GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Kregel Publications is pleased to announce that three fiction titles have been recognized as Foreword INDIES Book of the Year Award winners.

In the historical category, Liar’s Winter by Cindy K. Sproles has been awarded bronze, while in the religious category, If We Make It Home by Christina Suzann Nelson took silver, and The Elusive Miss Ellison by Carolyn Miller received honorable mention. Additionally, The Runaway by Claire Wong from Lion Fiction and distributed by Kregel Publications, was awarded gold in general fiction.

The INDIES recognize the best books published in 2017 from small, indie, and university presses, as well as self-published authors. You can view all of the winners at: www.forewordreviews.com/awards/winners/2017/

Kregel Publications is an evangelical Christian publisher that aims to develop and distribute—with integrity and excellence—trusted, biblically based resources that lead individuals to know and serve Jesus Christ.

WESTMONT, IL—As the crisis over immigration and migrant children grows, numerous InterVarsity Press authors are putting power behind their written words as they work to change policies, bring about change, and educate the public about what is happening and what can be done.

Jeff Crosby, InterVarsity Press publisher, said, “I am thankful for the work of IVP authors and friends such as Kent Annan and his book You Welcomed Me: Loving Refugees and Immigrants Because God First Loved Us and Matthew Soerens and Jenny Yang and their book Welcoming the Stranger: Justice, Compassion & Truth in the Immigration Debate. Like other books published in recent years motivated by the ever-expanding crisis, Annan, Soerens, and Yang address issues of migration, asylum, and refugee populations in helpful, merciful, just, thoughtful, and practical ways.”

Annan was one of a number of IVP authors in Washington, DC, this week speaking out on behalf of migrants and their families. Sandra Maria Van Opstal, Kimberly McOwen Yim, Dale Hanson Bourke, Nikki A. Toyama-Szeto, Natasha Sistrunk Robinson, and others also took action in the nation’s capital for World Refugee Day and the Not Without My Child Campaign.

Annan, a senior fellow at the Humanitarian Disaster Institute of Wheaton College, spoke at a press conference and met with staff in six congressional offices. He said, “When we asked both Republicans and Democrats, they all said that they pay attention when people send letters, emails, or call their offices. They pay attention to letters to the editors or guest op-ed pieces in the local paper. It’s a frustrating time to be advocating for refugees and immigrants. But we saw this past week that raising your voice in a democracy can make a difference.”

Annan’s forthcoming book You Welcomed Me (November 2018) lays out ways to make a difference during this immigration crisis. He writes about how fear and misunderstanding can motivate our responses to people in need. Instead, he invites people into stories that lead them to see the current refugee and immigrant crisis in a new light. He also lays out simple practices for a way forward: confessing what separates us, listening well, and partnering with, not patronizing, those in need.

“I find the approach of the administration on these issues deeply disturbing and discouraging,” Annan said. “But giving up hope isn’t an option, nor is not working for change. People’s lives are at stake—some of the most vulnerable people in our world. Our country is made poorer (not great) morally and economically and in other ways by failing on these issues. As a Christian, I believe (as Jesus said) that to welcome the stranger is to welcome him [Jesus], welcome love, and welcome God.”

In Welcoming the Stranger, Soerens and Yang, both immigration experts at World Relief, put a human face on the issue and tell stories of immigrants’ experiences in and out of the system. With careful historical understanding and thoughtful policy analysis, they debunk myths and misconceptions about immigration and show the limitations of the current immigration system. Ultimately they point toward immigration reform that is compassionate, sensible, and just, as they offer concrete ways to welcome and minister to immigrant neighbors. Soerens said, “At a time of heated debate around the country, Christians in particular can be a sensible voice for reason and compassion in our nation’s immigration discourse and debate.”

Soerens was on Capitol Hill this week, at the Texas border, and speaking to the media in between as he advocated for refugees. He tweeted, “It’s been a crazy week: from CNN-Chicago to Capitol Hill to the border to Mexico. I’m exhausted. Grateful for the people with whom I get to do this work. Prayerful, for much remains undone. After thinking about kids a lot this week, I mostly want to get home and hold my kids tight.”

Crosby said that IVP is committed to working with authors like these who write about and advocate for “the least of these;” authors who put action behind their words and provide resources that help people understand how to put their own faith into action for issues such as immigration. Crosby said, “Even more than selling books I am interested in linking our resources with the unjust conditions of the country and the world.”

Crosby added, “We all need to educate ourselves and respond biblically, compassionately, and thoughtfully in the face of this crisis. I am grateful for the opportunity to lead a publishing house that is genuinely seeking to address these and other issues that plague our broken and divided world. We do, collectively, have the tools necessary to address them. Will we have the courage and the will?”

For a complete list of immigration and justice-related titles, visit ivpress.com.

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

Any Church Can Participate in the Free Bible Giveaway

Nashville, TN — LifeWay Christian Stores and President Thom S. Rainer are kicking off “Share the Word. Together.” This new initiative mobilizes local churches to take the Word of God into their communities. “Nothing has the power to change lives like God’s Word, so we want to make it simple for church members to share it with the people around them,” says Rainer.

How does it Work?

A local church encourages members to stop by their local LifeWay Christian Store during an assigned week to pick up a free copy of a CSB personal gift Bible. Church members then give the Bible to an unchurched friend, coworker, or neighbor. The goal for this free Bible giveaway is to start gospel conversations and spark invitations to weekend worship service or Bible study.

Once your church is chosen for a specific week, we’ll provide you with everything you need to promote this initiative in your local church. You’ll get bulletin inserts, graphics, logos, email templates, and sample announcement scripts to encourage your members to participate and Share the Word. Together.

Click here to learn more or sign up today!

Media Contact: Jana Muntsinger, MMPR
Jana@mmpublicrelations.com  281.251.0480 or 832.247.9308

Carol Stream, IL, June 21, 2018—Christianity Today has announced the pending retirement of ministry president and chief executive officer Harold B. Smith, effective May 1 of next year.

Speaking on behalf of the board, CT Board chair Gene Habecker said that: “While we are saddened to see this passionate, mission-driven leader draw his time to a close, we are nevertheless deeply grateful for the work Harold and the exceptional staff have done over this time to re-envision this communication ministry for today’s and tomorrow’s church leaders and culture makers.”

Smith assumed the lead executive role in March, 2007, following 23 years of CT service in a variety of editorial and administrative roles.

Shortly after becoming president, Smith found himself facing the recession of 2008-2009 along with the continuing challenges of a publishing industry still trying to navigate the print and digital divide. In response to both, Smith took the difficult and financially necessary step to significantly reduce the ministry’s largely print portfolio (and related staff) and strengthen CT’s digital commitment.

As a result, more than five million unique visitors today access the ministry’s news, commentary, and assorted church resources each month on the web and in print; with over 30% of this number coming from outside of North America.

In addition, Smith has set into motion a series of initiatives giving shape to CT’s future publishing directions and emphases. Among these initiatives:

• Unifying the remaining ministry brands under the distinctives of One CT (“Beautiful Orthodoxy our core cause; Leaders our core readers; Leading our core calling.”)
• Implementing a decade-long process of diversifying staff and ministry writers/contributors.
• Recommitting the nonprofit to again pursue a formal Development program for the future financial health of the ministry,
• And most recently, jump-starting CT Global—an effort to expand the reach of CT content and resources worldwide.

It is this last initiative—CT Global—that will be the primary focus of Smith’s remaining time with the ministry. In addition to raising funds for the initiative’s initial development stage, he will be presenting its vision and scope to readers and supporters across the country.

“An integral part of Billy Graham’s vision in the launch of CT was the international piece,” said Smith. “That is, the reporting of all that God was doing in his church around the world.”

“We are today seeking to build off of Graham’s Spirit-led vision and dramatically expand the number of men and women who can not only report the news from their part of the world but offer biblically-based commentary on what it means not only for them but for us in North America.”

In addition to dramatically expanding CT’s engagement with the church worldwide, CT Global will also seek to create publishing strategies for better engagement with North America’s communities of color.

“We’re talking CT for a new generation of Christ-followers,” Smith says. “And with that, I’m confident that God already has the right person in mind to help lead the way.”

The search firm of Carter Baldwin will work alongside the Search Committee of the CT Board to identify the next President/CEO of Christianity Today.

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

Contact: Cory Whitehead, 630-260-6200 x4220  cwhitehead@christianitytoday.com

Lipscomb University Hosts Inaugural Festival of Books and Writing
Speaker Lineup Includes Renowned Authors, Poets, Novelists and Screenwriters

Nashville, Tenn, June 11, 2018 – BookFest Nashville, a new festival celebrating books and writers, debuts November 8 – 9, 2018, on the Lipscomb University campus. Registration is now open at www.BookFestNashville.com.

BookFest Nashville attendees will enjoy lectures by and conversations with bestselling authors, world-class publishing professionals, filmmakers, poets and songwriters. Attendance will be limited to 500 registrants to ensure an intimate experience.

“Nashville is a magnet for writers,” says Ami McConnell, Founder and Festival Director for BookFest Nashville. “BookFest aims to empower, inspire, and connect them.”

Lipscomb University’s College of Entertainment & the Arts will host the festival along with the Department of English & Modern Languages in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. BookFest Nashville sponsor and retail partner, Parnassus Books, will host book sales at the festival and will feature speaker’s books in store.

BookFest Nashville 2018 will feature sessions and panels spanning genres. This year’s lineup of speakers continues to grow, with these renowned experts already confirmed:

• JT Ellison, New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author, No One Knows
• Michael Bishop, author, Murder in the Music City
• Stephanie Appell, manager of books for young readers, Parnassus Books
• Ruth Chou Simons, bestselling author, Gracelaced
• Melissa Chambers, romance novelist, Seaside Sweets and President of Music City Romance Writers
• Colleen Coble, USA Today Bestselling novelist, The House at Saltwater Point
• Patti Callahan Henry, New York Times bestselling novelist, Becoming Mrs. Lewis
• Howie Klausner, writer & producer of “Space Cowboys,” “Soul Surfer,” author of Rocketman
• Ariel Lawhon, critically acclaimed novelist, I Was Anastasia
• Amy Parker, bestselling children’s author
• Mary Laura Philpott, author & illustrator Penguins with People Problems, Emmy-winning co-host of
  “A Word on Words” Nashville Public Television
• Karen Hayes, co-owner Parnassus Books, Nashville
• Liz Cackowski, writer and producer, “Saturday Night Live,” “Community,” “Last Man on Earth”
• Courtney Stevens, young adult novelist, Dress Code for Small Towns
• Marjory Wentworth, Poet Laureate of South Carolina, co-author, Out of Wonder
• MaryBeth Whalen, co-founder SheReads.com, novelist, When We Were Worthy
• Sarah Arthur, author, A Light So Lovely: The Spiritual Legacy of Madeline L’Engle

Ami McConnell is founder and Festival Director for BookFest Nashville. She is former Editor-in-Chief and Vice President, Howard Books/Simon & Schuster, and her editing credits include numerous New York Times bestsellers and award-winning titles. Ami has edited renowned authors Colleen Coble, Ted Dekker, Karen Kingsbury, Max Lucado, Frank Peretti, and Wm. Paul Young. She served on the Advisory Board of The Buechner Institute at King College and is an active member of the Women’s National Book Association. Ami is co-author with Candace Cameron Bure of Kind Is the New Classy (2018 HarperCollins). www.BookFestNashville.com.

Press Inquiries: McClure Muntsinger Public Relations
Pamela McClure, pamela@mmpublicrelations.com, 615-294-5073

BookFest Nashville
www.BookFestNashville.com
November 8 – 9, 2018
Lipscomb University campus

“The moment I heard about BookFest Nashville, I knew I wanted to be involved. I can already see how this event will empower writers in the ever-changing landscape of publishing and new media.”

—J.T. Ellison, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author

“It’s exciting to see Nashville’s literary scene flourish alongside the growth of the city. A unique lineup that’s perfect for books lovers and writers alike is sure to make Bookfest Nashville a success.”

—Mary Claire Zibart, BookPage

“The College of Entertainment and the Arts at Lipscomb University couldn’t be more excited to host the inaugural BookFest. We always look for the brightest imaginations to bring around our students, so you can imagine how thrilled we are when they come to us! We’re proud to play our part in helping Nashville live up to its nickname as ‘the Athens of the South.’”

—Mike Fernandez, Dean of the George Shinn College of Entertainment & the Arts, Lipscomb University

“For years, Ami McConnell and I envisioned a festival that creates a vibrant community of readers and writers who celebrate the book in all its guises. I am delighted that Lipscomb University has embraced this vision by welcoming a new community of book lovers to its campus this fall. I hope authors, editors, publishers, and readers will make BookFest Nashville an annual tradition.”

–Kim Reed, Chair and Professor, English & Modern Languages Department, Lipscomb University

“Parnassus is partnering with BookFest Nashville because we love nurturing Nashville’s creative folks. BookFest already has an impressive line-up of writers and their venue is perfect—just a couple blocks away from our store!”

–Karen Hayes, co-owner Parnassus Books

“I’m flattered to be a guest speaker at BookFest Nashville this fall. I’m looking forward to talking about screenwriting, sketch, and sitcom writing with y’all nice folks. (That’s my Nashville accent.)”

–Liz Cackowski, writer and producer, SNL, Community, Last Man on Earth

“Nashville is one of my favorite towns—in large part because of the vibrant writing community. That’s why I’m so excited to be a part of BookFest Nashville 2018. It’s going to be a blast!”

–Patti Callahan Henry, New York Times bestselling novelist

“BookFest Nashville will feed our vibrant artistic community in new and exciting ways. All writers and would-be writers need to attend this wonderful opportunity for learning and networking.”

–Barbie Chadwick, WNBA President, Nashville Chapter

“I am so excited to be a part of this year’s BookFest Nashville! Anytime those who love words gather, good times are bound to ensue. I can’t wait to be a part of the fun, the creativity and the inspiration.”

–MaryBeth Whalen, novelist, cofounder of SheReads.com

“I’m delighted to participate in BookFest Nashville as an author and a representative of Parnassus Books. Indie bookstores have so much to offer writers and readers – this should be a really fun conversation.”

–Mary Laura Philpott, author, illustrator, essayist, Emmy-winning co-host of “A Word on Words”

Ada, Mich. (June 18, 2018)—Baker Publishing Group is pleased to announce the addition of Cindy Lambert to its acquisitions team in the role of executive editor-at-large. Lambert will work with the Revell and Baker Books trade teams, securing new author relationships and participating in publishing strategy.

Lambert began her career as owner of an award-winning independent Christian bookstore and then expanded into leadership roles in book companies such as Ingram, Simon & Schuster, and Zondervan, where she served as vice president and associate publisher of trade books. During her career, Lambert has worked alongside such bestselling authors as Mark Batterson, Kyle Idleman, Kay Warren, Craig Groeschel, Ruth Graham, Max Lucado, and Christine Caine. Since 2012 she has been the collaborative writer of seven books.

“Cindy has a clear passion for the life-changing impact of Christian books—and her strong reputation and accomplishments in the industry reflect both exceptional publishing instincts and a deep commitment to nurturing authors,” said Jennifer Leep, executive vice president of trade publishing. “We’re excited for her to bring those talents to our team in both the cultivation of new voices and the pursuit of established authors for Revell and Baker Books.”

Baker Publishing Group publishes high-quality writings that represent historic Christianity and serve the diverse interests and concerns of evangelical readers.

Contact: Lynnae Lubbers  (616) 676-9185 x193  llubbers@bakerpublishinggroup.com

Ada, Mich. (June 13, 2018)—Winners of the 2018 Selah Awards were recently announced at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference. Revell’s debut author, Bethany Turner, was selected as a winner in the Contemporary Romance category for her book The Secret Life of Sarah Hollenbeck. The Selah Awards were created to honor books in Christian publishing from the previous year that are considered superb within their genre. For the complete list of winners, please click here.

The Secret Life of Sarah Hollenbeck by Bethany Turner (Revell; ISBN 9780800727666; ebook ISBN 9781493411023; $13.99)  Steamy romance writer Sarah Hollenbeck’s career is at its peak, but reconciling her writing with her newfound faith proves more difficult than she imagined—and falling for her pastor doesn’t make things any easier.

Bethany Turner is the director of administration for Rock Springs Church in Southwest Colorado. A former VP/operations manager of a commercial bank and a three-time cancer survivor (all before she turned 35), Bethany knows that when God has plans for your life, it doesn’t matter what anyone else has to say. Because of that, she’s chosen to follow his call to write. She lives with her husband and their two sons in Colorado, where she writes for a new generation of readers who crave fiction that tackles the thorny issues of life with humor and insight.

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

Contact: Karen Steele  (616)676-9185 x100  ksteele@bakerpublishinggroup.com

The Voice to Release November 6, 2018

Grand Rapids, Mich., June 13, 2018 — In a Facebook Live video last night, Christian music icon and forty-time Dove award winner, Sandi Patty revealed the cover to her upcoming memoir and also announced a foreword by Kathie Lee Gifford. The Voice: Listening for God’s Voice and Finding Your Own releases from Zondervan on November 6, 2018. To watch the video, click here.

In the foreword, Gifford writes, “ What you are about to discover about Sandi in this book will shock you, upset you, and ultimately make you rejoice in the power of a life lived well with God…. Sandi’s story is one of deep suffering that even those closest to her never fathomed. I am so happy that this extraordinary woman is finally able to tell her story full throttle and unafraid.”

In The Voice, Sandi shares deeply intimate stories of her life and the empowering spiritual truths she’s learned. She offers readers wisdom to navigate the journey from voicelessness to discovering the voice God has given you. With a poignant history of sexual abuse, infidelity, divorce and crises of self-image, Sandi lived much of her life feeling unworthy of love or value. And like so many of us, she coped by living through the voices of others, allowing other people to prescribe her identity. As she performed around the world, Sandi met others just like her, who hid wounds behind quiet smiles and struggled to live with fractured identities.

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.

Media:  To request an advanced copy of the manuscript or an interview, please contact Robin Barnett at robin.barnett@harpercollins.com or Heidi McDow at Heidi@alarryross.com.

(NASHVILLE, Tenn.) June 2018 – Worthy Publishing is pleased to announce that My First Day of School, written by Michelle Medlock Adams, has won the 2018 Selah Award for Children’s Picture Books. Hosted annually by the Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writer’s Conference, the Selah Awards recognize high-quality Christian books across a variety of genres.

Veteran author Michelle Medlock Adams is no stranger to the Selah Awards. Several of her previous titles have been Selah Award finalists and winners, including God Knows You, which won the 2014 Selah Book of the Year Award.

“Michelle brings great enthusiasm and heart to her books, which makes her a joy to work with, and also results in books that children love,” says Peggy Schaefer, Vice President & Associate Publisher, WorthyKids/Ideals. “We are thrilled to see Michelle’s work honored in this way.”

A board book that tackles first-day jitters, My First Day of School was chosen by the award committee from among hundreds of books. The story follows a young boy as he explores his classroom, makes new friends, and enjoys all the creative and interesting activities school can offer. The book helps first-time students, from preschoolers to kindergartners, understand what happens at school, while providing parents the opportunity to answer any questions their child may have. With a relatable narrator and cheerful illustrations, My First Day of School helps soon-to-be students overcome their fears and look forward to school with excitement.

The full listing of 2018 Selah Award winners can be found on the Awards’ Facebook page.

Michelle Medlock Adams began her career in journalism; but when she had two children of her own, she quickly turned to writing children’s books, including the successful What Is . . . series for WorthyKids/Ideals. Michelle has two grown daughters and lives in Bedford, Indiana, with her husband, Jeff.

Worthy Publishing Group is a privately held, independent voice in inspirational publishing, based in Nashville, Tennessee. Worthy includes four imprints: Worthy Books publishes inspirational works addressing biblical studies, faith and culture, Christian living, fiction, and specialty Bibles; Museum of the Bible Books is a partnership between Worthy and the Museum, publishing books that reveal the history, narrative, and impact of the Bible; Ellie Claire produces beautifully crafted journals, gifts, and paper expressions; and WorthyKids/Ideals creates colorful, interactive children’s books, including VeggieTales and Berenstain Bears, for ages 1 to 9.