COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — October 7, 2025— Penguin Random House Christian Publishing Group announces the launch of its newest imprint, Align Insight, the first new imprint introduced under the Penguin Random House Christian division. The debut signals PRH Christian’s confidence in the growing demand for values-oriented publishing that bridges Christian perspectives with mainstream audiences.

About the Imprint
Align Insight will be a home for Christian authors and experts writing to a broad, general-market readership on topics such as self-help, lifestyle, psychology, relationships, memoir, and leadership. The imprint will publish books that offer insights, inspiration, and practical solutions to everyday challenges—works that subtly reflect Christian values without necessarily being overtly religious.

“We are seeing a segment of the market continue to gravitate toward books written by Christians for both Christian and general-market audiences,” said Campbell Wharton, Senior Vice President and Publisher. “PRH Christian is committed to expanding the scope of its program to reach even more readers, and the formation of Align Insight gives us an exciting opportunity to publish Christian crossover voices. In addition, we are utilizing the extraordinary strengths of our team across editorial, sales, marketing, and publicity—many of whom have experience reaching both Christian and mainstream readers. After announcing our growth strategy earlier this year, Align Insight is uniquely positioned for success.”

The imprint’s logo features two circles joining to form an alignment with a capital “A” at the center, symbolizing the partnership between authors and Align Insight. It conveys trust, focus, intentionality, and shared purpose in publishing timely, meaningful content.

Looking to acquire 8-10 books per year, acquisitions are led by an experienced team, including Madison Trammel, Editorial Director; Susan Tjaden, Vice President and Executive Editor; Kim Von Fange, Associate Editor; Jamie Lapeyrolerie, Editor; and Leslie Calhoun, Associate Editor.

Align Insight will debut its first title in fall 2026 with Vanessa Adekoya, a financial wealth educator and entrepreneur whose dynamic voice has already attracted more than 650,000 YouTube subscribers. Looking ahead to 2027, the imprint will launch with an exciting group of authors that includes actor Kellan Lutz, best known for his breakout role as Emmett Cullen in the global phenomenon Twilight Saga and now marking two decades in Hollywood, together with his wife Brittany Gonzales Lutz, a former model and actress; Dr. Jay Barnett, former Green Bay Packer turned sought-after speaker and certified mental health therapist; and Dr. Zoe Shaw, a licensed psychotherapist, author, relationship coach, and host of a popular podcast. 

About Penguin Random House Christian Publishing Group
Penguin Random House Christian Publishing Group, a division of Penguin Random House, reaches Christian readers through the imprints WaterBrook, Multnomah, Image, Forum Books, Ink & Willow, WaterBrook Childrens, and its newest imprint, Align Insight.

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

An Invitation to Breathe Deeply and Experience the Impact of Holy Spirit Living!

Take a 52-week Journey to Transform Your Life, Renew Your Mind, and Empower Your Faith

Orleans, MA – October 7, 2025 — Journaling with the Holy Spirit by Bonnie Rickner Jensen, invites readers into an intimate relationship with the Spirit of God through Scripture, reflections on the Word, journaling prompts, coloring pages, prayers, and praise.

The world’s demands can leave us worn out physically, emotionally, and spiritually. We sprint through our days to prove our worth at home, at work, as friends, and on social media. This ongoing pressure to be the best we can be in every area of our lives can leave us feeling depleted. Thankfully, the Holy Spirit is our air. God sent His Spirit to help us in this spiritual race, to be the oxygen that keeps every part of our being healthy, strong, and wise. The Holy Spirit is a gift and walks alongside us in times of need. He is here. He is beside us. His power is in us.

Journaling with the Holy Spirit is a perfect companion for individual devotions or group Bible study. This 52-week journal features:

• Scripture—over 150 Bible verses of encouragement and focus as well as an inspiring Bible verse to color, reflect and meditate on throughout the week, to help readers become more grounded in the Spirit and claim the authority God intends for them to enjoy.
• Devotion—a thought-provoking reflection to help bring readers into the presence of the Holy Trinity, tapping into Holy Spirit power for daily growth and interaction.
• Journal—three pages to record thoughts and responses to reflection questions, thanksgiving, highlights of the week, and how readers wish to learn and grow in relationship with the Spirit.
• Praise—space for recording praise and answered prayers, so readers can see the power of the Holy Spirit moving in their lives.

About the Author
After becoming a young wife and a mother of three daughters, Bonnie Rickner Jensen began her professional writing career at Hallmark Cards in their Christian division (DaySpring). She began writing children’s books through a partnership with Harper Collins Christian Publishing. Bonnie is the bestselling author behind the Really Woolly brand, with more than 1.6 million books sold, and the ECPA gold award-winning Really Woolly Bedtime Prayers. Her first book, God, I Know You’re There, (Tommy Nelson in 2017) is now in four languages. Her recent 3-book devotional series for Dayspring, The Beach is Calling, The Campfire is Calling, and The Mountains are Calling, have garnered inspirational reviews.

Praise for Journaling with the Holy Spirit
“There is a lot to like about this special journal. Its pages are filled with still waters and quiet resting places where your spirit and the Holy Spirit can fellowship together. An adventure of faith awaits as you spend time with the Holy Spirit discovering what is in His heart for you!” – Roy Lessin, Author, Bible teacher, Co-founder of Blessed Day Cards

Media Contact:  Danielle Bushnell, danielleb@paracletepress.com

BRENTWOOD, Tenn. — As churches and families prepare to celebrate the birth of Christ, Lifeway Christian Resources has released a robust lineup of Advent Bible studies and resources, including an online event, designed to equip worshipers of every age to mark the season with Scripture, reflection and community.

While 9 out of 10 Americans celebrate Christmas, only 53% think they can accurately tell the story of Christ’s birth, according to Lifeway Research.

“These resources from Lifeway invite each of us to slow down, understand and reflect on the significance of Christ’s birth, with the hope that this holiday season will gain a greater meaning and purpose,” said Becky Loyd, vice president at Lifeway Christian Resources.

Lifeway Bible studies serve men, women, girls

Written by the teams at Lifeway Women and Lifeway Men respectively, “Behold the Savior” is the title of the four-week, verse-by-verse studies of Luke 1 and 2 created for women’s and men’s groups. Both editions include suggested group activities and discussion guides crafted to deepen understanding of the Christmas story and foster spiritual growth.

“Love Came Down” is a resource created by the Lifeway Girls team to meet the needs of this demographic. The four-session Bible study helps teen girls explore the gospel message through the lens of Advent. It emphasizes God’s holiness, the cost of His love and the transformative power of Jesus’s coming.

Resources for the family

Lifeway Kids has also provided a free family Advent guide that moves through Luke 1 and 2, coordinated with the “Behold the Savior” releases.

“The One We’re Waiting For: An Illustrated Advent Devotional for Families,” written by Taylor Combs and illustrated by Aedan and Natalie Peterson, is intended to create a daily Advent experience for families, with a Bible story, simple discussion questions and illustrated ornaments for each day.

Other Christmas- and Advent-focused devotionals are also available for readers on Lifeway.com. B&H Publishing recently released “Christmas for the Heart” from Cheryl Baker, and “Advent for Exiles,” was recently honored as a finalist in the Christian Book Awards in the new author category.

Prepare Him Room virtual event

Churches and small groups are invited to host or attend an immersive Advent experience called “Prepare Him Room,” featuring teaching from Kelly Minter and worship led by Lindsay McCaul. The event explores the lives of Mary and Elizabeth and encourages participants to make space for Jesus in their hearts and homes.

“I love the story of Mary and Elizabeth,” said Bible teacher Kelly Minter. “Things did not go as planned for them that very first Christmas, and yet both of them were so fully satisfied by the experience of Jesus Christ.”

The virtual event streams Nov. 14 – Dec. 31. Tickets for the live taping in Nashville, Tenn., on Oct. 16 are available as well.

More information about all Advent resources is available at lifeway.com/advent.

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. Lifeway is the world’s largest provider of Spanish Bibles. Based in Brentwood, Tennessee, Lifeway operates as a self-supporting nonprofit. For more information, visit Lifeway.com.

B&H Publishing Group, an imprint of Lifeway Christian Resources, is a team that believes Every Word Matters®. We seek to provide intentional, biblical content that positively impacts the hearts and minds of people, cultivating lifelong relationships with Jesus Christ. We publish (print and digital) in the trade, church and academic markets, as well as the CSB translation. For more information, visit BHPublishingGroup.com.

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

 

Inter-Varsity Press (IVP UK) has appointed two new editors, Sydney Tooth and Elizabeth Sond as part of an ongoing expansion. IVP UK is the evangelical publishing division of SPCK Group.

IVP publishes leading evangelical authors such as Amy Orr-Ewing, John Stott, and Tim Chester. Committed to biblical faithfulness, gospel witness, and equipping the church, IVP also serves academic readers through its Apollos imprint and reaches a global audience via extensive licensing and partnerships.

SPCK Group, founded in 1698, is the UK’s third-oldest publishing house. Under CEO Sam Richardson, it merged with IVP in 2015 and acquired Lion Hudson in 2021, becoming the country’s largest Christian publisher.

Elizabeth Sond was previously Editorial Assistant at Cambridge University Press, and prior to this was an Editorial Intern for Inter-Varsity Press. As editor for IVP, she will commission new titles, engage IVP UK’s rich backlist, and support existing projects, effective from the 27^thJuly 2025.

Sydney Tooth joins IVP UK from Oak Hill College, where she was Director of Postgraduate Studies and Lecturer in New Testament and Greek. As editor for IVP, she will commission new titles, and manage a number of New Testament series, as well as projects on IVP’s Apollos imprint, effective from the 19^th August 2025.

In February 2025, SPCK Group also appointed Rochelle Owusu-Antwi as Marketing Campaign Manager, with a focus on IVP UK and Apollos titles.

Tooth and Sond will report to IVP UK’s Publishing Director, Thomas Creedy.

Tooth says: “I’m delighted to join IVP UK and contribute to its mission of resourcing and strengthening the church through thoughtful, faithful publishing. As an academic now moving into publishing, I’m excited to collaborate with leading authors to bring the best of evangelical scholarship to pastors, academics, and the wider church.”

Sond says: “I’m honoured to join IVP UK as an editor and look forward to working with the wider team and IVP’s brilliant authors to publish books that encourage and strengthen readers in their faith. I’m especially excited to commission new titles that reflect IVP’s mission to serve the global church with the best pastoral, theological, and academic resources.”

Creedy says: “IVP UK is growing, and a highlight of this year has been the expansion of our editorial team. I’m delighted to welcome two new editors who share our vision and bring excellent experience. Elizabeth, a standout former intern, returns after a role at Cambridge University Press. Sydney joins us from a distinguished academic background, and her appointment reflects our commitment to the highest biblical scholarship and rigour. As we mark ten years since IVP’s merger with SPCK, we’re on the front foot heading towards our centenary in 2028 – committed to publishing that is biblically rooted, culturally engaged, and globally relevant.”

Wendy Grisham, Deputy CEO of SPCK Group, says: “These new appointments reflect an exciting period of growth and expansion for IVP UK. The addition of Sydney and Elizabeth to the editorial team will take us to new heights of publishing excellence, strengthening our ability to produce books that are theologically rigorous, culturally engaged, and pastorally wise. Sydney’s and Elizabeth’s expertise and experience, combined with the vision of IVP UK Publishing Director, Thomas Creedy, and the wider team, will equip us to nurture established authors, develop vital new voices, and create resources that inspire, challenge, and support readers in their faith. As IVP UK continues to flourish within SPCK Group, I am confident that these appointments will be key to shaping the next chapter of their publishing mission.”

For further information please contact:  Emily Beater, ebeater@spck.org.uk, 07494430503

For social posts, please use the following IVP UK social handles: 

• Twitter – @IVPbookcentre
• Instagram –  @ivpbooks 
• Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/ivpbooks/

October 2025 | LISLE, IL—InterVarsity Press (IVP) is pleased to announce that Longing for Joy by Alastair Sterne was named the Best Nonfiction Book of the Year as part of the 2025 Word Guild Awards. In addition, IVP Academic’s Improvising Church by Mark Glanville received the Word Guild Award in the Academic category. The Return of the Kingdom by Stephen G. Dempster received the top honor in the Biblical Studies category, and The Riches of Your Grace by Julie Lane-Gay received the award in the Christian Living – Personal Growth category.

“We are thrilled and honored to have four of our books as award winners with The Word Guild this year,” said Cindy Bunch, vice president of IVP Editorial. “The diversity of the categories of the books represented (Christian living, church ministry, and biblical studies) drawn from both our academic and trade imprints highlights the thoughtfulness and range of The Word Guild Awards. Congratulations to these authors!”

The Word Guild’s thirty-seventh annual awards event was held on Saturday, October 4, in honor of talented Canadian writers who are Christian. This virtual event recognized both unpublished works and those published in 2024, encompassing genres for Christian and general market audiences.

Longing for Joy: An Invitation into the Goodness and Beauty of Life, the top nonfiction title, was one of five finalists for the Best Nonfiction Book of the Year. Through theologically grounded insights and research-based practices, Sterne offers guidance for becoming people of joyful presence, even for those who don’t consider themselves naturally inclined toward an enthusiastic, happy temperament.

“I am regularly chagrined by the obstinacy of my cynicism, so I received Alastair Sterne’s Longing for Joy with real apprehension. This book might not be for me, I thought, but I was gloriously, joyfully wrong,” said Emily Hunter McGowin, associate professor of theology at Wheaton College. “Reading Longing for Joy is like being taught to dance by a gentle and confident partner. Self-consciousness and doubt are overcome by Sterne’s skilled and intuitive accompaniment. Something approaching a sacrament, Longing for Joy affects what it signifies, as the reader is led into ‘an ever-widening circle of joy.’”

Sterne is also the author of Rhythms for Life: Spiritual Practices for Who God Made You to Be.

The Word Guild winner in the Academic category Improvising Church: Scripture as the Source of Harmony, Rhythm, and Soul proposes how to move beyond cookie-cutter approaches (which may have worked in the past) to build the creative, compassionate, and incarnational churches we long for. Glanville, a biblical scholar and accomplished jazz pianist, plays with a metaphor of improvisation to chart twelve themes as the key “notes” on which Christian communities play as they bear witness to God in the world today. Building on these two dynamic traditions—jazz music and Christian community—Improvising Church unfolds a biblical, practical, and inventive vision for churches seeking to receive and extend the healing of Christ.

Jason Byassee, senior pastor of Timothy Eaton Memorial Church in Toronto, Ontario said, “Imagine an interpreter of Scripture with trustworthy credentials. Now imagine a musician who enchants with creativity. Next imagine a pastor who can mobilize a community to bless a neighborhood. In Mark Glanville, all three of these are one person. Read, listen, and imagine what more may be possible.” 

The Return of the Kingdom: A Biblical Theology of God’s Reign, the top Biblical Studies Word Guild honoree, is part of IVP Academic’s Essential Studies in Biblical Theology series that explores the central or “essential” themes of the Bible’s grand storyline. In this volume, Dempster traces the themes of kingship and kingdom throughout Scripture, illuminating the challenges, pain, and ultimate hope that the Bible offers. The story of God’s kingship is ultimately the fulfillment of a promise, a promise to restore the rightful rule of humanity over creation by defeating sin and death and to establish a world of peace and justice.

“In this delightful handbook Stephen Dempster takes his readers on a royal tour of the Christian scriptures,” said Daniel I. Block, Gunther H. Knoedler Professor Emeritus of Old Testament at Wheaton College. “He invites us to picture the Bible as a royal garden consisting of a vast variety of trees whose foliage and fruit stimulate all our senses as we pass by. As he leads us through this literary paradise, he highlights its major structural features and theological themes, but he adds color and brilliance to the picture with exegetical nuggets and gemstones that leave us in awe of this place.”

A finalist for the Best Nonfiction Book as well as the top Christian Living – Personal Growth title, The Riches of Your Grace: Living in the Book of Common Prayer shares the treasures Lane-Gay has found in the Book of Common Prayer. It’s not a history of the prayer book nor a guide (though it will certainly help readers get their bearings). Instead, using stories from her own life, Lane-Gay shows what it means to live in the prayer book: to allow its prayers and patterns to shape an ordinary Christian life.

“Julie Lane-Gay is guide and fellow explorer in this rich contemplation of the Book of Common Prayer,” said Karen Stiller, author of Holiness Here and The Minister’s Wife. “Her personal journey through an ancient text of Anglicanism is honest and poetic. As she reads the Book of Common Prayer at church and at home, the book reads her, and we all benefit. The Book of Common Prayer can at first seem formal and a bit complicated for some of us, but in Lane-Gay’s skilled and sensitive hands, we experience how it opens the mysteries of God’s grace, love, and direction in our daily lives. I put down this book and felt encouraged to pick up that ‘small red book’ once again.”

The Word Awards were established by The Word Guild to encourage the pursuit of excellence in the art, craft, practice, and ministry of writing and to help raise the profile of Canadian writers who are Christian. For more information about The Word Guild and the complete list of winners for the 2025 Word Awards visit thewordguild.com.

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

Contact:  Krista Clayton, kclayton@ivpress.com

 

To Know Him: A 90-Day Invitation to Come to God As You Are to Release Oct. 28, 2025

NASHVILLE, Tenn., Oct. 9, 2025—After writing 46 books that have encouraged people worldwide, Christian psychologist, leadership expert and New York Times best-selling author of Boundaries Dr. Henry Cloud will release his first-ever devotional on October 28 called, To Know Him: A 90-Day Invitation to Come to God As You Are (Worthy Books). In To Know Him, Cloud offers a devotional book to inspire deeper faith through the stories, miracles and science he’s encountered. Each day offers a Bible passage, heartfelt reflection, and guided prayer—all designed to encourage readers to know God more fully.

As a psychologist, Cloud has dedicated his life to exploring the great and beautiful mystery of the human mind and how it interacts with existential questions like: What gives our lives purpose and makes them meaningful? How do we not only survive but find joy in a world that is full of suffering and disappointment? How can we live fully within the tension between the way things are and the way we long for them to be? These themes are reflected throughout the devotional, and readers are invited to join this 90-day journey to come to God from exactly the place they are right now – from right in the middle of worry, sadness, joy, longing, doubt, certainty, fear, anger or compassion.

Inspired by his previous book, Why I Believe (Worth Books, 2024)—a deeply personal story of faith and miracles in the field of psychology that examines his exploration of science and suffering, and how it relates to our relationship with God—Cloud penned To Know Him in devotional format to further share his own faith and inspire others to draw near to God in every circumstance.

A healer of minds and a teller of stories, in To Know Him, Cloud gives readers glimpses into significant milestones in his life and faith journey, from his diagnosis with a medical condition at the age of nearly four to his battle with depression as a college student. Throughout the 90 days of devotional entries, Cloud asks thought provoking questions, offering daily reflections on who we are, why we are here, and the nature of our connection to each other and to our Creator.

“Getting to know God and growing in your spiritual life is hardly ever a straight line. But at the same time, through all the twists and turns, times of strong enlightenment and other times of feeling lost, there is a sure direction. God promises that, and He fulfills that promise,” said Cloud. “The journey is always ‘to Him.’ Getting closer to Him and knowing Him more and more intimately. The journey is worth it!”

To Know Him: A 90-Day Invitation to Come to God As You Are (Worthy Books, ISBN: 978-1-5460-0923-8) is available Oct. 28, 2025. Hardcover: $20.00.

Dr. Henry Cloud is an acclaimed leadership expert, clinical psychologist and New York Times bestselling author. His 46 books, including the iconic Boundaries, have sold nearly 20 million copies worldwide. He has an extensive executive coaching background and experience as a leadership consultant, devoting the majority of his time working with CEOs, leadership teams, and executives to improve performance, leadership skills and culture. To Know Him is Cloud’s first devotional book.

MEDIA NOTE:  For more information about To Know Him: A 90-Day Invitation to Come to God As You Are, or to arrange an interview, contact Laura McGowan at 847.347.5206 or Alli Ehrhardt at 541.973.1994.

CHARLOTTE, NC – The Good Book Company is excited to announce that it is partnering with the Yoto kids audio platform to provide Yoto’s first officially licensed Christian content.

Over the last few years, Yoto has become a major player in the children’s audio market. Their screen-free audio player keeps parents in control of the content their kids are listening to, while being fun to use. To this point, their official 850-strong audiobook list has not included any Christian content.

“We’re delighted to be the first Christian publisher Yoto has decided to add to its officially published content,” said President and Co-CEO James Burstow. “Yoto is rapidly becoming the go-to audio player, and we’re thrilled to be able to provide the millions of kids who listen to a Yoto player each month with Christ-centered, faithful biblical content.”

TGBC’s first offering through Yoto is the God’s Big Promises Bible Storybook, which is narrated by pastor and author Andrew Wilson and features an immersive surround-sound listening experience. The double-card pack launched October 9^th.

The next two cards will each feature five stories from the million-selling Tales that Tell the Truth series. The bestsellers The Christmas Promise by Alison Mitchell and God’s Very Good Idea by Trillia Newbell are included on the first card, releasing in November; February will see the launch of a second card including The Garden, the Curtain and the Cross.

The cards will be available from both yotoplay.com and thegoodbook.com. Retail outlets wishing to start the process of joining in with the success of these TGBC Yoto cards can do so by emailing nick.bannister@thegoodbook.com.

ABOUT THE GOOD BOOK COMPANY
Founded in 1991, The Good Book Company (TGBC) is an employee-owned international Christian publisher. Their Bible studies, books, devotionals, videos, tracts, evangelistic courses, and training materials are used throughout the English-speaking world, and in translation in over 35 languages worldwide. Everyone at TGBC is passionate about the Lord Jesus, His word, His church, and His gospel of grace. They create and publish biblical, relevant, and accessible resources that will encourage Christians to keep going, keep growing, and keep sharing their faith.

 

The founder of Boss Women Media and Black Girl Magic summit shares tips on how to stop playing it safe—and start creating a life that’s truly your own.

Marty McDonald’s pivotal career moment was nothing if not audacious: she stopped the CEO of a candy company in a hallway, pitched her idea for a special gummy bear flavor, and was soon promoting the Black Girl Magic gummy bear at Sugarfina stores around the country.

Now, Marty has penned a guide to help women go after their most audacious goals in work and everyday life, and make them a reality. With unflinching honesty, McDonald recounts her personal stories of triumph and failure, offering an intimate look into the audacious decisions that propelled her from uncertainty to success. From navigating the unknown to breaking through barriers that seemed insurmountable, McDonald reveals the mindset, strategies, and bold actions required to turn fear into fuel and transform dreams into reality. She helps women:

·Set aside fear and write a different narrative
·Grow comfortable taking risks
·Understand the investments you must make in yourself
·Understand that “no” is just the beginning of the conversation
·Learn other ways to make a difference beyond themselves

Whether you’re looking to level up in your career, create a life of meaning, or embrace the wild unknown of new possibilities, Audacious provides the blueprint to help women find their authentic selves, reach for their wildest dreams, and craft the life they want and deserve.

MARTY MCDONALD is an entrepreneur, designer, and the founder of Boss Women Media—a powerhouse community of over 200,000 people committed to growth, purpose, and possibility. After leaving corporate America in 2017, Marty built a movement that helps people break through fear and boldly pursue the lives they were meant to lead. She’s also the founder of Elle Olivia, a children’s brand inspired by her daughter’s NICU journey and built to center advocacy and representation in everyday life. Now carried in over 400 Target stores, Elle Olivia is reshaping the future of children’s fashion and storytelling. Marty is building the future she once dreamed of— alongside her husband and three kids—while empowering others to do the same. Her work is rooted in impact, fueled by faith, and focused on helping people see what’s possible when they bet on themselves.

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO—NavPress author, former NFL player, and Transformation Church lead pastor Derwin L. Gray was honored last week with the 2025 Dr. John M. Perkins Justice Award, presented by the Perkins Foundation. The award celebrates Gray’s extraordinary leadership and lifelong dedication to racial reconciliation—continuing the powerful legacy of civil rights leader Dr. John M. Perkins.

“John Perkins is my hero,” said Gray. “When I think of followers of Jesus over the last 100 years, I can think of no other man who has embodied the gospel of King Jesus more faithfully than Dr. Perkins. With him, there was no separation between the vertical beam of the cross and the horizontal beam of the cross. He lived out the heart of the gospel, which is reconciliation to God and reconciliation to your fellow human being, regardless of their ethnicity, class, or gender. To receive an award bearing his name is one of the great honors of my life—more meaningful than entering any hall of fame.”

Founded by Dr. Perkins, the Perkins Foundation promotes racial reconciliation, community development, and biblical justice in marginalized communities. Perkins’ lifelong mission of love, faith, and social action continues to inspire leaders like Gray, who has championed these same values through his ministry and writing.

Bryan Stevenson (Equal Justice Initiative), inaugural recipient of the award, said, “I’m thrilled that the lives and legacy of Dr. John and Vera Mae Perkins live on through people doing extraordinary work in the world, like Dr. Derwin Gray. We are honored and inspired by the work you do. You have made truth the light that guides us through these dark and difficult times.”

Through his leadership at Transformation Church, located just south of Charlotte, North Carolina, Gray has helped build one of the nation’s leading multiethnic congregations. His recent NavPress book, Lit Up With Love, reflects his personal journey of transformation and his call for unity through the power of Christ’s love.

For more information about Derwin L. Gray and Transformation Church, visit derwinlgray.com. To learn more about the Perkins Foundation, visit johnmperkins.com.

NAVPRESS—From 1975 until today and into the future, NavPress equips people with bold, loving, and sensible disciplemaking resources, including books, Bible studies, and The Message® Bible. A business ministry of The Navigators, NavPress supports readers as they know Christ, make Him known, and help others do the same.®  NavPress has been in a publishing alliance with Tyndale House Publishers, one of the largest independently owned Christian publishers in the world, since 2014. NavPress resources are sold, distributed, and marketed worldwide through Tyndale House Publishers. Learn more at navpress.com/purpose or connect with us on Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.

Contact:  Andrea Martin, (630) 784-5318, andreamartin@tyndale.com

 

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Oct. 10, 2025) – On October 13,  Jessica Breen will join Hachette Nashville as Executive Marketing Director, assuming marketing leadership for all four Nashville-based imprints – Center Street, FaithWords, Worthy, and Worthy Kids.

She joins the Hachette Nashville team after more than five years with Basic Books, another Hachette imprint, most recently as Executive Marketing Director for the Basic Books Group, where she has overseen numerous bestselling campaigns across the group’s six imprints. Prior to joining Hachette, Jessica held marketing roles at Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, Simon & Schuster, Barnes & Noble, and Yale University Press.

Breen will report to Daisy Hutton, Hachette Nashville’s VP & Publisher, and will continue to work out of Hachette’s New York office, where she has been based. Reporting to Breen are Marketing Manager Taylor Peterson and Marketing Associate Faith Fiorile.

“I am extremely grateful to have someone of Jessica’s caliber joining us to oversee our marketing strategy and execution, “ says Hutton. “After an outstanding performance in 2025, including the publication of 5 New York Times bestsellers across the Nashville division, Jessica’s talent as a leader and her stellar instincts and creativity in connecting authors and readers are exactly what we need to take our publishing to the next level. I have never been more optimistic and energized about the future of Hachette Nashville’s publishing and about what this team can accomplish together.”

Senior Publicity Director Katie Robison, also reporting to Hutton, will continue to lead PR efforts for the division out of the Nashville office. Associate Publicist Ella Rose Murphy continues to report to Robison.

Hachette Nashville is thrilled to welcome Jessica!

Hachette Nashville is a division of Hachette Book Group. www.hachettebookgroup.com

Media Contact:  Katie Robison, Sr. Dir. of Publicity, Hachette Nashville, Katie.robison@hbgusa.com