Two Legacy Brands Unite, Making David C Cook the Largest Independent Publisher of Curriculum for the Interdenominational Church Market

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., October 16, 2024—Christian publisher and music company David C Cook announced today its intention to acquire Group Publishing, a leader in Vacation Bible School (VBS) programs.

The addition of Group Publishing’s VBS and other faith-focused curricula will make David C Cook the largest independent publisher of curriculum for the interdenominational church market, furthering its position as a leader in children’s ministry resources.

David C Cook has a proven history of acquiring and successfully growing and integrating legacy brands—including Standard Publishing Commentary and Gospel Light—but hasn’t yet established a strong presence in the VBS market, where Group Publishing is a market leader.

“The success of Group Publishing as an innovator in VBS, children’s ministry, youth ministry, Bibles and small-group resources is a testimony to the hard work and creativity of their staff,” said David C Cook CEO Bill Reeves. “Combining the talents and capabilities of the Group Publishing and David C Cook teams will exponentially increase our ability to equip the church and engage young people in transformational discipleship.”

“Group Publishing’s VBS programs include memorable and relevant children’s music we envision partnering well with our global music division, Integrity Music,” said Reeves. “Expanding our children’s ministry capabilities aligns with our commitment to continue serving all generations of the church.”

David C Cook was founded in 1875 in response to a need for age-appropriate Sunday school materials for kids. It has since expanded to create and distribute curriculum, books and music for all ages and stages of the faith journey.

Group Publishing began in 1974, when youth ministry worker Thom Schultz published GROUP magazine to support and inspire youth group leaders. Following the magazine’s initial success, Schultz grew Group Publishing’s offerings to include a wide variety of practical and innovative resources and experiences for Christians and church leaders.

“David C Cook is a great choice to carry on the important work we’ve started,” said Schultz, who has served as founder and CEO of Group Publishing since its inception. “As my wife Joani and I prepare to shift our focus to global philanthropic work, we enter this next season knowing Group’s relational, experiential resources will live on with David C Cook, reaching even more people and helping them grow in their relationships with Jesus and each other.”

About David C Cook 
David C Cook is a nonprofit ministry dedicated to equipping the global church with leadership, discipleship and worship resources to help Christians grow in faith and pass it along to the next generation. Integrity Music, part of the David C Cook family, is committed to taking songs of substance to the local church and its leaders around the world. Read more about David C Cook and its global ministry outreach at davidccook.org.

About Group Publishing 
Group Publishing creates a wide variety of award-winning, faith-based content, products and experiences for kids, teens and adults. Founded in 1974 when Thom Schultz recognized a need for youth ministry resources, today Group Publishing’s offerings include Vacation Bible School curriculum, Sunday school curriculum, music and resources for believers of all ages. For more information about Group Publishing, visit group.com. CONTACT:  Alli Ehrhardt, 541.973.1994
 

A Front Row Seat to Epic Bible Events

New installment in middle-grade fiction series from Marty Machowski offers a new perspective on Old Testament stories from the animals who could have been there.

Imagine being there as the Red Sea opened up to let the Israelites pass through. What would have been like to be on Mt. Sinai as Moses received the Ten Commandments? In The Prophecy and the Hope (New Growth Press/September 30, 2024), book two in the Redemption Tales series,​best-selling children’s author Marty Machowski invites middle-grade readers to join the fictional animals who witnessed the most epic events in Scripture as they took place.

The Prophecy and the Hope begins as oxen brothers Otto and Oscar stand trapped and terrified between the Red Sea and Pharaoh’s approaching army along with all of Israel. Yes, God has brought them this far out of the misery of Egypt but escape now seems impossible!​When Moses shouts, “Fear not. Stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord,” everyone gasps as the cloud of the Lord billows up and blocks the enemy from advancing. Then the wind begins to blow. Will the oxen and the rest of Israel be able to outrun the enemy?

The Redemption Tales series for readers ages 8–12, offers a creative presentation of the gospel message. The first installment, The Shadow and the Promise, followed the tales of the animals as the events of Genesis and Exodus up to the Passover unfolded before them. In this second release of the series, the adventures continue through the end of the Old Testament. Young readers will not only join the oxen at the Red Sea but will meet mountain goats at Mount Sinai, Rahab’s pets in Jericho, horses watching as David faces Goliath, the Queen of Sheba’s camels, ravens with Elijah, and mice in Isaiah’s house. As their stories progress, the animals begin to gather the prophetic hints of the redemption to come with the help of an ever-present dove named Daniel.

For a deeper study of the truth hidden within each chapter, The Prophecy and the Hope includes discussion questions​to acquaint kids with the “truth behind the tales.” The entire series offers a new point of view of God’s overarching story of redemption found throughout his Word.

“Why are the stories of God’s work in history so fantastic? For example, why did God use a miraculous staff, numerous plagues, and opening a body of water to deliver his people from Egypt? Why did God go through all that trouble when he could have delivered his people with a single word? He did it to show his mighty power to his people then and to create a grand salvation story for the generations to come (see Exodus 10:1–2). He wanted us to know him and his power, holiness, mercy, and most of all, his unfailing love, so that we​too might believe. The Redemption Tales are more than fiction—their truth has the power to transform you completely,” Machowski writes in the introduction.

The third installment in the Redemption Tales series, The Light and the Life will be released on February 10, 2025, followed by the final installment, The Death and the Victory on September 1, 2025. Both of these books feature events of the New Testament.

The Prophecy and the Hope
The Redemption Tales, Book 2
By Marty Machowski, Illustrated by Blair Files
ISBN 978-1-64507-474-8
September 30, 2024 / Retail Price $16.99
Juvenile Fiction / Religious / Christian / Action and Adventure

Marty Machowski is a Family Life Pastor at Covenant Fellowship Church in Glen Mills, Pennsylvania, where he has served on the pastoral staff for thirty years. Machowski leads Promise Kingdom, the gospel-centered children’s ministry of Covenant Fellowship. He is also the Executive Editor for Children’s Resources at New Growth Press.  He is the author of a number of family devotionals, Sunday School curriculums (including the Gospel Story Curriculum), children’s books, and parenting titles. His latest releases include The Treasure, Angels on Your Side, and The Shadow and the Promise.  Machowski and his wife, Lois, have six children and several grandchildren. They reside in West Chester, Pennsylvania.

Learn more at www.martymachowski.com. He can also be found on Instagram (@martymachowski) and Twitter (@MartyMachowski).

Blair Files is an illustrator and textile designer based in New York City. She is inspired by colorful characters, travels abroad, and of course, great stories. She is the illustrator of the Redemption Tales series. Her work and sketchbook can be found at www.blairfiles.com.

Journey Through the Life of Jesus in New Devotional Book

The new devotional book from Concordia Publishing House leads readers through 52 weeks, covering the life of Jesus as told in the four Gospels.

Christians find comfort in knowing that Jesus became human, walked the earth, and promised to return on Judgment Day. The new devotional book from Concordia Publishing House, Come, Follow Me: A Year of Devotions on the Life of Jesus, covers 52 weeks—focusing on one event in Jesus’ life each week—to reveal the many facets of God’s love and grace in Jesus. The book is now available to order from Concordia Publishing House.

“In these devotions, you will see the grace and love of God’s dear Son, who became human to live among us; to teach us of God’s unsurpassable love; to suffer and die to take away our sin and guilt; and to give us eternal life with Him in heaven. Each week will focus on one event in Jesus’ life. Each day will look at a slightly different angle of that event. We have devoted six days to each week, which enables you to worship at church one day, then spend a few minutes with Jesus on the other days of the week” (from the Introduction).

Readers will spend a year with God’s Son, the Savior, Jesus Christ, and follow His life and work as presented in the Gospels of the New Testament. Come, Follow Me focuses on a different event in Jesus’ life each week, from His early life to His promise to return on Judgment Day. Each week includes six devotions that offer different angles on the weekly topic. Weeks aren’t organized by any particular date or lectionary, so readers can jump right into their year with Jesus whenever they wish.

Visit cph.org for more information about the book. Contact Erica Sontag for more information.

About Concordia Publishing House
Concordia Publishing House (CPH) is the publishing arm of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. For more than 150 years, CPH has been providing individuals, churches, and schools with products that are faithful to the Scriptures and the Lutheran Confessions. From books and Bibles to church supplies, curriculum, and software, CPH offers more than 10,000 products to support the proclamation of the Gospel worldwide. Visit CPH online at cph.org.

CONTACT:  Erica Sontag, Public Relations, 314-268-1303, erica.sontag@cph.org     

 

Ada, Mich. (Oct. 16, 2024)— Baker Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group, is pleased to announce the addition of two new acquisition editors to its team.

Eddie LaRow joined Baker Books in February. LaRow brings 8 years of experience in Christian publishing, having served in various roles including marketing, operations, sales, and editorial at Crossway, IVP, and B&H Academic. He holds a master’s degree in theological studies from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and is currently a PhD candidate at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, focusing on theological exegesis of the Old Testament.

Rachel Joy Welcher joined Baker Books in October. Welcher comes to Baker Books from Lexham Press. She holds a Master of Letters from The University of Saint Andrews in Scotland and is the author of Talking Back to Purity Culture (InterVarsity Press), three collections of poetry, and a forthcoming children’s book on Psalm 121 (IVP Kids).

“Eddie’s unique combination of editorial vision, wisdom, and passion for books has made an immediate impact on our publishing program,” said Brian Vos, Editorial Director for Baker Books. “He has been an incredible addition to the team.”

Regarding Welcher, Vos added, “Throughout our extensive search process, Rachel set herself apart as an ideal collaborator. As an editor, author, and poet, she’s dedicated her life to crafting messages that speak to readers’ hearts and minds. We’re thrilled to welcome her to the team.”

LaRow was drawn to Baker Books for its rich history of serving and building up the body of Christ through resources for pastors in the pulpit, hearers in the pew, and anyone seeking to learn more about God and His Word. He lives in Central Illinois with his wife, one-year-old daughter, and their 3-year-old Beagle.

Welcher resides in South Dakota with her husband, Pastor Evan, and their young children, Hildegaard and Richard.

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

October 2024 | LISLE, IL—InterVarsity Press (IVP) is pleased to announce that Noel Forlini Burt has accepted the position of Associate Editor for IVP Academic. In addition, Rachel Hastings, who has served as the Associate Editor for IVP Academic since 2022, has been promoted to Assistant Academic Editorial Director.

“Till now, Rachel has been our primary biblical studies specialist, so now that Noel joins the department, we can do even more in Old and New Testament studies,” said Jon Boyd, IVP’s Associate Publisher and Academic Editorial Director. “And since they both have serious chops in other fields too, like spiritual formation, psychology, and higher education, there’s a very nice domino effect that will widen the ‘beat’ for each editor at IVP Academic.”

Forlini Burt will work from her home in Birmingham, Alabama, where she most recently directed the preministerial scholars program at Samford University and taught courses in Bible and spiritual formation. She has also taught at Baylor University’s Truett Seminary, Baptist Seminary of Kentucky, and Pittsburgh Theological Seminary.

Forlini Burt earned her PhD in Hebrew Bible from Drew University and is certified in both spiritual direction (George W. Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor University) and spiritual formation (Upper Room Academy). Her undergraduate degree is in journalism, a sphere she still loves. Forlini Burt is the author of Hope in the Wilderness: Spiritual Reflections for When God Feels Far Away.

Boyd said, “We see a striking fit for Noel among us at IVP. One interviewer jokingly asked, after meeting her, ‘Are we sure she doesn’t already work here?’ That’s how ‘all in’ she looks to us. As she herself put it in her application, her vision is ‘to nurture…authors as they produce scholarship in biblical studies that will enrich our academic conversations and our lives with God’—and we can’t wait to see the fruit of her work.”

Hastings joined IVP in 2021 as Assistant Project Editor and was soon promoted to Associate Project Editor for trade books before assuming the role of Associate Editor for IVP Academic.

“Rachel is well known not only within InterVarsity Press but also widely, even globally, for her smart editorial work with authors and her passion for the academy and the church,” Boyd said. “Her promotion to Assistant Academic Editorial Director will position her with even more people who will appreciate working with her.”

Hastings has two master’s degrees, one in Old Testament and one in New Testament, from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, and she was the recipient of Gordon-Conwell’s New Testament and Greek Award in 2020.

Boyd said, “Life at work is so much better when you have trusted colleagues to collaborate with for mutual interdependence, for teamwork that makes everything better. Rachel Hastings is that kind of colleague, and her leadership in the IVP Academic Editorial team and beyond is already apparent and bearing fruit daily.”

Contact:  Krista Clayton | kclayton@ivpress.com

Experience the joy that comes in the morning with #1 New York Times bestselling author and Bible teacher Joyce Meyer as she delivers a 365-day devotional that encourages readers to start their days in the Word of God.

With each new day, the Lord offers a new invitation to fellowship and closeness with Him. He never tires of hear our voice. We can come before Him with our anxieties, our flaws, our hopes, and our joys, because He cares for us. When we pray our way through the day, the Spirit comforts and helps us, and we are able to encourage others and face our days with new strength.

There is no better way to start your day than by spending time with the God who longs to know you more and fill your life with the riches of His grace!

Joyce Meyer is a New York Times bestselling author and one of the world’s leading Bible teachers. Through Joyce Meyer Ministries, she teaches practically and candidly, openly sharing her experiences and helping millions of people to apply biblical principles to their situations and ultimately find hope and restoration through Jesus Christ. Her book Battlefield of the Mind has been a perennial bestseller, teaching people how to win the war in their minds and “think about what they think about.” Joyce holds conferences across the United States, and her Enjoying Everyday Life program is broadcast on TV, radio and online to millions in over 110 languages.

She has also authored over 140 books, which have been translated into over 160 combined languages. Joyce’s passion to help people who are hurting is the foundation of Hand of Hope, the missions arm of Joyce Meyer Ministries, which provides humanitarian relief through its hundreds of global outreaches.

“A Preacher’s Companion”

Langham Publishing is delighted to announce the launch of The Branch Exposition of the Bible: A Preacher’s Commentary of the Old Testament, an outstanding commentary on the entire Old Testament written by Michael A. Eaton — a distinguished preacher, scholar and pastor. 

Together with the previously published New Testament volume, this exposition meets the needs of preachers, scholars, and ordinary Christians alike, helping open God’s word and shed its light on life, ministry, and teaching. “Profound without being heavy”, it makes biblical scholarship accessible to all so they can mature in faith and righteousness. 

With experience in ministering across Africa, India and the West, Michael A. Eaton helps us understand the meaning of the Bible and taste its fruit. This commentary on the Old and New Testament accessibly engages with the biblical languages, gives application for our lives and leads us through each book of the Bible so that we can meet the resurrected Jesus Christ in the pages of Scripture.

Rev. R. T. Kendall (PhD), Kendall Ministries, says about The Branch Exposition of the Bible:  The most valuable commentary on the Bible to come along in a century.

Marcus Herbert, Pastor, Cornerstone Church, Johannesburg (South Africa), writes:  In producing “The Branch Exposition of the Bible,” Michael Eaton has written one of the most helpful tools any preacher or scholar of Scripture could hope for. It is refreshing to have a scholar of Michael’s ability use all that learning, wisdom and insight to open the Scriptures to us, revealing Christ and His Kingdom.

Christopher J. H. Wright (PhD), Global Ambassador, Langham Partnership, commends:  Michael Eaton was one of those rare biblical scholars whose years of pastoral and preaching experience enabled him to write expositions of the biblical text that are profoundly simple without being simplistic and shallow.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Michael A. Eaton pastored pioneering, multi-ethnic churches in some of Africa’s biggest and most influential cities, including Nairobi, Johannesburg, and Lusaka, for 40 years. As a young man he sat under the teaching of Martyn Lloyd-Jones at Westminster Chapel, a church he maintained a long-standing relationship with throughout his life. Michael’s doctorate was on the Christian and the Mosaic law. He lectured in theological institutions and had a vibrant preaching ministry in India, the UK, the United States and across Africa. Michael went to be with the Lord in 2017, before The Branch Exposition of the Bible reached publication.

ABOUT LANGHAM PUBLISHING
Langham Publishing is a ministry of Langham Partnership whose vision is to strengthen the global church. Through Langham Publishing, we publish books for Christian leaders, preachers, and scholars that represent a diverse church around the world, furthering our understanding of scripture, our mission as God’s people, and our love in Christ.  langhampublishing.org 

Find out more about The Branch Exposition of the Bible: A Preacher’s Commentary of the Old Testament and The Branch Exposition of the Bible: A Preacher’s Commentary of the New Testament. 

Get more information about Langham Publishing.
Get more information about Langham Partnership.
Download the Media Pack.

For press related questions and information on The Branch Exposition of the Bible, please contact sophia.soloviy@langham.org.

CHICAGO – Independent Publishers Group (IPG), and its book manufacturing unit, IPG Ink, are pleased to announce the production of its five millionth book, as well as the installation of a new HP digital printing press.

On September 30, 2024, IPG Ink, which printed its first book in June 2018, processed the order that included the five millionth unit: a title from Running Wild Press, Going to Maine: All the Ways to Fall on the Appalachian Trail. Clark Matthews, VP and General Manager of IPG Ink, said, “Our five millionth book just six years after our founding is a testament to our superbly successful printing program, with all-new machines for 2024 and volumes that are quadruple their starting point in 2018.”

In response to the recent increase in demand, IPG has invested in a new, state-of-the-art digital printer from HP. The HP PageWide A2200 currently being installed will further improve production times while maintaining the excellent quality of paperback books printed at IPG Ink. This ground-breaking HP press is capable of printing 800 linear feet of content per minute, enough volume to produce 10,000 200-page novels in a single day. It does so using half the space and at twice the image quality of IPG’s next-fastest press.

This new machine has specifically been chosen to address the evolving needs of IPG’s client publishers. A growing number of publishing houses need a solution that bridges the gap between the worlds of digital printing and offset printing. This new solution allows publishers to print almost anything on a 5-7 day turn time, whether it’s just a single copy for a direct-to-consumer order or a last-minute, 5,000 unit run for a frontlist title that has found unexpected success in the marketplace. IPG hopes to offer a more flexible and scalable supply chain to address the unpredictability of modern publishing.

The new HP press will be fully operational on November 1. This upgrade is another piece to round out the digital printing services IPG provides to its publishers. Earlier this year, IPG announced its partnership with Books International on a program for hardcover short run digital printing at a price feasible for publishers.

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

CHARLOTTE, NC – The Good Book Company is delighted to announce that The Christmas Promise Storybook, written by Alison Mitchell and illustrated by Catalina Echeverri, has surpassed 100,000 units in print sales (The Good Book Company, November 2014).

The Christmas Promise Storybook is a captivating retelling of the Christmas story showing how God kept his promise to send a king unlike any other: a new, rescuing forever king. James Burstow, President and Chief Commercial Officer, reflects, “We’re thrilled to be celebrating such a great milestone for this beautiful book and the opportunity it has provided for thousands of children to learn the true meaning and significance of Christmas.”

Other products in The Christmas Promise range include:

• A Board book for 1-3s
• A Coloring and Activity Book for 4-8s
• An Advent Calendar for kids 5-11, including a 32-page book of family devotions
• A three-session children’s Sunday School resource with age-differentiated lesson plans for 3-5s, 5-8s, and 8-12s
• Full size illustrations to use when reading The Christmas Promise aloud

The Good Book Company celebrates this accomplishment and anticipates the series’ continued contribution toward their goal of providing biblical, relevant, and accessible resources that encourage Christians and their church families to keep going, keep growing, and keep sharing their faith.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Alison Mitchell is a senior editor at The Good Book Company, where she has worked on a range of products including Bible-reading notes for children and families and the Christianity Explored range of evangelistic resources. She is the best-selling author of The Christmas Promise and the award-winning Jesus and the Lions’ Den.

ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR
Catalina Echeverri is a Colombian freelance illustrator specialising in children’s books. She is based in London, UK, and illustrated the best-selling The Garden, The Curtain and the Cross.

ABOUT THE GOOD BOOK COMPANY
Founded in 1991, The Good Book Company (TGBC) is an international Christian publisher. Their Bible studies, books, devotionals, videos, tracts, evangelistic courses, and training materials are used throughout the English-speaking world, and in translation in over 35 languages worldwide. Everyone at TGBC is passionate about the Lord Jesus, His word, His church, and His gospel of grace. They create and publish biblical, relevant, and accessible resources that will encourage Christians to keep going, keep growing, and keep sharing their faith.

For media inquiries and access to promotional assets, contact: publicity@thegoodbook.com.

Charles Metcalf, executive pastor for Transformation Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, offers an irresistible message of hope and transformation in God Chose Me: The Only Answer to Every Question. Expanding on a wildly popular sermon, Metcalf reveals how these three words—God chose me—give readers a firm foundation for overcoming self-doubt and stepping into God’s plan for their lives with unshakeable confidence. Featuring a foreword by New York Times bestselling author Pastor Michael Todd, the book is scheduled for publication in Summer 2025. World rights were acquired by Tina Constable, Executive Vice President and Publisher, at WaterBrook, with Drew Dixon editing.

Rights queries: Denise Cronin, decronin@penguinrandomhouse.com

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