fun scientific experiments paired with devotions
• The Size of Everything by Alyssa Clements (September 2023): from galaxies to quarks, this picture book captures the magnitude of God’s creation by comparing readers (ages 6–10) to the size of everything
• Quirky Critter Devotions by Annette Whipple (March 2024): presents kids (ages 8–12) with wild animal facts partnered with activities for mental and spiritual growth
• Top 50 Science-Based Bible Lessons by Rose Publishing (January 2000): a resource filled with object lessons to introduce kids (ages 5–10) to God as the Creator of science

Be on the lookout for these and more Faith and Science titles from Tyndale Kids.

For more information or for media inquiries about Wake Up, Little Seed or other Tyndale Faith and Science titles, please contact Natalie Wierenga, nataliewierenga@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 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 imagination 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 substantial portion of annual revenue—millions of dollars per year—through corporate donations and the work of Tyndale House Foundation. With every book purchased, Tyndale readers help meet the physical and spiritual needs of people around the world.

Contact:  Natalie Wierenga, nataliewierenga@tyndale.com, 630.784-5211

The award-winning devotional Bible pairs The Message^® translation with insightful content written by women for women

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (November 14, 2025) — The Message Women’s Devotional Bible (NavPress, Tyndale House Publishers) received a Top Shelf Book Cover Award at this year’s Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) Publishing University on October 31, 2025. Designed by Eva M. Winters, the devotional Bible’s cover and interior feature earth tones, organic textures, and other elements that bring “a sense of calm and warmth” and “add to the holistic experience of interacting with this Bible,” as one judge commented. The annual awards program was created by the ECPA “to promote and recognize outstanding book cover design in the Christian publishing industry.”

Released in August 2025 after a careful editorial and production process spanning nearly five years, The Message Women’s Devotional Bible pairs Eugene H. Peterson’s ECPA-award-winning translation of the Bible with 320 topical devotions, 52 biblical character profiles, and other supplemental content written by women for women. More than 80 contributors of diverse backgrounds, ethnicities, vocations, and Christian denominations wrote content for this expansive project.

“The features in this Bible are what rose to the surface when our team asked, What do women really need in a devotional Bible?” shares Olivia Eldredge, editor of The Message^® Bible. “Women need to hear from other women: diverse, trustworthy, thoughtful voices who can speak to how the Bible intersects with the lives of women. And they need to have space to bring their questions, their vulnerability, their honest wrestling — and be met by God.”

While Christian content marketed specifically to women can tend toward superficiality and stereotypes, The Message Women’s Devotional Bible pursues nuance, sensitivity, and authenticity while remaining faithful to the biblical texts. Throughout, it invites women to engage deeply with difficult or overlooked passages, offering candid reflections on the truth that women — though often unnamed in Scripture — are indeed active, vital participants in God’s story, both in the biblical narrative and today.

The Message is a contemporary translation of the Bible, created by Eugene H. Peterson and thoroughly reviewed by a team of Old and New Testament scholars to ensure accuracy and fidelity to the original biblical languages. A pastor, theologian, scholar, writer, and poet, Peterson worked directly from the Greek and Hebrew texts to craft a faithful rendering of Scripture in accessible, everyday language. It took him a full decade to complete his translation work.

Learn more about The Message Women’s Devotional Bible and other NavPress resources by visiting NavPress.com.

The Message Women’s Devotional Bible
Leather-Look ISBN: 978-1-64158-552-1 | $49.99
Hardcover ISBN: 978-1-64158-539-2 | $39.99

About NavPress
NavPress is a business ministry of The Navigators. With a rich catalog of bestselling books, discipleship resources, and The Message^® Bible, NavPress equips readers “to know Christ, make Him known, and help others do the same^®.” Since 2014, NavPress has been in a publishing alliance with Tyndale House Publishers, one of the largest independently-owned Christian publishers in the world. NavPress resources are sold, distributed, and marketed worldwide through Tyndale House Publishers. NavPress, the NavPress logo, and The Message ^® are registered trademarks of NavPress, The Navigators, Colorado Springs, CO.

About The U.S. Navigators
The Navigators is a ministry that shares the gospel of Jesus and helps people grow in their relationship with Him through Life-to-Life^® discipleship, creating spiritual generations of believers. Since its founding in 1933, The Navigators has upheld the mission “to know Christ, make Him known, and help others do the same^®.” Our Worldwide Partnership includes around 6,000 staff of 85 nationalities, serving in 123 countries. Navigators encourage spiritual growth across life stages, serving wherever people work, live, worship, and play: on college campuses and military bases as well as in urban neighborhoods, workplaces, churches, local communities, and hard-to-reach places. To learn more, visit www.navigators.org.

Contact:  Chris Muller, Senior Vice President, Ministry Engagement, (719) 594-2268, chris.muller@navigators.org

 

NASHVILLE, Tenn., November 2025 – Zondervan Books, the preeminent home for Christian writing, today announced its second book deal with the author, content creator and speaker, Emily Morrow.

Morrow, who has built a social media platform of 3.5 million followers, released her debut book with Zondervan, Really Very Crunchy: A Beginner’s Guide to Removing Toxins from Your Life Without Adding Them to Your Personality, in March 2024. The book blends wit and practicality to help readers live more intentionally. Several media outlets took notice of the book upon its release, including NBC News Daily, That Sounds Fun with Annie F. Downs and 1000 Hours Outside.

With a gift for weaving honesty, humor and faith together, Morrow’s next book will once again use stories of resilience, wisdom, practical encouragement and wit to give readers a gentle but urgent call to cling to what truly matters even when everything else feels unsteady. The book is anticipated to release in February 2028.

“We’re thrilled to partner once again with Emily Morrow to share her powerful and timely message of perseverance, laughter and faith in the face of hard days with readers,” said Keren Baltzer, Associate Publisher at Zondervan Books. “Emily has solidified herself as a trusted voice who provides guidance and wisdom for navigating life’s ups and downs. She is calling people to hold fast, to not let discouragement or despair have the last say. We know this forthcoming book will connect greatly with individuals and provide hope for our everchanging culture.”

Morrow is represented by Tom Dean, Founder of A Drop of Ink Literary. Baltzer acquired the title.

“We’ve been thrilled with the Zondervan publishing partnership and look forward to the new editorial guidance and expertise and the continued top-notch creativity, thoughtfulness, and support from the marketing team for Emily’s new book,” noted Tom Dean, founder of A Drop of Ink Literary.

Zondervan Books eagerly anticipates the release of Morrow’s next book and looks forward to continuing the publishing journey with her.

Zondervan is a HarperCollins Company and part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing. Zondervan is a world leading publisher and provider of Christian communications. The company’s products are sold worldwide and translated into nearly 200 languages. Zondervan offices are located in Grand Rapids, Michigan. For additional information, please visit www.zondervan.com.

Contact:  Zondervan Books, ZBooksPR@HarperCollins.com

Carol Stream, IL (November 17, 2025) – Tyndale House Publishers is thrilled to announce that they have been honored with three Christy Awards, including the Christy Book of the Year®. The Christy Award® celebrates excellence in the art of Christian fiction and recognize the power of faith in storytelling.

All We Thought We Knew, by Michelle Shocklee, received both The Christy Award in the Historical category and the top honor, Book of the Year, while Jamie Ogle’s As Sure as the Sea received The Christy Award in the Historical Romance category.

“We are so thrilled to see Michelle Shocklee’s and Jamie Ogle’s works recognized as a part of this year’s Christy Awards, and we are honored to publish their novels,” said Elizabeth Jackson, Senior Acquisitions Editor at Tyndale.

“Jamie and Michelle are both talented writers who bring a wonderful depth of historical research and memorable characters to life in their stories,” Jackson continued. “We extend our heartfelt congratulations to both Michelle and Jamie!”

In All We Thought We Knew, Shocklee delivers a compelling dual-timeline novel following two women a generation apart as they discover enduring hope amid tragedy—one in the challenging days of World War II, the other in the tumult of the Vietnam era. In 1969, Mattie Taylor returns home after her twin brother’s death in Vietnam, only to uncover long-buried family secrets hidden in a trunk of letters. In 1942, Ava Delaney, grieving her husband’s death at Pearl Harbor, takes a job at a Tennessee military base and befriends a German internee whose compassion challenges everything she believes. As their stories intertwine, both women must confront what they thought they knew about love, loyalty, and the truth that can heal generations.

Inspired by the legend of St. Nicholas, Ogle’s As Sure as the Sea transports readers to the Eastern Roman Empire in AD 310, where faith, persecution, and redemption collide. Demitria, a young woman haunted by shame and fear, risks her life to help fellow believers living in the shadow of Emperor Diocletian’s brutal rule. When her brother is injured, she crosses paths with Nikolas—a man burdened by his own past.

About Tyndale House Publishers
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 imagination 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 $110 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.

Contact:  Andrea Martin, Sr. Director of Public Relations & Author Relations, at andreamartin@tyndale.com

 

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., — Monday, November 17, 2025 — Penguin Random House Christian Publishing Group is introducing Grace Corner, a new digital platform that brings together trusted voices and leading faith-based content in one accessible destination. The platform will officially launch in the first quarter of 2026 and reflects PRH Christian’s ongoing commitment to expanding how readers experience and interact with Christian books and Gospel-centered resources.

Since its establishment last year, PRH Christian has focused on broadening its reach and strengthening relationships with readers. Grace Corner extends that strategy by bringing the group’s publishing expertise into a direct-to-consumer environment—integrating content, commerce, and meaningful engagement to serve audiences in new ways.

The Grace Corner logo features four interlocking shapes that form a cross-like symbol, designed to convey a sense of welcome, connection, and belonging. The emblem reflects the spirit of the Grace Corner community—an inviting space where people are inspired to gather, grow, and find encouragement together.

“When Grace Corner launches early next year, our desire is to meet Christian readers where they are—with resources that are grounded in Scripture, centered on faith, and relevant to everyday life,” said Campbell Wharton, Senior Vice President and Publisher of PRH Christian. “Grace Corner brings that calling to life in a new way, offering an online space where believers can be encouraged, equipped, and motivated to grow in their relationship with God and with one another.”

The Grace Corner platform will feature:

• Streaming curriculum and Bible studies designed for individual, family, and group study
• Immersive devotionals and practical tools to inspire individuals, equip families, and support church leaders
• A dedicated hub for Bible resources
• Live events and virtual gatherings with beloved Christian authors, pastors, and teachers
• An e-commerce experience, offering books and audiobooks from established Christian voices
• A faith-based community space where readers can come together in their walk with God

Grace Corner will embody PRH Christian’s vision to serve as a home where readers can discover Christian authors who write distinctive, inspirational, and culturally relevant works.

About PRH Christian
Penguin Random House Christian Publishing includes the imprints WaterBrook, Multnomah, Image, Align Insight, Ink & Willow, and WaterBrook Children’s. Together, these publishing programs connect readers with biblical wisdom, authentic storytelling, and transformative ideas that strengthen faith and inspire action. PRH Christian is a division of Penguin Random House, LLC.

Contact:  Beverly Rykerd, VP/Publicity Director, brykerd@penguinrandomhouse.com

BRENTWOOD, Tenn. – The Evangelical Christian Press Association (ECPA) honored five releases from Holman Bibles and B&H Publishing Group, imprints of Lifeway Christian Resources, as winners in the 2025 Top Shelf Book Cover Awards.

“These awards honor the incredible talent and dedication of our design and editorial teams,” said Andy McLean, publisher for Holman Bibles. “Each cover reflects our commitment to not only treasuring biblical truth but also creating customer delight through beautiful, thoughtful designs.”

The Top Shelf Book Cover Awards recognize “the best book design in Christian publishing.” Winners were announced in an online event Oct. 31.

“Reading a book is not merely the reflection of sentences and paragraphs bouncing off our eyeballs,” said Devin Maddox, publisher of B&H Books. “Reading is a visually immersive, tactile experience from the moment we see a book cover across the room at our local bookstore, feel the spine in our hands and scan the typesetting. Well-published books are well designed, which is why Top Shelf Awards are important to recognize in our industry.”

Covers are judged by top designers in the publishing industry for their merits in appropriateness for the market, level of conceptual thinking and quality of execution, according to the ECPA.

“I am constantly amazed by the passion and excellence our creatives bring to this kingdom work,” said Joey Kiker, director of Lifeway Creative. “These projects often take months or even years before they reach the hands of readers, so it’s incredibly rewarding to see their efforts recognized. We’re proud of them.”

Winners from imprints of Lifeway Christian Resources include:

“CSB Explorer Bible for Kids,” Underwater Adventure LeatherTouch

• Bible Category
• Holman Bibles, publisher
• Jeff Godby, art director
• Nate Farro, design and illustration
• Judge’s comments: “For a kids Bible, I was struck by how fun the cover is without it being so overly vivid….The deep-sea theme conveys the idea of exploring the unknown and is a nice visual parallel to introducing kids to the Bible.”

“CSB Jesus Daily Bible,” Brown Cloth Over Board

• Bible Category
• Holman Bibles, publisher
• Jeff Godby, art director
• Stephen Crotts, design and illustration
• Judge’s comments: “Here is a nice balance between the textured art and caseside, paired with the foil details which add reverence.”

“Home with God” by Kyle Worley

• Nonfiction Category
• B&H Publishing Group, publisher
• Susan Browne, art director
• Jeff Miller, designer
• Judge’s comments: “It’s hard to go wrong with this lovely, tasteful entry. The typography is classic and airy, complemented beautifully by a warm, inviting color palette that evokes a sense of connection and home.”

“Raised in Splendor” by Jason Alligood

• Nonfiction Category
• B&H Publishing Group, publisher
• Susan Browne, art director
• Jeff Miller, designer
• Judge’s comments: “This cover is deceptively challenging to execute—something we’ve all attempted at one point. Nicely done; it’s the kind of design you’d proudly display on your coffee table or give to a friend without hesitation.”

“The Storyteller’s Bible” by Kathryn Butler, illustrated by Aeden and Natalie Peterson

• Children’s Category
• B&H Kids, publisher
• Diana Lawrence, designer
• Cover illustration by Alida Massari and Diana Lawrence
• Judge’s Comments: “The illustration’s stylized rendering and warm palette lend a sense of both artistry and approachability. Combined with the hand-lettered typography, the cover feels tactile, timeless and truly special.”

ECPA is the trade association for Christian Publishing, dedicated to resourcing its members through networking, information and advocacy.

More information about the Top Shelf Award program can be found at topshelfaward.org.
High quality cover images can be found here.

In operation since 1891, Lifeway Christian Resources is one of the leading providers of Christian resources, including Bibles, books, Bible studies, group curriculum, Christian music and movies, Vacation Bible School and church supplies, as well as camps and events for all ages. Holman Bible Publishers and B&H Publishing Group are both imprints of Lifeway. Based in Brentwood, Tennessee, Lifeway operates as a self-supporting nonprofit. For more information, visit Lifeway.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:  Jill Waggoner, Jill.Waggoner@lifeway.com

AUSTIN, Texas, November 4, 2025— Renowned author Mark Batterson, whose writing has inspired millions to dream big, pray hard, and think long, has reached an incredible milestone: 10 million copies in print worldwide. This achievement underscores the resonance of his message and the countless lives his work has touched.

“Mark Batterson’s writing has inspired millions to live out their faith with courage and purpose, and reaching 10 million copies in print is a testament to the impact of his message,” said Campbell Wharton, senior vice president and publisher at Penguin Random House Christian. “At Multnomah, where we have had the privilege of publishing more than 15 of Mark’s books, we are deeply honored to walk alongside him in this journey. His new book Gradually Then Suddenly captures this moment perfectly, as it reflects the quiet, steady work of faith that ultimately transforms lives in extraordinary ways.”

As the founding pastor of National Community Church in Washington, D.C., Batterson has become a creative force for spiritual and community renewal in the nation’s capital. His ministry extends well beyond Sunday services. With his congregation, they transformed local landmarks into centers of hope and connection, including Ebenezer’s Coffeehouse on Capitol Hill, a café and community hub that reinvests its profits into outreach; the DC Dream Center, which provides mentoring and service programs for youth and families; and The Capitol Turnaround, a historic space now revitalized for worship, education, and cultural events. Batterson also serves as a speaker and chaplain to professional athletes, sharing faith-centered leadership insights that resonate in both locker rooms and boardrooms.

For Batterson, the 10 million–copy milestone is not just a commercial success but a deeper sign of answered prayers and enduring purpose. He shares that he doesn’t see “a book sold as a book sold, but a prayer answered.” His books have become a means to extend his ministry far beyond Washington, D.C., reaching readers around the world with the same message of faith, risk, and purpose that fuels his work at National Community Church.

Gradually Then Suddenly is available today, November 4, 2025, from major booksellers and online retailers.

About Mark Batterson
Mark Batterson is a New York Times bestselling author of numerous influential titles and serves as lead visionary of National Community Church in Washington, D.C. His work spans leadership, spiritual growth, and cultural engagement, and has been translated into more than 25 languages and published in over 50 countries.

About Multnomah
Multnomah is an imprint of Penguin Random House Christian Publishing Group, a division of Penguin Random House, LLC. Multnomah has served as publisher of 15 books by Mark Batterson, including such bestsellers such as In a Pit with A Lion on a Snowy Day, Chase the Lion, Whisper, A Million Little Miracles, and children’s books, including The Best Worst Day Ever co-authored with Summer Batterson Dailey.  For more information visit www.waterbrookmultnomah.com.

Media Contacts:
Esther Fedorkevich, Founder and CEO, The Fedd Agency, (512) 494-6511, Esther@thefeddagency.com, thefeddagency.com
Brett Benson, Publicity Manager, PRH Christian, bbenson@penguinrandomhouse.com