Based on the Bestselling NIV Application Commentary Series

Grand Rapids, MI, April 2025 – Zondervan, a division of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, is pleased to announce the release of the NIV Application Bible, featuring thousands of study notes drawn from the bestselling NIV Application Commentary series (over 2 million copies sold). The Bible launches exactly 30 years to the month after the release of the very first NIV Application Commentary volume—a powerful milestone marking three decades of helping people engage deeply with Scripture.

“The NIV Application Bible provides a bridge from the world of the Bible to our lives today,” said Melinda Bouma, vice president and publisher of Bibles for Zondervan. “Readers—whether new to faith or lifelong believers—will gain deeper biblical insights while discovering how the ancient truths found in Scripture relate to our contemporary experiences.”

Using insight from trusted evangelical scholars, the NIV Application Bible helps readers understand Scripture and apply it to their lives in a whole new way. Study notes follow the well-established format of the award-winning NIV Application Commentary series, Original Meaning notes help the reader first understand the meaning of the biblical text in its historical, literary, and cultural context, followed by Application notes to make the biblical text personal, showing readers how to integrate Scripture into everyday life.

Lisa Harper – bestselling author, Bible teacher, and host of the wildly popular Back Porch Theology podcast – recently switched to the new NIV Application Bible for her main teaching texts. “This Bible is such an awesome hybrid of accuracy and accessibility! The theologically-sound Bible translation, combined with the plethora of pertinent applications and user-friendly study tools highlight how the Word of God is not a textbook, rule book, or a collection of benign morality tales —instead it’s a divine love story that compels us to follow hard after Creator Redeemer and lean more fully into His transformative grace.”

The NIV Application Bible launches on April 29^th with features including:

• Complete text of the accurate, readable, and clear New International Version (NIV)
• Original Meaning Notes help you understand the meaning of each passage in its context.
• Application Notes help you integrate the teachings of the Bible into your daily life.
• Book Introductions provide perspective and application for every book of the Bible, plus timelines, reading guides, and more.
• People to Know articles show the good and bad of Bible characters’ lives, how God accomplished his purposes through them, and lessons we can learn from them about living a faithful life.
• Character of God articles explore aspects of God’s character and what these mean for our lives as believers.
• Questions for Growth in each chapter of the Bible encourage reflection on how to apply Scripture to life.
• 45 full-color in-text maps help you visually follow along with the locations of biblical events.
• More than 50 in-text charts make complex information quickly understandable.
• Chart Your Course includes topical, annual, and three-year reading plans to help you study at your own pace.
• Engaging full-color page design makes the features pop within the text.
• NIV Dictionary-Concordance
• 16-page full-color map section
• Words of Jesus in red
• Exclusive Zondervan NIV Comfort Print® typeface

Learn more about NIV Application Bible and NIV Application Commentary Series.

Zondervan is a world leading Bible publisher and provider of Christian communications.  Zondervan, part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc., delivers transformational Christian experiences through its bestselling Bibles, books, curriculum, academic resources and digital products. The Company’s products are sold worldwide and translated into nearly 200 languages. Zondervan offices are located in Grand Rapids, Mich. For additional information, please visit www.zondervan.com.

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

(Nashville, TN)—Renowned speaker, entrepreneur, five-time New York Times best-selling author, and former NFL quarterback and Heisman Trophy Winner has signed a publishing deal with Nelson Books and HarperCollins Resources, imprints of HarperCollins Christian Publishing. The deal includes a trade book and devotional, both aimed at highlighting God’s infinite love, the inherent value of every individual, especially those often overlooked by the world, and how these truths inspire us to live into our fullest identity and deepest joy.

The first book in the deal – titled Look Again, out November 4 – will focus on how we can learn to see the image of God in every person. Tebow’s passion for this message aligns with his life mission to serve the vulnerable and commit to making a meaningful impact through the Tim Tebow Foundation, known for fighting for those who can’t fight for themselves on a global scale. Readers will learn the heart behind inspiring efforts like Night to Shine and Tebow’s advocacy efforts for victims of human trafficking and child exploitation.

Tebow’s dedication to promoting the dignity and value of every human being stems from his personal calling to serve “MVPs”—the “Most Vulnerable People”—a mission at the heart of the foundation. Through his books, Tebow aims to share this perspective with readers, encouraging compassion, kindness, and actionable faith.

“This is a deeply meaningful project for me,” said Tebow. “Throughout my life, God has continued to open my eyes to see the immense value of every single person, just as He created them. This book is an opportunity to share that message and encourage others to look beyond what the world sees to recognize the image of God in all people. I’m honored and excited to partner with Nelson Books, an organization that shares my heart for impacting lives through faith-driven stories.”

Nelson Books is equally thrilled to welcome Tim Tebow to its distinguished roster of authors. Andrew Stoddard, Vice President and Publisher of Nelson Books, expressed his excitement, stating, “Tim Tebow has consistently inspired millions with his heart, vision, and unwavering commitment to sharing the love of God. His work, both on and off the field, is a testament to his passion for making a difference. At Nelson Books, we are proud to publish new works from Tim that remind readers of their God-given worth and encourage them to see others through love and compassion.”

These upcoming releases will add to Tebow’s impressive bibliography, which includes bestsellers such as Through My Eyes, Shaken, and This is the Day. The trade book and devotional will continue his legacy of empowering faith-driven individuals to live with purpose and compassion.

For more information about the upcoming books, please contact Lisa Beech at lisa.beech@harpercollins.com.

About Tim Tebow
Tim Tebow is a speaker, entrepreneur, college football analyst for ESPN and SEC Network, the author of five New York Times bestsellers, and the founder of the Tim Tebow Foundation—dedicated to bringing Faith, Hope and Love to some of the most vulnerable people around the world. Prior to his current endeavors, Tim was an NFL quarterback, a two-time NCAAF national champion, Heisman Trophy winner, and College Football Hall of Fame inductee.

Tim is married to Demi-Leigh Tebow—speaker, author, entrepreneur, and former Miss Universe 2017. They live in Jacksonville, Florida with their three dogs, Chunk, Kobe, and Paris, and are expecting their first child.

About Nelson Books
Nelson Books, an imprint of Thomas Nelson, is a leader in the Christian nonfiction publishing realm. Nelson Books is dedicated to acquiring, developing, and promoting authors whose content inspires, informs, and invokes real change. The imprint publishes dozens of new titles each year in the areas of spiritual growth, inspiration, and practical living with select memoirs, biography, history, and culture releases. The Nelson Books roster of best-selling authors includes Max Lucado, Lysa TerKeurst, Bob Goff, John Eldredge, Dr. Anita Phillips, and Jefferson Bethke.

CONTACTS: 
Lisa Beech, lisa.beech@harpercollins.com, Senior Director of Publicity, 719-439-9403
Shore Fire Media, TebowPR@shorefire.com

BARTLESVILLE, Okla. (May 1, 2025) — A powerful new three-volume collection from VOM Books, The Wurmbrand Essentials, brings together the unforgettable testimonies of Richard and Sabina Wurmbrand, two courageous believers who paid a price for following Christ.

In The Wurmbrand Essentials, readers will walk with the Wurmbrands through their engaging true stories of faith forged by intense persecution. These three books recount their dramatic conversions from atheism, their unwavering Christian witness under Communist oppression and their ultimate calling to launch a global ministry that still serves persecuted Christians today in more than 70 nations.

Richard Wurmbrand was abducted by Romanian secret police on Feb. 29, 1948, for boldly preaching the gospel. Isolated in prison, tortured and separated from his family for over a decade, Richard discovered a profound joy in the presence of Christ during three years of solitary confinement. His story is recounted in two of his best-known works.

Tortured for Christ, first published in 1967, is known as “the book that shocked the world.” In this sobering and unforgettable account, which has sold over 10 million copies in 60 languages, Richard Wurmbrand shares about his years in Communist prisons for refusing to renounce his faith.

In God’s Underground (1968) is Richard Wurmbrand’s testimony of triumphant faith amid deep anguish. Sentenced to “life” in prison, he was able to rejoice in his Lord amid the most horrific conditions and find “a deep and extraordinary ecstasy of happiness that is like nothing in this world.”

Sabina Wurmbrand, while her husband’s whereabouts and condition were still unknown, was soon arrested because of her own faith and Christian witness. In The Pastor’s Wife, Sabina tells the story of how she and Richard, both atheistic Jews, came to faith in Christ and served as his powerful witnesses while imprisoned by Communist Romanian authorities.

Together, The Wurmbrand Essentials — including Tortured for Christ, In God’s Underground and The Pastor’s Wife — will both challenge and encourage readers to live with courage, compassion and a greater commitment to Christ.

Product Details:

• Author: The Voice of the Martyrs
• Publisher: VOM BOOKS
• ISBN/UPC: 978-0-88264-170-6 MSRP: $18.99
• ISBN/UPC: 978-0-88264-169-0 MSRP: $18.99
• ISBN/UPC: 978-0-88264-236-9 MSRP: $16.99
• Pub Date: 5/1/2025
• Category: BIOGRAPHY/Autobiography/Religious
• Code: BIO018000
• Dimensions: 5.75″ X 8.50″ X 1.25″
• Page Count: 376, 352, 205
• Format: TP

The Voice of the Martyrs serves persecuted Christians in the world’s most difficult and dangerous places to follow Christ, while telling their stories to inspire all members of the global body of Christ to a deeper commitment to Christ and his Great Commission, no matter the cost.

About VOM Books
VOM Books, the publishing arm of The Voice of the Martyrs, has inspired millions with bestselling titles, including Tortured for Christ, Hearts of Fire and Extreme Devotion. Visit vom.org for more information.

Post-Acquisition Growth Prompts Organizational Redesign, Opens Senior Positions for Book Publishing and Donor Advancement

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., April. 28, 2025—Christian publisher David C Cook, parent company of Integrity Music, announced a strategic realignment of its executive leadership team to support growth following the acquisition of Group Publishing.

Jana Zachman has been named president, while Chadd Miller has shifted into the role of chief operating officer. Additionally, Dan Tancik will serve as the publisher’s chief curriculum officer. These changes reflect a broader restructuring to elevate creative output and increase efficiency across three newly defined divisions: books and resources; curriculum and VBS; and music.

Zachman has been with David C Cook since 2003, when she joined as a senior accountant in the finance department. Since then, she has held larger assignments in the finance department, operations and the supply chain across the ministry, leading up to her recent role as chief operating officer.

Miller also has a long history with David C Cook, working with the ministry in the late 1990s before rejoining the organization in 2018. He most recently served as the divisional president of David C Cook publishing.

Tancik joined David C Cook after its late 2024 acquisition of VBS curriculum leader Group Publishing, where he served for 25 years, most recently as chief operating officer. As a result of the acquisition and related growth, David C Cook is actively hiring for two additional positions: executive publisher over its books and resources division, and an executive vice president of donor engagement. Interested applicants can view the open job listings through the David C Cook website.

“Jana, Chadd and Dan each bring unique strengths and leadership styles to our organization,” said Bill Reeves, CEO of David C Cook. “As the ministry continues to grow and equip the Church, both locally and globally, we are excited to have the right leaders in the right positions to help inspire and guide our teams into the future.” A high-resolution image is available for download here.

About David C Cook
Since 1875, David C Cook has been 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. Read more about David C Cook and its global ministry outreach online at www.davidccook.org.

 

APRIL 2025 — Critically acclaimed and Award-Winning writer, Dr. Katherine Hayes has been acknowledged as a multiple award winner in several categories at the 2025 CAN Excellence in Marketing Awards. This prestigious event is sponsored and held by the Christian Author Network.  Katherine’s critically acclaimed novel, A Fifth of the Story received First place finishes in the Mystery/Suspense category as well as Outstanding Web Presence. In addition to that, Katherine also received a second-place finish in the Devotional category.

This multiple recognition is a first for this up-and-coming writer and is the latest highlight in a number of accomplishments including the New York Mayor’s Contribution to the Arts, Outstanding Resident Artist of Arizona, and the Foundations Awards at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writer’s Conference (2016, 2019, 2021).

About the CAN Excellence in Marketing Awards: 
The awards celebrate excellence in Christian media and marketing by authors, to recognize, educate, and encourage superior marketing and promotional skills of Christian authors.

About Dr. Katherine Hayes:
Author, speaker, educational consultant, and editor–Katherine Hutchinson-Hayes, Ed. D. has had her hand in leadership for many years. She loves speaking to groups and delivering messages with a quick wit and real-life stories. Katherine is a freelance writer/content editor, a content editor/writing coach for Iron Stream Media, and a sensitivity reader for Sensitivity Between the Lines.

She is a review board member and contributor to Inkspirations (an online magazine for Christian writers), and her writing has been published in Guideposts. Her work in art/writing is distinguished by awards, including the New York Mayor’s Contribution to the Arts, Outstanding Resident Artist of Arizona, and the Foundations Awards at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writer’s Conference (2016, 2019, 2021). She is a member of Word Weavers International and serves as an online chapter president and mentor. She belongs to FWA (Florida Writers Association), ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers), CWoC (Crime Writers of Color), AWSA (Advanced Writers and Speakers Association), and AASA (American Association of School Administrators). She serves on the board of the nonprofit organization Submersion 14 and is an art instructor for the nonprofit organization Light for the Future. Katherine hosts the podcast Murder, Mystery & Mayhem Laced with Morality. She has authored a Christian Bible study for women and is currently working on the sequel to her first general market thriller novel.

Contact:  To request additional review copies or an interview with Dr. Katherine Hayes, please contact Mickey Mikkelson at Creative Edge Publicity, mickey.creativeedge@gmail.com, 403.464.6925. 

We are delighted to announce that the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge (SPCK) has been shortlisted for both Specialist Consumer Publisher of the Year and the Virtusales Metadata Award at the Independent Publishing Awards 2025. The winners will be announced at a Gala Lunch at OXO Tower in London on the 30th April, hosted by broadcasters Bridgid Nzekwu and Andrew Verity.

SPCK is the UK’s third-oldest publishing house, and has been active since 1698. Under CEO Sam Richardson, the company merged with Inter-Varsity Press (IVP) in 2015, and acquired Lion Hudson in 2021, becoming the largest Christian publisher in the country.

Independent Publishing Awards of SPCK’s nomination for Specialist Consumer Publisher of the Year:

‘SPCK is a three-time winner of this Award, and is shortlisted again having revived its fortunes after a challenging few years in its field of Christian publishing. It had its highest ever sales and market share – the result of publishing fewer books better and finding new global markets… Judges said: “SPCK [is] always striving to do more and be THE voice in its field.”’

The Independent Publishing Awards also said of SPCK’s nomination for the Virtusales Metadata Award:

‘SPCK has substantially improved the breadth and accuracy of its data lately, and it focused its strategies in two areas in 2024: its own metadata in the US, and the inbound feeds of partner publishers into the UK. Judges said: “SPCK shows a real commitment to metadata excellence. It understands its value and is focusing improvements in the correct areas.”’

Sam Richardson, CEO of SPCK, said:

“We are thrilled to have been nominated for both Specialist Consumer Publisher of the Year – an award which SPCK has won three times previously – and the Virtusales Metadata award. Both these decisions are testament to superb new strategies that we have put in place regarding our publishing, which saw us deliver a 20% increase in sales in 2024, and we are delighted to see these achievements reflected in these Independent Publishing Awards 2025 nominations.”

Patrycja Moroszczuk, Marketing Development Manager at SPCK, said:

“We are incredibly proud of the progress SPCK has made. These nominations are a clear indication to the hard work and dedication of our team, and we’re excited to continue building on this momentum. In 2024, we achieved the Silver BIC Metadata Excellence Award recognizing the completeness and timeliness of all our products. At the same time, our new partnership with Ingram US is helping us enhance our metadata management for both front and backlist titles on an internation scale.”

SPCK CEO Sam Richardson is available for interview.
Press contact:  Emily Beater; ebeater@spck.org.uk; 07494430503 

IVP social handles:

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

SPCK social handles:

• Twitter – @SPCKPublishing
• Instagram – @spck_publishing
• Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/SPCKPublishing/

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn., April 2025 – Popular audiobook narrator, Mark Smeby, celebrates two Christian Book Awards finalists in the audiobook of the year category:

• My Utmost For His Highest written by Oswald Chambers, published by Our Daily Bread
• How Great Is Our God written by Chris Tomlin, published by K-Love Books

Combining his extensive background as an actor, writer, radio announcer, and musician, Smeby has narrated roughly 125 audiobooks over the past decade, including numerous titles for authors Louie Giglio, Lee Strobel, Donald Miller, Randy Frazee, Rick Warren, Chris Hodges, and Kyle Idelman.

“I couldn’t be more proud to receive recognition like this from the ECPA for my voice work on these two titles,” Smeby added. “As a freelancer, I’m grateful when any author or publisher selects me to record their books, but these two were special.”

Both nominated titles were produced by ONE Audiobooks of San Marco, CA, and engineered by Steve Kaul at Wild Sound Recording Studio in Minneapolis, MN.

Jeremy Park, COO, ONE Audiobooks, said this about Smeby, “The audiobooks we produce are written by real people, and require a real person behind the mic. Mark brings an interpretation that is never forced or over-the-top. Maybe the sneakiest-good narrator out there.”

Presented annually to the finest in Christian publishing since 1978, the Christian Book Award® program honors the “best of the year” in 12 categories. Award winners will be announced during a celebration on April 29, 2025 in Nashville, TN.

Contact:  Mark Smeby, mark@marksmeby.com

Abilene, TX — Faithful Defiance chronicles the extraordinary life of Marshall Keeble, one of the most influential evangelists in the Churches of Christ during the twentieth century. Passing away in April 1968, the same month as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Keeble’s remarkable 55-year ministry saw him baptize over forty thousand individuals and establish more than three hundred congregations across the United States. Known for his steadfast commitment to evangelism, Keeble mentored many leaders, including civil rights attorney Fred Gray.

Despite his groundbreaking evangelistic work, Keeble’s life remains complex. While he faced constant racial prejudice and never openly defied segregation, his dedication to faith and personal morality took precedence over politics, creating a legacy that continues to spark discussion. Keeble’s quiet resistance to the injustices he faced, alongside his enduring focus on spreading the gospel, serves as a powerful example of faith-driven perseverance.

Faithful Defiance offers fresh insights into Keeble’s life, revealing how his legacy continues to influence and challenge both religious and social spheres today.

“We best understand our times and ourselves by looking to history and giants of the faith. We learn how they navigated their troubled times, modeling how to serve faithfully. We learn from their victories and their mistakes. This volume is a shining example of high-impact historical analysis and biography informing our current, divisive, times. Be inspired by Marshall Keeble’s life and faith. Be challenged. Consider how to apply the lessons of this fascinating volume in your life. You will be thrilled you did.” —Michael O. Emerson, Chavanne fellow in Religion and Public Policy, the Baker Institute for Public Policy, Rice University; coauthor of Divided by Faith and The Religion of Whiteness 

Leonard Allen serves as dean of the College of Bible and Ministry at Lipscomb University in Nashville. He taught theology, ethics, and philosophy for many years at Abilene Christian University, Biola University, Fuller Theological Seminary, and John Brown University. He has spoken widely on college campuses and in churches over the past thirty-five years on biblical, historical, and theological themes. He is the author of numerous books, including, The Cruciform Church, Distant Voices, Things Unseen, Poured Out, and most recently, The Bookroom: Remembrance and Forgiveness—A Memoir. 

Faithful Defiance
By C. Leonard Allen
April 2025, Softcover
160 Pages, $18.99
ISBN: 9781684262144

Media Contact:  Kaylin Graves, publicity@leafwoodpublishers.com

April 2025 | LISLE, IL—InterVarsity Press (IVP) has announced that Genesis Marketing will serve as its new sales representation group for Christian independent stores and the gift market, starting May 1, 2025.

“Genesis Marketing has a reputation for building and maintaining strong relationships with their clients and retailers, and that excites us as we look to expand IVP’s readership,” said Shane White, IVP’s Vice President of Sales, Marketing, and Publicity. “As we continue to publish more gift and IVP Kids titles, including more than one hundred trade and academic books each year, we are looking forward to having Genesis Marketing introduce our books to both longtime and new readers through their extensive networks.”

Based in Greenville, South Carolina, Genesis has been in business since 1970 and represents inspirational gift manufacturers and publishers to the retail market. Genesis has a team of seventeen full time reps that visit, call, and sell to four thousand retailers each year. Other companies they represent include DaySpring, Harvest House Publishers, Tyndale House Publishers, Simon & Schuster, and more.

“We are thrilled to enter into this partnership with IVP to help expand the audience and reach of their resources within the independent retailer channel,” said David Stockard, President of Genesis Marketing. “IVP has a rich and storied history in Christian publishing, and their commitment to producing high-quality, thought-provoking, and transformative books has made them a trusted name in the industry for decades. As we work together, our shared mission to provide Christians with the tools they need to grow in their faith and live out their calling will drive everything we do.”

Contact:  Krista Clayton | kclayton@ivpress.com

Brentwood, Tenn., April 10, 2025 — Seven titles published by Lifeway Christian Resources and its imprint, B&H Publishing Group, have been honored as finalists for the upcoming Christian Book Awards.

The Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) named 70 finalists for the 2025 Christian Book Award (CBA) program on April 3. The Christian Book Award program recognizes the highest quality in Christian books and Bibles and is among the oldest and most prestigious awards programs in the religious publishing industry.

“Each of these titles represents the hard work, passion and faithfulness of our authors and the incredible Lifeway and B&H teams,” said Devin Maddox, publisher at B&H Publishing Group. “Their dedication to excellence in Christian publishing is truly inspiring. We are thrilled to see these efforts recognized and celebrated by the ECPA.”

Two Lifeway releases were honored as finalists in the Bible study category: “Ephesians: A Study of Faith and Practice” by Jackie Hill Perry, Jasmine Holmes and Melissa Kruger and “Luke in the Land: Walking with Jesus in His First-Century World” by Kristi McLelland.

B&H Publishing Group imprints—Holman Bibles, Holman Reference, B&H Kids and B&H Books—received recognition in various categories.

• The “CSB Oswald Chambers Bible” and the “CSB Men’s Daily Bible” by general editor Robert Wolgemuth were finalists in the Bible category.
• “Habakkuk: The Christian Standard Commentary” by Susan Maxwell Booth was recognized in the Bible Reference Works category.
• “When God Makes Scribbles Beautiful” by Kate Rietema and illustrated by Jennie Poh was a finalist in the Children’s category.
• “Advent for Exiles” by Caroline Cobb was recognized in the New Author category.

The CBA finalists represent the work of 29 Christian publishers and imprints across all categories. The winner in each category along with the 2025 Christian Book of the Year will be announced at the ECPA Awards Celebration, April 29, in Nashville, Tenn.

“It’s always a joy to recognize excellence in Christian publishing as we reveal the finalists for these prestigious awards,” said ECPA President Jeff Crosby. “I extend my sincere congratulations to all authors and publishers who have been recognized and look forward to our celebration together in Nashville.”

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.

Holman Bibles is the oldest Bible publisher in North America, publishing high-quality Bibles and reference resources that are trustworthy, accessible and useful for the pursuit of lifelong discipleship. Print and digital releases include the award-winning CSB Explorer Bible for Kids and The She Reads Truth Bible and the Rainbow Study Bible with over 3 million copies sold. Holman Bibles is a division of B&H Publishing Group.

Media Contact:  jill.waggoner@lifeway.com