2025 | LISLE, IL—InterVarsity Press (IVP) is thrilled to announce that three IVP Kids titles have received 2025 Illumination Book Awards. The honored titles include Birth of the Chosen One, Penny Preaches, and Saint Valentine the Kindhearted.

The Illumination Christian Book Awards celebrate the best new Christian books from both independent and traditional publishers. The awards recognize outstanding works that thoughtfully explore faith, Scripture, and spiritual themes in today’s world. Titles are submitted in over twenty-five categories, including Devotionals, Bible Studies, and Children’s Picture Books.

Winner of the gold medal in the Children’s Picture Book category, Penny Preaches: God Gives Good Gifts to Everyone! is written by Amy Dixon and Rob Dixon and illustrated by Jennifer Davison. Penny loves Sunday sermons and dreams of preaching. But when preaching from the front porch to her friends doesn’t turn out quite as she expected, Penny wonders if she was wrong to want to teach others about God. Penny’s story celebrates the gifts God has given to all His children and invites children into a vision of a church where everyone’s gifts can shine.

Gold medal winner in the Holiday category is Birth of the Chosen One: A First Nations Retelling of the Christmas Story. This unique adaptation by Terry M. Wildman is an Indigenous translation of the Creator’ Story told in the tradition of Native oral storytellers. With text from the bestselling First Nations Version and stunning illustrations by Native artists Hannah and Holly Buchanan, Birth of the Chosen One is a powerful picture book that illuminates the Christmas story in a fresh and new way.

Silver medal winner in the Holiday category is Saint Valentine the Kindhearted: The History and Legends of God’s Brave and Loving Servant by Ned Bustard. Told in rhyme and delightfully illustrated with Ned Bustard’s signature linocut artwork, this is the story of Saint Valentine’s life and legacy. Young readers will learn about the inspiration behind Valentine’s Day celebrations. Ned Bustard’s other award-winning IVP Kids titles include Saint Nicholas the Giftgiver and Saint Patrick the Forgiver.

IVP Kids offers resources that reflect and celebrate diverse voices, equipping and encouraging children to follow Jesus in every area of their lives. “Working with these talented authors and illustrators has been an absolute delight,” says Elissa Schauer, Executive Editor and IVP Kids editor. “I am so thrilled that these wonderful books are being honored and celebrated with this award!”

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

Contact:  Anna Tjernstrom | atjernstrom@ivpress.com

‘Deep Discipleship’ aims to bolster theological foundations within the local church

BRENTWOOD, Tenn. – For almost a decade, authors J.T. English, Jen Wilkin and Kyle Worley have made it their mission to make theological education accessible to laypeople in the church.

They have also helped train church leaders to guide their people toward knowing the essential foundations of the Christian faith through Training the Church ministry cohorts, podcasts like “Knowing Faith” and other resources that have been useful for providing laypeople with tools for knowing and understanding Scripture.

On April 1, these authors are teaming up with Lifeway Christian Resources to launch “Deep Discipleship,” a 24-week program (two 12-week semesters) that equips and empowers participants to grow deeply in their faith within the context of the local church, allowing believers to engage with God’s Word in a meaningful and comprehensive way.

The “Deep Discipleship” curriculum offers an in-depth approach to discipleship that fosters both small group and individual Bible study on the essential foundations and doctrines of the Christian faith rooted and revealed in Scripture. “We believe theology is for everyone,” said Worley, pastor of Mosaic Church in Richardson, Texas. “The goal of this program is and has always been to make the deep things of God accessible to all the people in our churches — not just to a select few.”

“Deep Discipleship” is based on three core tenets that tie the curriculum together:

• Christian story: understanding the grand narrative of Scripture
• Christian belief: the essential doctrines of the Christian faith
• Christian formation: how story and belief shape worship, mission and obedience to Christ

Unlike programs that require minimal engagement, “Deep Discipleship” will challenge participants to go deep by learning and growing in their biblical literacy, theological knowledge and practice of spiritual disciplines. The program includes a Group Starter Kit, which contains five “Deep Discipleship” journals, video-based teaching sessions, a digital leader guide, group discussion questions and weekly individual assignments.

Each Group Starter Kit includes five journals with the option to add more, depending on the size of each group. Participants will also receive digital access to three books, including “You Are a Theologian” by Wilkin and English, “Formed for Fellowship” by Kyle Worley (May 2025) and “Remember and Rehearse” by English (May 2025).

“One of the primary reasons we are facing a discipleship crisis is because local churches have lost a vision for discipleship in the local church,” said English, pastor of Storyline Church in Arvada, Colorado. “As the family of God, local churches are absolutely indispensable to shaping and forming deep disciples. In this program, every local church can expose their people to three indispensable elements for every disciple: the story of Scripture, the basics of the faith, and spiritual disciplines. Every single church and every disciple should have access to this program.”

According to Lifeway Research and Ligonier’s 2022 State of Theology report, many of the core tenants of Scripture are not strongly believed among evangelicals, revealing a crack in the church’s discipleship framework and methodology. For example, 43% of evangelicals agree Jesus was a great teacher but not God.

Additionally, a 2019 Discipleship Pathway Assessment study from Lifeway Research found that while 78% of Protestant churchgoers said they had developed significant relationships with people at their church, only 48% intentionally spent time with other believers to help them grow in their faith.

“Many church leaders have been told they must continually lower the bar to attract participants,” said Wilkin. “The opposite is true: people rise to a challenge and rally to a compelling vision. And in an age of rampant theological and biblical illiteracy, the time has never been better to call them to that vision through deep discipleship.”

Additionally, Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary has partnered with Lifeway to offer participants their first seminary class free upon completion of the Deep Discipleship program. More information can be found at MBTS.edu/deepdiscipleship.

For more information about the “Deep Discipleship” program, visit lifeway.com/deepdiscipleship.=

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.

March 3, 2025 – In his newest book, The Ordinary Church: Restoring the Biblical Model, Pastor John MacArthur invites us to walk the old paths, where the timeless truths of Scripture guide us in discerning what truly constitutes a faithful congregation. Prepare to embark on a journey that cuts through the distractions of modern culture and leads us to the heart of genuine, enduring fellowship.

In today’s landscape, not everything claiming the title of a church embodies health or truth. The Ordinary Church becomes a vital tool for believers, providing a lens to scrutinize the ordinary church and to serve as a guide to adopting a God-honoring approach in establishing and defining a faithful congregation amid the challenges of a sin-perverted world.

“This book has come at a key moment in church history. Society today has infiltrated many churches in ways that lead to confusion among leaders and discontentment among members. John MacArthur provides much-needed clarity and insight into how an ‘ordinary church’ is truly extraordinary.”  – Brian Biedebach, Dean of Students and Associate Professor of Pastoral Ministry, The Master’s Seminary

John MacArthur is the chancellor of The Master’s University and Seminary, a pastor-teacher at Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California, and chairman and featured teacher of Grace to You, a nonprofit radio and television program. He and his wife, Patricia, live in Southern California and have four married children, and fifteen grandchildren.

The Ordinary Church is available from CLC Publications (www.clcpublications.com) and other major distributors.

CLC Publications is the English language publishing house for CLC Ministries International. Headquartered in Fort Washington, PA, CLC has published books for the Deeper Christian Life for over 50 years.

WaterBrook, an imprint of PRH Christian Publishing Group, has acquired speaker and founder of Our Everyday Parables Valerie Ellis’s WILD FAITH DEVOTIONAL FOR KIDS: 52 AMAZING ANIMALS THAT POINT TO ONE GREAT GOD, a nonfiction anthology of well-known animals such as flamingos, snakes, dogs, and cats along with lesser-known creatures like the capybara, glass frog, and rock-climbing goby — to help kids ages 7 and up celebrate God’s creativity and rest in His great love. The devotional is illustrated by Jennifer Bricking and is slated for Fall 2025 publication.

Acquisition went to Bunmi Ishola, Senior Editor, at PRH Christian Publishing Group for WaterBrook, by Annette Bourland at Bourland Strategic Advisors for the author and Tamara Shannon at Shannon Associates for the illustrator (world). For rights inquiries, contact Denise Cronin dcronin@penguinrandomhouse.com

WaterBrook is an imprint of PRH Christian Publishing Group, a division of Penguin Random House, LLC.

February 28, 2025 — Nelson Books, an imprint of Thomas Nelson, is thrilled to announce that Fighting Shadows: Overcoming 7 Lies That Keep Men From Becoming Fully Alive by Jefferson Bethke and Jon Tyson has been named Outreach Resource of the Year in the Counseling and Relationships category. This honor recognizes the book’s profound impact in addressing critical issues men face today and equipping them with tools to live with unwavering faith, courage, and purpose.

Fighting Shadows has resonated deeply with readers by confronting the false narratives—or “shadows”—that threaten to derail identity, relationships, and spiritual growth. Through a combination of raw storytelling, biblical truth, and actionable advice, Bethke and Tyson have created a guide that inspires men to break free from cultural pressures and step into their God-given potential.

“Jefferson and Jon’s work has been a source of transformation for countless readers and their families. This award further solidifies its place as an essential resource for personal and spiritual growth.”  said Andrew Stoddard, VP and Publisher of Nelson Books.

With topics ranging from vulnerability and emotional health to authentic leadership and spiritual depth, Fighting Shadows challenges men to redefine masculinity through the lens of their faith. It offers a bold roadmap for leading lives that are courageous, purposeful, and full of integrity.

Nelson Books is proud to celebrate this achievement and invites readers to discover why Fighting Shadows continues to inspire and empower men across the globe.

Contact:  Devin Duke, Sr. Publicity Manager, Devin.Duke@HarperCollins.com

 

Ada, Mich. (March 3, 2025)—Outreach Magazine recently announced the winners of their Resources of the Year. Baker Academic titles received three top honors. Brazos Press received one top honor and one recommended title. Bethany House also received one top honor.

Heading up the Baker Academic list was Crossing Cultures with the Gospel by Darrell L. Whiteman in the Missions and Cross-Cultural category. Healthy Leadership for Thriving Organizations by Justin A. Irving has been named one of two Outreach Resources of the Year in the Leadership category. A Short Guide to Spiritual Formation by Alex Sosler was named one of two winners of Resource of the Year in the Spiritual Growth category.

Brazos Press also had one title included and one recommended. Gratitude by Cornelius Plantinga was named Resource of the Year winner in the Christian Living category. Strange Religion by Nijay K. Gupta was also recommended in the Culture category.

Bethany House also had one title included. The 100 Most Asked Questions about Heaven, Hell, and the Afterlife by S. Michael Houdmann was named Resource of the Year in the Apologetics category.

Crossing Cultures with the Gospel by Darrell L. Whiteman
(Baker Academic, ISBN 9781540960467, Ebook ISBN 9781493429547, $27.99p)

Healthy Leadership for Thriving Organizations by Justin A. Irving
(Baker Academic, ISBN 9781540964809, Ebook ISBN 9781493442829, $26.99p)

A Short Guide to Spiritual Formation by Alex Sosler
(Baker Academic, ISBN 9781540966612, Ebook ISBN 9781493446353, $21.99p)

Gratitude by Cornelius Plantinga
(Brazos Press, ISBN 9781587436222, Ebook ISBN 9781493444946, $22.99c)

Strange Religion by Nijay K. Gupta
(Brazos Press, ISBN 9781587435171, Ebook ISBN 9781493444922, $18.99p)

The 100 Most Asked Questions about Heaven, Hell, and the Afterlife by S. Michael Houdmann
(Bethany House, ISBN 9780764245794, Ebook ISBN 9781493452392, $17.99p)

Outreach Magazine announced winners in a range of categories, including Evangelism, Social Justice, Spiritual Growth, Counseling, Biblical Studies, and Apologetics. The complete list of recognized resources can be found here.

“We congratulate these authors on this recognition of their important works,” notes Jim Kinney, Executive Vice President of Academic Publishing. “Christians must engage a wide array of issues as they bring the gospel to bear on life in the twenty-first century. It is a privilege for us to publish these books that will help us do just that.”

Baker Publishing Group publishes high-quality writings that represent historic Christianity and serve the diverse interests and concerns of evangelical readers.

Contact:  Shelly MacNaughton, (616) 450-5560, smacnaughton@bakerpublishinggroup.com

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO, March 3, 2025—WaterBrook, an imprint of PRH Christian Publishing Group, is delighted to share that Here Be Dragons: Treading the Deep Waters of Motherhood, Mean Girls, and Generational Trauma (Feb. 18, 2025) by Melanie Shankle, author and co-host of the Big Boo Cast, debuted at #5 on The New York Times Hardcover Nonfiction Bestseller list and at #8 on the Nonfiction Print and E-book Combined Bestseller List.

In Here Be Dragons, Shankle—now a four-time New York Times bestselling author—presents a poignant, deeply personal story about trusting God to heal generational wounds so you can be a strong, loving presence for your teenage daughter.

Like a lot of moms, Shankle found herself in need of a parenting map when her teenage daughter, Caroline, entered her sophomore year of high school where she encountered relentless mean girls and brutal heartache. While trying to equip her daughter to deal with the toxic social dynamics of high school, Melanie was hit with a cruel realization: The shame, criticism, and verbal abuse she had endured throughout her own life was wrought by one particular mean girl—her own mother.

“Amazingly, this is not the book Melanie set out to write . . . yet it’s the message that poured out of her. It’s even better than what any of us—including Melanie—were expecting!” said Susan Tjaden, WaterBrook VP/Executive Editor. “We are thrilled it is resonating with readers in the way we had hoped.”

Reader reviews showcase their enthusiasm calling Here Be Dragons Shankle’s best book yet. With more than 120 reviews on Goodreads and a 4.86 rating, readers are saying  “I devoured it,” “I love this book from start to finish,” and  “there is so much truth, wisdom and encouragement to be found here.”

In celebration of Here Be Dragons, Shankle is doing  a nine-city book tour visiting stores across her home state of Texas, as well as in the South. Upcoming events include Monday, March 3, at Little Professor Bookshop in Birmingham, AL, with her podcast co-host Sophie Hudson; Tuesday, March 4, at Books-A-Million in Nashville, TN, with Sissy Goff and David Thomas; and on Thursday, March 6, at Blue Willow Bookshop at St. Thomas Presbyterian Church in Houston, TX, with Beth Moore.

Melanie Shankle is a four-time New York Times bestselling author of Here Be Dragons, Sparkly Green Earrings, The Antelope in the Living Room, and Nobody’s Cuter Than You. She speaks at events nationwide and co-hosts the wildly popular podcast, The Big Boo Cast. Melanie and her husband, Perry, live in San Antonio, Texas, and are the parents of Caroline. www.melanieshankle.com

WaterBrook is an imprint of PRH Christian Publishing Group, a division of Penguin Random House, LLC.

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

GRAND RAPIDS, MI—Paul L. Maier, beloved professor emeritus at Western Michigan University, ancient history scholar, and author of the #1 national best-seller A Skeleton in God’s Closet, passed away February 27. He was 94.

As the former Russell H. Seibert professor of ancient history at Western Michigan University, Dr. Maier taught on campus for fifty-two years and spent thirty-nine of those years as the campus chaplain. After his retirement in 2011, he retained the professor emeritus title. In 2018, he was honored for his legacy at the school with the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award from Marquis Who’s Who, an award that recognizes individuals’ achievements of greatness in their industries.

Dr. Maier was a staunch, vigorous, and engaging defender of the faith, considered an expert in apologetics. He was noted for using both secular and non-secular sources to confirm the authenticity of the Bible. He led countless tours to the Holy Land and other biblical sites. As a world-renowned author and international speaker, Maier wrote endless articles and books, both fiction and nonfiction. His books with Kregel include the nonfiction titles, Eusebius; Josephus: The Essential Works; Josephus: The Essential Writings; In the Fullness of Time later updated and retitled The Genuine Jesus; and The First Christmas; and two novels, Pontius Pilate and The Flames of Rome.

Dr. Maier wasn’t just a scholar and best-selling author, he was also Paul, a genuine friend to others. Longstanding Kregel employees remember his visits to Kregel to pick up books. He’d leave with his Triumph Spitfire so weighed down by cartons that the muffler would scrape along the driveway as he left.

“Dr. Maier has been one of our most significant and best-selling authors in our 75-year publishing history,” president Jerry Kregel said. “We first published Josephus: The Essential Writings back in 1988, and that was later released as the updated full-color Josephus: The Essential Works. Those and most of his other titles published with us, including some published in Spanish by our Spanish division Editorial Portavoz, are still in print after so many years. Combined, his books have sold well over half a million copies and continue to provide valuable historical context for readers worldwide. As a professor, chaplain, speaker, and author, he has left a tremendous legacy.”

Publisher Catherine DeVries said, “I had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Paul Maier at the Kregel home office a few times and witnessed his passion, dedication, motivation, incredible knowledge, and sense of humor with a sparkle in his eye, which I enjoyed most of all. He will be missed. I am grateful that his scholarship lives on through his books.”

Paul is survived by four daughters, ten grandchildren, two nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews. His daughters shared, “Our precious papa is now in glory with our mom, his parents, his brother, his friends, and most importantly with our beautiful Savior, welcoming him home.”

With his investment in the students at WMU, his expertise in his writing, and his relationships with family and friends, Dr. Maier has left a legacy that points directly to the love and salvation that comes from Jesus Christ.

Kregel Publications is an evangelical Christian publisher that aims to develop and distribute—with integrity and excellence—trusted, biblically based resources that lead individuals to know and serve Jesus Christ.

Ada, Mich. (February 18, 2025)—I’ve Got Questions: The Spiritual Practice of Having It Out with God (Baker Books; ISBN 9781540904089; ebook ISBN 9781493449187; $26.99) by Erin Hicks Moon has been featured on Publishers Weekly’s Bestseller list, ranking #19 on Print Hardcover Frontlist Nonfiction. The ranking reflects sales for the week ending February 8, 2025, and is based on point-of-sale data from booksellers nationwide.

“Congratulations to Erin Hicks Moon and the talented team who launched I’ve Got Questions. We’ve been looking forward to sharing Erin’s message with the world for a while now and we’re really pleased it’s a national bestseller.”—Brian Vos, Editorial Director, Baker Books

When your faith as you know it has been commodified, nationalized, scandalized, and rebranded beyond recognition, is it even possible to recover the “good” of Jesus from this cluster of epic proportions?

Writer and podcaster Erin Moon has questions, and this book is her open letter for anyone who feels iffy, conflicted, or just downright devastated by this disconnect. With empathy, insight, and the therapy of memes and a good laugh, Erin maps out not a rigid prescription but an open-hearted pathway for you to reclaim what you once loved about your faith home and light a match to the rest.

Erin Hicks Moon is a writer, podcaster, and storyteller who helps people disentangle faith by creating a kind and curious community that welcomes honest doubt and questions. She is the Resident Bible Scholar and host of the Faith Adjacent podcast, and senior creative at Popcast Media Group. Her popular weekly newsletter, “The Swipe Up,” has garnered nearly 20,000 highly engaged subscribers, and she has written and produced several popular Bible study guides. She lives in Birmingham, Alabama, with her husband and three children.

Baker Books has a vision for showing people a better way to live by publishing books that are relevant, intelligent, and engaging.

Baker Publishing Group publishes high-quality writings that represent historic Christianity and serve the diverse interests and concerns of evangelical readers.

Contact:  Shelly MacNaughton, (616)450-5560, smacnaughton@bakerpublishinggroup.com

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO (Feb. 19, 2025)—PRH Christian Publishing Group (PRHCPG) is delighted to announce the addition of Madison Trammel as Editorial Director of PRH Christian Publishing Group, reporting to Laura Barker, VP and Publisher, starting March 3, 2025. All nonfiction editors acquiring for the WaterBrook, Multnomah, Image and Forum imprints at PRHCPG will report to Trammel.

“We are thrilled to welcome Madison to the PRH Christian team,” notes Campbell Wharton, SVP and Publisher for PRH Christian. “His entrepreneurial mindset, demonstrated capacity for imprint growth, and vast knowledge and experience in the Christian marketplace over the last two decades bring exactly what we need as we expand the scope of our publishing program.”

For the past six years, Trammel has been serving as the Publisher of B&H Publishing’s academic team, where he has overseen the imprint’s publishing program from acquisitions and product development, vision casting and growth strategy, to budgets and management of the editorial team. The imprint has enjoyed great success and growth under his leadership. For part of that time, Trammel also served as Associate Director of the B&H Publishing Group on the Trade team. He was previously an acquisitions editor at HarperCollins Christian Publishing for eight years, commissioning a broad range of books, including spiritual growth, church ministry, leadership, apologetics, and popular reference titles. Trammel also oversaw an Issues & Culture line and a Spiritual Growth line at Moody Publishers, and he got his start in Christian publishing as an associate editor at Christianity Today.

Some of Trammel’s notable acquisitions include On the Resurrection by Gary Habermas, Urban Apologetics by Eric Mason (an ECPA Christian Book Award® Finalist), and God of All Things by Andrew Wilson (all Christianity Today Book Award Winners).

“It’s an incredible honor to be selected to lead the editorial team at PRH Christian, especially during this time of growth and change at the company,” said Trammel. “I look forward to working with the top-notch editors there to expand our publishing program, cultivating relationships with current authors and audiences with excellence while simultaneously pursuing new readers and categories. I’m especially motivated by Campbell Wharton and Laura Barker’s vision to broaden PRH Christian’s reach in the marketplace, providing a wider range of readers with notable books that enrich their spiritual lives.”

Trammel holds an MA in Christian History and Theology from Wheaton; a PhD from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary majoring in Historical Theology; and is currently completing his MBA at Azusa Pacific University concentrating in organizational science. Trammel has also completed NYU’s Advanced Publishing course.

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

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