Wheaton, IL, January 7, 2025 — Christianity Today has received a grant of $5 million from Lilly Endowment Inc. through its National Storytelling Initiative on Christian Faith and Life. The grant will support Christianity Today’s Next Generation Storytelling Project through 2028 as part of the ministry’s Next Gen Initiative, one of three strategic initiatives of the nonprofit ministry’s One Kingdom Campaign.

The purpose of the One Kingdom Campaign is to equip Christianity Today to reach younger, more diverse, and more global audiences with a capacious biblical vision of what it means to follow Jesus Christ in our time. The Next Gen Initiative is the portion of the One Kingdom Campaign vision that invests in next-generation storytellers and expands the ministry’s work into new media.

Nicole Martin, Christianity Today’s Chief Operating Officer, says the grant promises to be transformational: “Storytelling is the language of the next generation. It’s also the heartbeat of our mission here at CT. This grant will help us  incubate the stories that matter most to younger people and accelerate our core mission. The initiative is not just about us; it’s about helping everyone in our reach know and love the ultimate story of God’s redeeming grace through Jesus Christ.”

CT’s President and CEO, Timothy Dalrymple, adds, “Telling the stories of the church, and reflecting on those stories together, is central to our calling. This grant will enable us to expand our storytelling efforts by and for the next generation.”

Christianity Today received its first gift from Lilly Endowment in 1965 and numerous gifts in the 1970s and 1990s. More recently, in 2016, it received a grant for the development of technology and fundraising infrastructure, called “Creating a Future for Christian Thought Journalism.” Lilly Endowment also supported the production of resources to encourage and support preachers and pastors through sub-brands such as Preaching Today and Church Salary.

The aim of Lilly Endowment’s National Initiative on Christian Faith and Life is to help organizations identify, produce and share with a wide variety of audiences compelling stories that portray the vibrancy and hope of Christian faith and life. Christianity Today is one of 12 organizations from evangelical, Mainline Protestant, and Catholic backgrounds to receive grants through the invitational round of the initiative. Other recipients include media organizations, denominational judicatories, church networks, publishers, educational institutions, congregations, and marketplace ministries. With the completion of the invitational round, Lilly Endowment has opened a competitive round for funding in the same program.

Dalrymple adds, “This storytelling initiative recognizes the importance of lifting up examples of Christian faith that is lived out in beautiful, faithful, self-sacrificial ways. Since this is core to the CT community, we are thrilled to be a part of this storytelling initiative. We look forward to bringing forward more events, more multimedia projects, and more next-generation Christian storytellers as a result of this initiative in 2025 and beyond.”

About Lilly Endowment Inc.
Lilly Endowment Inc. is an Indianapolis-based private philanthropic foundation created in 1937 by J.K. Lilly, Sr. and his sons Eli and J.K. Jr. through gifts of stock in their pharmaceutical business, Eli Lilly and Company. Although the gifts of stock remain a financial bedrock of the Endowment, it is a separate entity from the company, with a distinct governing board, staff and location. In keeping with the founders’ wishes, the Endowment supports the causes of community development, education and religion and maintains a special commitment to its founders’ hometown, Indianapolis, and home state, Indiana. A primary aim of its grantmaking in religion is to deepen the religious lives of Christians, principally by supporting efforts that enhance congregational vitality and strengthen the leadership of Christian communities. The Endowment values the broad diversity of Christian traditions and endeavors to support them in a wide variety of contexts. The Endowment also seeks to foster public understanding about religion by encouraging fair, accurate and balanced portrayals of the positive and negative effects of religion on the world and lifting up  the contributions that people of all faiths make to our greater civic well-being.

About Christianity Today
Reaching 40 million people across the world annually through a variety of acclaimed and award-winning digital and print media, Christianity Today elevates the stories and ideas of the kingdom of God with a vision of a Church more faithful to Christ and the world more drawn to him. Learn about the next season of ministry for CT through its One Kingdom Campaign at www.seekthekingdom.com.

Contact:  Cory Whitehead, Vice President of Mission Advancement
630.384.7223, cwhitehead@christianitytoday.com

Ada, Mich. (Jan. 8, 2025)—The Bible Recap was created to serve a parachurch discipleship ministry (D-Group International) but became a #1 podcast on Apple Podcasts Charts in all categories and has 428 million downloads across all platforms. Its success expanded into print with a Wall Street Journal bestselling book that ranks in the top 10 Amazon nonfiction sellers. The ministry further expanded to include a daily radio program called The God Shot and a YouTube channel with 320K subscribers.

This year, in collaboration with Tara-Leigh Cobble, the creator of The Bible Recap, Bethany House Publishers, an imprint of Baker Publishing Group, is pleased to announce the upcoming release of The Bible Recap 365-Day Chronological Bible. The release is set for September 2025.

“This Bible represents a natural progression of The Bible Recap ministry,” says Cobble. “We’ve created a resource that makes it easier than ever for readers to discover that He’s where the joy is!”

The innovative format of this Bible combines the complete text of the English Standard Version (ESV) and The Bible Recap laid out as 365 Scripture readings in chronological order.

Each day’s section includes selected ESV Scripture passages followed by Cobble’s renowned “recap” that explains the text and illuminates connections throughout Scripture. This integrated approach eliminates the need for readers to alternate between separate books, streamlining their daily Bible study.

The Bible Recap has sold more than 700K printed copies, establishing itself as a trusted resource for Bible study and spiritual growth, and the podcast continues to be in the Top 10 Podcasts on Apple charts.

“We are thrilled to publish The Bible Recap 365-Day Chronological Study Bible and are grateful to Tara-Leigh Cobble for giving us this opportunity. I could not imagine a better partner for us in our mission to connect readers to God through His Word,” said Andy McGuire, editorial director for Bethany House Publishers.

The Bible features:

• Complete text of the English Standard Version (ESV)
• 365 daily Scripture readings in chronological order
• Two-color, line-matched page design in a single-column format
• Lay-flat covers with Smyth-sewn binding
• Double-sided satin ribbon marker
• Words of Jesus in red
• 10-point font
• Four options available: hardcover, brown imitation leather, pink imitation leather, and black genuine leather

The Bible Recap 365-Day Chronological Study Bible will be available wherever books are sold. For more information, visit TaraLeighCobble.com or contact Kelli Smith at ksmith@bakerpublishinggroup.com

Tara-Leigh Cobble lives in Dallas, where she creates content and resources to help people read, understand, and love the Bible. Through her multimedia platform, including bestselling books, a popular podcast, and an international discipleship network, she continues to impact how people engage with Scripture.

Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group, seeks to uplift readers’ families, faith, and free time with our library of industry-leading fiction and bestselling, Christ-centered nonfiction.

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

January 2025 | LISLE, IL—InterVarsity Press (IVP) is excited to announce that Credo Magazine has honored The Last Romantic and Epiphany with Credo Book Awards 2024.

“The Credo Magazine Book Awards move past general categories in Christianity at large to give attention and praise to the best works in theology today,” said the Credo editors. “But not just any theology will do. In the spirit of Credo itself, these accolades go to those authors who model and advance the retrieval of classical Christianity for the sake of renewal today, and not only renewal in the academy but in the church.”

The Credo Book Award winner in the Natural Theology category, The Last Romantic: C. S. Lewis, English Literature, and Modern Theology by Jeffrey W. Barbeau explores the influence of nineteenth-century Romanticism on the writings of C. S. Lewis.

The Credo Book Awards judges said: “We applaud Jeffrey W. Barbeau for seeing and hearing that deep magic that unites the Romantic poets, and their German Romantic and British Methodist forebears, to Lewis. In the three chapters that make up The Last Romantic: C. S. Lewis, English Literature, and Modern Theology, Barbeau, professor of theology at Wheaton, discerns carefully between those aspects of Romantic subjectivism that Lewis accepted and those he rejected. For Lewis, Christianity represents a logical, coherent, and consistent worldview that engages us on a profoundly human and emotional level. Goodness, truth, beauty, and joy can be sought in our interactions with nature, as long as we remember that the ultimate source of all four lies behind and beyond nature. Lewis never forgot that, though the Romantics sometimes did, leading them to flirt with pantheism.”

The Last Romantic is part of IVP Academic’s Hansen Lectureship Series. Based on the annual lecture series hosted at Wheaton College’s Marion E. Wade Center, volumes in the Hansen Lectureship Series reflect on the imaginative work and lasting influence of seven British authors: Owen Barfield, G. K. Chesterton, C. S. Lewis, George MacDonald, Dorothy L. Sayers, J. R. R. Tolkien, and Charles Williams.

The other IVP Credo Book Awards winner was Epiphany: The Season of Glory by Fleming Rutledge. This title was recognized as the best book in the Imagination, Beauty, and Liturgy category.

Many associate Epiphany with the visit of the Magi but don’t know much more about it. In this short volume, Rutledge, a priest and theologian, expounds the primary biblical texts and narrative arc of the season, inviting readers to discover in a fresh way “the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.”

“Few Christians are familiar with the history, theology, and practices associated with the liturgical season of Epiphany,” said the Credo judges. “In Epiphany: The Season of Glory, Fleming Rutledge compellingly and lucidly reflects on the significance of the time between Advent and Lent. Classically Trinitarian, historically informed, eloquently worshipful, and replete with Scriptures, this book emphasizes the Christological significance of the Epiphany season and demonstrates how living in the liturgical calendar guides Christians to active wonder and deeper consideration of God’s glory.”

Epiphany is part of IVP’s Fullness of Time Series, which invites readers to explore the riches of the church year, guided by some of our finest church theologians.

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

Contact:  Krista Clayton | kclayton@ivpress.com

 

(COLORADO SPRINGS, CO—January 13, 2025) Penguin Random House Christian Publishing Group (PRHCPG) is delighted to announce the promotion of Susan Tjaden to Vice President and Executive Editor and is excited to share changes to several other roles across the editorial, publicity, and creative services departments.

In her nearly 13 years at PRH, Tjaden has become an invaluable member of the team, having shaped numerous bestselling and award-winning titles, including Own Your Everyday by Jordan Lee Dooley, The Minimalist Home by Joshua Becker, I’ve Seen the End of You by W. Lee Warren, M.D., The Love Everybody Wants by Madison Prewett Troutt, and Midnight Mom Devotional by Becky Thompson and Susan K. Pitts. She has built a well-deserved reputation for identifying commercial concepts and shaping them into stellar works that connect with their audience in a meaningful way. In addition to acquiring and editing adult nonfiction titles, Tjaden oversees the Ink & Willow gift line, featuring such popular products as The Bible Is Funny Card Game and Whatever Is Lovely, an adult coloring book that has sold nearly 700,000 copies.

“Susan serves as a thoughtful guide for first-time authors and a trusted mentor for her colleagues while helping seasoned authors further hone their craft,” says Laura Barker, VP and Publisher. “She is celebrated by her colleagues as a vital source of insight and encouragement, as she brings creativity and energy to her work at every stage.”

Bunmi Ishola has been promoted to Senior Editor. In her four years with PRHCPG’s children’s publishing program, Ishola has helped shape the vision driving many of the program’s incredible picture books, including the STEM-based series, “Big Adventures for Growing Minds,” starting with God’s Little Astronaut; the series authored by Esau McCaulley, including the just-released Andy Johnson and the March for Justice; and many other joy-filled stories like Be My ValenSlime, authored by Kris Tarantino and illustrated by New York Times bestseller Cori Doerrfeld. In addition, the first two middle grade series acquired and edited by Ishola, “The Restorationists” and “Noah Minor,” have garnered strong accolades. She recently signed bestselling author Bunmi Laditan for a chapter book series featuring a BIPOC and neurodivergent protagonist.

Barker adds, “Bunmi is a true team player who continues to promote diversity across our list. She is universally beloved and trusted by the authors and agents she works with. She has a keen eye for commercial opportunities, closely tracks the trends in the children’s space, and offers crucial insights that contribute to our program’s success and innovation.”

CREATIVE SERVICES

In the creative services department, Sonia Persad has been promoted to Art Director, Illustrated Products. Persad joined PRHCPG from the Random House Illustrated team under the brilliant leadership of Jenny Davis. Before that, she worked at Clarkson Potter where she designed and art directed a wide variety of titles, including Matzo by Michele Streit Heilbrun and David Kirschner, Sweet Potato Soul by Jenné Claiborne, and The Thai Pepper Cookbook by Pepper Teigen and Garrett Snyder. Persad has spearheaded stunning designs and art programs for such books as What Color Is God’s Love? by Xochitl Dixon, I Gotta Sing! by Alice Faye Duncan, The Prince of  Yorsha Doon by Andrew Peterson, and Holy Night and Little Star by Mitali Perkins, a Christianity Today award-winning entry in the children’s category.

Creative Director Kristopher Orr said, “Sonia’s passion for excellence, strong leadership, attention to detail, and excellent sense of good design all merit this new level of responsibility over all aspects of the children’s list.”

PUBLICITY

In publicity, Shauna Carlos has been promoted to Publicist, working on nonfiction and fiction titles. She has been a vital part of bestselling campaigns for Michael Todd’s Damaged But Not Destroyed and A Cup of Love, Church Girl by Dr. Sarita Lyons, The Book of Belonging by Mariko Clark, and Do It Anyway by Tasha Cobbs Leonard, and more. Upcoming releases on her roster are A Better Friend by Grace Valentine, Out of the Wilderness by Angela Halili and Arielle Reitsma, Chichi and Didi Love Their Names by Peace Amadi and Ndidi Amadi, A Gardin Wedding by Rosey Lee, and God Chose Me by Charles Henry Metcalf, III. Within PRH, Carlos has served as a divisional DEI officer and in 2023 was named an ECPA Emerging Leader.

“Shauna is a quick learner and astute about the ever-changing media landscape,” says Beverly Rykerd, VP, Publicity Director. “She brings her full self to every project, offering strategic insights, executing on tactics at a high level, and building her portfolio of press relationships. Her colleagues across the board enjoy her energy and curiosity as well as her desire to serve our authors and books well.”

PUBLISHER’S OFFICE

In addition, Campbell Wharton, SVP and Publisher PRHCPG, announced Tina Richey-Swanson is promoted to Executive Assistant, continuing to report to Wharton and Tina Constable, EVP, Business Development.

---

Penguin Random House Christian Publishing Group is a division of Penguin Random House, LLC.

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

(COLORADO SPRINGS, CO) Penguin Random House Christian Publishing Group (PRHCPG) is delighted to have three titles included as 2025 NAACP Image Award nominees in the Outstanding Literary Work categories.

Gospel singer Tasha Cobbs Leonard’s bestselling debut, Do It Anyway: Don’t Give Up Before It Gets Good (WaterBrook, May 7, 2024), edited by Estee Zandee, received a nomination for Outstanding Literary Work – Biography/Autobiography, while her song “Do It Anyway,” inspired by the book, is also nominated for Outstanding Gospel/Christian Song.

Tracey Michae’l Lewis-Giggets’s Black Joy Playbook: 30 Days of Intentionally Claiming Your Delight (Ink & Willow, October 29, 2024), edited by Jamie Lapeyrolerie, is nominated for Outstanding Literary Work – Instructional. Lewis-Giggets has previously won the NAACP Image Award for her book Black Joy: Stories of Resistance, Resilience, and Restoration. 

Chanté Griffin is also a finalist in the Outstanding Literary Work – Instructional category for her inspirational book Loving Your Black Neighbor As Yourself: A Guide to Closing the Space Between Us  (WaterBrook, June 4, 2024), edited by Kim Von Fange.

“We are delighted that the NAACP Image Awards have recognized the excellent work of these Black authors, whose books so effectively address the needs of many readers,” said Laura Barker, VP and Publisher for the PRH Christian Publishing Group. “It’s a privilege and joy to publish each of these women, along with our many other authors who craft compelling works that honor and reflect their experience as Black Christians.”

The winners will be honored at the non-televised 56th NAACP Image Awards Creative Honors Ceremonies. The 56th NAACP Image Awards will take place February 22, 2025, and will be available to stream on CBS and BET.

For more information, visit https://www.naacpimageawards.net.

WaterBrook and Ink & Willow are imprints of Penguin Random House Christian Publishing Group, a division of Penguin Random House, LLC.=

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

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (December 16, 2024) – Tommy Nelson, an imprint of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, is excited to announce the hiring of Ashley Reed as Senior Marketing Director. Reed will report to publisher Shannon Marchese, and will begin her new role on Monday, December 16.

Reed has a longstanding history with HCCP, having served as marketing director for W Publishing Group for over six years, leading marketing campaigns for New York Times bestselling authors such as Savannah Guthrie, Jinger Duggar Vuolo, and Kathie Lee Gifford. Her marketing expertise includes digital, print, and public relations. She also previously supported the Max Lucado Brand Team at Thomas Nelson, executing integrated marketing initiatives and partnerships for the multi-time bestselling author. Prior to joining HCCP in 2018, she also led marketing efforts in a variety of industries through her work with organizations including Surgery Partners, Paramore Digital, and Goodwill Industries of Middle Tennessee.

“Having a marketing leader with Ashley’s experience is critical to Tommy Nelson’s success as we grow in publishing leading author voices,” said Marchese. “Her wealth of expertise and relational talent will be a great benefit across our new release program and Tommy’s expansive backlist bestsellers.”

Additionally, Tommy Nelson announces the promotion of Andrea Jacobs to Senior Marketing Manager. Jacobs joined Tommy Nelson in 2021 and since that time has strategized and executed marketing campaigns for the imprint’s releases, as well as initiating long-term and seasonal marketing campaigns for front and backlist titles. She also developed and maintains Tommy Nelson’s internal influencer and growing book reviewer program. Jacobs is an experienced veteran of retail marketing, having previously lead marketing efforts for brands including Bargain Hunt, Back Yard Burgers, and O’Charley’s. She will report to Reed in this expanded role.

About Tommy Nelson
Tommy Nelson® is the children’s division of Thomas Nelson. As a leading provider of Christian content, Tommy Nelson publishes a wide variety of high-quality, enjoyable products that are consistent with the teachings found in the Bible. Tommy Nelson’s award-winning products are designed to expand children’s imaginations and nurture their faith while inspiring them to develop a personal relationship with Jesus. For more information, visit www.tommynelson.com.

Media contact: 
Sarah Van Cleve, Publicity Manager, (615) 902-1184, Sarah.VanCleve@harpercollins.com

This year, as organizations presented annual book awards, B&H Publishing Group received nearly two dozen acknowledgments and awards from Christianity Today, the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (Top Shelf Book Cover Awards and Christian Book Award®), The Gospel Coalition, and the Spanish Evangelical Publishers Association.

“Book awards don’t make a book special. Rather, they honor hard work that is done in secret often for years,” said Devin Maddox, director of B&H books. “We are so proud that so many of our authors have been recognized for their hard work by their peers and fellow book lovers at so many organizations.”

Theological titles lauded

B&H Academic produced many titles that received recognition this year. The Southwestern Journal of Theology (SWJT) recognized 10 titles, nine of which were B&H Academic books.

“We’re so honored by the award recognition that B&H Academic authors and books have received this year,” B&H Academic’s associate director of publishing, Madison Trammel, said. “It’s a privilege to get to steward such wonderful, faithful works of scholarship.”

The book “Criswell: His Life and Times” by O. S. Hawkins was the one B&H trade book to receive recognition from the SWJT. This title paints the picture of W.A. Criswell as more than a Southern Baptist statesman, leader and pastor. ECPA recognizes excellent design and content

In May, B&H announced that the title “You Are a Theologian” by Jen Wilkin and J. T. English was awarded the Christian Book Award in the Christian Living category by the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA). This book, published in July 2023 addresses key theological questions and invites readers to grow in their knowledge and love of God by moving from being merely a consumer of theology to a contributor of the conversation.

In addition to the awards for books, the ECPA also recognized excellence in design from B&H. Two Bibles, the “KJV Explorer Bible for Kids” and the “RVR 1960 Personal Size Note Taking Bible” received awards for their cover designs alongside the book “Upon Waking” for its cover design.

Spanish publishing recognized for excellence

The Spanish Evangelical Publishers Association (SEPA) recognized excellence in the book “No Desperdicies Tus Emociones” (“Don’t Waste Your Emotions”) by Alejandra Sura, awarding it with their Book of the Year, Harold Kregel Award. This title dives into the reader’s mindset about emotions, helping them understand how to honor God with feelings while navigating living in a broken world.

In addition, the “RVR 1960 Biblia de Evangelismo” was recognized with the Silver Award. SEPA also acknowledged the cover art of two titles and a promotional video for another.

Giancarlo Montemayor, director of Lifeway Global, commented, “These awards are a testament to the good work going on in our Spanish Publishing program. I’m proud of the teams involved in these resources, and I am also thankful to SEPA for recognizing excellence in our industry.”

Mary Wiley, manager of B&H trade books, added, “It is a gift to get up each day and work on books. It’s an honor to steward an author’s words and message alongside them – sacred really – as these messages have been hard won by many of these authors in days of trial, as they have faithfully walked with the Lord through them.

“And while the work itself is our reward, there’s great joy in others recognizing God’s work through the words we steward,” she continued. “We’re honored and humbled for these books to be recognized, and especially thankful today for the authors who partner with us in this kingdom work!”

A full list of 2023 Lifeway and B&H Publishing awards can be found below.

Southwestern Journal of Theology 2024 Book Awards

• Applied Theology/Ethics, winner – “To Change All Worlds: Critical Theory from Marx to Marcuse” by Carl R. Trueman
• Apologetics/Worldview, winner – “On the Resurrection: Evidences, Volume One”; and “On the Resurrection: Refutations, Volume Two” by Gary R. Habermas
• Baptist Studies, winner – “Confessing Christ: An Invitation to Baptist Dogmatics” edited by Steven A. McKinion, Christine E. Thornton, and Keith S. Whitfield
• Preaching/Ministry/Leadership, winner – “Handbook of Contemporary Preaching, 2nd edition” edited by Michael Duduit
• Theological Studies, winner – “Systematic Theology, Volume One: From Concept to Canon” by Stephen J. Wellum
• Applied Theology/Ethics, honorable mention – “The Way of Christ in Culture: A Vision for All of Life” by Benjamin T. Quinn and Dennis T. Greeson
• Apologetics/Worldview, honorable mention – “Faith and Science: A Primer for a Hypernatural World” by Kenneth D. Keathley
• Baptist Studies, honorable mention – “Criswell: His Life and Times” by O. S. Hawkins
• Biblical Reference/Biblical Backgrounds, honorable mention – “Apocryphal Prophets and Athenian Poets: Noncanonical Influences of the New Testament” by Gregory R. Lanier
• Theological Studies, honorable mention – “Special Revelation and Scripture” by David S. Dockery and Malcolm B. Yarnell III

The Gospel Coalition 2024 Book Awards

• Christian Living, Winner – “To the Tenth Generation: God’s Heart for Your Family, Far into the Future” by Ray and Jani Ortlund

Christianity Today 2024 Book Awards

• Apologetics/Evangelism, winner – “On the Resurrection, Volume 1: Evidences” by Gary R. Habermas
• Missions/Global Church, winner – “Islam and the Bible: Questioning Muslim Idiom Translations” edited by Ayman S. Ibrahim and Ant B. Greenham
• Politics And Public Life, finalists – “Faithful Reason: Natural Law Ethics for God’s Glory and Our Good” by Andrew T. Walker

ECPA 2024 Christian Book Award®

• Christian Living, winner – “You Are a Theologian: An Invitation to Know and Love God Well” by Jen Wilkin and J.T. English

ECPA Top Shelf Book Cover Awards

Bibles, winners

• “KJV Explorer Bible for Kids” (Designer: Jeff Godby, art director; other credits: Nate Farro; Stephanie Salvatore, feature interior design)
• “RVR 1960 Biblia de Apuntes Tamaño Personal, Floreada Tela Impresa” (“RVR 1960 Personal Size Notetaking Bible, Floral Cloth Over Board”) ) (Designer: Karin Albrecht)

Nonfiction, winner

• “Upon Waking” (Designer: Susan Browne; other credits: cover artwork by Susan Browne; case illustration by Taaron Parsons)

Spanish Evangelical Publishers Association

• Cover Art, Children, winner – “El Progreso del Peregrino” (“The Pilgrim’s Progress”PP)
• Cover Art, Academic or Reference, winner – “Los Primeros Cristianos” (“The Early Christians”PC)
• Promotional Video, winner – Video for “Biblia Ilustrada de la Tierra Santa” (“Holy Land Illustrated Bible”)

Awards selected by distributors and bookstores

• Book of the Year, Harold Kregel Award – “No Desperdicies Tus Emociones” (“Don’t Waste Your Emotions”) DTE by Alejandra Sura
• Silver Award — “RVR 1960 Biblia de Evangelismo” (“RVR 1960 Evangelism Bible”) edited by B&H Staff

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

---

written by Myriah Snyder, a writer for Lifeway Christian Resources

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