COLORADO SPRINGS, Co. (November 25,2024)—As NavPress enters its fiftieth year as the book publishing ministry of The Navigators, Olivia Eldredge has been named as the editor of record for forthcoming Message Bible products.

“Olivia is a clutch player, omnicompetent,” said David Zimmerman, publisher of NavPress. “She’s brought excellence to every task in front of her during her time at NavPress, and we’re already seeing fresh and compelling ideas from her for the future of The Message.”

The Message is a translation of the Bible from the original languages by pastor, scholar, and poet Eugene H. Peterson. The New Testament was first published in 1993, with the full Bible being released in 2002 and a numbered edition completed in 2005. With sales of The Message well over 20 million copies since its first release, it was the capstone of Peterson’s writing career and remains a prominent, defining feature of NavPress’s publishing program.

“Eugene’s work on The Message has been stewarded by numerous editors over the decades,” said Rick Christian, Founder/CEO Emeritus of Alive Literary, who has represented Peterson and his literary estate for the whole history of The Message. “Olivia steps into a great tradition and we’re looking forward to working more closely together.”

Mark Heffentrager, Vice President of Business Ministries for The Navigators, shared, “We’re excited, in NavPress’s fiftieth year, to have such a talented editor at the helm of The Message.”

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, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.

Contact:  Andrea Martin, andreamartin@tyndale.com

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – November 12, 2024 – Our Daily Bread Ministries (ODBM) announced today it has been awarded a $1.25M grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. to support its Nurturing Young Disciples Initiative — a program that will engage congregations and families through cross-generational worship and prayer practices. The project is being funded through Lilly Endowment’s Nurturing Children Through Worship and Prayer Initiative, a national initiative designed to help Christian congregations more fully and intentionally engage children in intergenerational corporate worship and prayer practices.

The Nurturing Young Disciples Initiative will develop and implement programs that provide faith-building experiences for children by providing resources that enrich Bible storytelling, worship, and prayer, integrating these resources into both liturgical practices and the daily rhythms of children and their families.

“ODBM’s history and dedication to Bible engagement provide our teams a unique opportunity to encourage faith formation in children and youth by connecting the areas of life that seem to have grown more distant: relationships between the generations and connections between home and church,” said Chriscynethia Floyd, vice president of publishing at Our Daily Bread Ministries. “Our prayer is that making these connections will increase the vibrancy of church and home life, as well as combat the decline in faith formation among young people.”

ODBM is one of 91 organizations that received grants through a competitive round of Lilly Endowment’s Nurturing Children Through Worship and Prayer Initiative. Reflecting a wide variety of Christian traditions, the organizations represent Catholic, mainline and evangelical Protestant, Orthodox, Anabaptist, and Pentecostal faith communities.

“Congregational worship and prayer play a critical role in the spiritual growth of children and offer settings for children to acquire the language of faith, learn their faith traditions and experience the love of God as part of a supportive community,” said Christopher L. Coble, Lilly Endowment’s vice president for religion. “These programs will help congregations give greater attention to children and how they can more intentionally nurture the faith of children, as well as adults, through worship and prayer.”

Lilly Endowment Inc. is a private philanthropic foundation created in 1937 by J.K. Lilly Sr. and his sons Eli and J.K. Jr. through gifts of stock in their pharmaceutical business, Eli Lilly and Company. While those gifts remain the financial bedrock of the Endowment, it is a separate entity from the company, with a distinct governing board, staff and location. In keeping with the founders’ wishes, the Endowment supports the causes of community development, education and religion and maintains a special commitment to its hometown, Indianapolis, and home state, Indiana. The principal aim of the Endowment’s religion grantmaking is to deepen and enrich the lives of Christians in the United States, primarily by seeking out and supporting efforts that enhance the vitality of congregations and strengthen the pastoral and lay leadership of Christian communities. The Endowment also seeks to improve public understanding of diverse religious traditions by supporting fair and accurate portrayals of the role religion plays in the United States and across the globe.

Our Daily Bread Ministries is a donor-supported, global Bible engagement ministry with a staff of 700 serving in 32 offices to distribute more than 60 million resources in 58 languages throughout 150 countries. Often known for its global devotional, the ministry produces short form Bible content across print, video, audio, and digital platforms to help people connect with God every day in every way. For more than 86 years, the ministry’s mission has remained the same: to make the life-changing wisdom of the Bible understandable and accessible to all.

MOST ANTICIPATED BOOKS OF 2025

W Publishing Group, an imprint of Thomas Nelson, today announced the upcoming release of Monique Rodriguez’s highly anticipated book, The Glory in Your Story: Activating a Fearless Faith to Change Your Life, Your Career, and the World, set to launch April 15, 2025.

Rodriguez, renowned founder and CEO of Mielle Organics, one of the fastest-growing textured haircare brands, recently celebrated the brand’s 10-year anniversary. Previously a registered nurse, Monique had gone into the field for financial stability, but quickly realized she was yearning for more fulfillment. After experiencing a personal tragedy, and having always had a passion for beauty, Monique began to pursue her journey with haircare as a way to transform her pain into purpose – and from that place of grief, Mielle Organics was born. Today, Mielle is found in more than 100,000 stores around the globe.

In The Glory in Your Story, Rodriguez will inspire readers across the globe by exploring how taking smart risks and following your faith can lead to both personal and professional success.

“When you step out on faith, there’s always the doubt that says you cannot do it – but I knew my vision came from God, and I had to trust the process and know that on the other side was the progress,” says Rodriguez. “I learned to shift my mindset and feed my faith and not my fears. I wrote The Glory in Your Story with the hope of helping others recognize and unlock their own unique possibilities, and to motivate them to tap into their faith and inner strength to reveal the incredible glory that shines in their own story.”

“We’re thrilled to join forces with Monique to share her inspiring story in this book,” said W Publishing Group Vice President and Publisher Damon Reiss. “Readers everywhere will resonate with Monique’s personal journey of remaining true to her vision and community despite personal and career challenges. Monique’s story is a shining example of how an unwavering faith and believing in yourself can lead to extraordinary outcomes and send ripples of positivity throughout the world.”

Learn more at thegloryinyourstory.com.

Monique Rodriguez is the Founder & CEO of Mielle Organics, one of the fastest-growing textured haircare brands. Previously a registered nurse, Monique’s career path shifted after experiencing a devastating personal loss – she needed a creative outlet to help process her grief and turned to her original passion, haircare. From that place of grief, Mielle Organics was born, and Monique has since broken glass ceilings and barriers for female and Black founders, notably securing the largest exit ever for a Black Female beauty founder. She is a wife, mother of two girls, and a devout Christian. She has dedicated her life to uplifting God’s Kingdom and moving in His purpose. Her journey serves as an inspiration to countless individuals, demonstrating the power of passion, perseverance, and community.

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

Contact:  Allison Carter, W Publishing Group, Allison.Carter@harpercollins.com

Mohler’s New Book Recaptures the ‘Glory of Christmas’

BRENTWOOD, TENN. — Every Christian knows the importance of Christmas, but often, we miss the wonder and the weightiness at the heart of our celebration. “Recapturing the Glory of Christmas: A 25-Day Advent Devotional” from R. Albert Mohler Jr. helps readers worship Christ more faithfully throughout the season.

Entering his fourth decade as president of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Mohler has written numerous books, but “Recapturing the Glory of Christmas” is his first devotional and first work dedicated solely to the birth of Jesus. Still, he sees this as a continuation of his theological writing.

“There’s nothing more gloriously theological than the truth that the Word became flesh and dwelt among us,” Mohler said. “I have reveled in the glory of Christmas, and I want to help Christians and Christian families recapture the glory of Christmas.”

The devotional leads readers through 25 theological truths each day of Advent, beginning on December 1 and culminating on Christmas Day. Mohler said he wrote “Recapturing the Glory of Christmas” because he loves Christmas and wanted to provide others with a way to revel in the celebration of the incarnation. “There’s a sweetness to Christmas,” he said. “It’s so natural for little children to gather around and be told the story of Christmas over and over and over again.”

Mohler hopes the book brings light to a society he feels has become dark and secularized and distorts the significance and message of Christmas. This cultural confusion is an opportunity for Christians, Mohler said. “The world gets Christmas wrong, but you know what? It can’t get past the fact that Christmas is the great announcement of something,” he said. “We know what Christmas announces. We get to tell the story of Christ who is the crucified and risen Lord, the Lord over all, who was born a baby in Bethlehem. And we get to tell the story of how to recapture the glory of Christmas. That’s what the world is missing. They’re missing the glory.”

Mohler views the season as a great opportunity for Christians. “We need to seize on it,” he said. “I think churches and Christian families should embrace Christmas and recognize that we—in our humanity—need focal points. Christmas becomes one of those focal moments. This incredible festival of the incarnation of the Lord Jesus Christ gives us joy and hope.”

As the devotional goes through the days of December with reflections on Scripture, Mohler weaves in classic Christmas hymns because he felt the celebration is something that must be sung. “When we start talking about Christmas, sometimes we just need to sing. One of the best ways to recapture the glory of Christmas is to sing a great Christmas hymn,” he said.

Mohler said he hopes “Recapturing the Glory of Christmas” will add depth and structure for families to the Christmas season. “The book can frame their time together as a family, as they anticipate Christmas. For 25 days, the daily devotionals will help Christian families understand what it means to raise their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Part of that means getting them ready for Christmas and doing so to the honor of Christ.”

Additionally, Mohler wrote the devotional to be used congregationally. “I’ve had several pastors who’ve spoken to me already about how they hope to use it,” he said. “They love the fact that they are able, in just a matter of days with their people, to walk through the great theological, biblical, incarnational glory of Christmas and the coming of Christ.”

For every reader, Mohler said he hopes the work is an encouragement undergirded with truth. “That’s the great thing about Christmas,” he said. “We have the greatest truth we could possibly tell. So, let’s tell it.”

For more information on “Recapturing the Glory of Christmas,” visit Lifeway.com.
View the media kit for “Recapturing the Glory of Christmas: A 25-Day Advent Devotional.”

Dr. R. Albert Mohler Jr. serves as president of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Widely sought as a columnist and commentator, Dr. Mohler has been quoted in the nation’s leading newspapers, including The New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, USA Today, The Washington Post, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, and The Dallas Morning News. He has also appeared on such national news programs as CNN’s “Larry King Live” and “AC360,” NBC’s “Today Show” and “Dateline NBC,” and ABC’s “Good Morning America.” Dr. Mohler also hosts two podcasts: “The Briefing,” a daily analysis of news and events from a Christian worldview and “Thinking in Public,” a series of conversations with the day’s leading thinkers. He serves as the editor of WORLD Opinions, writing regular commentary on moral, cultural and theological issues. Called “an articulate voice for conservative Christianity at large” by the Chicago Tribune, Dr. Mohler’s mission is to address contemporary issues from a consistent and explicit Christian worldview. He is married to Mary, and they have two children, Katie and Christopher. Dr. and Mrs. Mohler are the proud grandparents to Benjamin, Henry, and Margaret, all born to Katie and her husband Riley.

In operation since 1891, Lifeway Christian Resources is one of the leading providers of Christian resources, including Bibles, books, Bible studies, ongoing 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 receives no denominational funding and operates as a self-supporting nonprofit. Visit Lifeway.com for more information.

MEDIA CONTACT:  Whitney Alexander, whitney.alexander@lifeway.com

Written by Aaron Earls, a writer for Lifeway Christian Resources

AVAILABLE JANUARY 13, 2025

How to Teach Kids Theology by Sam Luce and Hunter Williams takes the deep truths of the Christian faith and gives practical, actionable direction for sharing them with children.

What comes to mind when you think about teaching theological truths to children? Glazed eyes? Over-their-head discussions? Theology doesn’t have to be “too deep for kids.” For kids to stand firm in a culture that suppresses the truth of Christianity, we need to give them a grand view of God that overwhelms their hearts and fills them with wonder.

A child’s faith is only as strong as the God they believe in. For their faith to be great, they need to learn about their great God. In each chapter, the authors diagnose problems that hinder leaders from teaching kids theology, explain principles to combat these problems, and suggest practices for applying these principles to your ministry.

• Equips Sunday School teachers, children’s ministry leaders, and parents to teach the theological truths that will be a foundation for a child’s growing faith in age-appropriate ways.
• Demystifies theology so readers are equipped to pass on to the next generation foundational truths about God.
• Authors with many years of experience in teaching children bring a fresh approach to timeless truths.

How to Teach Kids Theology
by Same Luce and Hunter Williams
January 13, 2025 / Retail Price: $18.99
Print ISBN:978-1-64507-485-4
Religion / Christian Ministry / Children

Sam Luce, MACCS, MABTS, is the Pastor of Global Ministries at Redeemer Church in Utica, NY, where he has served for over twenty-six years. A prolific writer and speaker, he’s known for his influential contributions to children’s ministry and passion for fostering lasting faith in the next generation.  He is the coauthor of Forming Faith and How to Teach Kids Theology. Sam and his wife, Sandra, have four children.

Hunter Williams, BA, is the children’s pastor of Ridgedale Baptist Church in Chattanooga, TN and cohost of the Cross Formed KidMin podcast. He has served in various ministry roles, including chaplain, youth pastor, and missionary with Awana. He has written articles for numerous ministries such as INCM, The Gospel Coalition and KidsMatter magazine and is the coautor of How to Teach Kids Theology. Hunter and his wife, Sammie, have four children and love serving in their local church.

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

EUGENE, Ore., October 24, 2024—Past and present staff members, authors, designers, printers, and friends in the industry gathered to celebrate Harvest House Publishers’ golden anniversary in a special event held at First Baptist Church in Eugene, Oregon, on Thursday, October 24.

Stan Jantz, former ECPA president and prolific Harvest House author, emceed the event. “What an honor it was to participate in the Harvest House 50th Anniversary celebration,” he said. “As a Harvest House author and coauthor for more than 25 years, I am deeply grateful for its vision to produce quality books that share the truth and love of God with the world.”

Bestselling authors Stormie Omartian and Abbie Halberstadt, specially selected to represent the company’s rich past and bright future, spoke to the hundreds in attendance.

When asked about the event, Omartian commented, “I just attended the fabulous 50^th anniversary celebration of Harvest House, my publisher for the last 40 of those years. It was great to see so many people from the past who have become lifetime friends.”

Halberstadt, a bestselling Harvest House author since 2022, remarked on the company’s mission as it moves forward into its next 50 years: “I’m so excited to be a part of the Harvest House family as we look to the future and the continued impact we can have for the kingdom of God.”

Bob Hawkins, Jr., president of the company for the last 33 years, closed out the evening with these words: “For 50 years, Harvest House has been incredibly blessed to publish and distribute thousands of books by gifted authors to the glory of God.

And now, we look forward with great enthusiasm in anticipation of the adventures that lie ahead. May we press on without compromise, proclaiming our Lord and Savior as the only answer to every human need.”

About Harvest House
Celebrating its 50^th anniversary this year, Harvest House Publishers has produced books that have impacted the hearts of people worldwide. That focus continues with the making of biblically nourishing and innovative products that enrich lives, inspire creativity, and glorify God. With an emphasis on addressing the spiritual and practical needs of men, women, and children, Harvest House seeks to serve God and those who need Him through the books it publishes. For more information, visit http://www.harvesthousepublishers.com/

Contact:  Jeff Marion, 541-343-0123, jeff.marion@harvesthousepublishers.com

Comic Book Style Bible Surpasses 3 Million Copies Sold 

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., Nov. 15, 2024—As the popularity of graphic novels continues to surge, David C Cook announced a new sales milestone that underscores the growing appeal for religious content with visual storytelling. The Christian publisher has sold more than 3 million copies of its comic book style Bible, The Action Bible, capturing the No. 1 spot for all Bibles sold on Amazon.

With its compelling format and vivid illustrations, The Action Bible reached No. 24 for all books sold on Amazon and has landed in Amazon’s and Bookscan’s Top 100 books for 11 weeks. Its more than 9,800 customer reviews average a 4.9-star rating (out of 5), and an increase in popularity and demand has led major retailers, including Target and Walmart, to stock the book in stores at a higher volume.

“The Action Bible resonates with new and existing believers alike,” said Brock Eastman, lead for The Action Bible brand at David C Cook. “It’s a welcoming, easy-to-follow introduction to the adventures of Scripture, and a unique and exciting adaptation of powerful stories that display the character of God. The Action Bible encourages a lifelong engagement with Scripture among young readers and their families.”   

The Action Bible brings the stories of the Bible to life with more than 230 engaging narratives and striking illustrations in a colorful format that is designed to resonate with readers of all ages. The original version, published in 2010, has sparked the spin-off of additional products, like The Action Bible: Faith in Action edition, which includes interactive elements like scannable QR codes that have resonated with younger consumers like Gen Alpha.

The Action Bible is available in more than 84 different languages–including American Sign Language, with video translators and actors–helping to reach new believers, young and old, across the globe in their heart languages.

High-resolution images of The Action Bible are available here.

About David C Cook
David C Cook is a nonprofit ministry dedicated to equipping the global church with leadership, discipleship and worship resources to help Christians grow in faith and pass it along to the next generation. Integrity Music, part of the David C Cook family, is committed to taking songs of substance to the local church and its leaders around the world. Read more about David C Cook and its global ministry outreach at davidccook.org.

CONTACT:  Alli Ehrhardt, 541.973.1994

Peabody, MA—Hendrickson Publishers is pleased to announce the recent appointment of Maria Metzler (PhD, Harvard University) to the position of acquisitions editor. “We are delighted to add Maria to our Hendrickson team,” said Patricia Anders, Hendrickson’s editorial director. “Her wide range of interests, knowledge, and experience will greatly enhance our growing line of academic titles.” She joins Hannah Terenzoni, publishing director, and editors Dr. Jonathan G. Kline, Dr. Karen DeCrescenzo Lavery, and Dr. Robert A. Hand.

Dr. Metzler holds an MA in Biblical Studies from the University of Chicago Divinity School and a PhD in Hebrew Bible and Ancient Near Eastern Studies from Harvard University. Before joining the team at Hendrickson, Dr. Metzler was an acquisitions editor at Penn State University Press, where she oversaw the distinguished Eisenbrauns imprint. She also served as managing editor for Muqarnas: An Annual on the Visual Culture of the Islamic World and editorial assistant for Harvard Theological Review, The University of Chicago Press, and Stackpole Books. Dr. Metzler has taught courses at Harvard University, Smith College, and Swarthmore College. Her scholarly interests include Biblical Hebrew poetry, linguistics, Assyriology, animal and gender studies, affect theory, ancient dream interpretation, and archaeological and art historical approaches.

Dr. Metzler brings to Hendrickson a strong background in academic publishing and a reputation as a trusted editor among scholars in the field of biblical, ancient Near Eastern, and Islamic studies. “I look forward to working with a collaborative team of expert editors at Hendrickson,” said Dr. Metzler. “And I am excited to help shape the direction of the publishing program.”

About Hendrickson Publishers: Founded in 1980, Hendrickson seeks to meet the publication needs of the religious studies academic community worldwide with works on the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament, as well as the Hebrew and Greek languages, ancient Near Eastern studies and archaeology, biblical theology, Christology, Judaism, patristics, church history, historical theology, and religion and culture. Hendrickson also produces biblical/theological studies, language aids, and reference works for church leaders, students, and laypeople.

Media contact:  editorial@hendrickson.com; www.hendricksonpublishers.com

Carol Stream, IL (November 18, 2024)—In March, NavPress will release The Disciple’s Journey, a 12-week workbook designed for Christians seeking to integrate Jesus’ message into their modern lives. The creators of the popular Real-Life Discipleship resources structured this workbook with practical insights, tools, and applications to ensure transformational growth.

Through daily Scripture engagement and questions for deep reflection, The Disciple’s Journey explores biblical principles, specifically focusing on the book of Ephesians. It is the perfect resource to foster community engagement and is also good for personal use.

This comprehensive resource offers a structured pathway across five key spheres:

1. the Abiding Sphere (relationship with God)
2. the Church Sphere
3. the Home and Family Sphere
4. the World Sphere (including work)
5. the Spiritual Sphere (spiritual warfare)

Embark on a transformative journey of spiritual growth with The Disciple’s Journey, beginning in March 2025.

The Disciple’s Journey by Jim Putman
ISBN: 978-1-64158-875-1
Softcover: $20.99 | March 4, 2025
NavPress.com

NavPress is the book-publishing arm of The Navigators. With a rich catalog of bestselling books, ministry resources, and The Message^® Bibles, NavPress supports readers as they know Christ, make Him known, and help others do the same.^® Since 2014 NavPress has been in a publishing alliance with Tyndale House Publishers, one of the largest independently owned Christian publishers in the world. NavPress resources are sold, distributed, and marketed worldwide through Tyndale House Publishers.

Contact:  Natalie Wierenga, nataliewierengea@tyndale.com, 630-784-5211

November 2024 | LISLE, IL—InterVarsity Press (IVP) is pleased to announce that seven cover designs were chosen for the 2024 Top Shelf Book Cover Awards by the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA).

David Fassett, former Art and Creative Director at IVP, is credited with the designs for all seven award-winning covers. Shane White, IVP’s Vice President of Sales, Marketing, and Publicity, said, “David left a legacy of excellence in design at IVP, and we are grateful to ECPA for recognizing his tremendous work.”

During his time at IVP, Fassett said this about his design work: “I think a book cover should truthfully and clearly communicate the gist of the book in a way that is visually compelling with the goal of moving the intended reader to pick up the book (or click on it). The cover should also serve as a visual reminder of the experience that the reader had with the book.”

IVP’s 2024 Top Shelf Book Cover Award designs include:

• Creator: A Theological Interpretation of Genesis 1 by Peter J. Leithart
• Hear Ye the Word of the Lord: What We Miss If We Only Read the Bible by D. Brent Sandy
• Hopeful Lament: Tending Our Grief Through Spiritual Practices by Terra McDaniel
• Lay Me in God’s Good Earth: A Christian Approach to Death and Burial by Kent Burreson and Beth Hoeltke
• Looking Up: A Birder’s Guide to Hope Through Grief by Courtney Ellis
• Ownership: The Evangelical Legacy of Slavery in Edwards, Wesley, and Whitefield by Sean McGever
• The Riches of Your Grace: Living in the Book of Common Prayer by Julie Lane-Gay

Covers are judged by top designers in the publishing industry for their merits in appropriateness for the market, level of conceptual thinking, and quality of execution according to contemporary design standards and aesthetics. The Top Shelf Awards focus solely on these artistic and technical merits, without considering sales performance, reader engagement, or market reach.

Winners are officially announced and presented with an award at ECPA’s annual PubU event, where the industry’s design community gathers to learn and network. Winning book covers and judges’ comments are featured at TopShelfAward.org.

Contact: Krista Clayton, kclayton@ivpress.com