With decades of experience, Wilstermann will head up ASA, a new initiative helping publishers reach major retailers through a seasoned sales team

NEW KENSINGTON, PA, July 9, 2025 — Anchor Distributors, a division of Whitaker Corporation and a trusted supplier to the Christian retail and gift market for over 50 years, is proud to announce the launch of the Anchor Sales Alliance (ASA), a new initiative aimed at providing proactive, cost-effective sales representation to publishers, ministries, and gift suppliers.

The program launches under the leadership of Dale Wilstermann, a seasoned sales and marketing professional with over two decades of experience in the Christian publishing marketplace.

“We’re excited to now offer our partners a way to scale their reach and get in front of key retailers without the time and expense of building a sales team from the ground up,” said Ned Clements, Vice President of Sales

A Strategic Sales Channel for Publishers and Suppliers

Through ASA, partners can gain direct access to experienced sales representation and long-standing relationships.

• Partnerships are already built with independent bookstores, church stores, gift retailers, and major national chains including Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, Hobby Lobby, Mardel, and Christianbook.
• This unique approach enables smaller publishers and suppliers to compete at scale, gaining exposure across channels they may not otherwise have access to.

Wilstermann will lead the program’s sales efforts, bringing with him a proven track record of success from his work with Hachette Book Group, Worthy Publishing, and Guideposts/Ideals. He has managed major retail accounts including Readerlink, Barnes & Noble, Books A Million, Sam’s Club, Walmart, Christianbook, and others, consistently delivering results through effective negotiation, strategic partnerships, market insight.

“I’m honored to step into this role and help connect great products with the retailers who need them,” said Wilstermann. “There’s a real opportunity to bridge the gap for publishers and ministries who want to grow but don’t have the resources to expand a full sales force. ASA is that solution.”

About Anchor
Part of the Whitaker Corporation, Anchor has served the Christian retail and inspirational gift industry since 1970. Located in western Pennsylvania, Anchor supplies books, Bibles, music, and gifts to Christian bookstores, churches, and general gift retailers across the country. With a longstanding commitment to quality and service, Anchor remains a trusted partner to thousands of stores and ministries nationwide.

To learn more about the Anchor Sales Alliance, contact Beth Swaney at beth.swaney@anchordistributors.com.

Media Contact: 
Beth Swaney, Anchor Distributors, 1-800-444-4484 x203, Beth.swaney@anchordistributors.com 

From the New York Times bestselling author of Love Your Life, a guide to bravely walking forward knowing that if God has called you, He has equipped you.

In Graced to Go, Victoria Osteen encourages you to leave your fear behind and  take the first step in the direction that God is calling you. Even the smallest step can get you moving towards your better future.

Drawing from the lives of beloved Bible characters who felt stuck in difficult circumstances or faced seemingly-insurmountable odds—including Gideon, Abraham, Esther, and Moses—Victoria helps you see that when they trusted Him and took a step, God blessed them with grace to go. She walks readers through seven ways God prepares us for our own battles. When God calls us, we are graced to go:

-In the strength you have
-In the position you’re in
-With eyes to see the good
-Knowing you matter
-Releasing your blessing
-With no regrets
-Trusting God

When God calls us, we are graced with the strength, courage, and gifting we need to face whatever challenge is before us. This encouraging, empowering, and inspiring book will help you to move toward all the favor and blessing God has for you.

Victoria Osteen is the co-pastor of Lakewood Church, the New York Times bestselling author of Love Your Life, and the host of the national weekly radio program, Victoria Osteen Live, and her weekly podcast “Victoria and Friends” on Joel Osteen Radio, SiriusXM Channel 128. She is an integral part of each service at Lakewood as well as the “Night of Hope” events across the U.S. and abroad. She lives with her family in Houston, Texas.

 

New partnership deepens Lexham’s distribution footprint and brings active sales representation to their growing catalog

New Kensington, PA — July 17, 2025 — As one of the steps in Lexham Press’s continued growth, they are partnering with the Anchor Sales Alliance (ASA) to usher in a new era of sales growth.

Lexham Press, an innovative Christian publisher based in Bellingham, WA, has partnered with Anchor for distribution since 2015. By incorporating ASA’s unique sales model into the partnership, Lexham will extend further into national retail markets.

“The entire team at Lexham Press is thrilled to enter a partnership with the Anchor Sales Alliance,” said Kim Shurley of Lexham Press. “This strategic collaboration is a significant step toward expanding Lexham’s presence in the marketplace.”

“We are confident that with Ned Clements, Vice President of Sales at Whitaker Corporation, leading this initiative—alongside Anchor’s outstanding distribution services—we are well-positioned for continued growth. By leveraging the full range of Anchor’s capabilities, we look forward to reaching new audiences and serving our existing customers even more effectively.”

“Lexham Press has an impressive catalog,” said Dale Wilstermann, who serves as the Sales Manager for Anchor Sales Alliance. “We’re honored to represent their titles and help bring their books to more readers through our active retailer relationships and personalized sales outreach.”

About Lexham Press
Lexham Press creates thoughtful, theologically rich resources that help the church grow in wisdom and deepen its faith. Their publishing areas include biblical studies, theology, ministry, devotionals, and Christian living. Learn more at www.lexhampress.com.

About Anchor
Part of the Whitaker Corporation, Anchor has served the Christian retail and inspirational gift industry since 1970. Located in western Pennsylvania, Anchor supplies books, Bibles, music, and gifts to Christian bookstores, churches, and general gift retailers across the country. With a longstanding commitment to quality and service, Anchor remains a trusted partner to thousands of stores and ministries nationwide providing distribution, marketing and sales.

To learn more about the Anchor Sales Alliance, contact Beth Swaney at beth.swaney@anchordistributors.com.

Media Contact:
Beth Swaney, Anchor Distributors, 1-800-444-4484 x203, Beth.swaney@anchordistributors.com

 

Anchor Sales Alliance partnership helps BRAVE Books reach more families to equip the next generation with wisdom and courage.

New Kensington, PA — July 25, 2025 — After selling over one million books through their direct-to-consumer efforts and online, BRAVE Books expands into retail via Anchor’s Anchor Sales Alliance (ASA) and experienced sales team.

Now, with the support of Anchor’s sales team and distribution network, BRAVE is positioned to impact even more families through Christian retailers, independent bookstores, and major national accounts.

Founded in 2021 by Dr. Trent Talbot, BRAVE Books has quickly become a trusted name among families seeking wholesome, character-building content for their children. The publisher has sold over one million books and teamed up with notable authors including Kirk Cameron, Missy Robertson, and Kevin Sorbo. With its bold storytelling and commitment to timeless values, BRAVE has become a cultural force, sparking the See You at the Library movement and launching a new family television series hosted by Cameron.

“We are incredibly excited to partner with Anchor,” said Trent Talbot, Founder and CEO of BRAVE Books. “Their deep roots in the Christian market and their commitment to spreading faith-based resources align perfectly with BRAVE Books’ mission to provide families with stories that build character and wisdom. This collaboration will allow us to reach a wider audience and further our shared goal of nurturing faith in the next generation.”

BRAVE Books’ entrance into retail stores begins November 3 with six titles debuting in hardcover for the first time.

About BRAVE Books
BRAVE Books is a values-driven children’s book publisher dedicated to shaping a future generation grounded in timeless truths and moral courage. With more than one million books sold, BRAVE empowers parents to teach faith-based values and character-building lessons through engaging storytelling. Learn more at www.bravebooks.com.

About Anchor
Part of the Whitaker Corporation, Anchor has served the Christian retail and inspirational gift industry since 1970. Located in western Pennsylvania, Anchor supplies books, Bibles, music, and gifts to Christian bookstores, churches, and general gift retailers across the country. With a longstanding commitment to quality and service, Anchor remains a trusted partner to thousands of stores and ministries nationwide providing distribution, marketing and sales.

To learn more, contact Beth Swaney at beth.swaney@anchordistributors.com.

Media Contact:
Beth Swaney, Anchor Distributors, 1-800-444-4484 x203, Beth.swaney@anchordistributors.com

 

Lineup includes first new title from Francis Chan since 2021

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., July 16, 2025—Christian publisher David C Cook is thrilled to announce its Fall 2025 new release catalog today, including new titles from bestselling and award-winning authors in the Christian and religious book space.

Highlights from the lineup include:

• Beloved, written by pastor and New York Times bestselling author Francis Chan (Oct. 7, 2025) – In a society constantly searching for identity, God wants His people completely secure as His beloved children. Chan shares the heart of the Father to free us from all insecurity and lead us into lifelong enjoyment of His love. The title is Chan’s first since 2021.

• I Don’t Even Like Women: And Other Lies That Get in the Way of Sacred Sisterhood by USA Today bestselling author Natalie Runion (Sept. 2, 2025) –Collaborator or competition? Trusted friend or backstabbing rival? With humor and personal understanding, Runion flips the script and shows us how female friendships not only foster spiritual growth, but they also equip us to advance God’s Kingdom.

• It’s Never Wrong to Do the Right Thing by multiple Dove Award-winning and Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter and author Nicole C. Mullen (Sept. 2, 2025) – Sharing with bold vulnerability from her own past pains, Mullen traces the lives of biblical heroes and “sheroes” whose journeys included failure and loss.
• Running to the Fire: Helping in Jesus’ Name by Ken Isaacs, humanitarian leader and vice president of programs and government relations at Christian relief organization Samaritan’s Purse (Sept. 2, 2025) – Offering an insider view to the most devastating global disasters of the past 35 years, Issacs provides an emotionally moving testament of what God can do in the worst of circumstances, while demonstrating how anyone can be a Good Samaritan in Jesus’ name–whether across the street or on the other side of the world.

“Our authors share real-life stories that appeal to readers looking for practical ways to grow in their faith,” said Brian Mitchell, chief marketing officer at David C Cook. “Our fall lineup includes everything from heartfelt humanitarian stories to relevant, applicable guidance for people of varying demographics and stages of their Christian walk.” 

The Fall 2025 catalog can be found here. High-resolution images of the titles and authors are available here.

From Bible studies to leadership insights to discussion guides, David C Cook collaborates with authors to publish books that instill God’s truth at every stage of life. David C Cook curriculum and books are published in more than 150 languages and distributed in more than 120 countries.

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. Also part of the David C Cook family of brands, Group Publishing is a leader in vacation Bible school curriculum and creates a wide variety of award-winning, faith-based content, products and experiences for kids, teens and adults. Read more about David C Cook and its global ministry outreach at davidccook.org.

CONTACT:  Alli Ehrhardt, 541.973.1994

Nashville, TN – July 15, 2025 — HarperCollins Christian Publishing is deeply saddened at the passing of beloved pastor, theologian, and bestselling author John F. MacArthur, Jr., who died on July 14, 2025, in Santa Clarita, California, at the age of 86, due to complications from pneumonia.

A trusted voice in the evangelical community, MacArthur authored more than 150 books and study resources. Among his most notable works published by Thomas Nelson, a division of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, are the bestselling titles Twelve Ordinary Men and Twelve Extraordinary Women, each having sold more than one million copies. His suite of study Bible resources, including The MacArthur Study Bible, The MacArthur Bible Commentary, and The Gospel According to Jesus, has impacted millions, with more than 3 million units sold collectively.

He was the founder of Grace Community Church, The Master’s University, and The Master’s Seminary. His Grace to You ministry reached listeners worldwide through radio, print, and digital platforms.

“We are profoundly grateful for the life and ministry of John MacArthur. His clarity in teaching Scripture, unwavering conviction, and ministerial leadership shaped the faith of millions,” said Mark Schoenwald, President and CEO of HarperCollins Christian Publishing. “Through his bestselling works and study tools, his influence will continue to guide future generations. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, his church, and all who his legacy has impacted.”

About HarperCollins Christian Publishing
The world’s leading Christian publisher, HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc. comprises the Thomas Nelson, Zondervan and HarperChristian Resources publishing groups and imprints, BibleGateway.com, FaithGateway.com, StudyGateway.com and ChurchSource.com. The Company produces bestselling Bibles, inspirational books, academic resources, curriculum, audio and digital content for the Christian market space. Bible Gateway is the world’s largest Christian website with more than 20 million unique visitors each month. HarperCollins Christian Publishing is headquartered in Nashville, Tenn. with additional offices in the U.S. and Mexico. For more information, visit www.HarperCollinsChristian.com.​

For information, contact:  Lisa Beech, Senior Director of Publicity, Lisa.Beech@harpercollins.com

 

“The dominant thrust of my ministry . . . is to help make God’s living Word alive to His people. It is a refreshing adventure,” Pastor John MacArthur wrote in the preface to his New Testament Commentary series.

John MacArthur went to be with the Lord on Monday, July 14, 2025, at the age of 86.

“Pastor John MacArthur was a man of unwavering conviction and profound dedication to the clear and faithful exposition of God’s Word,” reflected Dr. Mark Jobe, president of Moody Bible Institute. “As a student, I remember being both challenged and deeply convicted by his preaching during Founders Week. Later, as a young pastor, I greatly benefited from his in-depth, verse-by-verse New Testament commentaries, which thoughtfully unpacked the context and meaning of even the most difficult passages. He once said, ‘With clarity comes conviction,’” Jobe added. “We invite everyone to join us in prayer for his wife, Patricia, his family, and the entire church community during this time of loss and transition.”

In 1969, he became pastor of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California, where he focused on verse-by-verse expository sermons that lasted an hour or longer.

“To study and to teach is the beginning, middle, and end of my responsibility,” he told Moody Monthly.

John MacArthur spoke at the historic Moody Bible Institute in Chicago on several occasions, including Founder’s Week, as well as pastor conferences and student chapel services.

He released several books with Moody Press (now Moody Publishers), including Can a Man Live Again (1979), Kingdom Living Here and Now (1980), Jesus’ Pattern of Prayer (1981), and Worship: The Ultimate Priority (1983).

Creating a commentary 

During his Chicago campus visits, MacArthur attracted the attention of Jerry Jenkins, then the vice president of Moody Press. “I was fascinated by Dr. MacArthur’s ability to make 50 minutes in the pulpit seem like 10 minutes,” Jenkins says. So he asked MacArthur the obvious question: “Have you ever thought of doing a New Testament commentary?”

In 1981, Jenkins received a manuscript of MacArthur’s sermon notes from the book of Hebrews, later released as the first volume of The MacArthur New Testament Commentary.

“None of us realized what a massive undertaking it was,” says Greg Thornton, former senior vice president of media at Moody Bible Institute. Thornton helped coordinate the editors who worked on the MacArthur manuscripts.

“An editor would do the initial editing to move from oral to written commentary,” Thornton says, “and then Pastor MacArthur would spend countless hours with each volume.”

To date, more than 2.8 million copies of books in the 34-Volume MacArthur New Testament Commentary Set have been sold since its first volume (Hebrews) was released in 1983

Though MacArthur was noted for his radio ministry, which has been heard on Moody Radio since the 1970s, as well as more than 150 books, perhaps his crowning achievement was still his 34-volume The MacArthur New Testament Bible Commentary.

John MacArthur will be remembered for his emphasis on expository preaching and diligent Bible study, Greg Thornton says. “For me, MacArthur and the Word go hand in hand.”

He is survived by his wife, Patricia, four children, 15 grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren.

For more information about the life and legacy of Pastor John MacArthur, please visit the Grace Community Church website.

 

Ada, Mich. (July 17, 2025)—Baker Academic, a division of Baker Publishing Group, announces the expansion and enhancement of its editorial staff.

Dustyn Elizabeth Keepers, who held the position of Acquisitions Associate, has been promoted to Acquisitions Editor. She earned her MDiv degree from Western Theological Seminary and her PhD from Wheaton College. She previously served for seven years as an ordained minister. Keepers stated, “Throughout my career, my passion has been to serve both the church and the academy in cultivating wisdom and human flourishing, and in my new role with Baker Academic, I look forward to partnering with authors to publish high-quality books toward that same purpose.”

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Kristen Padilla has joined Baker Academic as an Acquisitions Editor. She earned her MDiv degree from Beeson Divinity School and is currently pursuing a PhD from Durham University. She offers years of experience in both seminary and publishing settings. “As a longtime admirer of Baker Academic, I’m honored to join this esteemed team and eager to partner with authors in creating outstanding resources for the classroom and academy,” said Padilla.

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Jennifer Guo has joined Baker Academic as an Acquisitions Associate. She earned her MDiv and ThM degrees from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and is a PhD candidate at the University of Notre Dame. She also holds an MS in accounting. “Baker Academic has long been one of my favorite publishers,” stated Guo, “and I’m thrilled to join the team and support the editorial process behind the kind of thoughtful, rigorous scholarship that has helped shape both the academy and the church.”

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Executive Vice President of Academic Publishing Jim Kinney said, “I attribute much of Baker Academic’s success to the quality of the people we’ve been able to hire over the years. These three editors will enhance our team of skilled employees who work hard every day to serve authors and readers well.”

Baker Academic connects authors and readers across the broad academic and religious landscape by publishing books that explore various aspects of historic Christianity and its contemporary expressions.

Baker Publishing Group (Bethany House, Revell, Baker Books, Chosen, Brazos Press, and Baker Academic) is a leading producer of Christian resources that give insight and inspiration to readers worldwide. Our divisions reflect the broadest scope of topics, which includes fiction, self-help, inspiration, professional books, Christian living and academic titles.

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

In the vein of #1 New York Times bestseller Soul Surfer, this inspiring story of loss and resilience follows the Reeder family after a horrific shark attack.

A two-week vacation to the Florida Keys meant Mary and Jameson Sr. could share the beauty of their favorite turquoise-blue waters with their four children. On that serene day at Looe Key Reef, their oldest, ten-year-old Jameson Jr., was swimming among the marine life, capturing breathtaking footage of a sea turtle when a massive bull shark attacked.

Nine miles from shore and even farther from a hospital, their son weakening, the Reeders prayed for help—and it came through a miraculous chain of events.

Rescue at the Reef is the true story of a young boy who defied death with an unshakable faith in the power of Jesus to save him. Even in immense suffering, he focused on caring for those around him, so much that it surprised even hospital staff. His unshakeable peace made an impact on patients and visitors, and his story quickly spread, drawing the attention of strangers and the media.

With reflections on faith, suffering, and the hidden gifts that often go unnoticed, Rescue at the Reef is a living reminder that with God, even the most fearsome challenges can be faced—and conquered. This unforgettable story will leave you on the edge of your seat, inspired by the ripple effects of hope that overcome impossible odds.

Jameson Reeder is the founder and president of Urban Village, a non-profit movement designed to be a missional arm of the church to reach beyond the walls of the building in major cities of the western world. Jameson is also the founder and owner of BEST Landscape Lighting. Most importantly, Jameson is the father of four boys and one daughter and the husband of Mary Catherine. The Reeder family reside in Charlotte, NC.