Distinguished Ad-man Co-authors Book Re-imagining Scriptural Stories and Parables for Modern Audiences

Mike Elms and Ivan Filby present the accounts of the Biblical texts in a striking way, through contexts and analogies that are understandable to 21^st century readers

PLANO, Texas (January 20, 2025) – Mike Elms, a former CEO of two major UK ad agencies, and Ivan Filby, President and CEO of Seedbed, a subsidiary of Asbury Theological Seminary, team up to present the timeless truth of Jesus’ parables in a reimagined format. Jesus Unbranded (Invite Press, January 2025) is an artistically rich two-volume guide for modern-day Christians who find themselves disengaged, disinterested in or else confused by the ancient settings of the parables in the Gospels.

Jesus’ parables were culturally relevant to his time. However, Western Christians today live in a significantly different world than their ancient Palestinian counterparts, and as such, many of the instructional stories and analogies from scripture fall flat on modern ears.

“The themes and messaging of the parables are timeless, but the storylines are time limited,” explains Elms. “The parables Jesus told had real ‘cut-through.’ He knew his audiences, he knew the culture, he knew the messaging he wanted to convey and he constructed his storylines accordingly.”

Perceiving indifference to the Biblical message among his fellow church congregants, Elms felt a call to use his extensive expertise as CEO of the Ogilvy & Mather and Tempus Group advertising agencies to strategically revitalize the Christian faith with cultural relevance and application. Jesus Unbranded, featuring AI-generated images by Jason Moore, author of AI and the Church, brings the stories of Christ to life through modern-day imagery and storytelling.

“My goal was to put myself in Jesus’ shoes and reimagine the stories in a way he would explain them to 21^st century listeners,” said Elms. “If Jesus were telling stories today, he’d use different images to share his timeless truths—people and scenes such as builders and electricians; entrepreneurs, Ferraris and Fords; a ski-trip and a theme park; stock market traders and hospice nurses.”

Jesus Unbranded is broken into two books, based on the scriptural timeline and the tone, tenor and purpose of each message—preserving the essence of the original scriptures. The first volume, referred to as “stories without spin,” focuses on the “teaching parables,” or Jesus’ early ministry in and around Galilee. The second volume, “stories with bite,” begins as Jesus approached the climax of his ministry, resulting in his Passion and crucifixion.

Each parable begins with a “rewiring” of the original, followed by a “reminding” of the original text from the NIV Bible translation. The guide then walks readers through how to interpret the parables, allows them to reflect with provided questions and gives them blank note space to respond to what they have just read.

“To spend time with the parables enables us to see and engage with the spiritual themes that permeate the events, relationships and situations in our everyday lives,” says Elms. “The lives that we are living, here and today.”

Jesus Unbranded releases January 28, 2025, from Invite Press. For more information, visit https://www.inviteministries.org/lp/jesus-unbranded-bundle-landing.

Mike Elms is an author and former adman with over 40 years of leadership experience in the industry, heading two UK advertising agencies, Ogilvy & Mather and Tempus Group PLC. Currently, he is the Chair of Trustees at Christian Publishing and Outreach and has worked with many prominent Christian organizations, including MAF, TWR Radio and ChurchAds.Net. He has served the church as an Anglican Churchwarden and a Baptist Deacon and is a contributor to “Thought for the Day” on Radio Kent. Mike is the author of Parables: Rewired, and the imminent Proverbs: Restitched in Time. Jesus Unbranded is his latest release and will be made available on January 28, 2025.

Ivan Filby Ivan is an ordained minister in the Free Methodist Church and holds a Ph.D. in Management and a M.A. in Evangelism. He taught at The University of Dublin: Trinity College for sixteen years before moving to the USA to chair the Management Department at Greenville University. Following a year as business school dean at Point Loma Nazarene University, Ivan returned to Greenville U to serve as its 12th president. Ivan has authored two books: Livestream: Learning to minister in the power of the Holy Spirit and Speak Tenderly: Prophetic ministry seasoned with grace.

Invite Press is a premier publisher of books to help readers grow in their Christian faith. It publishes books that matter to the everyday life of following Jesus as well as those that apply to the work of full-time ministry. Invite Press is an imprint of Invite Ministries, which exists to build a like-hearted community of influencers who are high on Jesus, low on politics, and biased toward innovation. Visit inviteministries.org for more information.

CONTACT: Lauren Briggs, lauren@kccommunications.co, (469) 626-8637

Colorado Springs, CO (January 20, 2025) – Focus on the Family is proud to announce the release of the 1,000^th episode of the beloved audio drama Adventures in Odyssey. The episode, titled “Kris-Crossed, Part 1,” will be featured in the 78^th album of Adventures in Odyssey, At Face Value, set to release in March 2025.

Since its inception in 1987, Adventures in Odyssey has provided families with stories that combine biblical truths, moral lessons, and memorable characters. Through the residents of Odyssey, millions of listeners worldwide have been encouraged to deepen and become rooted in their faith. The series has sold over two million physical copies and currently airs on 1,148 radio stations, reaching an estimated 290,000 listeners each week.

As Adventures in Odyssey approaches its 1000^th episode, the show’s creators reflect on this achievement. Marshal Younger, a writer on the show since 1992, shared, “If you look at a list of dramatic TV or radio shows that have reached the 1000^th-episode mark, that list is very, very short. A lot of really incredible things have to happen in order for a show to have this kind of longevity. That is definitely true of Adventures in Odyssey. There is no other explanation for it other than that God has had His hands on us as the creators and on the loyal audience as its listeners since the beginning. It is one of the greatest honors of my life to have been a part of it.”

For more information on Adventures in Odyssey and the 1000^th episode, visit AdventuresInOdyssey.com.
For media inquiries, please contact Natalie Wierenga at nataliewierenga@tyndale.com.

Focus on the Family, which reaches about 38 million people in 120 countries, is a global faith-based ministry that helps families thrive in Christ. Tyndale House Publishers is pleased to partner with Focus on the Family to help provide trusted resources for strengthening believers in their faith and sharing the gospel; building resilient marriages that reflect God’s design; equipping parents to raise their children with a thriving faith; advocating for the preborn, orphaned, and life at every stage; and engaging the culture through a biblical worldview. Visit Focus at FocusOnTheFamily.com or on Facebook or X.

Contact:  Natalie Wierenga, nataliewierenga@tyndale.com

CHICAGO – Independent Publishers Group (IPG), is pleased to announce a new program for Christian publishers, as well as the addition of four publishers to its sales and distribution programs.

Our Daily Bread Publishing (ODBP) launched in January of 2020, originally known as Discovery House Publishers, and is home to the bestselling titles My Utmost for His Highest, God Hears Her, and Stand Strong. As the publishing arm of Our Daily Bread Ministries, ODBP is helping to fuel a global Bible engagement movement. “For more than 86 years, our mission is to make the life-changing wisdom of the Bible understandable and accessible to all. Our Daily Bread Publishing is a vital part of this mission,” said Londa Alderink, Vice President of U.S. sales, marketing, and design at ODBM. “Partnering with IPG allows us to reach more readers with resources that lead to deeper Bible engagement, a more fruitful relationship with Jesus, and vibrant lives of faith.” IPG will begin distribution of ODBP on July 1, 2025.

Scepter Publishers will be distributed by IPG beginning May 1, 2025. Inspired by the life and thought of St. Josemaría Escrivá, Scepter’s mission is to help ordinary Christians find God and realize sanctity in their work, family life, and everyday activities. Michael Aquilina, VP of Sales & Marketing, shared, “We’re excited to team up with IPG to expand access to Scepter’s content around the world. This partnership will help us deliver on our mission to help readers from every walk of life give everything they do to God.”

Starting May 1, 2025, IPG will distribute Iron Hill Press. Iron Hill was launched in 2016 from the team at YM360, a premier provider of Gospel-centered youth ministry resources and live events. Iron Hill produces devotionals and Bibles for both men and women, as well as adult non-fiction.

IPG will distribute Global Publishing Partners beginning March 1, 2025. Global Publishing Partners is a boutique publisher committed to empowering the mission of its publishing partners through tailor-made specialty imprints. Its flagship imprint, Global Publishing, features Bibles and works from a diverse array of authors worldwide, offering meaningful insights and faith-based inspiration.

“These recent signings complement IPG’s existing list of Christian publishers, including Editorial Patmos, 1517 Publishing, and Northwestern Publishing House,” said Joe Matthews, CEO of IPG. “Creating a Christian program, like our other specialized publisher programs, allows us to address the specific needs of these publishers and offer them the best sales and marketing services for the type of books they publish.”

As part of establishing a dedicated Christian program, IPG will also host a Christian showcase for Christian publishers to connect directly with buyers and booksellers, similar in structure to IPG’s successful Spanish-language showcase in October 2024. IPG also plans to hire a Christian sales rep and create a Christian Edelweiss catalog to market the list. In addition to continuing membership in the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA), IPG is sponsoring the Protestant Church-owned Publishers Association (PCPA) and attending the Religious Education Congress in 2025. Other publishers interested in the IPG Christian program can reach out to distribution@ipgbook.com.

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. (January 13, 2025)—Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen joined author Tosca Lee and representatives from the One Book One Nebraska program and the Nebraska Library Commission at the state capitol on January 7 to formally proclaim The Long March Home as the 2025 One Book One Nebraska selection. This proclamation was previously announced at the Nebraska Celebration of Books ceremony last October.

Cowritten by Marcus Brotherton and Nebraska author Tosca Lee, The Long March Home (May 2, 2023; Cloth ISBN 9780800742751; Paperback ISBN 9780800742768; Ebook ISBN 9781493441266) is a powerful World War II narrative inspired by true events. The novel follows three friends from Mobile, Alabama, as they endure the Bataan Death March, weaving a compelling story of friendship, sacrifice, and unwavering hope.

The Long March Home continues the tradition of the One Book One Nebraska reading program, now in its twenty-first year, which promotes books with Nebraska connections throughout the state. Libraries and cultural organizations across Nebraska will host book discussions, activities, and special events throughout 2025 to engage readers with this compelling work. Readers can follow One Book One Nebraska activities and updates on Facebook at facebook.com/OneBookOneNebraska.

Marcus Brotherton brings his expertise as a New York Times, USA Today, Publishers Weekly, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author to this collaboration. His works have earned acclaim for their fascinating and brilliantly arranged narratives.

Coauthor Tosca Lee, an award-winning, New York Times bestselling author of twelve novels, including The Line Between and Iscariot, has consistently delivered powerful and deeply human stories that captivate readers.

The One Book One Nebraska program was spearheaded in 2005 by the Nebraska Center for the Book, Nebraska Library Commission, Nebraska Library Association, and Humanities Nebraska.  The goal of this program is to cultivate a culture of reading and discussion within the state’s literary community.

Revell is a division of Baker Publishing Group. Each Revell publication reflects relevance, integrity, and excellence.

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

Ada, Mich. (Jan. 10, 2025)— With great sadness, Baker Publishing Group announces the loss of a beloved author, Quin Sherrer, who was a pioneering voice in Christian literature and spiritual warfare.

Sherrer, who authored or co-authored 31 inspirational books throughout her career, was best known for her groundbreaking work “A Woman’s Guide to Spiritual Warfare,” published under Baker’s Chosen Books imprint. Her titles with Chosen Books have collectively sold more than 500,000 copies, touching countless lives with their practical wisdom and spiritual insight.

Her influence spans more than three decades of ministry through writing, teaching, and prayer. She died January 6, 2025, at the age of 91.

“Quin was so many gifts all in one,” reflects Kim Bangs, editorial director of Chosen Books. “Her impact as an author was matched only by her dedication as a prayer warrior and mentor. Even in our last meeting three years ago, her instinct was to stop and pray—a characteristic that defined her ministry and personal relationships alike.”

A graduate of Florida State University with a B.S. in Journalism, Sherrer combined her professional training with deep spiritual conviction, appearing on more than 370 radio and television programs, including the 700 Club, TBN, and Daystar. Her ministry took her across 47 states and 12 nations, experiences that enriched her writing and speaking engagements.

Beyond her public ministry, Sherrer was known for her personal investment in emerging authors, dedicating significant time to mentoring writers and helping them navigate the publishing industry. Her legacy continues through the many writers she encouraged and equipped over the years.

Her extensive catalog continues to serve as a valuable resource for Christians seeking to deepen their prayer life and understand spiritual warfare.

About Baker Publishing Group
Baker Publishing Group publishes high-quality writings that represent historic Christianity and serve the diverse interests and concerns of evangelical readers. Founded in 1939, today Baker Publishing Group is composed of six divisions, each reflecting a unique segment of Christian publishing. These divisions are Bethany House Publishers, Revell, Baker Books, Chosen Books, Brazos Press, and Baker Academic. Based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Baker Publishing Group is one of the world’s largest publishers of Christian books. For more information, please visit www.bakerpublishinggroup.com.

Contact:  Taylor Koziarz, TKoziarz@bakerpublishinggroup.com

Lexham Press is delighted to introduce an expanded edition of the bestselling title The Unseen Realm by the late Michael S. Heiser, releasing on October 1, 2025 in celebration of the book’s tenth anniversary. This new edition includes additional content from Heiser and features an exceptionally beautiful and unique hardcover that will enhance any bookshelf.

To show the reader that the book removes the veil on the supernatural world, The Unseen Realm (Expanded Edition) features a translucent dustjacket that allows the underlying teal foil and emboss design of the hardcover to show through. The back cover features Psalm 82:1, a key verse for Heiser’s thesis. The English on the dustjacket overlays the Hebrew underneath.

The expanded content is drawn from a companion website that Heiser created around the publication of The Unseen Realm, curated, edited and folded into the book in sidebars and appendices. In this content, Heiser reflects on the book’s content and further develops it.

First published in 2015, the bestselling The Unseen Realm has sold nearly 500,000 across all formats and interest has not waned in the decade since. In the book, Heiser recovers the ancient supernatural worldview of the Bible. Rather than avoiding the strange things in the Bible, Heiser hones in on them and shows how they matter to the work of Jesus. Regarding the book, John Goldingay, senior professor of Old Testament at Fuller Theological Seminary said, “How was it possible that I had never seen that before? Heiser’s survey of the complex reality of the supernatural world as the Scriptures portray it covers a subject that is strangely sidestepped.” Heiser’s writings and teachings continue to surprise and delight his growing fanbase.

Lexham Press presents this new edition to honor the enduring value of Heiser’s work and legacy, reward his readers, and draw in new ones.

The Unseen Realm (Expanded Edition): Discovering the Supernatural World of the Bible publishes October 1, 2025.

Contact:  Lindsay John Kennedy | publicity@lexhampress.com
Marketing and Business Development Manager, Lexham Press

From one of the founders of the Amish fiction genre, New York Times bestselling author Wanda Brunstetter—who has sold over 12 million copies—teams up with Emmy nominee Martha Bolton for an intriguing cozy mystery, The Rise and Fall of Miss Fannie’s Biscuits, a new book released this week by Barbour Books.

In this latest book, we meet Fannie Miller, a dedicated quilt maker with a passion for baking and an uncanny knack for solving mysteries. Fannie is thrilled to have met a life goal by qualifying for the finals of the Tuscarawas County Baking Contest with a $25,000 cash prize.

However, excitement quickly turns to suspense when contestants begin to vanish under suspicious circumstances. Determined to uncover the truth, Fannie enlists the  help of her old friend Foster Bates, a retired cop and part-time private investigator. As they delve deeper into the mystery, they encounter a cast of quirky characters – could the couple on the brink of divorce be resorting to desperate measures, or do the three whispering Beiler sisters hold the key to the disappearances?

Join Fannie and Foster on this mysterious adventure, where every twist unravels the secrets behind the baking contest, but also imparts valuable lessons about dealing with loss, facing marriage difficulties, and the healing power of selfess acts of kindness.

Additionally, fans can look forward to experiencing Fannie Miller, Detective Foster Bates, and the colorful cast of characters in a musical adaptation of the book. The play will open in Bird-in-Hand, PA on April 3, 2025, with performances also scheduled to open in Shipshewana, IN, on July 1, 2025.

For more information, please contact Sharon Farnell at Sharon.Farnell@Finnpartners.com.

Guideposts to Benefit from Personalized Service and Industry Expertise

ASHLAND, OH, January 7, 2025 – Baker & Taylor Publisher Services (BTPS), a leading provider of sales and fulfillment services to book publishers, is pleased to announce the signing of a full-service book trade sales and distribution agreement with Guideposts, effective March 1, 2025 (US/Canada).

Guideposts, a trusted source of inspiration, offers practical hope and encouragement through its award-winning magazines, bestselling devotionals like Walking in Grace and Mornings with Jesus, and a variety of faith-based fiction and nonfiction series. With Bible studies, prayer programs, the engaging app Abide, and other uplifting resources, Guideposts creates content that enriches lives and fosters connection during challenging times. Looking ahead, Guideposts plans to release 41 new titles between April and October 2025, expanding its tradition of publishing excellence. With compelling stories and resources available in multiple formats, Guideposts continues to inspire individuals and strengthen their faith through its impactful content.

“We’re excited to partner with Baker & Taylor Publisher Services to bring our books, designed to uplift, inspire, and empower, to a wider audience and connect with Christian and secular book audiences everywhere,” said Dave Teitler, Senior Vice President and CFO of Guideposts.

“We are honored and privileged to partner with Guideposts, whose incredible brand appeals to so many Christians and other readers looking for purpose and meaning in their lives,” said Randy McKenzie, Sales Manager of BTPS’s Christian Division.

About BTPS
Baker & Taylor Publisher Services (BTPS) is a leading provider of services and solutions to book publishers, with a robust reach to Christian, trade and other book markets. BTPS services include sales and distribution, POD book manufacturing and inventory management, and third-party logistics. As a division of Baker & Taylor, BTPS serves client publishers who benefit from their position as a major supplier of public libraries as well as their relationship with suppliers of educational institutions. For more information, please visit www.btpubservices.com.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Baker & Taylor Publisher Services, Matt Warner, 419-564-4931, matthew.warner@baker-taylor.com Guideposts, Dave Teitler, 203.749.0299, dteitler@guideposts.org 

Ada, Mich. (January 6, 2025)—As millions of Americans struggle with sugar dependency and its spiritual implications, Wendy Speake’s The 40-Day Sugar Fast: Where Physical Detox Meets Spiritual Transformation has resonated deeply with readers, surpassing 400,000 copies sold across formats. The book challenges readers to exchange their sugar cravings for a deeper relationship with God.

Speake ministers to women’s hearts through storytelling and biblical life application. With a background in Hollywood as a trained actress, she couples the power of God’s Word with personal testimony, meeting women in their most common struggles—from sugar addiction to mommy anger—while pointing them to the transforming power of God’s Word and the faithful nearness of His Holy Spirit.

“Reaching 400,000 copies sold is more than a milestone—it represents countless lives transformed,” says Brian Vos, editorial director of Baker Books. “We’re humbled to see how God has used this resource to help people not only break free from sugar addiction but experience true spiritual freedom. Wendy’s message continues to resonate because it addresses both the physical and spiritual aspects of transformation.”

The book provides a structured 40-day journey that teaches readers how to:

• Shift focus from food fixation to spiritual fulfillment
• Identify and address emotional eating triggers
• Experience physical wellness alongside spiritual growth
• Develop sustainable habits for lasting transformation

Wendy Speake is the author of multiple books, including The 40-Day Sugar Fast, The 40-Day Social Media Fast, and The 40-Day Feast. She’s also coauthor of the popular parenting books Triggers, Parenting Scripts, and Life Creative.

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

Contact:  Kelli B. Smith, ksmith@bakerpublishinggroup.com

AVAILABLE MARCH 10, 2025

A Wonderful Surprise helps preschoolers learn that Jesus is the King of everyone and everything and helps them memorize Luke 19:38:​“Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord!”

When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the crowds shouted, “Hosanna!” and “Blessed is the King!” Just a few days after they had yelled, “Hosanna!” the people shouted, “Crucify him!” On the third day after Jesus died, everyone received a big surprise—Jesus was alive!

In A Wonderful Surprise, Sally Michael helps parents to instruct the mind and engage the heart of their children as they learn Scripture. Each page shows pictures and asks questions to engage preschoolers in understanding the verse. Repetition of the verse throughout the book helps children memorize the Bible verse after just a few readings. Also included are pointers for helping children memorize and suggestions for activities that will reinforce “Living by the Word.”

• Easter-themed edition of the Bible Verses to Remember series.
• Bright, fun illustrations by Sengsavane Chounramany bring the final days of Jesus’s time on earth to life.  
• Builds a foundation for memorizing Scripture and shows how Jesus is the King of kings who died for us and rose again. 

A Wonderful Surprise
Bible Verses to Remember series
by Sally Michael
March 10, 2025 / Retail Price: $11.99
Print ISBN:978-1-64507-497-7
Juvenile Nonfiction / Holidays & Celebrations / Easter & Lent

Sally Michael is a cofounder of Truth78 and has authored curricula and books marked by a passion for developing God-centered resources for the spiritual development of children. For 16 years, Sally served as minister for children at Bethlehem Baptist Church in Minneapolis, Minnesota under the leadership of John Piper and of her husband, David. She is the author of the Bible Verses to Remember series. Sally and David live in Indianapolis, Indiana. They enjoy spending time with their daughters, son-in-law, and three grandchildren.

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