December 2024 | LISLE, IL—Library Journal, the most widely circulated publication for librarians, has named Land of My Sojourn by Mike Cosper among its list of Best Nonfiction of 2024.

Land of My Sojourn: The Landscape of a Faith Lost and Found from InterVarsity Press (IVP) was selected along with 144 titles that made the publication’s Best Books 2024 lists across ten categories.

The Library Journal announcement said, “We celebrate the wondrous activity of reading with this list of 144 titles, books that delighted LJ reviewers, columnists, and editors. These works made us put them down and think―and pick them up again at any free moment. The books on this list drove conversations at work, with friends, with the barista, the dog walker, and the dentist. They are the books that make us happy to be readers.”

Library Journal described Land of My Sojourn this way: “Evangelical pastor Cosper left active ministry after a spiritual reckoning triggered by some of his followers’ support of Donald Trump. Cast adrift, isolated, and brokenhearted, he travels to the Holy Land where he gains a renewed understanding of faith. In this memoir, he considers church disagreements and his own spiritual uncertainty and works his way to a new identity.”

Russell Moore, editor in chief of Christianity Today, said, “At some point in every Christian’s life, God intervenes to show us that what we thought to be our home isn’t―and sometimes, only a lifetime later does one see that this was actually good news. Mike Cosper is one of the sharpest thinkers in the Christian world, and also one of the most creative. This book includes cultural analysis, personal lament, and biblical reflection. If you’ve ever felt the pain of losing home―and if you want to learn how to long for something better―this is the book for you.”

Cosper writes, “In the years since leaving local church ministry, I’ve devoted an enormous amount of time and resources to examining the church’s often troubled witness, its ongoing crisis of leadership, and the epidemic of narcissism, abuse, and cover-up that has continued to emerge year after year. This book is about my journey both before and undergirding that work―the shattering of dreams and the grace that restored a broken faith in the aftermath. It’s a story about grace leading me home when I thought all was lost.

“Taken together, my encounters with Peter, Elijah, and Jesus connected to indelible images from my time in Israel and formed a new spiritual landscape in my mind, one with enough gravity to draw my feet back to solid ground. My hope is that as I tell this story you might find echoes of your own.”

Cosper is the director of podcasting for Christianity Today, where he has hosted The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill and Cultivated. He also served as one of the founding pastors at Sojourn Church in Louisville, Kentucky, from which he launched Sojourn Music, a collective of musicians writing songs for the church. He is the author of several other books, including Recapturing the Wonder and Rhythms of Grace.

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

Contact:  Krista Clayton | kclayton@ivpress.com

Les Stobbe, formerly an acquisitions editor for Elk Lake Publishing, Inc., has been named Editor Emeritus. Stobbe, 94, has been with Elk Lake since 2021.

In his long and storied career, Leslie H. Stobbe has seen the growth of the Christian publishing industry from its inception. Over sixty years ago, Les was the founding editor of the Canadian weekly, Mennonite Observer. Five years later, he ran the Moody Bookstore and evaluated book manuscripts for Kenneth Taylor at Moody Press. Next came stints at Christian Life as editor of Christian Bookseller Magazine and associate editor of Christian Life Magazine.

In 1970, Les became editor-in-chief of Moody Press Books. After Moody, he spent three years as vice-president of books and book clubs at Christian Herald. He became president of Here’s Life Publishers, the book arm of Campus Crusade for Christ, for eleven years. Later, at Scripture Press, he became managing editor of the curriculum division and editor of both the adult curriculum and Christian Education Journal. When Scripture Press sold, Les went to the Evangelistic Association of New England as VP of Communications and Marketing. After writing online classes for Jerry Jenkins, Les served as Journalist in Residence at Gordon College in Wenham, MA. He has published books for many well-known authors such as David Jeremiah, Florence Littauer, and Gary Chapman to name only three.

As a freelance writer, Les wrote a Bible study for junior boys at Christian Service Brigade, wrote fourteen books and published hundreds of articles. In 1993, he became a literary agent. After twenty-five years, he sold his agency to the Steve Laube Agency and became a writing coach. His two most recent books are God Moments in My Publishing Life: The Making of a Writer and Publisher (a veritable history of Christian Publishing) and How God Works: God Moments that Transform—A Study Guide. Not satisfied to retire in his 90s, he joined forces with Elk Lake Publishing in 2021. Over his career, Les has been a mentor and encourager to many in the industry as well as a valued and much-loved friend.

Grand Rapids, Michigan | January 3, 2025 – Amplify Marketing Services LLC, a leading book marketing agency specializing in Amazon Ads, is excited to announce the release of the second annual year-in-review infographic outlining 37 developments in 2024 that impacted the book discoverability and sales on Amazon.

“The improvements made by Amazon in 2024 to both the user experience and the ad dashboard made it easier than ever to place the best books in front of the right people.” said Franklin Goldberg, CEO at Amplify Marketing Services LLC.

For more information or to download a free pdf version of the infographic, visit https://www.amplifymarketers.com/2024-amazon-year-in-review-for-book-publishers.

About Amplify Marketing Services LLC
Amplify Marketing Services LLC is a leader in marketing support for publishers, specializing in Amazon Ads and strategic campaign development tailored to each book’s unique market. Over the last 5 years, Amplify has worked with over 30 publishers to promote more than 25,000 books in every genre (from children’s books to textbooks) and in every ad platform.

Media Contact:
Franklin Goldberg, CEO, Amplify Marketing Services LLC
info@amplifymarketers.com, (616) 929-0105

Perfection Press and Total Printing Systems (TPS), based in Newton IL, are pleased to announce that on December 13, 2024, Perfection Press and its commercial book printing operations have become part of TPS.  We are also excited that the Perfection Press sales and support team, led by Mike Riley and David Broxterman, will also be joining TPS. To improve efficiency, book printing and binding operations of Perfection Press will be consolidated into TPS’s Newton facilities.

“Our goal is to continue to offer the personalized, high-quality solutions and support of Perfection Press,” stated RJ Lindemann, Vice President of TPS. “TPS is family-owned and operated business that specializes in short-run book manufacturing (tps1.com). For over 50 years, we’ve provided high-quality products and services to our customers, while also providing a quality workplace for our employees. Our team of over 70 people continues to grow and expand, and we have nothing but optimism for the future of the printed book.”

“We are pleased to have found a partner that shares similar values to ours,” said Steve Keay, President of Perfection Press. “Since our founding in 1965, we have had an unrelenting focus on affordable, high-quality book printing services. By joining with TPS, we are ensuring that we can continue to serve you, our customers, well into the future with expanded printing capabilities.”

“As part of our commitment to Perfection Press customers,” stated RJ Lindemann, “we are dedicated to maintaining your current pricing and service levels. We understand that with change comes some uncertainty, and we want to take as much uncertainty as possible out of the equation.”

About TPS
TPS provides a range of services and capabilities to hundreds of publishers serving a range of markets. TPS capabilities include:

• High-speed inkjet printing technology for improved short-run printing efficiency and economics
• Print-On-Demand (POD) services for backlog titles and convenient inventory management
• Fulfillment and warehousing services designed to reduce shipping and warehousing costs while providing personalized service to you and your end customers.
• Consistent and responsive customer service from our in-house team

If you have questions, please reach out to your Perfection Press contact (David Broxterman, Mike Riley, Kim Hawley, or Robert Riggs) or to RJ Lindemann at TPS (rj@tps1.com).

Contact:  Total Printing Systems, RJ Lindemann, 618-783-0535, rj@tps1.com

December 2024 | LISLE, IL—IVP Academic’s On Classical Trinitarianism and Wonders of Your Law were both named top books in their academic disciplines as part of the 2024 Book of the Year awards, a process coordinated by the Southwestern Journal of Theology.

“The Southwestern Seminary faculty members have made excellent choices related to the 2024 Book of the Year awards, a process coordinated by the Southwestern Journal of Theology,” said David S. Dockery, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary president. “Faculty members from all five schools joined together to offer their insights regarding 2024 publications in various fields of study such as Biblical and theological studies, church history, apologetics and Christian worldview, worship, ministry studies, education and counseling, as well as evangelism and missions. The process reflects the wide-ranging engagement of the Southwestern faculty with the best of Christian scholarship.”

Wonders from Your Law: Nexus Passages and the Promise of an Exegetical Intertextual Old Testament Theology by Kevin S. Chen was honored as the top book in the Biblical Studies category. Chen is professor of Old Testament Studies at Gateway Seminary in Ontario, CA. He previously taught at Christian Witness Theological Seminary in San Jose, CA, and Union University in Jackson, TN. He is the author of The Messianic Vision of the Pentateuch and is a contributor to the Worldview Study Bible.

Chloe T. Sun, professor of Old Testament and program director of the Chinese Studies Center at Fuller Theological Seminary, said, “In Wonders from Your Law, Kevin Chen identifies ten key nexus passages in the Old Testament, resulting in an integrative and intertextual approach that honors the literary, textual, and theological unity of the Old Testament. Readers will discover the themes of creation, deliverance, the temple, the Messiah, and his kingdom as well as wisdom, which are all weaved together to form God’s story with Israel. The book contributes creatively to Old Testament theology from an evangelical perspective. It invites us to get on the ‘subway’ of the Old Testament and to be awed by its ‘transfer stations’ and, ultimately, its destination.”

Southwestern Journal of Theology selected On Classical Trinitarianism: Retrieving the Nicene Doctrine of the Triune God, edited by Matthew Barrett, as the top book in the Church History/Historical Theology/Biography category. Motivated by the longstanding need to retrieve the classical doctrine of the Trinity, Barrett brings together Protestant, Roman Catholic, and Eastern Orthodox scholars to intervene in the conversation. With over forty contributions, this ecumenical volume resurrects the enduring legacy of Nicene orthodoxy, providing a theological introduction that listens with humility to the Great Tradition.

Matthew Barrett is professor of Christian Theology at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, the editor-in-chief of Credo Magazine, and Director of the Center for Classical Theology. He is the author of the award-winning book, Simply Trinity: The Unmanipulated Father, Son, and Spirit, as well as the author of The Reformation as Renewal: Retrieving the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church. He is currently writing a Systematic Theology.

“On Classical Trinitarianism is a breathtaking accomplishment. An astonishing array of contributions maps the field of trinitarian theology—historical, dogmatic, and polemical,” said Hans Boersma, the Order of St. Benedict Servants of Christ Chair in Ascetical Theology at Nashotah House Theological Seminary, Wisconsin. “The forty chapters, written by prominent theologians from each of three major branches of the church, are a major refutation of the so-called revival of the Trinity in twentieth-century theology. This publication is a serious, in-depth reassertion of classical Nicene theology over against the recent onslaught of social trinitarianism with its rationally comprehensible and compositional (and, often, subordinationist) view of the Trinity. Anyone attempting a return to the social trinitarianism of the previous century will have to reckon with Matthew Barrett’s major accomplishment in this volume.”

The Southwestern Journal of Theology awards recognize a top overall Book of the Year and the top books in twelve categories related to various academic disciplines. Books are nominated by the residential faculty of Southwestern Seminary and Texas Baptist College, the seminary’s undergraduate school. Dockery and Malcolm B. Yarnell III, editor of the Southwestern Journal of Theology and research professor of theology, coordinate the process, which also identifies books that receive honorable mention commendations in each category.

Contact:  Krista Clayton | kclayton@ivpress.com

Helps readers see cohesive focus of Scripture

BRENTWOOD, Tenn. — Dwayne Milioni, pastor of Open Door Church in Raleigh, N.C., has a passion for God’s Word and a drive to see others develop that same love for Scripture. That desire led him to partner with Holman Bibles to develop the “CSB Jesus Daily Bible.”

Milioni, who also serves as a professor at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and co-founder of the church-planting Pillar Network, preached through the entirety of Scripture in 22 years at Open Door and one year on the Bible as a single story. Taking all he learned from that experience, he worked to develop the unique devotional Bible that walks readers through the entire Bible in one year and helps them see Scripture as one cohesive narrative.

“The word ‘Bible’ means book, so we should see the Bible as a single book,” Milioni said. “Yes, it’s composed of 66 books, but really it’s one story. Though there are 40 different human authors, there’s one divine Author, and He is telling the story of how God desired to have a covenant relationship with a people. But this kingdom needed someone to lead us—a king, a high priest, a covenant redeemer. So, the Bible is a story about Jesus from Genesis to Revelation.”

Milioni’s experience made him the ideal contributor to this devotional Bible, according to Andy McLean, Holman Bibles publisher. “Because of the nature of this Bible, we wanted both a seasoned pastor and scholar, which Dwayne exhibits,” said McLean.

The “CSB Jesus Daily Bible” features a 52-week guided reading plan that shows Jesus throughout all Scripture. Each week’s reading is structured thematically in a five-day reading format with articles and infographics, as well as weekly introductions and summaries to help readers better understand Jesus’s central role. Unlike other daily Bibles, the daily reading arrangement is not date-specific, so readers can begin the plan at any point in the calendar year.

McLean said the concept of the Bible was inspired by Luke’s account of the disciples on the Emmaus road where “beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he [Jesus] interpreted for them the things concerning himself in all the Scriptures” (Luke 24:27 CSB).

“With the ‘CSB Jesus Daily Bible,’ we want readers to have their own Emmaus road experience as they read through Scripture each day and see how Jesus is at the center of every book of the Bible from Genesis to Revelation,” McLean said. “We wanted to showcase to readers how all of Scripture is pointing to the person and work of Jesus so that they too, like the disciples walking along the Emmaus road, might say, ‘Weren’t our hearts burning within us while he was talking with us on the road and explaining the Scriptures to us?’” (Luke 24:32 CSB).

Milioni, McLean and the others who worked on the “CSB Jesus Daily Bible” believe it will serve individual readers aiming to understand Scripture better and churches who like to participate together.

“I hope to guide readers to find Jesus in Scripture,” said Milioni. “The Bible features a list of places in the week’s reading where readers might find Jesus. It encourages people to look for Jesus in certain spots and then gives them the opportunity to do that. Hopefully, as they use the Bible, they’ll say, ‘There He is.’”

McLean noted many pastors who want to encourage their congregation to read and know Scripture more. “This Bible is perfect for that type of church emphasis,” he said. “As a pastor, you want more consistent engagement with God’s Word on a consistent basis while also wanting biblical literacy to increase during Bible engagement. This Bible helps address both aspects by not only providing a year-long reading plan to help people stay consistent, but also robust ancillary content that helps readers see Jesus all throughout Scripture.”

To assist pastors in using the Jesus Daily Bible in their churches, Milioni will also provide sermon outlines early next year that can be used to connect the Sunday morning worship service to the weekly readings.

The CSB Jesus Daily Bible is available for pre-order now and is set to be released in January 2025. For more information, visit Lifeway.com/JesusDailyBible.

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.

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 subsidiary of B&H Publishing Group.

MEDIA CONTACT:  Aaron Earls, aaron.earls@lifeway.com

by Aaron Earls, a writer for Lifeway Christian Resources

An Alternative Distribution Solution for Publishers Wishing to Remain Independent

CHICAGO – Independent Publishers Group (IPG), the last remaining independent book distributor of significant size in North America, will host an informational open house for publishers impacted by the upcoming closure of National Book Network (NBN).

NBN announced that it will close next year. To provide an introduction to IPG’s services and demonstrated dedication to the independent community, IPG will host an open house for NBN publishers interested in alternative distribution solutions. The open house is an opportunity to meet key personnel at IPG and hear about the turnkey sales, marketing, and distribution services provided to publishers.

“NBN has an exceptional list of publishers,” said Joe Matthews, CEO of IPG. “IPG has the capacity to add a dozen or so, especially those that value independence and a more personal relationship.” For NBN publishers who decide to transfer to IPG, moving expenses will be covered.

Publishers can sign up for the open house scheduled for Wednesday, January 15, here.

About Independent Publishers Group
Founded in 1971, IPG was the first organization specifically created for the purpose of marketing titles from independent presses to the book trade. Today, IPG’s wide reach into the book market includes distribution of both print and e-books from a wide array of publishers, digital printing, and traditional publishing. With consistent growth year over year, IPG’s success has come from supporting and encouraging the growth of its publishing partners in the United States and worldwide. IPG was acquired by Chicago Review Press in 1987, and this acquisition formed the parent company Chicago Review Press, Inc., which now owns Chicago-based indie publishers Chicago Review Press and Triumph Books.

Contact:  Julia Dillman, Corporate Communications, 312.337.0747 | jdillman@ipgbook.com

Ada, Mich. (December 5, 2024)—Gary Johnson, who served as President of Bethany House Publishers for nearly five decades (1960-2008) and was widely credited with establishing Christian fiction as a viable publishing category, has passed away.

After studying music at Bethany College and Augsburg University, Johnson along with his wife, Carol, pursued early careers as singers, but they found their true calling in Christian publishing, where they would go on to revolutionize the industry during their 48-year tenure.

Under Gary’s leadership as President and Carol’s guidance as VP/Editorial of Fiction, Bethany House became the premier publisher of Christian fiction, effectively creating the genre through groundbreaking works such as Janette Oke’s Love Comes Softly and Beverly Lewis’ The Shunning. Their vision extended beyond fiction, publishing influential nonfiction works including Leonard Ravenhill’s Why Revival Tarries and Larry Christenson’s The Christian Family.

The Johnsons’ commitment to excellence was consistently recognized through numerous industry accolades, including ECPA’s Christian Book Awards, Gold Medallion Awards, Gold and Platinum Awards, and the prestigious Jordon Lifetime Achievement Award. At the ceremony, former ECPA President/CEO Mark Kuyper noted, “The Johnsons’ prescient vision for Christian fiction and their industry leadership have provided a driving force in the rise of the Christian fiction category to its current prominence.”

Andy McGuire, Editorial Director for Bethany House, stated, “Gary left an incredible legacy at Bethany House, and we’re so grateful for all that he and Carol did to build a biblical, God-honoring foundation for us as a publisher that we are continuing to build on to this day.”

Former president of Baker Publishing Group, Dwight Baker, added, “For many of his publishing colleagues and companions, Gary Johnson was a consistent model of professional grace and dignity. We have all been blessed by our association with him. During our final conversation as colleagues, Gary shared with me that he wished to “finish well” and I am certain that he accomplished precisely that.”

Following his retirement from Bethany House in 2008, Johnson continued to influence the industry as a publishing consultant, sharing his wealth of experience and wisdom with the next generation of Christian publishers.

Gary Johnson’s legacy lives on through the countless lives touched by the books he helped bring into the world, and through the continuing work of Bethany House Publishers in bringing quality Christian literature to readers everywhere.

Johnson is survived by Carol, his wife of 62 years and his two daughters, six grandchildren and soon four great-grandchildren.

Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group, has been publishing high-quality books for more than 60 years, and has been recognized as the pioneer and leader in Christian fiction. They continue to publish in nonfiction categories as well, and are known for bringing outstanding Christian books to readers that inspire and uplift.

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

Grand Rapids, Mich. Dec. 2024 – Zondervan, a division of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, announced The Jesus Bible, in both New International Version (NIV) and English Standard Version (ESV) editions, have sold more than 500,000 copies combined. Through a partnership with Passion Publishing, Zondervan first published The Jesus Bible, NIV Edition in 2017 and The Jesus Bible, ESV Edition in 2018.

“It has been deeply rewarding to see the impact our partnership with Passion Publishing has had over the years,” said Melinda Bouma, vice president and publisher of Bibles for Zondervan. “In less than a decade, we have reached more than half a million students and leaders throughout the nation and the world. We look forward to reaching many more in the years to come, as we help Bible readers come to see that the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem isn’t the beginning of the story of Jesus, but rather the entire Bible points to Him.”

Featuring nearly 1000 articles and 66 book introductions, The Jesus Bible helps readers discover Jesus throughout the fullness of Scripture. Six feature essays highlight how the Bible, while a collection of 66 books, is truly one story with six “acts” all about one name—Jesus.

“We could not be more thrilled to see The Jesus Bible cross this significant milestone,” said Kevin Marks, managing director of Passion Publishing. “It is a powerful indicator that Passion’s core mission of making Jesus more known is being fulfilled. We are immensely thankful for the Bible team at Zondervan and our strategic partnership with HarperCollins Christian Publishing.”

In 2018, The Jesus Bible, NIV Edition was re-designed to feature Zondervan’s exclusive NIV Comfort Print® typeface. Expertly designed to be used for the NIV text, Comfort Print offers an easier reading experience. A highlight of this product line has been the introduction of The Jesus Bible, Artist Editions – editions of each of the Bibles featuring unique cover designs by emerging artists. Artist Editions, in both translations, have featured artwork from Britt Bass (2019) and Joshua Noom (2022)

About Passion Publishing:  Passion Publishing’s mission is to lift and amplify life-shifting messages globally from the Passion movement. Above all else Passion is about glorifying God by inviting people to live for what matters most, the name and renown of Jesus. Since 2014, Passion Publishing has enjoyed an imprint partnership with HarperCollins Christian Publishing.

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.

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

BRENTWOOD, Tenn. — As a pastor of 17 years and now Lifeway’s president and CEO, Ben Mandrell has seen increasing loneliness and a decreased sense of belonging among Christians. This growing trend is one of the main reasons why Mandrell wrote his first short-term adult Bible study, “Together,” to recapture God’s vision for biblical community within the local church.

In this six-week study, Mandrell seeks to challenge believers to step out of surface-level relationships and into the deeper, familial community the early church displayed. By anchoring the study in Acts 2, Mandrell challenges Christians to move beyond exchanging surface-level pleasantries to pursuing deep friendship within the local church. Pursuing biblical community, he argues, includes investment, sacrifice and love.

“The first generation of believers embraced the idea of church in a way that impacted every aspect of their lives and empowered the gospel to spread far and wide,” said Mandrell. “The early church humbly shared their hurts, struggles and failures, and their willingness to do so increased the power of their witness and deepened their connection with one another.”

The aftereffects of the pandemic coupled with the larger state of apathy toward organized religion in America are a few reasons why isolation among American Christians may be on the rise. According to a poll from NORC at the University of Chicago, 88% of Americans do not trust organized religion or religious leaders even though the same population believes in a higher power or spirituality.

Even within the local church, people seem to be growing apathetic in their commitment. Lifeway Research found that 66% of Americans say worshiping alone or with one’s family is a valid replacement for regularly attending church and 75% of pastors identified “people’s apathy or lack of commitment” as a significant concern.

“God’s vision for unity in the local church is crystal clear,” said Mandrell. “For the church to carry out this vision, it’s vital for each member to be fully devoted to one another. This study lays the foundation for God’s vision and purpose for the local church and how this is lived out in the context of teaching, fellowship, forgiveness and prayer.”

This study includes six video sessions, group discussion guides and personal study opportunities for ongoing spiritual growth, with each week focusing on a different aspect of what it means to be committed to the local church. This study also invites believers to challenge their distinctions between attending church and actively pursuing biblical community.

Additionally, Lifeway is releasing “Together for Teens,” which will be released alongside the adult edition. The teen study focuses on how students are not just the “future of the church” but addresses how students can see that they have a vital role in the church today. The teen study includes six group sessions, six weeks of personal study and a leader guide that encourages students to pursue a deeper understanding of God’s vision for the local church.

Drawing from his experience of planting Storyline Fellowship in Denver, Colorado, Mandrell described how a shared love of Christ and his mission to reach the lost strengthened the relationships within the church plant. “We were in it together, we were on mission together and we had each other’s backs,” he said.

“We’re together in different circumstances. But God’s vision for his church today is the same as it was for the early church in its very first days,” said Mandrell. “As he was then, the Holy Spirit is at work now—in us, through us and around us. The question is, will we open ourselves up to Him as He does that work?”

“Together” will be released on January 2, 2025, and is now available for pre-order. For more information, visit Lifeway.com.

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.

MEDIA CONTACT:  Aaron Earls, aaron.earls@lifeway.com

by Lauren Pratt, a contracted publicist for Lifeway Christian Resources