Tara-Leigh Cobble’s The Bible Recap for Kids named Christian Book of the Year®; titles from Brazos Press and Baker Books also recognized

ADA, Mich., April 30, 2026 — Baker Publishing Group is celebrating three wins at the 2026 Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) Christian Book Award® program, including the program’s highest honor, Christian Book of the Year®, awarded to The Bible Recap for Kids: A 365-Day Guide through the Bible for Young Readers by Tara-Leigh Cobble (Bethany House).

The awards were presented April 28 at the ECPA Awards Celebration, held at the Chicago Marriott Schaumburg during the ECPA Leadership Summit. The Christian Book Award® program, established in 1978, recognizes excellence in Christian publishing across content, literary quality, design, and impact.

“We are grateful for the recognition this year at the Christian Book Awards for all three of our titles,” said Jesse Myers, president of Baker Publishing Group, who accepted the awards at the event. “We are privileged to work with authors of the highest caliber and to have a part to play in bringing their message to the world. We are especially proud to see The Bible Recap for Kids recognized with the book of the year award. Tara-Leigh’s joyful and welcoming ministry is bringing people all over the world closer to the Bible. It’s a tremendous privilege to have a part to play in bringing that message to the world.”

The Bible Recap for Kids: A 365-Day Guide through the Bible for Young Readers is a kid-friendly adaptation of the bestselling The Bible Recap, this 365-day guide helps young readers build a lasting rhythm of Bible reading. The win comes amid continued momentum in Bible publishing and reflects strong national and global demand for accessible, habit-forming resources that help readers engage Scripture daily.

The title builds on a highly successful franchise: The Bible Recap earned the Platinum Milestone Sales Award in 2025, while the kids’ edition and companion devotional received a 2026 Bronze Award. Cobble also hosts a daily podcast that has had more than 500 million downloads.

In the Christian Living category, Karen Swallow Prior won for You Have a Calling: Finding Your Vocation in the True, Good, and Beautiful (Brazos Press)

In You Have a Calling, acclaimed author and literary scholar Prior invites readers to consider vocation as more than career, drawing on the classical pursuit of the true, the good, and the beautiful to help readers discern how God has uniquely formed them and what that formation is for. The recognition affirms Prior’s growing influence as a leading voice for thoughtful Christian engagement with calling, work, and culture.

Pastoral Confessions: The Healing Path to Faithful Ministry, by Jamin Goggin (Baker Books) won the Ministry Resources category.

Pastoral Confessions speaks honestly to the hidden weight pastors carry, offering a healing path forward for ministry leaders navigating burnout, isolation, and the pressures of vocational ministry. With pastoral wisdom shaped by his own experience, Jamin Goggin provides a resource that meets a pressing need within the church and reflects Baker Books’s longstanding commitment to publishing trusted tools that strengthen those who serve.

For more information about the 2026 Christian Book Award® program, visit ChristianBookAwards.com.

Baker Publishing Group publishes high-quality writings that represent historic Christianity and serve the diverse interests and concerns of evangelical readers.

NEWS FROM PENGUIN RANDOM HOUSE CHRISTIAN PUBLISHING GROUP

Kyle Idleman, bestselling author and senior pastor of Southeast Christian Church, has signed a multi-format, four-title deal with WaterBrook, including two trade books and two accompanying streaming curricula with participant study guides.

The deal is anchored by the Fall 2027 release of The Jesus Filter, a trade book that speaks to a defining struggle of modern life: we are drowning in options. Our calendars are full, our minds are crowded, and our souls are stretched thin by an endless stream of decisions.

Through 14 key moments in the Gospel of Mark when Jesus said “no”—and in doing so said “yes” to something else—Idleman offers readers a biblical framework for discerning what to embrace and what to resist. Rather than another book on boundaries, balance, or productivity, The Jesus Filter shows readers how to make decisions the way Jesus did: with clarity, purpose, and peace.

World rights were acquired by Will Parker Anderson, Senior Editor at WaterBrook and Multnomah, in an exclusive submission from Don Gates at The Gates Group.

For rights and inquiries, please contact Denise Cronin, decronin@penguinrandomhouse.com.

ADA, Mich. (May 1, 2026) —  Baker Publishing Group is thrilled to announce The Jesus Discoveries by Dr. Jeremiah Johnston (Bethany House, March 2026) has landed at #1 on the New York Times bestseller list, and has also been named to the Publishers Weekly and USA Today bestseller lists this week—a triple-list achievement that signals broad cultural interest in the book’s exploration of the Shroud of Turin and what cutting-edge research reveals about the historical Jesus.

Drawing on recent scientific findings, archaeological discoveries, and decades of New Testament scholarship, The Jesus Discoveries invites readers into the conversations researchers, skeptics, and believers are having right now. Rather than leading with technical evidence, Johnston frames the material through the human stories behind the discoveries—the questions ordinary people are asking and the answers history continues to reveal.

About The Jesus Discoveries
In The Jesus Discoveries, Dr. Johnston brings readers face to face with the most compelling evidence emerging today about the historical Jesus—including new analysis surrounding the Shroud of Turin, recent archaeological finds across Israel, and developments in New Testament scholarship. Written for skeptics and believers alike, the book threads scientific findings together with the human stories of the researchers, witnesses, and seekers who have shaped and been shaped by these discoveries.

About the Author
Dr. Johnston is a New Testament scholar, speaker, and host whose work bridges rigorous academic research and broad public conversation about Christian origins. He is the author of multiple books and a frequent guest across major media platforms

Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group, seeks to uplift readers’ faith, families, and free time with our library of books that emphasize living in alignment with God’s Word.

Baker Publishing Group publishes high-quality writings that represent historic Christianity and serve the diverse interests and concerns of evangelical readers.

Contacts:
Kelli Smith and John J. Mudgett, (616) 676-9185
ksmith@bakerpublishinggroup.com
jmudgett@bakerpublishinggroup.com

April 29, 2026, WHEATON, Ill.—  Crossway is pleased to announce that both He Always Hears: A Story of Loss and the Hope of Things Made New (Crossway, September 2025) by Alyson Punzi and The Story of Corrie ten Boom: The Watchmaker Who Forgave Her Enemies (Crossway, September 2025) have won 2026 Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) Christian Book Awards in their respective categories.

Justin Taylor, Crossway’s executive vice president of book publishing, writes, “It is a joy and an honor to see these two books recognized by the ECPA. Alyson Punzi’s illustrated book for children, He Always Hears, is a powerful reminder of God’s presence and grace in the midst of loss, heartache, and pain. Jennifer T. Kelley’s The Story of Corrie ten Boom, in our Lives of Faith and Grace series, brings to life a story of profound faith and courage that continues to inspire. We thank God for these books and trust that they will continue to find their way into the hands of many readers of the next generation.”

He Always Hears, winner of the New Author category and written by Alyson Punzi, encourages young readers to pray to the Lord in times of sorrow, reminding them that he hears his children’s cries. This beautifully illustrated book equips parents to address the difficult topics of grief and disappointment while pointing children to the God who cares and his redemptive promises.

Jennifer T. Kelley’s The Story of Corrie ten Boom won the award in the Young People’s Literature category. This short and lively biography takes middle-grade readers on an engaging journey through ten Boom’s life, highlighting her upbringing, her family’s covert efforts to save hundreds of Jews during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands, and, most remarkably, her courage to forgive those who persecuted her. The Story of Corrie ten Boom shows young readers the power of mercy and the importance of sharing the message of God’s love, regardless of their circumstances.

According to the ECPA’s website, the Christian Book Award® program recognizes the highest quality in Christian books and Bibles in twelve categories, and is the oldest and among the most prestigious awards programs in the religious publishing industry.

Founded in 1938, Crossway is a not-for-profit global Christian publishing ministry that publishes gospel-centered, Bible-based content to honor our Savior and serve his church. Crossway seeks to help people understand the all-encompassing implications of the gospel and the truth of God’s word—for all of life, for all eternity, and for the glory of God alone. Crossway is the global publisher of the ESV® (English Standard Version®) Bible, more than 1,000 Christian books, and an extensive list of gospel literature. For additional information, visit crossway.org.

Contact: Sarah DeRosa, lsusanto@crossway.org, 1 (630) 682-4300, ext. 6012, crossway.org

B&H named ‘Publisher of the Year’ for the 7th time

Members of the global team at Lifeway Christian Resources hold awards received from the Spanish Evangelical Press Association, including 2026 Publisher of the Year, at a ceremony in Miami on April 23. | Lifeway photo

BRENTWOOD, Tenn. — The Spanish Evangelical Publishers Association (SEPA) and the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) awarded Lifeway Christian Resources and B&H Publishing Group various awards this month in recent ceremonies.

B&H named Publisher of the Year

SEPA named B&H the 2026 Publisher of the Year for the seventh time, along with other honors.

This award recognizes the publisher for its outstanding and innovative contribution to the Christian publishing industry and its commitment to evangelical literature, highlighting the care taken in its content, along with the quality of its design and printing.

“Awarded by distributors of Spanish-language resources across the Americas, this recognition underscores the strength of our publishing program and the way we support and serve our commercial partners,” said César R. Custodio, global strategy director. “We are deeply honored to be named Publisher of the Year for the second consecutive year. All glory belongs to God, and we remain committed to serving Him, His Church and our customers with excellence.”

Two book covers were chosen as winners for their cover art, “Te Quiero Para Siempre,” a 2025 children’s book published by B&H Espanol, and “Hermenéutica,” which is part of a reference series titled, “Fundamentos.” 

Lifeway and B&H Publishing Group were also honored with a SEPA award for the “Best Social Network.”

Two titles also received the Silver Award for over 100,000 copies sold: RVR 1960 Holy Lane Bible and RVR 1960 Gift and Reward Bible, Pink.

SEPA announced the winners April 23 during a ceremony held at the Hilton Blue Lagoon Hotel in Miami. The event took place during the 2026 SEPA Conference, which brings together booksellers, distributors and the most prominent Hispanic publishers within the Christian literature sector across Ibero-America.

ECPA Christian Book Award®

The ECPA named “God of the Ordinary: A Study in the Book of Ruth” by Alistair Begg, released by Lifeway Christian Resources, as the 2026 Bible Study category winner of the Christian Book Awards program.

“This beautiful study reminds us how God is always at work to accomplish His purpose,” said Becky Loyd, vice president at Lifeway. “It was a privilege to partner with such a faithful servant Alistair Begg to provide this resource for churches. I hope this recognition encourages more groups to dig into Scripture together to discover God’s faithfulness, even in the ordinary days of life.”

Another Lifeway Bible Study, “Esther” by Kelly Minter, was honored as a finalist in this category.

The Christian Book Awards were presented April 28 at the ECPA Awards Celebration, held at the Chicago Marriott Schaumburg during the ECPA Leadership Summit. The annual gathering brought together Christian publishing executives and industry leaders for an evening of recognition, including a special honor for Robert Wolgemuth.

“The Christian Book Awards represent the very best of our industry each year,” said ECPA president Jeff Crosby.

In operation since 1891, Lifeway Christian Resources is one of the leading providers of Christian resources, including Bibles, books, Bible studies, group curriculum, Christian music and movies, Vacation Bible School and church supplies, as well as camps and events for all ages. Lifeway is the world’s largest provider of Spanish Bibles. Based in Brentwood, Tennessee, Lifeway operates as a self-supporting nonprofit. For more information, visit Lifeway.com.

B&H Publishing Group, an imprint of Lifeway Christian Resources, is a team that believes Every Word Matters®. We seek to provide intentional, biblical content that positively impacts the hearts and minds of people, cultivating lifelong relationships with Jesus Christ. We publish (print and digital) in the trade, church and academic markets, as well as the CSB translation. For more information, visit BHPublishingGroup.com.

Media Contact:  Aaron Earls, Aaron.earls@lifeway.com

Written by Jill Waggoner, a writer for Lifeway Christian Resources.

As our country prepares to celebrate a great milestone—250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence—many of us will be thinking about the founding of this nation, the astonishing beauty of the land we get to call home, and the undeniable grace of God that has led us here.

This 50-day devotional will remind readers of what makes our nation great and help readers turn their hearts toward the God who has blessed us richly. Each day’s entry will include a short devotion that touches on some element of our nation’s history, natural beauty, or culture, as well as a scripture verse and a prayer for our country and its leaders. Though the book will be released in advance of the anniversary celebrations, the collection is timeless and will not be officially linked to the semiquincentennial.

This book– created by our editors–will honor the Christian elements of our nation’s heritage and provide prayers and hope to lead us forward. God Shed His Grace on Thee celebrates and honors what makes our nation great, and it also, ultimately, reminds readers that the God of All Nations is the one responsible for it all.

FaithWords is a leading publisher of Christian non-fiction and Bibles. For more information, visit faithwords.com.

With the announcement of the passing of Marilyn Hickey, Whitaker Corporation recalls and celebrates the author’s impactful life—one spent devoted to teaching others and spreading the Word of God.

(Pittsburgh, PA – April 30, 2026) — Beloved evangelist and minister Marilyn Hickey passed away at 94 on Saturday, April 25, 2026. With over five decades in ministry, the founder of Marilyn Hickey Ministries and host of Today with Marilyn & Sarah reached billions of people around the world. Her influential work was formally recognized with a Lifetime Global Achievement Award from Oral Roberts University, the International Lifetime Peace Award from the Grand Imam and President of Pakistan, and the Pillar of Faith and the Smith Wigglesworth awards from the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary.

“With the passing of Marilyn Hickey, we mourn the loss of a truly remarkable servant of God,” says Bob Whitaker Jr., president of Whitaker Corporation. “Her life was a testament to the love of God’s Word and exemplified integrity.

“I recall hearing her preach many years ago about Balaam and his attempts to curse the people of Israel. One quote that has resonated with me for nearly two decades is, ‘You can’t curse what God has blessed.’ Marilyn lived her life as a devoted servant, continually embracing and sharing the blessings of God.”

Whitaker Corporation worked with Marilyn Hickey for over thirty-five years, initially helping distribute her products through Marilyn Hickey Ministries. In 2009, Whitaker House published her best-selling title Names of God, which continues to impact readers worldwide to this day.

Whitaker House Publisher Christine Whitaker says, “Marilyn Hickey lived and breathed the Word of God. She committed to memorize Scripture throughout her life and powerfully taught the Bible in Spirit and truth. Her love of God radiated to all those around her.”

Marilyn’s impact worldwide—through teaching, missions, and TV ministries—will continue to live on through her many publications, recordings, and the countless people she inspired.

The thoughts and prayers of everyone at Whitaker Corporation are with her daughter, pastor Sarah Bowling, and the rest of Marilyn Hickey’s family.

Media Contact: Kate MacGregor, Kate.macgregor@whitakerhouse.com

Planning a wedding can be exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming, exhausting, and stressful. Between endless decisions, parties, and life changes, it’s easy to forget about what a wedding is all about: the joining of two hearts for a lifetime.

This beautiful book helps brides keep the real meaning of marriage – the celebration of lifelong relationships – at the center of it all. Inside, you’ll find 30 entries with a meaningful Scripture, a focused prayer, and space to reflect and journal.

You’ll pray over all the aspects of a wedding that matter most, including:

• The joining of two families into one story
• A wedding day where God’s presence is felt in every detail
• Truly seeing and hearing the man you are about to marry
• Freedom from the pressure of “perfect” and the grace to embrace what is real
• Confidence and joy as you walk down the aisle
• A vision for the lifetime that begins when the last guest goes home

Amid the chaos and stress, this book is a gift that brings peace and joy, reminding every bride that a wedding is only one day, but a marriage is forever.

Michelle Medlock Adams is an inspirational speaker and a best-selling author of more than 100 books, including Dinosaur Devotions, The Christmas Devotional and Dachshund Through the Snow. She is also a New York Times best-selling ghostwriter and has won more than 90 industry awards, including an ECPA Christian Book Award® for Our God is Bigger Than That! Michelle is married to her high school sweetheart, Jeff, and they have two married daughters, six adorable grandchildren, and two spoiled miniature dachshunds. When not writing or teaching writing, she enjoys cheering on Indiana University in sports, watching Doris Day movies, and all things leopard print. www.michellemedlockadams.com

Carol Stream, IL – Tyndale House Publishers is celebrating multiple ECPA awards, including a Christian Book Award® and five Bronze Sales Awards.

Christian Book Award®, Children’s category:

Hello! My Name Is Emmanuel by Emmanuel Jean Russell; illustrated by Martina Stuhlberger (9781496488442). Born in Haiti, Emmanuel was raised by his loving grandmother, who often reminded him that his name means “God is with us.” His life changed when he was adopted by the Kingsbury family, and through his journey of adoption, Emmanuel discovered not only the true meaning of his name but also the constant presence of God in his life.

“Emmanuel’s story is not only powerful for adopted and multicultural children but for any child who wonders whether God is truly with them through every circumstance,” says Talia Messina, kids acquisitions editor at Tyndale. “This essential truth is woven throughout his journey from Haiti to his forever family in the United States.”

The Christian Book Award® program recognizes the highest quality in Christian books and Bibles and is among the oldest and most prestigious awards program in the religious publishing industry. Presented annually to the finest in Christian publishing since 1978, the Christian Book Award® program honors the “best of the year” in 12 categories.

ECPA Bronze Milestone Sales Awards:

The Dead Sea Squirrels: Squirreled Away by Mike Nawrocki; illustrated by Luke Séguin-Magee (9781496434982). The Dead Sea Squirrels series has captivated young readers with its blend of humor, adventure, and faith-building lessons, following two 2,000-year-old squirrels navigating the modern world. Now spanning 13 books, the series continues to engage a growing audience of early readers. Squirreled Away, book one in the series written by VeggieTales co-creator Mike Nawrocki, has now sold over 100,000 copies.

New Living Translation Bibles:

The Daily Walk Bible takes readers through the Word one day at a time in easy, bite-sized readings with guided reflections at the end of each week (9781496483041).

NLT Wide Margin Bible is great for note-taking, journaling, recording prayers, doodling, drawing, or any other creative expression of faith in response to God’s Word
(9781496484017).

NLT One Year Chronological Study Bible arranges Scripture in the order of its historical events, enabling readers to read the story of the Bible from beginning to end in 365 days (9781496456854).

Nueva Traducción Viviente Bible:

Biblia Inspira NTV is the Spanish version of the Inspire Bible, the bestselling coloring Bible in English. This wide margin Bible designed for coloring and creative journaling features over 400 beautiful line-art illustrations created by Latin American artists to inspire creativity while you read the Word of God (9798400509537).

“We’re thrilled to celebrate the impact these Tyndale Bibles have made in the lives of thousands of readers since their release,” says Jeff Gissing, Bible acquisitions director at Tyndale. “Our team is passionate about helping people engage more deeply in God’s Word, and each of these products has done so in distinct and creative ways over a sustained period of time. It’s wonderful to see!”

The ECPA Milestone Sales Awards recognize outstanding sales achievement in the publication of quality Christian literature. The Bronze Award recognizes titles having sold over 100,000 copies.

For more information or media inquiries, please contact Andrea Martin, Sr. Director of Public Relations, andreamartin@tyndale.com.

Since 1962, Tyndale House Publishers has positively impacted readers worldwide. Tyndale is one of the world’s largest independent Christian publishers, dedicated to making the Bible accessible in languages people relate to and understand. Tyndale publishes the New Living Translation (NLT) and other Bible translations, nonfiction books that offer Christ-centered insight, fiction that inspires, and children’s resources that help share God’s Word with the next generation. Tyndale’s independence enables it to honor its founding model through annual grants and donations to other charitable organizations around the world, totaling more than half of the funds generated through publishing operations.

Established in 1990, the ECPA Milestone Sales Award program recognizes outstanding sales achievement in the publication of quality Christian literature. For more information, visit the Awards menu at ECPA.org.

ECPA (Evangelical Christian Publishers Association) is an international nonprofit trade organization comprised of member companies that are 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 members can more effectively produce and deliver transformational Christian content. ECPA.org

Media Contact:  Andrea Martin, andreamartin@tyndale.com

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Lifeway Christian Resources trustees unanimously elected Dr. Ryan Blackwell as the organization’s 11th president and CEO during a special-called meeting April 22 in Nashville.

“I’m deeply humbled and grateful to be given this opportunity by the trustees. Lifeway has a long and faithful history of serving churches, and I’m honored to step into this role at such a pivotal time,” Blackwell said. “I love the local church and believe deeply in its mission. My heart is to serve pastors and church leaders by helping provide biblically faithful resources that strengthen discipleship and advance the gospel.”

Blackwell, 42, comes to Lifeway from his role as executive pastor and teaching pastor at Cross Church in Springdale, Arkansas, where he has served since 2020. During his tenure, Blackwell provided leadership development, strategic planning and organizational alignment as the church grew from 7,000 to more than 11,000 in weekly attendance and expanded to a fourth campus. Prior to joining the staff at Cross Church, he served as senior pastor at First Baptist Church of San Francisco for nearly a decade, leading the revitalization of this historic congregation from 2010-2019.

A native of Arkansas, Blackwell grew up at Cross Church and previously served as its pastor of young adults. He has served in local church ministry for more than 20 years, including various ministry roles at churches in California, Arkansas and Oklahoma.

“When I look back over the ministry journey the Lord has taken me on, I can see how faithful He has been in every season,” Blackwell said. “I’ve had the opportunity to serve in different churches and contexts and to learn through seasons of growth and change. At the same time, I’m very aware I have nothing to offer apart from the Spirit’s power at work.”

Candidate committed to Lifeway’s mission

The election of Blackwell follows an eight-month search led by the presidential search committee composed of seven trustees approved by the full board in July 2025. Billy Stewart, chair of the search committee, commented on Blackwell’s election.

“The search committee and I couldn’t be more thrilled that Ryan will serve as the 11th president and CEO of Lifeway. After diligently seeking the Lord throughout this important assignment, we are convinced Ryan is an innovative leader who will shepherd Lifeway into the future with a clear sense of purpose,” Stewart said. “He is committed to Lifeway’s mission to honor God and serve churches by designing trustworthy experiences that fuel ministry. We believe him to be God’s man to lead Lifeway ‘for such a time as this.’”

Trustee chair James Carroll agreed with Stewart saying, “I didn’t know Ryan prior to our search process. In a relatively short time, however, I’ve grown to respect him as a leader, trust him as a ministry partner, and love him as a brother,” Carroll said. “I’m thankful for his humble spirit, theological conviction, thoughtful curiosity and commitment to the local church, and I’m excited for Lifeway’s future under his leadership, oversight and care.”

Blackwell will assume the role of Lifeway president on June 1, succeeding Joe Walker, who has served as interim president since July 2025.

Southern Baptist leaders respond

Blackwell’s childhood friend and senior pastor of Cross Church, Dr. Nick Floyd, was among the first to endorse Blackwell’s nomination. “Ryan’s heart beats for the local church, and I’m confident of his ability to lead Lifeway into a bright future of serving churches worldwide,” Floyd said. “While this transition is a significant loss for Cross Church, it is a massive win for Lifeway and Southern Baptists.”

Upon hearing of Blackwell’s candidacy, other Southern Baptist leaders shared their appreciation for Blackwell’s character and leadership in the local church.

“Ryan leads out of his authentic walk with Jesus. He lives with humility and confidence,” said Dr. Hance Dilbeck, president and CEO of Guidestone. “He has proven to be effective in a variety of ministry settings. I know Ryan loves the local church and is deeply committed to helping our churches make disciples of Jesus.”

Dr. Richard Melick, distinguished professor of New Testament at Gateway Seminary, echoed Dilbeck’s enthusiasm. “I’ve been privileged to work with Ryan in both academics and church. He is a multi-gifted man and a capable leader who displays both confidence and a humble spirit,” said Melick. “Ryan possesses strong executive and administrative skills, which have been evident everywhere he has been.”

‘A man of keen vision’

The search committee noted Blackwell’s humility, innovation, wisdom and strategic vision, as qualities that make him uniquely suited to this role.

“Ryan is a man of keen vision, great humility, tremendous wisdom and effective leadership,” Stewart said. “He distinguished himself from other candidates with his diverse pastoral experiences, his demonstrated ability to build successful operations and organizational culture even in complex situations, and his thoughtful and strategic vision for the future of Lifeway. We believe Ryan has the capacity to broaden Lifeway’s reach with the gospel of Jesus Christ, while at the same time preserving Lifeway’s distinct culture and ministry within the Southern Baptist Convention.”

In addition to Stewart, of Jackson, Mississippi, trustees appointed to the search committee include Beth Greene from Knoxville, Tennessee; Madeline Harris from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Caleb Iorg from Portland, Oregon; Michael Schmidt from Reno, Nevada; and Rob Sumrall from Elizabethtown, Kentucky, James Carroll, from Bardstown, Kentucky, is an ex officio member in his role as Lifeway chair.

Stewart said the search committee prayerfully worked together united by their shared commitment to identify a president who would honor Lifeway’s heritage of serving churches.

“In every meeting and every conversation, it was never lost on us the gravity of the significance of the charge given to us by the Board of Trustees,” Stewart said. “However, we were consistently reminded, and rightfully so, that we were really not leading this search; we were simply following the leadership of the Holy Spirit. So, to Him belongs all the glory, honor and praise for today’s great announcement!”

Blackwell graduated from Oklahoma Baptist University in 2006 with a Bachelor of Arts in Religion. He holds a Master of Divinity degree from Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary, and a Doctor of Ministry from Gateway Seminary.

Blackwell and his wife, Rachel, have been married since 2006 and have three children—Brady, Allie and Mae.

Blackwell shared his anticipation and excitement for Lifeway’s future. “We have a real opportunity to serve churches in a rapidly changing ministry landscape,” Blackwell said. “My desire is for Lifeway to continue building on its strong foundation while finding new ways to equip leaders, reach the next generation and help churches make disciples. I’m excited to listen, learn and lead alongside this team as we serve Southern Baptist churches and other believers around the world.”

In operation since 1891, Lifeway Christian Resources is one of the leading providers of Christian resources, including Bibles, books, Bible studies, group curriculum, Christian music and movies, Vacation Bible School and church supplies, as well as camps and events for all ages. Lifeway is the world’s largest provider of Spanish Bibles. Based in Brentwood, Tennessee, Lifeway operates as a self-supporting nonprofit. For more information, visit Lifeway.com.

Media Contact:  Carol Pipes, Carol.Pipes@lifeway.com, 678.360.4197