Scholars will gather at PubU in Nashville for specialized leadership development and begin year-long mentoring relationships in 2027

CHANDLER, ARIZ., OCTOBER 5, 2026 — ECPA has announced 24 publishing professionals selected for the 2026 Emerging Leaders scholarship and mentorship program, an initiative designed to invest in the next generation of leaders in Christian publishing through training, industry connection, and year-long mentorship.

The 2026 Emerging Leaders will attend ECPA PubU, the association’s annual training and networking conference for Christian publishing professionals, held November 4 and 5 at the Sonesta Nashville Airport Hotel in Nashville. Scholars receive special registration to PubU and will participate in two sessions developed specifically for the Emerging Leader class on the morning of November 4, before the full PubU program begins.

The 2026 program is led by Andrea Garcia, Senior Marketing Manager at Tyndale House Publishers, who developed two specialized sessions for the Emerging Leaders class focused on leadership development, industry connection, and preparing for the year-long mentorship experience.

Following PubU, each scholar will be matched with an experienced Christian publishing professional for a year-long mentoring relationship in 2027, providing an opportunity for continued professional development, encouragement, and industry connection beyond the conference.

“Investing in emerging leaders is an investment in the future of Christian publishing,” said ECPA President Jeff Crosby. “PubU gives these professionals an opportunity to learn, build relationships, and expand their vision for the industry, while the year-long mentorship extends that investment well beyond the conference. We are grateful for the industry leaders who will come alongside this class to encourage their growth and help prepare them for greater leadership and impact in the years ahead.”

The 2026 class represents a wide range of publishing disciplines and professional backgrounds from 14 ECPA member companies. While many are relatively new to their current roles within ECPA member companies and the Christian publishing industry, they bring professional experience, accomplishments, and leadership skills developed in other fields and roles. The Emerging Leaders program helps them build on that experience as they grow their careers, relationships, and leadership within Christian publishing.

Since its launch in 2016, ECPA’s Emerging Leaders program has invested in more than 200 publishing professionals. Companies nominate promising professionals from across publishing disciplines, with nominations encouraged for those whose diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives can broaden the voices shaping the future of Christian publishing.

ECPA presents the 2026 PubU class of Emerging Leader scholars:

Grant Klembara
Director of Marketing, 1517 Publishing
8 years in the industry

 

 

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Mary Banks
Content Manager, Apricot Services
5 years in the industry

 

 

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Matthew Jordan
Acquisitions Editor, B&H Publishing
1 year in the industry

 

 

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Stephanie Greenlee
Graphic Designer, B&H Publishing
3 years in the industry

 

 

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Anna Bernin-Mallin
Marketing Assistant, Baker Publishing Group
1.5 years in the industry

 

 

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Emily Vest
Publicist, Baker Publishing Group
2 years in the industry

 

 

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Michelle Lazurek
Acquisitions Editor, CLC Publications
1 year in the industry

 

 

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Trinity Richards
Editor, Cook Media Global
4 years in the industry

 

 

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Emilie Friske
Marketing Specialist, David C Cook
Less than 1 year in the industry

 

 

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Christopher Miller
Graphic Designer, InterVarsity Press
3 years in the industry

 

 

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Sarah Vacura
Marketing Manager, InterVarsity Press
1 year in the industry

 

 

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Emma Winchell
Editorial Assistant, InterVarsity Press
4 years in the industry

 

 

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Jewel Walcott Johnson
Project Manager, Lifeway Christian Resources
3 years in the industry

 

 

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Bethany Phillips
Marketing Specialist, Lifeway/B&H Publishing Group
1 year in the industry

 

 

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Lauren Ducommun
Director of Operations, Lithos Kids
5 years in the industry

 

 

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Erica Dvorak
Book Marketing Manager, Moody Publishers
Less than 1 year in the industry

 

 

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Olivia Allen
Sales & eCommerce Marketing Specialist, New Growth Press
2 years in the industry

 

 

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Joel Hermanson
Director of Creative and Publishing Operations, Northwestern Publishing House
Less than 1 year in the industry

 

 

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Jake Daghe
Director of Equip & Director of Theology, Passion Publishing
1 year in the industry

 

 

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Noah Lehman
Production Designer, Positive Action for Christ
2.5 years in the industry

 

 

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Holly Meyer
Design Project Coordinator, The Daily Grace Co.
5 years in the industry

 

 

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Daniell Sanchez
Wholesale Account Manager, The Daily Grace Co.
5 years in the industry

 

 

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Paul Zetterberg
Editorial Manager, The Daily Grace Co.
3 years in the industry

 

 

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Allison McDougal
Production Manager, The Daily Grace Co.
6 years in the industry

 

 

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ECPA PubU 2026 will bring Christian publishing professionals together for more than 40 peer-led sessions featuring 60 speakers across Editorial, Marketing, Sales, Production & Operations, and Design, along with Master Classes and Emerging Leader development. The conference is designed by publishing professionals for their industry peers, providing practical training, networking, and opportunities to learn from colleagues across the Christian publishing community.

Registration is still open, with discounts available for multiple attendees from the same company. For program information and registration, visit ECPAPubU.org.

About ECPA PubU
ECPA PubU has delivered training, connection, networking, and inspiration to the industry’s frontline practitioners since 2004. Industry leaders develop the program to invest in the expertise of their colleagues and train the next generation of publishing leaders. ECPAPubU.org

About ECPA
ECPA (Evangelical Christian Publishers Association) is an international nonprofit trade organization comprised of member companies involved in the publishing and distribution of Christian content worldwide. Since 1974, ECPA has strengthened Christian publishing by building networking, information, and advocacy opportunities within the industry and throughout multiple channels so that its members can more effectively produce and deliver transformational Christian content. ECPA.org

Media Contacts:
Jeff Crosby, ECPA President, jcrosby@ecpa.org | 480-966-3998 ext. 802
Sheri Toomb, ECPA Communications Manager, stoomb@ecpa.org | 480-966-3998 ext. 805

 

Experience John Bunyan’s life-changing classic in an all-new graphic novel format, perfect for ages 8+ and all who love visual storytelling.

ONTARIO, Canada — Lithos Kids announces the release of their first graphic novel, Christian’s Quest, which they hope will introduce a new generation to John Bunyan’s timeless classic.

The Pilgrim’s Progress has been cherished by believers for more than three centuries, with millions of copies sold in over 1,200 editions and 200 languages. Yet for many in this generation, it is known only on a surface level.

“The story has lived in my mind for so long; it’s been beautiful to see it come to life in a different way,” said Tyler Van Halteren, Author and Creative Director. “I really loved the simplicity of Little Pilgrim’s Big Journey and how young kids engage with it. I really wanted a version that pre-teens and teens would love and introduce them to this story that has transformed my life.”

This 220-page, heirloom-quality comic book edition takes readers on a vivid journey, making the truths in this story engaging and approachable for children, teens, and adults.

“It is remarkable how Zepic’s illustrations have brought this story to life,” said Lauren Ducommun, Director of Operations. “I spent years editing our Legacy Edition of The Pilgrim’s Progress, and I’ve heard many say how preachy Bunyan is. But when you see how pastoral and relational characters like Evangelist are, through these illustrations, it changes the tone of the text to what the author intended it to be. It adds a whole other layer to Bunyan’s story.”

Timeless:  Bunyan’s allegory is as relevant today as it was 350 years ago. It explores themes of salvation, suffering, and perseverance as Christian faces many trials and joys on the narrow path to the Celestial City.

Transformative:  Countless believers have testified to the impact this book has had in their walk with Christ. Whether you are an eight-year-old or an eighty-year-old, it has the power to speak to your heart in any season.

Trustworthy:  Faithfully follows the original text, while making it easier for modern readers to understand and apply. Lithos Kids has spent the past seven years adapting John Bunyan’s work for this generation, with over 250,000 copies sold in their award-winning Little Pilgrim’s Big Journey series.

Extra Features:

• Study Guide – Each chapter features a summary and question guide for those who want to dig deeper into the biblical truths and themes.
• Cloth Hardcover – This is a book meant to last generations, with beautiful and durable cloth binding, a ribbon page marker, and gold foil.
• Behind the Scenes – Gives a glimpse into the process of making a graphic novel at the end of the book.

Christian’s Quest: The Pilgrim’s Progress Graphic Novel Series, Book 1 releases on October 28, 2026, exclusively at LithosKids.com.

Lithos Kids is an independent Christian publisher that exists to magnify Christ through biblically faithful and beautifully crafted books. Our team also has a deep passion for equipping the global church. A portion of each sale supports printing and translating Christian resources worldwide. Best-selling print and digital releases include Little Pilgrim’s Big Journey, The Kingdom of God Bible Storybook, and The Pilgrim’s Progress: Legacy Edition. For more information, visit LithosKids.com.

Contact: Lauren Ducommun / lauren@lithoskids.com

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — September 21, 2026 — Less than one year after its release, The Way of the Wildflower by Ruth Chou Simons has officially surpassed 250,000 copies sold, marking a major milestone for the ECPA bestselling Thomas Nelson Gift title.

With its beautiful design and encouraging message, The Way of the Wildflower invites readers to embrace a life less defined by striving, hurry and pressure and instead find beauty, purpose and peace in the season right in front of them.

Inspired by Luke 12: 27-28, the book offers thoughtful encouragement for women learning to grow at their own pace, release expectations and trust that meaningful growth doesn’t have to be rushed.

“When I created The Way of the Wildflower, my hope was to remind readers that we don’t have to strive our way into becoming who God has called us to be,” said Ruth Chou Simons.  “Like the wildflowers, we can grow right where He has planted us, trusting His care and His timing. Knowing that this message has now reached more than 250,000 readers is incredibly humbling. I’m so grateful for every person who has made these words their own and shared them with someone they love.”

Since its release, The Way of the Wildflower has found a home on nightstands, coffee tables and bookshelves while also becoming a meaningful gift shared between friends, mothers and daughters, coworkers, bible study groups and loved ones. Its combination of beautiful packaging, inspirational content, and an accessible message has helped the book reach readers looking for both encouragement for themselves and words they can pass along to someone else.

The book’s success comes at a moment when many women are questioning the cultural pressure to constantly achieve, optimize and move on to the next thing. The Way of the Wildflower offers a different invitation: growth doesn’t always have to be loud, fast or visible to be meaningful.

“From the beginning, we knew there was something special about The Way of the Wildflower,” said Stephanie Newton, Vice President and Publisher of Thomas Nelson Gift. “Ruth has an extraordinary ability to pair timeless truth with beauty in a way that meets people exactly where they are. Reaching 250,000 copies in less than a year is an incredible milestone, but what excites us most is knowing how many people have connected with this message and then chosen to share it with others. We’re incredibly proud to partner with Ruth and excited about all that is still ahead for The Way of the Wildflower.”

About Ruth Chou Simons
Ruth Chou Simons is a bestselling and award-winning author of several books —including GraceLaced, Beholding and Becoming, and Foundations. She is an artist, entrepreneur, and speaker, using each of these platforms to spiritually sow the Word of God into people’s hearts. Through her online shoppe at GraceLaced.com and her social media community, Simons shares her journey of God’s grace intersecting daily life with word and art. Ruth and her husband, Troy, are grateful parents to six boys–their greatest adventure.  Learn more at ruthchousimons.com

About Thomas Nelson Gift
Thomas Nelson Gift, an imprint under HarperCollins Christian Publishing, offers curated collections of beautifully designed gift books that inspire, uplift, and celebrate life’s meaningful moments. Specializing in devotionals, journals, seasonal titles, and books for special occasions, the imprint focuses on nurturing faith and encouraging personal reflection through thoughtfully crafted content and stylish, on-trend design. Headquartered in Nashville, TN, you can explore their collections at thomasnelson.com/gift.

MEDIA CONTACT: 
Chasity Edwards
Director of PR
Chasity.Edwards@harpercollins.com

Lysa TerKeurst’s latest book, MAKING PEACE WITH WHAT I CAN’T CONTROL: Find Relief from the Exhaustion of Overthinking, Trying to Fix Others, and Wanting to Figure It All Out, debuted across three major national bestseller lists, landing at #4 on The New York Times Best Sellers list, #5 on Publishers Weekly’s bestseller list, and #36 on the USA TODAY Bestselling Booklist. The achievement marks TerKeurst’s ninth book to appear on The New York Times Best Sellers list, further cementing the enduring connection between her deeply personal, practical teaching and readers nationwide.

In MAKING PEACE WITH WHAT I CAN’T CONTROL, TerKeurst offers a life-giving alternative to the exhausting cycle of trying to change people who don’t want to be changed, prevent outcomes we fear, and manage circumstances beyond our control. Drawing from her own experiences, TerKeurst explores why the desire to create stability in the midst of uncertainty can quietly turn into a counterfeit version of control, leaving us carrying a weight we were never meant to bear.

With the vulnerability and biblical wisdom that have made TerKeurst one of today’s most trusted voices, this book helps readers identify the core fears driving their need for control and recognize when healthy responsibility crosses into fear-driven intervention. She also addresses the difficult questions that surface when circumstances don’t change as hoped, helping readers wrestle honestly with disappointment while learning to surrender what they cannot control to God.

“We are incredibly proud of this publication and grateful for Lysa’s dedication to her craft and sincere care for her readers. It’s clear that she puts her heart and soul and life into her messages and seeks to better the lives of her readers with clear teaching and accessible invitations to change and growth. It’s little wonder that it is off to such a strong start – readers are immediately reaping a clear benefit,” said Andrew Stoddard, VP & Publisher of Nelson Books.

This fall, TerKeurst will bring the message of MAKING PEACE WITH WHAT I CAN’T CONTROL to audiences across the country on a 10-city book tour featuring recording artist Tasha Layton. Beginning November 7, the tour will travel to cities throughout Virginia, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, New York, North Carolina, Kentucky and Texas before concluding November 18 in San Antonio.

About Lysa TerKeurst
Lysa TerKeurst is president and chief visionary officer of Proverbs 31 Ministries and the author of nine New York Times bestsellers, including her latest book, Making Peace With What I Can’t Control, as well as I Want to Trust You, But I Don’t, Good Boundaries and Goodbyes, Forgiving What You Can’t Forget, and It’s Not Supposed to Be This Way. She enjoys life with her husband, Chaz, and her kids and grandkids. Connect with her at www.LysaTerKeurst.com or on social media @LysaTerKeurst.

About Nelson Books
Nelson Books, an imprint of Thomas Nelson, is an industry leader in Christian nonfiction publishing. Nelson Books publishes a diverse array of leaders, experts, and creatives, crafting biblically informed and spiritually fresh books from a Christian perspective that enliven, educate, and encourage readers. The Nelson Books roster of bestselling authors includes Lysa TerKeurst, Tim Tebow, John Mark Comer, John & Stasi Eldredge, Jennie Allen, Jefferson Bethke, Bob Goff, Ruth Chou Simons, Tyler Staton, Jason Wilson, Christine Caine and Zach Windahl.

Contact:  Devin Duke, Senior Publicity Manager, Nelson Books, Devin.Duke@HarperCollins.com

Newly Admitted ECPA Publisher Announces Debut Series

(Nashville, Tennessee, September 25th, 2026) The Quiet Hours Press, a new independent publisher founded in 2026 and recently admitted to the ECPA, is proud to announce its first series: The Quiet Hours, a beautifully written yet accessible prayer & liturgy series based on The Book of Common Prayer. Author, songwriter, ministry leader, and Nashville producer Andrew Osenga has done the complex and important work of adapting one of the most impactful texts in Christian history for the modern reader.

Osenga’s own life has been shaped by years of exploring the powerful words, symbols, and rhythms of liturgical prayers from Christians throughout history, all around the world.

He wanted to share that experience with his friends and family, but in order to understand the prayers, “you needed your Bible, a different calendar, maybe even a dictionary or a thesaurus, and about a dozen bookmarks. It’s a beautiful experience, but it’s not for everybody.”

The Quiet Hours series seeks to remove those obstacles and help people in all stages of life access the healing, meditative practices found in resources like The Book of Common Prayer.

In Osenga’s hands, these historic prayers move beyond the walls of academia or MDiv programs and are made accessible to the tired YoungLife camp counselor who needs encouragement at 3 am. They are for the busy mom, the 9-5 office worker, or the doomscrolling teenager who longs for truth and depth. Osenga’s goal for this series is: “No thee’s or thou’s, no dictionary, no barrier, just ancient prayers you can actually use, for hungry people, longing for more.”

The first three books of The Quiet Hours series: Prayer, Waiting, and Adventure, set to release on November 1^st, 2026, are the starting point for an extended collection of topical prayer books from The Quiet Hours Press that will bring a beloved but often inaccessible text into our busy modern lives. This project will introduce the practice of daily prayer to those who most need its encouragement and peace. For more information about this new independent press or to pre-order The Quiet Hours series, go to thequiethours.com.

About the Author
Andrew Osenga is a songwriter, musician, author, record producer, and the leader of Anchor Hymns, a multi-generational community of artists creating new sacred songs for the postmodern Church. He has worked extensively with Grammy- and Dove Award-winning artists such as Andrew Peterson, Steven Curtis Chapman, Sandra McCracken, Jars of Clay, and Caedmon’s Call. Beyond music, he can be found writing weekly on his popular faith-and-culture Substack and on his podcast, The Pivot. Andrew lives in Nashville with his wife and daughters and hikes at Radnor Lake every morning he can.

About Quiet Hours Press
Founded in 2026, The Quiet Hours Press will bring ancient rhythms of prayer and liturgy directly to readers in places they’d never otherwise find them — on social media, YouTube, and direct-to-consumer channels. Dedicated to releasing The Quiet Hours books and online resources, the press aims to give fresh voices new and engaging ways to reach thoughtful readers.

Andrew Osenga is available for remote and in-person interviews, dependent on travel.
To schedule appearances or request review copies, please email carlyandersonpr@gmail.com.

 

 

AVAILABLE OCTOBER 26, 2026

When Kwan Jeong, a brilliant and humble young scientist, arrives in Glideon and joins the Lightgliders, he learns of the danger and power of secrets, and the importance of courage and humility.
Seoul, Korea, 2057
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Kwan longs to make a difference and is desperate to protect his family’s legacy. As the son of the Chief Technology Integration Minister, the stakes are high to prove his worth. After achieving prominence for discovering a revolutionary compound for building roads and bridges, Kwan realizes that his compound might be toxic. Should he speak up to protect the environment of his homeland, or follow professional success and recognition? In the back of his mind, he remembers the advice his father once gave him: Sometimes secrets are necessary.
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After a restless night of sleep, Kwan finds himself back in the lab—but not his lab. It’s a lab in the mystical world of Glideon. There he joins the Lightgliders who are tasked with helping the Gliddles save their land. While on a quest in the Liminal Caverns with the Gliddles, he finds Dr. Grapethorne’s journal which holds disturbing truths about Glideon, blight, and the mysterious Gliddles. Kwan keeps his discovery a secret, but the truth comes out when he falls ill from the blight. Only the Armor of Light can save him.
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Throughout the Lightglider Origins series, readers will learn that the True Light is always present, guiding our way.

• Written by Derek Holser and Zach Fay with illustrations by George Ermos.
• Third of seven books in the Lightglider Origins series for ages 8–14, telling the stories of teens from different time periods and locations around the world who are transported to the mystical land of Glideon to become Lightgliders.
• Fantasy adventure stories with relatable, authentic characters that affirm a biblical worldview and positive values.
• The Lightglider Origin series is based on the characters and story found in the Lightgliders virtual world of Christian faith, games, and community for kids.

Learn more about Lightgliders at lightgliders.com and follow the Lightgliders on Facebook (@lightgliders), X (@lightgliders), and Instagram (@lightgliders).

Derek Holser, MEd, MTh, JD, is an author, educator, and attorney. He is the author of the novels Atlas Forman & the Necessary Dream and BOY 39 and coauthor of the Lightglider Origins series. He has also ghostwritten over a dozen non-fiction books. Holser is dedicated to producing works of inspiration and education, which lead to personal and societal transformation. He and his wife, Leah, and their three teenage children live in Bainbridge Island, Washington.

Zach Fay, MDiv, MBA, is the creator of Lightgliders, a virtual world of Christian faith, games, and community for kids. He has worked in youth ministry, Christian music management, and management consulting. He is coauthor of the Lightglider Origins series. Fay is inspired by the intersection of faith, reason, and imagination. He and his wife, Margaret, live with their four young children in St. Louis, Missouri.

George Ermos is an illustrator, maker, and avid reader from England. He works digitally and loves illustrating all things curious and mysterious. He is always trying to incorporate new artiness from the various world cultures he reads about and explores.

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

Dressed In Love Press is set to deliver a powerful one‑two punch to fall readers with the simultaneous release of two compelling new titles on October 6th:  The Lakeshore’s Secret by S.E. Tschritter and Unveiled by T.K. Bush.

A Small‑Town Mystery with a Chilling Undercurrent

In The Lakeshore’s Secret, author S.E. Tschritter invites readers into a quiet lakeside community where long‑buried truths begin to surface. When an unexpected discovery disrupts the town’s fragile calm, characters are forced to confront the secrets they’ve kept—and the consequences that follow. Blending atmosphere, tension, and emotional depth, Tschritter’s mystery offers a gripping exploration of what happens when the past refuses to stay hidden. This gripping story is for fans of: Small-town mysteries, Romantic suspense, Faith-centered fiction, Character-driven suspense, Stories of healing, redemption, and second chances. https://bit.ly/Lakeshoresecrets

A Psychological Thriller That Peels Back the Human Mind

Unveiled by T.K. Bush delivers a sharp, unsettling psychological thriller that examines identity, perception, and the shadows people carry. Bush’s narrative twists through layers of truth and manipulation, pulling readers into a world where nothing is quite what it seems. With its escalating suspense and character‑driven intensity, Unveiled promises to leave readers questioning every assumption. https://bit.ly/TKBushunveiled

About the Authors

Multi-award-winning author Sam. E. Tschritter (pronounced Shridder) specializes in articulating grief and loss, leading grievers toward hope and healing. Whether poetry, fiction, or non-fiction, Tschritter writes content that will stick with readers long after they close the cover. Her 20-plus years of leadership experience and contributions to over 40 books enable her to serve others, speaking truth with transparency, humor, and love. Tschritter grew up in Chicagoland and has also lived in Minnesota and Oregon, granting her widespread views of people all over the country. She currently resides in Simpsonville, South Carolina with her husband, their three teen and preteen daughters, cats named Pitter and Patter, and their Siberian husky whom she lost the vote to name Onomatopoeia. Nothing refreshes Tschritter’s soul like gardening. She gardens to work through plot holes, writer’s block, character development, and book ideas. Tschritter spends a great deal of time gardening. With contributions to over 40 books, multi-award-winning, best-selling author S. E. Tschritter writes content that sticks with readers long after they close the cover. Grab your free gift when you join the newsletter, and connect with her, at Linktr.ee/LoveSamEvans

T.K. Bush, a seasoned radiographic/cardiovascular technologist with more than two decades of medical experience, has also been a prolific writer since childhood. Married, with a blended family of 4 children and two Bengal cats, she bravely navigates the complexities of family life, healthcare, and the stimulating world of literature. Bush’s debut novel, Unveiled, releases in October 2026. She intricately weaves her medical expertise into a psychologically charged thriller. Using the complexity of medical and relationship drama, she creates an unsettling world of emotion, intrigue, and deception. Bush’s love of reading and writing gives her a unique storytelling voice, shaped by her medical background. Drawing on her own experiences with relationships and trauma, she creates stories that guide readers toward forgiveness, acceptance, and grace, even in the toughest situations. More information about her can be found at: T.K. Bush | Romance Suspense Author

A Strong Fall Lineup from Dressed In Love Press

The dual release underscores Dressed In Love Press’s expanding range across genres, showcasing both emerging and established voices within mystery, thriller, and psychological suspense.

Dressed In Love Press is a faith-based publishing company dedicated to sharing stories that inspire, heal, and uplift. Rooted in Christian values, it focuses on meaningful works across genres like Christian living, romance, suspense, and children’s literature — all with the goal of spreading hope and love through storytelling. More information can be found at:  DRESSED IN LOVE PRESS | Dr. Katherine Hutchinson-Hayes

To request additional review copies or an interview with S.E. Tschritter or T.K. Bush, please contact:  Mickey Mikkelson at Creative Edge Publicity: mickey.creativeedge@gmail.com / 403.464.6925.   

We live in a world marked by outrage and entitlement—a culture that thrives on division, discontent, and loneliness—yet as followers of Christ, we’re invited to something radically different.

In this powerful and practical book, Nirup Alphonse explores seven key distinctions between cultural attitudes and biblical virtues rooted in the teachings of Jesus and His command to “shine as lights.”Rather than conforming to the world’s patterns, we’re invited to live an extraordinary life of:

• Joy in a world of offense
• Contentment in a world of greed
• Mercy in a world of indifference
• Freedom in a world of slavery
• Wisdom in a world of foolishness
• Authority in a world of discouragement
• Fellowship in a world of performance

These countercultural choices are not just moral ideals—they’re the very ways we reflect the light of Christ and live in illuminating contrast to the culture. If you’re hungry for God and long for a faith that’s deeper than cultural Christianity—a faith that transforms your heart and impacts the world—this book will guide you into a life that stands out for the glory of God.

Nirup Alphonse is the founder and Lead Pastor of LIFEGATE Church, a vibrant multiethnic community in Denver, Colorado. Born in Singapore to missionary parents and raised in India, he spent his adolescence at an international boarding school, an experience that shaped his global worldview and deep passion for ministry. After completing his early education in India, Nirup moved to Chicago, where he finished high school and later earned his degree from Trinity International University. Nirup and his wife, Hannah, served in ministry for seven years in Fort Wayne, Indiana, before planting LIFEGATE Church in Denver in 2015. Under his leadership, LIFEGATE has experienced remarkable growth and has become one of the fastest-growing churches in the Denver metro area. His heart for people and commitment to building a diverse, Jesus-centered community have guided the church’s mission and impact. In addition to pastoring, Nirup has had the privilege of ministering to a global audience, speaking at conferences, college campuses, business gatherings, and churches around the world.  Beyond ministry, Nirup is an avid reader and has a deep love for history, cultural anthropology, theology all things Chicago. He and Hannah have been married for over eighteen years and are the proud parents of four sons—Jai, Elijah, Kai, and Levi—and one daughter, Shiloh, in heaven.