Equipping Children to Conquer Life’s Challenges with Unshakable Faith and Courage

New Middle Grade Book Highlights the Armor of God and Spiritual Heroes to Help Readers Take Down Dragons

Cape Cod, MA—March 14, 2025—Parents need every tool available to help raise children with a Christian worldview in a world with a decaying moral compass. Studies show that 64 percent of born again Christians make a decision for Christ before their 18th birthday. One new tool available to parents is Dragon Slayers: The Essential Training Guide for Young Dragon Fighters by Joyce Denham, featuring illustrations by Kristina Kister.

Dragon Slayers takes real-life problems—anxiety, bullying, self-doubt, grief, fear, and more—and turns each one into a formidable dragon, and provides weapons to defeat them.

“It’s a one-of-a-kind book—part training course, part dragon-identification manual, part hero stories—that enables kids to recognize the ‘dragons’ attacking them and then equips them to overcome those assaults,” said Joyce Denham, author. “Guided by Sir Wyvern Pugilist, a fictional (often cranky) narrator, readers enter the interactive and creative Land of Dragons, becoming intimate friends with the Dragon Slayer, who is Jesus.

“This book takes kids seriously, building their resilience and hope as they face life’s challenges. It’s a wholly new and exciting introduction to Christian faith, growing kids into lifelong Dragon Slayers.”

Dragon Slayers is more than just a book; it is an adventure for each reader rooted in biblical truth. Sir Wyvern Pugilist takes readers on a journey of discovery in Dragon Slayers. Not only does Sir Wyvern help them understand the dragons one could meet in life and explain how they might attack them, but he also teaches readers how to defend themselves against them. Readers learn about Jesus, the ultimate dragon slayer, as well as the Trinity, Armor of God, and many heroes of the faith such as Peter, Paul, Francis of Assisi, Sojourner Truth, Martin Luther King Jr., and many more.

“In a world where kids face dragons of fear, doubt, and temptation every day, this book is more than an adventure—it’s a battle plan for spiritual strength,” said Lillian Miao, director, Paraclete Press. “By blending Scripture with the thrill of adventure, Dragon Slayers equips young readers with the armor they need to stand strong and provides them with tools that will help them talk to a trusted adult about their struggles.

“Through the wisdom of great spiritual warriors of old, like St. Paul, Francis of Assisi, and Martin Luther King Jr., and the power of God’s Word, this book empowers kids to face life’s challenges with courage and unwavering trust in God. More than just a book, it’s a call to action for the next generation of faithful warriors,” Miao added.

Joyce is available to speak about the following themes found in Dragon Slayers:

• Tips for parents to raise children in the Christian faith.
• Heroes of the faith (the life and lessons of Apostle Paul, St. Francis of Assisi, Sojourner Truth, and more)
• Key spiritual concepts (such as divine rescue, hope, courage)
• The Armor of God & the Trinity (and how parents can help children understand the significance of both)
• Jesus – the ultimate dragon slayer

Dragon Slayers is not only a tool every parent should add to their arsenal, but also a
must-read for children, empowering them to face life’s challenges with unshakable faith and courage.

About the Author
Joyce Denham is an internationally published author and speaker, known for her books on Celtic Christianity, prayer, and saints. A literature teacher by profession, she is passionate about Biblical storytelling, teaching at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Edina, MN, and leading spiritual retreats. She resides in Minneapolis with her husband, Pete.

About the Illustrator
Kristina Kister is a German illustrator and character designer whose work spans children’s books, animation, and commercial art. With a distinctive style blending geometric shapes, vibrant colors, and hand-drawn textures, she brings the world of Dragon Slayers to life with stunning visuals.

Paraclete Press is the publishing outreach of the Cape Cod Benedictine community, the Community of Jesus. Presenting a full expression of Christian belief and practice, Paraclete reflects the ecumenical charism of the Community and its dedication to sacred music, the fine arts, and the written word.

Media Contacts:
Jennifer Valk, Valk Strategies, jen@valkstrategies.com
Danielle Bushnell, Paraclete Press, danielleb@paracletepress.com

 

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Interview Questions:

1. How did you come up with the concept for Dragon Slayers?
2. In Dragon Slayers, you use dragons to explain obstacles in life like fear, anxiety, greed, lying, etc. Why do you think it is easier for kids, and adults alike, to understand an issue when it is used in this format?
3. What do you think is the biggest obstacle parents face today in raising kids in faith? How does Dragon Slayers help parents counter this obstacle?
4. How are you personally reflected in Dragon Salyers?
5. Was there a particular dragon that was harder to write about than any of the others?
6. Dragon Slayers does a wonderful job of introducing big spiritual concepts—like the Trinity and The Armor of God—in a way young minds can understand. Why was it important to include these things in the book?
7. One theme in Dragon Slayers you reference a lot is encouraging the young slayers to talk to trusted adults about the dragons they are fighting. What tips do you have to help parents show the children in their life they can trust them and talk to them?
8. What do you hope readers take away from Dragon Slayers?

 

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 What others are saying about Dragon Slayers:

“What a clever and engaging way to help young readers understand the real battle against sin and temptation! The author creatively equips children with the tools of our faith, showing them how to guard their souls and fight against evil by following the example of the saints that fought before us. A fantastic blend of imagination and spiritual truth, this book makes the reality of spiritual warfare both accessible and inspiring for kids.” –Casey Pawelek, Bestselling Author of Look and Learn

“Dragon Slayers reminds me of Pilgrim’s Progress, transforming a life of faith into an epic adventure. It’s fun but quite serious, and for those captivated by dragons it may do a world of good.” –Tim Stafford, award-winning author of more than 30 books, a regular contributor to Christianity Today and Campus Life magazines, and co-editor of The Student Bible

“Dragons are everywhere. They have always plagued our land. If you want to learn to recognize them and slay them, then Sir Wyvern’s great manual, Dragon Slayers, is for you. Sir Wyvern has slain thousands of dragons and helped train thousands of slayers. I know, because I am one of them (not one of the dragons, one of the slayers.)” –Sir Rolland Paterlot, author of the 7 Deadly Dragons book series, and president of the non-profit Extraordinary Mission (Sir Rolland is also known as John R. Wood, author of Ordinary Lives, Extraordinary Mission)

“When Sir Wyvern Pugilist, the famed dragon slayer of old, puts out a clarion call for new warriors, sign me up! Dragon Slayers, The Essential Training Guide for Young Dragon Fighters is a charming, imaginative, and thoroughly inspiring manual, not only for battling fictional wyrms but also the real ‘dragons’ that assail us all in life. Transformative truths and training for the young and young at heart!” –Wayne Thomas Batson, Bestselling Author of The Door Within Trilogy, The Myridian Constellation, and Outcast

“This is a beautiful book in every respect. Denham’s insight and intelligence shines through on every page, beautifully enhanced by Kister’s artwork. Dragon Slayers is a delightful read for children and adults alike.” –Ross Lawhead, author, and graphic novelist

 

A Seasoned Marriage helps couples in the second half of life navigate the unique challenges that arise with growing older together.

AVAILABLE MAY 12, 2025

Life is different than it was on your wedding day years ago. You are different, your spouse is different, and so is your marriage. In the middle and later decades of life, we all face situations we didn’t think about as young married couples such as maintaining relationships with adult children, planning for retirement, navigating health struggles, preventing marital monotony, and investing time into the lives of our grandchildren.

With warmth and wisdom, pastor Larry McCall encourages readers that these new challenges can be blessings and are all wonderful opportunities to grow in your care for one another as you reflect the love of Christ. In the face of the next season of life, it is possible for your relationship to grow even sweeter.

• Learn to navigate launching adult children, wrapping up your career, caring for aging parents, and facing new financial challenges.
• Embrace change as your roles and responsibilities shift and as you look to the future for new opportunities to serve with the hope of the gospel.
• Includes questions for personal reflection or group discussion.

A Seasoned Marriage: Living the Gospel in the Middle Years and Beyond
by Larry E. McCall
May 12, 2025 / Retail Price: $16.99
Print ISBN: 978-1-64507-500-4
Religion / Christian Living / Love & Marriage

Larry E. McCall, DMin, has served as a pastor at Christ’s Covenant Church of Winona Lake, Indiana since 1981 and also serves as the director of Walking Like Jesus Ministries. He has written a number of articles and is the author of several books, including Grandparenting with Grace and A Seasoned Marriage. Larry has been married to Gladine since 1975. They have three married children and seven grandchildren.

Learn more at wljministries.org.

For review copy and interview information, contact:
Audra Jennings – audra@newgrowthpress.com  

 

Ada, Mich. (March 12, 2025)—Brazos Press, a division of Baker Publishing Group, is pleased to announce that ECPA bestselling author Beth Allison Barr has reached a significant sales milestone. Her first book, The Making of Biblical Womanhood: How the Subjugation of Women Became Gospel Truth, released in April of 2021, has reached 100,000 copies sold. In The Making of Biblical Womanhood, Barr shows that “biblical womanhood” isn’t biblical but arose from a series of clearly definable historical moments, and she presents a better way forward for the contemporary church.

The Making of Biblical Womanhood: How the Subjugation of Women Became Gospel Truth
(Brazos Press, ISBN 9781587434709, $19.99p, Ebook ISBN 9781493429639)

Barr has a new book releasing with Brazos Press on March 18, 2025:
Becoming the Pastor’s Wife: How Marriage Replaced Ordination as a Woman’s Path to Ministry
(Brazos Press, ISBN 9781587435898, $24.99c, Ebook ISBN 9781493447848).

Katelyn Beaty, editorial director of Brazos Press says, “Brazos is thrilled to see the historically fascinating and spiritually compelling message of The Making of Biblical Womanhood reach so many readers. We trust that this sales milestone is the first of many for Barr.”

Beth Allison Barr (PhD, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill) is James Vardaman Endowed Professor of History at Baylor University in Waco, Texas, where she specializes in medieval history, women’s history, and church history. Her work has been featured by NPR and The New Yorker, and she has written for Christianity Today, The Washington Post, The Dallas Morning News, Sojourners, and Baptist News Global. Barr lives in Texas with her husband, a Baptist pastor, and their two children.

Brazos Press publishes books that creatively draw upon the riches of the Christian story to deepen our understanding of God’s world and inspire faithful reflection and engagement.

Contact:  Shelly MacNaughton  (616) 450-5560

 

PRH Christian Publishing Group is delighted to announce the addition of two key roles to the publishing team. Jeff Miller is joining as Art Director, and Rebecca Schriner is the new Assistant Director of Publicity, both starting March 17.

“As we continue to grow our division, I am thrilled that Jeff and Becca are joining our Creative Services and Publicity teams, respectively,” said Campbell Wharton, SVP and Publisher PRHCPG. “Jeff’s immense talent as a designer is going to be a huge asset for our authors and books as we build out the best-in-class design department for our adult program. Becca’s extensive knowledge of the Christian and mainstream media landscape will be valuable assets as we guide our authors in taking them to the next level. We warmly welcome them both to PRH Christian.”

As Art Director, Miller will oversee the adult jackets program in the Creative Services department, reporting to Kristopher Orr, Creative Director. Miller comes from the award-winning Faceout Studio where he has been the Associate Creative Director for the last 18 years. Miller holds multiple awards from ECPA’s Top Shelf Book Cover competition that include Darkness Calls The Tiger, Biblical Typology, The Plurality Principle, Gun Lap, Running from Mercy, A Light So Lovely, What Blooms From Dust, and others. Over his impressive career, he has developed jackets for such notable books as How to Fast by Reward Sibanda, A Good Life by Pope Francis, Kevin DeYoung’s Crazy Busy, Jon Acuff’s Soundtracks, the repackage of Gary Chapman’s The 5 Love Languages, and many, many more. His vast experience across genres makes him well-rounded and able to tackle any project that comes his way.

Miller holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Oregon State University in Applied Visual Arts, and resides with his family in Redmond, Oregon.

Schriner will lead publicity campaigns for titles across all PRH Christian’s imprints and will report to Beverly Rykerd, VP, Publicity Director. Becca was with Zondervan where she has been a Publicity Manager working on campaigns for recent releases such as Melissa Dougherty’s Happy Lies, Lee Strobel’s Seeing the Supernatural, and Gov. John Kasich’s upcoming Heaven Help Us. Previously, Schriner was a Publicist at Baker Publishing Group for Bethany House and Chosen Books, working with such authors as Tara-Leigh Cobble, Manny Arango, and Joshua Giles. She got her start in publicity at Torchflame Books, handling fiction and nonfiction titles. Schriner has a background in planning and executing innovative media campaigns that bridge Christian and mainstream audiences.

Schriner is an ECPA Emerging Leader Mentor and has spoken at ECPA events. She holds a master’s degree in public relations from Ball State University and a bachelor’s from Taylor University in professional writing. Schriner lives in Minneapolis, Minn.

WaterBrook, Multnomah, Image, and Forum are imprints of PRH Christian Publishing Group, a division of Penguin Random House, LLC.

 

‘Prophet, Priest, & King: The Three Offices of Christ’ anchors readers in Jesus amid secular world

BRENTWOOD, Tenn., March 3, 2025 — Followers of Jesus Christ experience daily tensions created by the post-Christian, secular environment around us. R. Albert Mohler, Jr. knows this reality well through his roles as seminary president, program host and editor.

Yet, as his latest release from B&H Publishing Group reminds us, when our faith is grounded in Christ and thoroughly informed by his prophetic, priestly and kingly offices, we need not be shaken by the subversions of the modern world.

In “Prophet, Priest, & King: The Three Offices of Christ,” Mohler shows the offices of Christ are interconnected and essential for Christian faithfulness in the home, the church and society.

“Prophet, Priest, & King” draws from the full scope of God’s Word and takes readers on a journey through church history. Mohler underscores the importance of all three offices and how integral they are to the Christian faith—in the past and today.

Mohler weaves theological, cultural, historical and personal themes to encourage readers and point them to our ultimate future.

When Jesus Christ returns, the whole world will bow to him as Lord—”Prophet, Priest, & King.”

ABOUT R. ALBERT MOHLER
Albert Mohler, Jr. is president of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is an esteemed authority on contemporary issues and has been recognized by such influential publications as Time and Christianity Today as a leader among American evangelicals. He is a professor of Christian theology and hosts two programs: “The Briefing,” a daily analysis of news and events from a Christian worldview, and “Thinking in Public.” He is also the editor of WORLD Opinions and has authored numerous books, the latest being, “Recapturing the Glory of Christmas.” He is married to Mary, and they have two children, Katie and Christopher, and are the proud grandparents of Benjamin, Henry and Margaret.

• “Prophet, Priest, & King” by R. Albert Mohler, Jr.
• Publication Date: April 1, 2025
• Media Contact: jill.waggoner@lifeway.com

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TALKING POINTS AND INTERVIEW ANGLES

• Theological: Why all three offices are essential for a full understanding of the person and work of Christ
• Cultural: How Christians can navigate the tensions of our post-Christian, secular environment
• Historical: How understanding the three offices of Jesus served believers throughout church history
• Personal: How a personal relationship with Christ is the foundation for Christian living

POSSIBLE INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

• Why is a discussion around the three offices of Christ so important for modern evangelicalism?
• What are the temptations that come from our culture today that distort our understanding of the person of Christ?
• How can reading and studying the entire Bible inform our thinking about the person and work of Christ?
• How can these theological concepts form the basis for our practices and for our lives?
• How do evangelicals misunderstand prophecy?
• Why is it important today to emphasize the office of priest?
• What does it mean that Jesus will reign as king?

MEDIA REQUESTS
Please direct requests to Jill Waggoner, Lifeway publicist, who can provide high-resolution images and other media assets and discuss interview availability, excerpts and other content ideas. She can be reached at jill.waggoner@lifeway.com or 615.330.6821.

 

 

NASHVILLE, TENN. (MARCH 12, 2025) The creator and host of The Bible Recap podcast and books, Tara-Leigh Cobble announces the 2025 The Bible Recap Live Tour. The tour will feature six special events beginning in June in Houston, TX. Tickets for the tour will go on sale March 17th. Join Tara-Leigh Cobble and the TBR family for a night of games, prizes, Question & Response, and Bible time. Purchase tickets here.

“Hands down, my favorite part of the TBR Live Tour is getting to see my fellow Bible Readers in person,” says Cobble. “There’s just something about being together. Plus, these nights are so much FUN! We play games, give out prizes, answer audience questions, dig into the Bible, and have a blast hanging out with each other!”

Special VIP tickets ($89.75) for the TBR Live Afterparty with Tara-Leigh Cobble will be available and include a personal picture with her, a signed bookplate, a tour lanyard, early venue entry to shop, and a place card to hold your seat. Early Entry tickets ($49.75) will also be available to beat the rush and get early access before general admission opens. Visit thebiblerecap.com/live for ticket options.

• June 13, 2025 – Houston, TX
• June 14, 2025 – Dallas, TX
• August 22, 2025 – Little Rock, AR
• August 23, 2025 – Oklahoma City, OK
• October 3, 2025 – Greenville, SC
• October 4, 2025 – Marietta, GA

ABOUT TARA-LEIGH COBBLE
Tara-Leigh Cobble is a Wall Street Journal bestselling author, the creator of The Bible Recap line of books, and the creator and host of the daily podcast The Bible Recap, which has garnered over 328 million downloads. She is also the founder of D-Group, an international network of discipleship and Bible study groups, and the host of a daily radio feature called The God Shot. Tara-Leigh lives in Dallas, Texas. For more information: TaraLeighCobble.com | TheBibleRecap.com | MyDGroup.org

ABOUT TPR
With over 75 years of combined experience in concert and event promotion, TPR was formed in 2024 from the three leading faith-based promotion companies: Transparent Productions, Premier Productions, and Rush Concerts. Together TPR is the largest promoter in the genre promoting first-class Christian and Gospel concerts, tours, and festivals across the U.S. in churches, theaters, arenas, and amphitheaters. TPR’s roster also includes Anne Wilson, Brandon Lake, Cece Winans, Chris Tomlin, Dude Perfect, Elevation Worship, Forrest Frank, Gaither Vocal Band, Jeremy Camp, Josiah Queen, KB, Lysa TerKeurst, MercyMe, Phil Wickham, Tauren Wells, We the Kingdom and many more.

Nashville, TN – HarperCollins Christian Publishing (HCCP) announced that seven titles from its Zondervan Reflective, Zonderkidz, and Thomas Nelson imprints have been recognized as Outreach Resources of the Year by Outreach magazine. These awards span multiple categories, highlighting the diverse and impactful contributions of HCCP’s authors. Two additional Zondervan titles were highlighted as “Also Recommended” resources by the magazine’s editorial team.

The 22nd Annual Outreach Resources of the Year celebrate books released between November 1, 2023, and October 31, 2024, that “emphasize outreach-oriented ideas that churches and organizations of all sizes can use.”

Winning titles include:

• Becoming a Future-Ready Church: 8 Shifts to Encourage and Empower the Next Generation of Leadersby Daniel Yang, Adelle M. Banks, and Warren Bird (Zondervan Reflective) – Leadership category
• What It Means to Be Protestant: The Case for an Always-Reforming Churchby Gavin Ortlund (Zondervan Reflective) – Theology & Biblical Studies category
• Hey-O! Stories of the Bibleby Saddleback Kids (Zonderkidz) – Kids & Youth category
• The Adventure Bible Guide: Explore the Stories, People, and Places of Every Book in the Bible (Zonderkidz) – Kids & Youth category
• Priests of History: Stewarding the Past in an Ahistoric Ageby Sarah Irving-Stonebraker (Zondervan Reflective) – Culture category
• Fighting Shadows: Overcoming 7 Lies That Keep Men From Becoming Fully Aliveby Jefferson Bethke and Jon Tyson (Thomas Nelson) – Counseling & Relationships category
• Organic Prayer: Discover the Presence and Power of God in theEveryday by Sherry Harney with Kevin Harney (Zondervan Reflective) – Spiritual Growth category

Additional titles recognized as “Also Recommended”:

• The Scandal of the Kingdom: How the Parables of Jesus Revolutionize Life with Godby Dallas Willard (Zondervan) – Theology & Biblical Studies category
• Van Gogh Has a Broken Heart: What Art Teaches Us About the Wonder and Struggle of Being Alive by Russ Ramsey (Zondervan Reflective) – Christian Living category

“We are honored to see nine of our titles recognized by Outreach magazine this year,” said Mark Schoenwald, President and CEO of HarperCollins Christian Publishing. “This acknowledgment reflects the dedication of our authors and teams to create meaningful, thought-provoking works that inspire readers and communities around the world.”

Learn more about the Outreach Resources of the Year.

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.

ABOUT THOMAS NELSON
Thomas Nelson is a world leading publisher and provider of Christian content and has been providing readers with quality inspirational product for more than 200 years. As part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc., the publishing group provides multiple formats of award-winning Bibles, books, gift books, curriculum and digital content, with distribution of its products in more than 100 countries. Thomas Nelson is headquartered in Nashville, TN. For additional information visit www.thomasnelson.com.

Contact:  Amy Morris, Director of Public Relations, Amy.Morris@harpercollins.com

New analysis of Nielsen BookScan data reveals that the sale of bibles in the UK grew 87 percent in value (total revenue generated) and 61 percent in volume (number of units sold) from 2019 to 2024.

The research, by Christian publisher SPCK Group, reveals that the total yearly sales of bibles in the UK jumped from £2.69 million in 2019 to £5.02 million in 2024 – an increase of £2.33 million over just four years. By contrast, between 2008 and 2019, total yearly bible sales grew just £277,188.

Religion is ‘fastest growing area of Trade Non-Fiction’

Nielsen BookScan data also shows that Religion is the fastest growing area of Trade Non-Fiction, despite the sector as a whole falling in sales. The Nielson BookScan UK annual summary report for 2024 reads:

“2024 was only the third year on record (after 2010 and 2012) that more fiction books were bought in the UK than Trade Non-Fiction. Trade Non-Fiction dropped to 58m in volume sales in 2024, down 6% vs 2023. There were pockets of growth for Trade Non-Fiction in 2024. Three subject areas increased in both measures: Leisure & Lifestyle (+2% in value), Fiction Related Items (0.1%) and religion (+4%) with Food & Drink growing in value (+3%)”

Sam Richardson, CEO of SPCK says: “The marked growth in Bible sales between 2019 and 2024, as well as the fact that Religion was the fastest growing area of Trade non-fiction in 2024, shows that we are at the centre of a significant cultural shift, regarding matters of faith and religion. Atheism, once considered by modern society to be the view of most rational adults, no longer seems to carry the same weight or appeal. Young people (Gen Z, in particular) are statistically far less likely to identify as atheists than their parents. Just last week, Giles Coren wrote a column for The Times titled ‘this Lent, I will turn atheism to ashes’, and former professed atheist Richard Dawkins now identifies as ‘a cultural Christian’.

“We are seeing an increased curiosity about Christianity. Events like the Covid-19 pandemic and the mental health crisis have caused many individuals to think deeply about their spirituality. Rather than relying on atheist thought leaders (of, for that matter, church leaders) we are seeing people want to draw their own conclusions by reading Christian books in general and the Bible in particular.”

Press contact: Emily Beater; ebeater@spck.org.uk, 07494430503 

SPCK Group CEO Sam Richardson is available for interview.

All data gathered from Nielsen BookScan.

March 2025 | Abilene, TX—Being a teen today is tough. You’re constantly bombarded with messages about who you should be and what you should do. Whether it’s the influencers online, friends in the hallways, or the high expectations set by your parents, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. More often than not, you’re left feeling helpless, hopeless, and stuck, wishing for a better life. You find yourself thinking there has to be a better way, but it’s hard to see through the noise.

Glow Up: A Teen’s Guide to Flipping the Script addresses five main areas where teens are overwhelmed and stuck in a negative mindset. Through engaging, relatable stories and Scripture, this book offers hope for a new way of thinking. It gives this generation practical steps to flip their internal scripts and embrace a more positive outlook.

“Glow Up could not come at a better time when today’s girls are searching for truth and validation. Brittany addresses the lies our girls believe and equips them with God’s truths. Brittany is your ultimate hype girl, championing the next generation to question the negative committee camping out between their ears. Her stories are relatable, raw, and authentic. Brittany’s book is hilariously funny, drawing you in from page one and making you feel like you are in the presence of your very best friend.”
—Trudy Lonesky, best-selling author of Reclaim Her Heart and Confidently Crowned

Glow Up
By Brittany Estes
March 2025, Softcover
168 Pages, $17.99
ISBN: 9781684263622

Brittany Estes has been coaching and championing women for over ten years. She is a professional and certified life coach who has worked in large churches utilizing her coaching and speaking skills. She is the author of Flip the Script: Make Your Move from Broken to Brilliant. Married to her high school sweetheart, she and her husband have eight children, three through adoption. Her days are filled with dance parties, confetti, and all the coffee. Brittany is not your normal mom or pastor’s wife. She is also a tattooed, pink-haired, firecracker of a woman who speaks her mind and cannot be tamed. The freedom she lives in drives her mission to help everyone she meets. Keep up with Brittany online at brittanyestes.com and on Instagram @jbrittanyestes.

Media Contact:  Kaylin Graves publicity@leafwoodpublishers.com

Author Kristopher R. Whitby takes a look at eleven meals throughout Scripture and the lessons God teaches there

Whether the table is set with the good china, covered in toddler spills, or tucked in the corner of a small apartment, the Lord invites His people to come and be filled with His good gifts as they gather. In his new book Come and Be Filled: Feasting with Jesus in His Word with Concordia Publishing House, author Kristopher R. Whitby explores this by reflecting on eleven meals throughout Scripture and the lessons God teaches. Readers will learn the lengths Jesus goes to to invite His people to His table and what it means to share together in the blessings of Christ.

“When followers of Jesus are present at a meal, Jesus draws near and takes His place at the table,” Whitby writes. “He comes both to bless the actual food and to bring His Word of witness through us to touch the lives of those around the table with His abiding grace and presence.”

Throughout the book, Whitby takes readers to eleven tables. They will gather with the disciples as Jesus teaches them about welcoming others and seeking the lost, with God’s people as they eat His Passover meal each year, with fellow believers at the Last Supper, and more. Through these examples, Whitby deepens readers’ understanding of the grace our Savior extends to those who dine with Him and shows them how He continues to set a place for all to come and be nourished in His love and in community around the table.

“Again and again, Whitby takes us to the goodness of the Lord in food, tables, and meals, always enlightening the promises of God in Christ, even when we make a mess,” says Rev. Dr. Allan R. Buss, president of the LCMS Northern Illinois District. “The Lord is good, and this book is good. You’ll be glad you read it!”

Visit cph.org/feast for more information about the book. Contact Erica Sontag to schedule an interview with the author.

About the Author
Rev. Kristopher R. Whitby served for twenty-four years as a parish pastor, both in Florida and Illinois. In his years of pastoral ministry, Kris was honored to serve as the national LWML pastoral counselor as well as the Northern Illinois District’s North Region Vice President. He has been blessed to host the radio talk show Faith Talks and serve as a volunteer chaplain for the Association of Retired Intelligence Officers during the days following 9/11. Pastor Kris now serves on district staff as assistant to the president—Mission and Ministry in the Northern Illinois District. He and his wife, Marguerita, enjoy their son and daughter, their daughter- and son-in-law, and the three grandchildren the Lord has provided them, as well as board games, theater, and improv comedy.

About Concordia Publishing House
Concordia Publishing House (CPH) is the publishing arm of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. For more than 150 years, CPH has been providing individuals, churches, and schools with products that are faithful to the Scriptures and the Lutheran Confessions. From books and Bibles to church supplies, curriculum, and software, CPH offers more than 10,000 products to support the proclamation of the Gospel worldwide. Visit CPH online at cph.org.

CONTACT:  Erica Sontag, Public Relations, 314-268-1303, erica.sontag@cph.org     

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Praise for Come and Be Filled

With Come and Be Filled, Kristopher Whitby has taken a unique and compelling approach to the grand narrative of salvation history. The theme is so common: meals, an everyday event. At the same time, the theme is so profound: how communal eating and drinking are woven throughout Scripture, highlighting important aspects about God and His covenant people. Carefully crafted with well-chosen illustrations and insightful biblical analysis, Come and Be Filled is a deeply satisfying read. Bon appétit!
Christopher Kennedy, senior pastor, Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, School, and Child Care; author of Equipped and Unfailing

Rev. Kristopher Whitby draws on meals, tables, and food to bring us some rich teaching (Law and Gospel) from the inspired stories of Scripture. He writes as a caring and thoughtful pastor with an engaging style, relevant illustrations, and his own personal wit. As I was reading the book, Psalm 34:8 kept coming to mind: “Taste and see that the Lord is good!” Again and again, Whitby takes us to the goodness of the Lord in food, tables, and meals, always enlightening the promises of God in Christ, even when we make a mess. The Lord is good, and this book is good. You’ll be glad you read it!
Rev. Dr. Allan R. Buss, president, LCMS Northern Illinois District

The chapters of this book will open your eyes—and heart—to what it means when you pray, “Come, Lord Jesus, be our guest . . .” As you read and consider how meals shared in Scripture affected the participants, you will also be invited to consider how they affect you. Come and be filled with the bounty of our Lord’s grace, told in an engaging and relatable way. Thank you, Rev. Whitby, for this invitation to linger at the table. And don’t skip dessert!
Eden Keefe, president, Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

Come and Be Filled is a profound exploration of the spiritual significance of shared meals. This book beautifully illustrates how Jesus’ presence transforms ordinary gatherings into moments of grace and connection. Through biblical accounts and personal reflections, Rev. Whitby invites readers to experience the joy and depth of dining with Jesus, making every meal a sacred celebration. A must-read for anyone seeking to deepen their faith and relationships around the table.
Rev. Dr. B. Keith Haney, assistant to the president for Mission, Stewardship, and Human Care, LCMS Iowa District West