The Good Mess helps readers embrace the imperfect moments in life

“In giving away their lives and story, Debbie and Elaine provide a God-breathed guide for your own journey.”  – Charlotte Gambill, International Speaker and Author

(Dallas-Fort Worth, TX – February 20, 2024) Gateway Publishing is pleased to announce the release of The Good Mess: Finding Beauty in Imperfect Moments by Debbie Morris and Elaine Fisher.

Every day we are faced with a choice: we can chase the perfect life, or we can embrace the imperfect and see what God does. In a culture often fixated on perfection and Instagram-worthy lifestyles, pastors Debbie and Elaine are a breath of fresh air as they seek to see beauty, purpose, and hope within the messy and less-than-perfect circumstances in their lives.

In this thirty-six-day devotional, Debbie and Elaine, who are the wife and daughter of renown pastor and bestselling author Robert Morris, candidly share funny personal memories and poignant reflections about their mother-daughter relationship, their upbringing, parenting, married life, ministry, expectations, seasons, healing, friendships, grief, and even giant sticky messes on the floor. They weave biblical truth, raw transparency, and years of ministry experience to create a deeply encouraging work.

Each page feels like the reader is sitting down with a friend to share stories and simply talk about God and life. Debbie and Elaine encourage readers to “take a deep breath, laugh with us, and learn from our experiences, however messy they are.” Their unique perspective spans generational lines, so young adults, parents, and empty-nesters alike will find wisdom and strength within their words.

Above all, Debbie and Elaine wrote this book to help readers experience God’s presence within every situation. They write, “We pray for you to experience supernatural courage and strength in the days to come, whatever struggles, pain, monotony, chaos, or confusion you may face. We don’t have all the answers, but we know the One who does!” As Debbie and Elaine open their lives and detail their stories, we begin to see that every mess is an opportunity for God to do something beautiful.

Grammy-nominated and Dove Award–winning artist and worship leader Kari Jobe Carnes has known Debbie and Elaine since she was a child. She says, “I’ve seen their love for God and their love for others. This book is such a beautiful expression of who they are, with stories and truths that are as relatable as they are profound. You’ll discover there isn’t a mess God can’t handle, and there isn’t a moment He can’t bring about something good. No matter what season of life you’re in, this book will encourage you just as it has encouraged me. Debbie and Elaine, thank you for writing this!”

Debbie and her high school sweetheart, Robert, have been married for forty-three years. They have three adult kids—Josh (married to Hannah), James (married to Bridgette), and Elaine (married to Ethan)—and nine grandchildren. Her family is the best thing about her life! Robert and Debbie founded Gateway Church in Southlake, Texas, in 2000, which has since grown to more than 100,000 active members. Debbie led the women’s ministry at Gateway for many years and is the visionary founder of Pink Impact, a Gateway women’s conference. Her heart is to help women understand who they are in God so they can discover their destinies and experience victory in life. As a wife who witnessed God turn her marriage around, she delights in encouraging women to believe God can and will do the same for them. She currently serves as an executive pastor but takes every opportunity to live the grandmother life (they call her Gigi) when she can! She never thought she’d write a book with Elaine about their family and experiences, but God had other plans . . . and she’s so glad He did!

Elaine and her husband, Ethan, have been married for thirteen years, and they have four kids: Adde (10), Kate (8), Preston (7), and Jackson (5). As a pastor’s kid, Elaine always had an awareness of the Lord, but she didn’t develop a personal relationship with Him until she hit rock bottom at nineteen years old. Ever since, she has been passionate about helping people by sharing authentic revelation from the lessons she is learning along the way as God writes her story of redemption and freedom. In 2019, she and Ethan moved to Houston, Texas, to plant Gateway Church Houston, where she is on the executive team and serves as a teaching pastor. Elaine is an engaging communicator and has been a sought-after speaker at churches, conferences, and on television. Elaine sees it as a great honor to write a book with her best friend, and she is so grateful that her mom didn’t give up on her in the early days because today their friendship is such a gift.

For more information, to receive a copy of The Good Mess, or to schedule an interview with Debbie Morris and Elaine Fisher, please contact:

Available now at Amazon, GatewayPublishing.com, store.gatewaypeople.com, and all eBook retailers.

Contact: Peyton Sepeda, 855.712.5774, publishing@gatewaypeople.com

 

 

Rev. Dr. Sarah Thomas Baldwin Shares Stories of God Moving in New Book Available May 7

PLANO, Texas (Feb. 8, 2023) – Rev. Dr. Sarah Thomas Baldwin, Vice President of Student Life at Asbury University, gives a captivating account of the unprecedented spiritual revival that started on the college campus and subsequently swept the world in her new book, Generation Awakened: An Eyewitness Account of the Powerful Outpouring of God at Asbury.

On Feb. 8, 2023, the Holy Spirit sparked a flame at the end of an Asbury University chapel service. Over the next 16 days, what began as a local experience within the confines of Asbury’s campus soon flared into the blaze of a global movement that captivated millions through the viral power of social media.

“While critics attempt to call into question the revival’s authenticity and true spontaneity, for those present during these days, these claims sound like the ‘wisdom of the world,’ foolish in God’s sight, for we know that we could never have lit the match of the Spirit ourselves,” writes Baldwin.

Baldwin lived the unique role of co-convening and facilitating the core ministry team for the revival. She led in the rapidly scaling logistical management and served on the President’s Cabinet to help make institutional decisions. Through Generation Awakened, she tells a beautiful, poignant and heartfelt account of the days of the revival through her eyes, describing the Asbury team’s surprise and confusion with the unexpected nature of the movement and how they chose to shepherd it rather than dictate its course.

As church attendance declines and a growing loss of trust in institutions like the church and higher education rises, Generation Awakened paints a stark contrast to the current trends.

“On an ordinary day in February, God showed up and awakened Generation Z with an outpouring of love that co-opted the communication methods of the day,” Baldwin writes. “We found a generation hungry and thirsty for the real Christian life of confession, repentance and surrender … their response to Jesus may be a corrective to the church that has tended to swing from either a casual recreational ‘faith’ on one side to a weaponized political ‘faith’ on the other.”

Generation Awakened is not merely a recounting of events but a profound witnessing of the divine at work. The stories within the book are heart-wrenching, offering a glimpse into the impact the revival had on students, the narrator and all those present. As readers delve into the pages, they too may feel the spiritual power emanating from this remarkable testimony, making Generation Awakened an unforgettable and transcendent literary experience.

“What God has done; God will do again,” writes Baldwin. “I want to be ready.”

Generation Awakened releases May 7 from Invite Press. For more information visit https://www.inviteresources.com/lp/generation-awakened-landing.

About Rev. Dr. Sarah Thomas Baldwin
Rev. Dr. Sarah Thomas Baldwin serves as the Vice President of Student Life at Asbury University in central Kentucky. Sarah has served in Christian higher education for almost 30 years as a student affairs professional, university pastor, and vice president. Baldwin holds an M.Div from Asbury Seminary and a Doctor of Ministry in Leadership from Portland Seminary and is an ordained elder in the Free Methodist Church. She serves as co-pastor of a “small church” in Wilmore, Kentucky. She is a frequent speaker, preacher, and retreat leader. Married to Clint Baldwin, they have three children, Madi, a recent college grad, Kai, age 10, and Emily, age 6.

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

Chicago – New York Times bestselling author, Gary Chapman and author of The 5 Love Languages® brand has collaborated with1-800-Flowers.com to create the perfect way to express love for Valentine’s. Together they are offering a specially designed Gift Guide along with a new gifting quiz that is exclusively available at the 1-800-Flowers website. When visiting the site, customers can take the new gifting quiz developed by The 5 Love Languages® brand to help them identify their partner’s primary love language and choose a meaningful Valentine’s gift that will communicate love freshly and thoughtfully. Customers can select from a collection of bestselling gifts that have been curated for each Love Language including selections of beautiful flowers, personalized expressions, fully prepared date-night dinners, and much more.

Additionally, Dr. Gary Chapman will be a featured guest on the Celebrations Chatter podcast in an exclusive conversation with the host, CEO, and Founder of 1-800-Flowers, Jim McCann. It airs on Thursday, February 8, 2024.

In October 2022, the Northfield Publishing imprint of Moody Publishers celebrated the 30^th anniversary of The 5 Love Languages® which has sold 20 million copies worldwide and has been translated into 50 languages. To date, more than 134 million people have taken the Love Language quiz online or in the app. “We’re thrilled about this opportunity with 1-800-Flowers.com and we believe it will be mutually beneficial during this special season,” said Craig Cooper, brand director of The 5 Love Languages®.  

For more information about The 5 Love Languages® brand visit www.5lovelanguages.com. To visit the curated Love Language gifts on the 1-800-Flowers.com site visit https://www.1800flowers.com/valentines-day-gift-ideas.

Nelson Books is delighted to announce that Wes Jakacki has been appointed as the new Digital Marketing Director for Nelson Books, an imprint of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, starting February 19th. Wes joins the team with an impressive 11-year tenure at Christianity Today, where exceptional achievements and deep industry knowledge marked his career progression. Starting as a Marketing Coordinator, Wes advanced to the VP of Marketing and Business Operations role, where he spearheaded the digital marketing strategy for Christianity Today magazine, along with other esteemed publications, podcasts, and books.

Before his time at Christianity Today, Wes also contributed his keen marketing insights as a marketing intern and regular contributor for Relevant Magazine. Wes is a dedicated scholar, holding a double major in Marketing and International Business from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University, and he has continued to refine his expertise with an MBA completed in the Fall of 2020 at the University of Illinois, specializing in Digital Marketing and Business Analytics.

As the newly appointed Digital Marketing Director, Wes Jakacki will be the driving force behind Nelson Books’ strategic digital marketing initiatives. Wes’ role is pivotal in articulating and implementing campaigns that efficiently and effectively promote our titles across many digital platforms. With a deep understanding of digital marketing dynamics, he will orchestrate integrated marketing campaigns that resonate with our audiences and facilitate book sales.

Wes adds, “Nelson books have shaped my faith since I became a Christian as a teenager, so I count it a privilege to now be able to expand the reach and impact of these life-changing books to others.”

Chris Sigfrids, VP of Marketing at Nelson Books, expressed his enthusiasm about Wes joining the team: “We are honored to have Wes join the Nelson Books family. His reputation proceeds him as an incredibly bright and talented digital marketer, but also compassionate, a servant leader, and deeply committed to helping followers of Jesus go deeper in their faith. His track record of innovative strategy, paired with his heartfelt passion for our mission, promises to usher in a new chapter of growth and influence for our imprint.”

Wes resides in the Western Suburbs of Chicago with his wife Jackie of 15 years and their three young children. He is committed to his family and community and actively participates at Parkview Community Church, where he demonstrates philanthropic spirit by running with Team World Vision.

Contact: Lisa Beech, Lisa.Beech@HarperCollins.com, Director of Publicity, Nelson Books

Hodder Faith, a division of UK’s Hodder & Stoughton, will release The Hodder Bible Commentary, a comprehensive 50-volume Bible commentary series.  Doctrinally sensitive and globally aware, its goal is to encourage a deepened knowledge and understanding of Scripture.

Accessible and insightful expository commentary explores the timeless message of the Bible and applies it to the challenges of today’s world. Written by a range of authors and supported by consultant editors from around the world, it represents a diversity of church and cultural contexts.

With the full text of the NIV Bible interspersed with the commentary for easy reference, this series is ideal for preaching, teaching and personal study. The first four volumes in the series—Acts, Mark, Luke, and Ecclesiastes—will be published by Hodder Faith on July 16, 2024. This will be followed by a second batch of three volumes—Joshua, Matthew, and Psalms 42-89—to be published on November 12, 2024.

ABOUT THE HODDER BIBLE COMMENTARY:

Luke • $26.99 • 9781473695016 • 464 pp. • July 18, 2024

There are many ways to be lost in life, but the most serious is to be lost to God. Luke’s Gospel introduces us to the people who met Jesus, understood his message, and experienced his saving power. David Peterson’s commentary shows us how we might have a better understanding of the significance of Jesus for ourselves, grasp hold of the salvation he offers, and be faithful disciples in our different world contexts today.

David G. Peterson teaches at Cornhill Sydney and Moore College in Sydney, Australia. Formerly Principal of Oak Hill Theological College in London, he is the author of commentaries on Romans (BTCP), Hebrews (Tyndale) and Acts (Pillar), and other books including Engaging with God (a biblical theology of worship).

 

---

Mark • $24.99 • 9781473695023 • 336 pp. • July 18, 2024

Mark’s Gospel takes us to the heart of Jesus’s mission, and vividly presents us with the teaching and actions which turned the world upside down.  In this warm-hearted commentary, Chris Moore pays particular attention to Mark’s use of the Old Testament and draws upon a wide range of global and historical Christian writings to show how deeply subversive Jesus is. Mark is a short Gospel, but it is far from simple. It is rich with doctrine and invites his readers to follow the Christ who is none other than the Son of God.

Christopher K W Moore is the Rector of the Benefice of Fownhope (St Mary) with Mordiford, Brockhampton, and Woolhope near Hereford in the UK. He also serves as the Regional Director of Church Society in the South and West of England.

 

---

Acts • $26.99 • 9781473694965 • 416 pp. • July 18, 2024

The book of Acts tells the story of God’s unstoppable mission as the good news of the gospel reaches the nations. Acts invites us to become the next generation of witnesses, attesting to the transforming power of the risen Lord. Martin Salter’s commentary shows how we can be confident that wherever we are and whatever we face, the one enthroned in heaven is still at work, through his people, empowered by his Spirit, to transform lives.

Martin Salter is the Lead Pastor of Grace Community Church in Bedford and a trustee of Keswick Ministries. He is the author of Mission in Action: A Biblical Description of Missional Ethics, The Power of Pentecost (an examination of Acts 2), and So Loved: 26 Words that can Change your Life.

 

---

Ecclesiastes • $21.99 • 9781529302110 • 208 pp. • July 18, 2024 How can we live well in a world that can feel meaningless? Ecclesiastes invites us to face the hard truth that our lives are very brief and mostly out of our control. But that doesn’t mean God leaves us to despair. In this searching and uplifting commentary, Eric Ortlund helps us see that our earthly lives are gifts from God. This life may be brief and frustrating, but it is good – and deeply worth treasuring.

Eric Ortlund is Lecturer in Old Testament and Biblical Hebrew at Oak Hill Theological College in London. He has written commentaries on Esther and Malachi, and two books on Job: Suffering Wisely and Well: The Grief of Job and the Grace of God (Crossway), and Piercing Leviathan: God’s Defeat of Evil in the Book of Job (NSBT).

 

---

Series editor:  Lee Gatiss is the Director of Church Society and a lecturer at Union School of Theology. He is the author/editor of more than 30 books on the Bible, theology, church history, and Anglicanism, including The NIV Proclamation Bible. He is the series editor of both The Hodder Bible Commentary (Hodder Faith) and The Complete Works of John Owen (Crossway).

Contact:  For more information, please contact Kaitlyn Shokes at: Kaitlyn.shokes@hachette.co.uk

“Beyond the Shelves” Report Illuminates Retailer Strength and Growth

San Luis Obispo, CA: Today, The Parable Group released its highly anticipated 2024 State of Christian Retail report, a comprehensive analysis providing invaluable insights into the current climate of the Christian retailing industry. Titled “Beyond the Shelves,” this report draws on robust data from more than 200 U.S. Christian bookstores, representing an impressive $84 million in sales, 2.26 million consumer receipts, and extensive nationwide survey results. Offering invaluable insights, the report serves as a guide for businesses and ministries navigating the evolving landscape.

The key findings of the report are nothing short of inspiring:

• 2023 Christian retail sales witnessed a substantial 8% increase over 2022, with an impressive 79% of stores reporting a surge in sales. This growth is attributed to strategic inventory management, the introduction of new product lines, and adept pricing strategies.
• Notably, same-store sales experienced a remarkable 20% increase over 2019 figures, signaling the industry’s resilience and surpassing pre-pandemic performance levels.
• A January 2024 nationwide survey further solidifies this positive outlook, with 92% of Christian retailers expressing optimism about the future.

Despite the positive report, 2023 posed its share of challenges. Christian Retailers grappled with inventory acquisition hurdles, supply chain disruptions, increased costs, freight concerns, and external influences. However, their exceptional adaptability shines through, with survey results revealing that an impressive 97% of respondents adjusted their retail strategies during the year. Tactics included active social media promotion (74%), adjustments to inventory mix (60%), and increased prices to retain margins (46%). Additionally, over half of retailers employed marketing through catalogs, emails, and websites.

Christian retailers experienced a remarkable revival in community engagement and in-person events, fostering a renewed sense of connection among customers. Recognizing the potency of their distinctive qualities, retailers strategically leveraged their personalities to establish a local edge. This involved creating inspirational atmospheres, delivering personalized services, and assuming the role of trusted advisors.

Greg Squires, President of The Parable Group, conveyed deep admiration for Christian retailers, stating, “Our cherished retail partners consistently inspire us through their agility and unwavering resolve. Motivated by a greater purpose and a genuine love for their mission—these retailers are making a remarkable kingdom impact.”

To access the full report, interested parties can click here. Additionally, a guided tour of the report will be offered through The State of Christian Retail webinar on February 20th at 10 am PST. Registration for the webinar is available here.

The Parable Group, based in San Luis Obispo, CA  is dedicated to empowering Christian retailers, publishers, and ministries in magnifying their mission. As a data-driven marketing agency and media group, The Parable Group specializes in connecting its clients with engaged Christian consumers, pastors, and church leaders. With a rich history of service since 1985, the group has successfully served over 1000 Christian organizations. For more information, contact sally.ross@parablegroup.com or visit www.parablegroup.com.

Contact: Sally Ross, (805) 329-4020, sally.ross@parablegroup.com

Nashville, Tennessee – Feb. 1, 2024 – W Publishing Group, an imprint of Thomas Nelson, is pleased to announce the promotion of Allison Carter to the position of Senior Publicity Director. In her new role, Carter will oversee the publicity efforts for W Publishing Group, a leading provider of inspirational and Christian books.

Throughout her career at W Publishing Group, she has consistently demonstrated a deep knowledge of media relations and positioning for authors and their books. She has also implemented an innovative approach for W Publishing’s book publicity campaigns and has contributed to the success of numerous New York Times, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Evangelical Christian Publishing Association, and Publishers Weekly bestselling books including Don’t Give the Enemy a Seat at Your Table by Louie Giglio, Becoming Free Indeed by Jinger Duggar Vuolo, The God of the Way by Kathie Lee Gifford and Like a River by Granger Smith.

As the Senior Publicity Director, Carter will continue to develop and execute comprehensive publicity campaigns and will collaborate with media outlets to maximize visibility for each title’s release. She will be liaison to the company’s teams of publicists across all imprints and will continue to mentor new talent.

“Allison’s promotion to Senior Publicity Director is a well-deserved recognition of her skills and dedication to our authors and their messages,” said Caren Wolfe, VP of Marketing, W Publishing Group. “She is committed to achieving the highest level of success possible for every campaign, consistently raising the bar when it comes to securing media opportunities for our authors.”

Thomas Nelson is a world leading publisher and provider of Christian content and has been providing readers with quality inspirational product for more than 200 years. As part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc., the publishing group provides multiple formats of award-winning Bibles, books, gift books, cookbooks, curriculum and digital content, with distribution of its products in more than 100 countries. Thomas Nelson is headquartered in Nashville, TN. For additional information visit www.thomasnelson.com.

knk Software, a leading provider of software solutions for publishers and media houses, announces the appointment of Michael Fox as their Vice President of Operations. Reflecting knk’s recent growth and expansion, this newly created position is designed to strengthen the organization’s ability to further enhance its service to clients and to support the team in adapting to the evolving dynamics of the industry. He will play a pivotal role in overseeing the daily operations of knk, leveraging his extensive knowledge of operational management.

Michael brings substantial experience in various leadership roles, having successfully overseen operations and strategic initiatives with renowned publishers, including Wiley, where he held the position of Director of Operations. With a demonstrated history of navigating complex operational challenges, consistently improving client satisfaction, and fostering a culture that encourages both innovation and sustainable growth, his background aligns with the goals of knk.

“I’m honored to join knk and contribute to the company’s mission,” says Michael. “In this new capacity, I’m looking forward to collaborating with the team to drive success in this ever-evolving industry. Together, we’ll navigate the exciting challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.”

Sebastian Mayeres, CEO of knk Software, expressed enthusiasm about Michael joining the team, stating, “Michael is very well-equipped to lead knk Software’s operations into a new era of growth and innovation. As an established industry leader, knk is dedicated to providing the best of service to its clients and ensuring their ongoing success. Michael’s operational expertise will directly benefit our clients by continuing to ensure the delivery of high-quality software solutions and an exceptional customer experience.”

About the knk Group   
The knk Group has 450 customers in the publishing and media industry across North America, Europe and Asia with offices in the US, UK, France and Germany.  knk develops and distributes knkMedia – the only Microsoft-certified software for publishers and media worldwide. It complements the range of services provided by Microsoft Dynamics 365 with publishing-specific functionality for book, magazine, and specialist publishers and is based on the latest Microsoft technology. The software can be used in the cloud as well as on premises. In addition, the knk Group offers Power BI, CRM (knk365 for Media Sales), Customer Engagement (knk365 Market Insights) and Marketing Automation (knk365 Marketing Automation) solutions dedicated to meet the publishing and media industry’s needs.

Press Contact: Cheryl Spais, knk Software LP, 908-206-4599, Cheryl.Spais@knk.com, knkMediaSoftware.com

CHICAGO and LONDON – In its commitment to further refine its shared services model, Independent Publishers Group (IPG) has announced the reorganization of its global management team.

IPG has appointed Tim McCall as its new VP of Sales. Leveraging his extensive experience in both Big 5 and independent publishing, McCall will lead IPG’s US sales team to develop and implement dynamic new sales strategies. McCall will also manage IPG’s Barnes & Noble account. In a recent communication to publishers, IPG’s CEO, Joe Matthews, said, “I am very enthusiastic about bringing an experienced new leader to the business. I hope to see the sales team become more publisher-centric and focused on those customers and special sales that make the most impact for our publishers and the authors they serve.”

In his expanded role as VP of International Trade Sales, Scott Hatfill will lead an initiative to establish domestic UK trade accounts, one of several strategic sales initiatives for 2024. In addition to his sales responsibilities, Hatfill will collaborate with IPG’s business development team to open new international distribution channels and sign new publishers to IPG’s portfolio. IPG’s UK Head of Sales, Michelle Zappa, and the domestic UK sales team will continue to drive academic and professional sales in the UK, Europe, and the rest of the world (excluding the US) through IPG’s Eurospan program.

IPG’s VP of Business Management, Mark Noble, who served as the company’s VP of Operations for over a decade, will oversee the department again as part of an expanded interim role. Clark Matthews has been appointed to oversee IPG’s Chicago warehouse and the Digital Print team while continuing to serve as the VP, GM, Book Manufacturing and Distribution Center Services.

IPG has promoted Brooke O’Donnell to Senior VP of International Business Development, where she will continue to sign publishers to IPG’s Trafalgar Square Publishing and Spanish language programs. IPG has also promoted Sidney Thompson to Business Development Manager, where she will track IPG’s pipeline of new business, draft and review contracts and provide a point of contact for IPG’s 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. In 2021, IPG acquired UK-based United Independent Distributors (UID) and its subsidiary companies Eurospan, Marston Book Services and Orca Book Services, extending IPG’s global menu of services.

Contact: Julia Dillman, Corporate Communications, 312.337.0747, jdillman@ipgbook.com