January 5, 2024; WHEATON, Ill.—Crossway is pleased to announce the release of the updated ESV Bible app, which provides users with a portable Scripture reading tool with numerous study and audio features designed specifically for smartphones and tablets.

One significant addition to this update of the ESV Bible app is the inclusion of 7 audio recordings of the full Bible read by acclaimed Christian artists, pastors, and Bible teachers, including Ray Ortlund, Jackie Hill Perry, Mike Reeves, Conrad Mbewe, Robert Smith, Kristyn Getty (already available), and David Cochran Heath (already available).

With the increase in popularity of audio content over the past decade, Crossway was eager to invest significant resources to create world-class audio recordings of the whole Bible in partnership with these well-known pastors, musicians, spoken-word artists, and authors.

“Throughout much of history, God’s people largely encountered Scripture by hearing it read aloud,” notes Don Jones, Crossway’s Chief Publishing Officer and Bible Publisher. “We know that ‘faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ’ (Rom. 10:17). Our prayer is that God would use these fresh recordings to grow and deepen faith within his people all around the globe.”

In addition to the full text of the ESV Bible, the updated app now includes:

• 7 audio recordings of the full Bible, read by Ray Ortlund, Jackie Hill Perry, Mike Reeves, Conrad Mbewe, Robert Smith, Kristyn Getty (already available), and David Cochran Heath (already available)
• 50+ brand-new themed playlists that offer a collection of Scripture passages that guide users through a particular theme or topic
• Instrumental tracks in a variety of genres, designed to play behind Bible audio, with individual controls that allow users to adjust the music and Bible audio separately
• 50+ carefully crafted reading plans of various lengths, topics, and styles to help accommodate users’ lifestyle and reading goals
• 3 brand-new daily devotionals featuring a daily Bible reading alongside content written by Christian pastors, writers, and speakers
• Improved audio playback speed controls and a brand-new sleep timer
• Simplified personal annotation menus and controls
• A brand-new personalized home page showing users their current reading plan, recent playlists, chosen home verse, personal annotations, and more
• Subscription plan offering access to all premium app content

Crossway’s President and CEO Josh Dennis says, “As a not-for-profit ministry, Crossway is committed to distributing free resources that help equip the global church for ministry and providing God’s Word to people around the world. We pray that this update to the ESV Bible app is another way that Christians around the world can be strengthened and encouraged by God’s Word, leading them to deeper knowledge and love for their Savior.”

More information about the ESV Bible app can be found at ESV.org.

About the narrators:

Kristyn Getty is an award-winning singer-songwriter. Her voice is synonymous with hymns, having founded, along with her husband, Keith, the Getty Music Organization, which helps people learn the Bible through hymns to carry for life. Kristyn performs annual shows at Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, and the Grand Ole Opry, where she leads the Sing! conference—based on her book by the same name. She is particularly passionate about helping children and families learn their faith through song. Kristyn and Keith are originally from Northern Ireland and now live in Nashville, Tennessee, with their four daughters.

Ray Ortlund is the president of Renewal Ministries, the pastor to pastors at Immanuel Nashville Church, and a canon theologian with the Anglican Church in North America. He is the author of several books, including The Death of Porn; the Preaching the Word commentaries on Isaiah and Proverbs; and Marriage and the Mystery of the Gospel. He is also a contributor to the ESV Study Bible. Ray and his wife, Jani, have been married for fifty years.

Jackie Hill Perry is an author, Bible teacher, and hip-hop artist. She uses her speaking and teaching gifts to share the light of the gospel of God. Jackie is the author of Gay Girl, Good God: The Story of Who I Was and Who God Has Always Been and Holier Than Thou. She and her husband, Preston, have four children.

Michael Reeves (PhD, King’s College, London) is president and professor of theology at Union School of Theology in Bridgend and Oxford, United Kingdom. He is the author of several books, including Delighting in the Trinity; Rejoice and Tremble; and Gospel People.

Conrad Mbewe (PhD, University of Pretoria) serves as pastor of Kabwata Baptist Church in Lusaka, Zambia, and founding chancellor of the African Christian University. Conrad has authored over nine books and contributed to many others. He and his wife, Felistas, have three children and three foster children.

David Cochran Heath (1952–2022) was a narrator who worked on over 140 audiobooks. Heath worked in radio and theater for thirty-five years, including voicing characters for computer games and television, narrating a radio program for kids, and working as a senior member of the acting ensemble of the Lamb’s Players Theatre.

Robert Smith (PhD, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) serves as the Charles T. Carter Baptist Chair of Divinity at Beeson Divinity School. He is also the author of Doctrine That Dances: Bringing Doctrinal Preaching and Teaching to Life and The Oasis of God: From Mourning to Morning.

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: Lauren Susanto, lsusanto@crossway.org, crossway.org

PASTOR PAUL DAUGHERTY OFFERS PRACTICAL, COMPASSIONATE GUIDE FOR MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS IN NEW BOOK

“Never before has there been such a need for quality information for those struggling with their mental health. Anxiety and being overwhelmed are at an all-time high. Paul Daugherty speaks into this area with a fresh perspective and solutions in ‘Mind Games’ that are desperately needed for the days we are in.”  ― Jentezen Franklin, New York Times Best-Selling Author and Senior Pastor of Free Chapel

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (December 8, 2023) – According to the Anxiety & Depression Association of America, anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the United States, affecting over 40 million adults. Depression and emotional trauma are also on the rise, and sadly, the church has been known to gloss over these mental health issues despite the increasing distress of our world today.

In his new book, Mind Games: Winning the Battle for Your Mental and Emotional Health (FaithWords, January 9, 2024), the pastor of a 14,000+ member church, Paul Daugherty challenges churches to break their silence as anxiety, depression, and emotional trauma continue to affect even the most devoted believers. Drawing from his personal struggles and experiences, Daugherty offers practical tools to help readers find lasting victory in the war against their minds.

Whether readers are personally struggling or seeking to support a loved one, Mind Games is a compassionate guide towards hope, healing, and restoration. It’s difficult to simply pray trauma away, and  Daugherty provides helpful strategies and a Scriptural framework for understanding powerful truths behind every mental battle. This book is an incredible resource for believers and non-believers alike pursuing emotional well-being and longing to live a life rooted in freedom.

Paul Daugherty is available for interviews and can speak to:

• 3 proven strategies for winning the war in your mind
• The Mental Health Crisis: Why does the church overlook?
• Habits to fight depression, anxiety, and emotional trauma
• The way to find lasting victory in every mental battle
• How to break the stigma around mental illness in the church

“The good news is that it’s possible for those of us who are stuck to get unstuck. It’s possible for those of us who are trapped to be set free,” writes Daugherty. “I know that from experience, and I’m eager to share my journey from defeat to victory.”

Paul Daugherty and his wife Ashley serve as the Lead Pastors of Victory Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Victory Church has a Bible College, international Bible colleges, a Christian school for grades K3-12th, a Dream Center that ministers to those in need throughout Tulsa, and a year-round adventure camp for kids & teens. Paul and Ashley are also quite busy at home with their five beautiful kids: Liam, Benaiah, Mac, Elliana, and Gianna. They travel worldwide, speaking at churches, conferences, and crusades. Paul’s desire is that people feel encouraged and empowered to live the life of Victory that God has for them! His preaching style is refreshingly transparent, full of hope, passion, and practical truth to help people live in Victory.

In addition to Mind Games, Paul is the author of multiple mini-books such as The Fourth Quarter, Relationship Refresh, 60 Promises, Born for More, and Stepping into Revival. He has written worship songs featured on several albums and released two personal albums, which have appeared on several TV shows worldwide. Paul also pioneered a weekly TV program & leadership podcast, which airs globally. His podcast, “Learning to Lead”, is streamed by thousands of young leaders and is frequently updated on the Podcast App. Paul graduated from Oral Roberts University with a bachelor’s degree in Theology and is currently working on his master’s degree at Oral Roberts University. His latest book Mind Games: Winning the Battle for Your Mental and Emotional Health will be available nationwide on January 9, 2024. To learn more, visit www.pauldaugherty.org.

Foreword by former U.S. Vice President Mike Pence

W Publishing Group, an imprint of Thomas Nelson Publishing, today announced a book deal with former Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison. Plans For Your Good: A Prime Minister’s Testimony of God’s Faithfulness Scott Morrison is scheduled to release May 21 in the United States and Canada, and May 23 in Australia. The foreword will be written by former U.S. Vice President Mike Pence.

The release book’s release date is symbolically two years to the day when Morrison conceded defeat to current PM Anthony Albanese. In Plans for your Good, Morrison offers a unique insider’s account of a Christian who was open about his faith and operated at the top level of politics for more than a decade. During one of the toughest periods since the second world war, covering drought, wildfires, a global pandemic and recession, he chronicles God’s faithfulness throughout, win or lose, public criticism or public success.

Less political memoir and more pastoral encouragement, Morrison is passionate about encouraging others to discover how they can access and see the many blessings of God in their own lives, no matter their circumstances, drawing on Jeremiah 29:11, that God’s plans are for our good and not our harm, to give us a future and a hope.

Full of fascinating insights into the handling of some of the most significant global events and issues of our time Morrison’s honest, vulnerable and reflective answers offers a unique lens to better understand your relationship with God and the blessing that can flow from such a relationship.

Alongside an account of high-level politics in a new media age where cancel culture, identity politics and deep secularization is taking hold across so many western societies, creating a truly post Christian west, Morrison testifies to the faithful love and blessings of God.

“Most politicians write books about what they have done. This is not one of those books,” said. “In writing this book, what was important was not what I did, but what God did for me, how He sustained and encouraged me in good times and bad, from a miracle victory to a crushing defeat, and how his faithfulness over a lifetime had prepared me for these times.”

Morrison served as the 30th Prime Minister of Australia from 2018-2022 and continues to serve as a member of the Australian Parliament in the House of Representatives as the Member for Cook in Southern Sydney.

Morrison has been married to his wife Jenny since 1990. They have two teenage daughters and live together in southern Sydney. Morrison and his family are active members of their local church community and he serves as a Patron of a number of community and charitable organizations.

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.

Contact: Allison Carter, Director of Publicity, W Publishing, Allison.Carter@harpercollins.com

January 2024 | LISLE, IL— InterVarsity Press has announced the launch of a new podcast, The Digital Examen, hosted by pastor and author Jay Kim. The first episode releases on Wednesday, January 10.

The idea for The Digital Examen was developed in response to the exhaustion so many people are experiencing amid the noise of the modern digital age, where peace is scarce and self-reflection is infrequent. Through conversations with a variety of leaders, pastors, and scholars, Kim and his guests will focus on what it means to reorient one’s life in the direction of listening.

“Like many people these days, I often find myself overwhelmed by the chaos of the digital age—so much frenzy, so little peace,” Kim said. “My hope is that The Digital Examen will offer people not only a learning experience but also an invitation into stillness with God as we slow down enough to listen as much as we learn. In this first season, our conversations with pastors, writers, and scholars—John Mark Comer, Rich Villodas, Carmen Imes, John Ortberg, Felicia Wu Song, Tim Mackie, and others—will illuminate our minds and guide our hearts away from the noise and toward the quiet places of peace, where our hearts and minds can find the spaciousness necessary to hear God speaking.”

In the first episode of The Digital Examen, Kim introduces the podcast season and poses questions surrounding what it means to slow down and hear from God amid the noise and pace of the digital age. As the lead pastor at WestGate Church in Silicon Valley, Kim has experienced the digital church in all its splendor and writes about it in his two books, Analog Church and Analog Christian. Kim has also written on the topic of the digital age for Christianity Today, The Gospel Coalition, Missio Alliance, and Relevant Magazine.

New episodes of The Digital Examen release weekly on Wednesdays starting January 10 through March 20. Themes will include liturgical reflection, contemplation, spiritual formation/disciplines, faithful engagement with technology, and creating and sustaining rules/rhythms of life.

Kim’s guests for The Digital Examen include:

January 17 | John Mark Comer is a teacher and writer based in Southern California. He pastored Bridgetown Church in Portland, Oregon, for nearly two decades before launching Practicing the Way, a nonprofit that creates formation resources for local churches. He’s a teacher-in-residence at Vintage LA and the author of several bestselling books including The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry, Live No Lies, and his most recent work, Practicing the Way.

January 24 | Carmen Imes is associate professor of Old Testament at Biola University and the author of Bearing God’s Name: Why Sinai Still Matters and Being God’s Image: Why Creation Still Matters. Her work helps us understand much more deeply what it means to be truly human.

January 31 | Patrick Miller serves as a pastor at The Crossing in Columbia, Missouri. He hosts the podcast Truth over Tribe and is the coauthor of a book by the same name, Truth over Tribe: Pledging Allegiance to the Lamb, Not the Donkey or the Elephant. He’s also the cofounder of Endeavor, a website and online space seeking to “disciple the Internet.”

February 7 | Felicia Wu Song is a professor of sociology at Westmont College. She is the author of Restless Devices: Recovering Personhood, Presence, and Place in the Digital Age, and she regularly speaks on digital practices, social media, the digital media industry, parenting in the digital age, and spiritual formation.

February 14 | John Ortberg is a pastor and speaker who has served in ministry for over forty years and teaches around a central theme of spiritual formation. Much of his work around spiritual formation is about equipping people to know God in an interactive, life-transforming way. Currently, John leads a ministry called Become New, which focuses on helping people grow spiritually one day at a time. He’s the author of many books.

February 21 | Regina Chow Trammel is a licensed therapist and a professor in the Master of Social Work program at Azusa Pacific University. She specializes in the area of Christian mindfulness and has given a popular TEDx talk on this topic as well as coauthoring A Counselor’s Guide to Christian Mindfulness: Engaging the Mind, Body, and Soul in Biblical Practices and Therapies.

February 28 | Rich Villodas is the lead pastor of New Life Fellowship Church in Queens, New York, and the author of the award-winning book The Deeply Formed Life. He also frequently writes and speaks on the topic of contemplative spirituality, as well serving as a presenter on the topic of emotionally healthy discipleship.

March 6 | Sarah Cowan Johnson is a ministry trainer, consultant, and coach based in Providence, Rhode Island. She is also the author of the award-winning book Teach Your Children Well: A Step-by-Step Guide to Family Discipleship. She speaks often on the topic of navigating the digital landscape as a parent or caregiver and helping children flourish in the midst of the ubiquity of technology.

March 13 | Tim Mackie is a teacher, writer, theologian, and creative director for BibleProject, a nonprofit, crowdfunded organization that produces animated Bible videos, podcasts, articles, and classes to help make the biblical story accessible to everyone everywhere. Tim believes the Scriptures are primarily meditation literature designed to invite us into an active, ongoing relationship with God.

March 20 | Kristel Acevedo is the spiritual formation director at Transformation Church in Indian Land, South Carolina. She is also the coauthor of 3 Big Questions that Shape Your Future and is writing a forthcoming Bible study with IVP. Discipleship is an area of expertise and focus for Kristel, and she curates her own social media presence with an eye toward a joyful and flourishing life.

The Digital Examen podcast will be available through Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other major podcast distributors. Check out the IVP YouTube page for a peek at The Digital Examen trailer.

Contact: Krista Clayton, kclayton@ivpress.com

Nelson Books is thrilled to announce the arrival of Devin Duke as the new Senior Publicity Manager.

Duke brings a rich background and proven success to Nelson Books, beginning her publicity career nearly a decade ago at Ramsey Solutions. During her three-and-a-half-year tenure there, she held various positions, each contributing to her expansive knowledge and skills. Further honing her expertise, Duke spent nearly three years at Choice Publicity, a Nashville-based media agency. There, she expanded her publicity and marketing repertoire beyond books to include a diverse range of products.

Her lifelong love for books led her to embrace the opportunity to work exclusively on books when she joined HarperCollins Christian Publishing two and a half years ago as a Publicity Manager. She has worked alongside esteemed authors such as Lee Strobel, Tyler Stanton, Morgan Harper Nichols, Justin Whitmel Earley, Michele Cushatt, Shauna Niequist, Philip Yancey, Rebekah Lyons and is currently working with bestselling authors Jess Johnston, Amy Weatherly, Randy Frazee, and Mariela Rosario.

“Duke’s arrival has already brought a fresh burst of energy and expertise to our publicity team,” said Lisa Beech, Director of Publicity. “I know that her innovative ideas, exceptional skills, and unwavering author care will elevate our publicity efforts.”

When it comes to securing media opportunities, Devin’s prowess is truly unmatched. In 2023 alone, she was responsible for confirming coverage on highly regarded platforms like Good Morning America, Today’s Christian Living, Women’s World, First for Women, Fox News Online, Newsweek, FOX Opinion, Live Inspired with John O’Leary, That Sounds Fun with Annie F. Downs, SHE Podcast, and numerous others.

“The publishing industry is bursting with potential and energy. Nelson Books’ commitment to quality content aligns perfectly with my passion for books, and I am thrilled to be a part of this team,” said Duke. “I am excited to continue applying innovative PR strategies to boost our authors’ success as we head into 2024.”

Contact: Lisa Beech, Director of Publicity, Lisa.beech@harpercollins.com, 719-439-9403

Speaker and Life Coach Tammy Hotsenpiller is Empowering Readers to Fast for a Spiritual Shifting

Lake Mary, Fla.— Influential speaker and life coach Tammy Hotsenpiller is empowering readers to fast for a spiritual shift in their personal lives, communities, and the nation. Fasting For a Change (ISBN-13: 978-1-63641-269-6) takes audiences on a 21-day journey looking at biblical figures who experienced what it was like to have God change them. As readers fast during the 21-days, Hotsenpiller equips them not only with the written word, but with encouraging tips and tricks so they can keep their focus on Christ instead of their flesh.

“People ask me all the time if fasting really works and if God expects us to fast as Christians,” Hotsenpiller writes. “My answer is yes and yes. Fasting is a two part-strategy God put in place for His followers to win the battle with the enemy. In Matthew 17:21 Jesus said: ‘However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting…’ I believe fasting is a vital key to our success in winning the war with both our flesh and our enemy.”

For Hotsenpiller, she has personally experienced the power of fasting and how God can move mountains when His people set aside the time to stay completely focused on Him. It is this same kind of deep and intimate relationship that Hotsenpiller has experienced that she now desires for readers to know as well.

“God teaches us in the Old Testament and the New Testament that part of our spiritual warfare comes through the practice of fasting,” Hotsenpiller writes. “The discipline to know how to say no to our flesh and yes to God. How to suppress our cravings and turn to Christ for our answers.”

Each of the 21-days takes readers on a deep-dive through the Scriptures about the power and principle of fasting and seeking the face of God. Through these 21-days, Hotsenpiller believes readers will have the chance to know more of God, the purpose and plan He has for their lives, and how to keep their eyes on Him no matter what the circumstances.

“The reality is that we all have a choice. We can make a choice to do something different. To grow and learn and develop, and truly become the person God created us to be” Hotsenpiller writes. “In this book, Fasting For a Change, we are going to look at the characteristics and behaviors that bring joy, peace, and fulfillment. These are the qualities that I believe God desires for each of us.”

Fasting For a Change, published by Charisma House, released on December 5, 2023, and is available online and wherever Christian books are sold.

Tammy Hotsenpiller is an author, speaker, life coach, and leader of a national women’s movement. She has a passion for equipping others to embrace their natural abilities, personal passions, and spiritual gifts. She is the president of Total Life Coach, LLC, and the founder and executive director of Women of Influence. Hotsenpiller and her husband, Phil, are the cofounders of Influence Church in Anaheim Hills, California. They live in Orange County and are blessed with three children and seven grandchildren.

Keep in touch with Tammy Hotsenpiller:

• Website: https://www.tammyhotsenpiller.com/
• Instagram: @tammyhotsenpiller
• Facebook: @womenofinfluenceinternational
• YouTube: @TammyHotsenpiller

To interview Tammy Hotsenpiller or for a review copy, please contact media@charismamedia.com

Author and prayer warrior Michelle McClain-Walters commissions God’s people

Boldly Confronting Modern-Day Darkness

Lake Mary, Fla.—Author and prayer warrior Michelle McClain-Walters is commissioning God’s people to boldly confront the darkness sweeping across our world today in her new book, The Spirit and Power of Elijah (ISBN-13: 978-1-63641-158-3). McClain-Walters believes that amid today’s exponential rise of pornography, divorce, human trafficking, and homosexual battles, there is also a counteraction group put in place by God: His modern-day Elijahs.

“I believe revival is coming now, for this generation,” McClain-Walters writes. “There was a time in Israel’s history that was characterized by idolatry, declining morality, and a turning away from the one true God. Israel was in need of revival…So the Lord sent a prophet named Elijah.”

Despite the enemy’s attempts to take down the culture, God is using His boldest, bravest voices to stand up and speak for the Kingdom of God. This holy generation is being used to restore the spiritual health of our churches, our cities, and our nation.

“We are in need of revival. We are in need of a call to repentance. We are in need of reformation. We are in need of restoration. So the Lord is sending Elijahs.”

After writing books like Chosen, The Prophetic Advantage and the Anointing Series, McClain-Walters is helping readers not only learn about the purpose of the modern-day prophet, but she is guiding readers to see if they too are part of those called with the same call as Elijah. While being a prophetic, godly voice in this world is not an easy feat, McClain-Walters emboldens readers to walk in their calling as one of God’s chosen people.

“A new company of Elijahs is being raised up. A new company of prophets—holy, bold, and uncompromising—are being equipped to restore the spiritual destiny of the church in this generation.”

The Spirit and Power of Elijah, published by Charisma House, released on December 5, 2023, and is available online at michellemcclainbooks.com and wherever books are sold.

Michelle McClain-Walters has traveled to more than fifty nations and has conducted schools of the prophet that have activated thousands in the art of hearing the voice of God. She is the author of Chosen, The Prophetic Advantage, and six books in the Women of Influence series, including The Esther Anointing and The Deborah Anointing. For many years she served as director of prayer ministry on the staff of Crusaders Church under the leadership of Apostle John Eckhardt. She was also one of the house prophets and apostolic team leaders at Crusaders Church. She and her husband, Floyd Walters Jr., reside in Orlando, Florida, where they are the senior leaders of Overflow International Life Center.

Keep in touch with Michelle McClain-Walters:

• Facebook: @michellemcclainwalters
• Instagram: @michellemcclainwalters
• Twitter/X: @prayerrain

To interview Michelle McClain-Walters or for a review copy, please contact media@charismamedia.com

Pastor Mac Brunson shares Pearls of Wisdom for handling seasons of crisis in God is For You

PLANO, Texas (Dec. 12, 2023) – In a world where crises and challenges are inevitable, renowned pastor and author Mac Brunson delivers a timely and profound message of hope with his latest book, God is For You: Learning to Trust God’s Wisdom Through Life’s Crises, available now from Invite Press.

Born out of one of the most difficult seasons of his life, Brunson provides readers with a fresh perspective on navigating life’s difficulties and finding strength in the unwavering love and advocacy of God.

“The main aspect of a crisis is that you never know you are headed into one until you are in the midst of it,” said Brunson, who serves as Senior Pastor at Valleydale Church in Birmingham, Alabama. “There is a world of difference in experiencing a crisis in your wisdom, your thinking, or your judgment, and Wisdom in Crisis. In a crisis, we must slow down and decide that God is big enough to handle the situation and to handle us.”

In God is For You, Brunson uses the power of a series of biblical events that happened to real people, in real situations, to direct readers to reflect on the enduring presence of a God who never stops loving and advocating for them, even in the darkest moments.

“You will find pearls of Godly wisdom scattered all about these stories,” Brunson said. “Don’t keep your eye so much on the people in the passages. Keep your eye on God.”

Through a powerful exploration of common setbacks, from unfair treatment to feeling sidelined and unusable by God, readers learn to wait on and walk in God’s wisdom during challenging times. Brunson’s message in God is For You encourages individuals to move beyond fear-based decision-making, navigate crises effectively, and emerge not just surviving but thriving.

“The Word of God speaks a great deal about godly wisdom and gives us examples of it in the lives of many characters in scripture. The Bible also shows us examples of worldly wisdom and the disastrous outcomes that ensue when we lean on our own understanding,” said Brunson. “Wisdom is wedding your knowledge to the Word of God to make competent, godly, discerning decisions in life.”

God is For You is available now from Invite Press. For more information visit www.inviteresources.com/contributors/mac-brunson.

About Mac Brunson
Dr. Donald McCall “Mac” Brunson, Jr. is Senior Pastor at Valleydale Church in Birmingham, Alabama. He graduated with a Ph.D. from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in 2021 and holds a D.Min. from Southwestern, which he received in 1991, along with an M.Div. (1985). He also holds an honorary doctorate of divinity from Dallas Baptist University. He is an adjunct professor for New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Brunson has published several books, including his newest, God is For You, and most recently a video series for Grace Ministries called Wisdom 101: Walking with Jesus in a Wacky World (2023). He is married to Debora Claire DeVore and has three married children and 16 grandchildren.

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.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., Dec. 12, 2023 – Our Daily Bread Ministries (ODBM) announced today it has been awarded a $1.25M grant from Lilly Endowment to support its Thriving Black Church Initiative— a multi-year, multi-state, cross-denominational effort to help Black congregations and communities not only grow but thrive. The project is being funded through Lilly Endowment’s Thriving Congregations Initiative. The aim of the initiative is to encourage the flourishing of congregations by helping them deepen their relationships with God, enhance their connections with each other, and contribute to the vitality of their communities and the world.

The Thriving Black Church Initiative will develop and implement programs that address sustainable solutions that meet the needs of Black churches and communities for thriving in a post-COVID environment. Strategic partners for this initiative include the Global Summit, a national network of Black American churches and Christian nonprofits; African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church (AMEZ), one of the longest-standing Black Protestant denominations; the Church of God in Christ (COGIC), the largest Black global denomination; the Progressive National Baptist Convention (PNBC), an African American Baptist denomination born out of the Civil Rights Movement; and PastorServe, a national network dedicated to mentoring, coaching, and equipping pastors and church leaders. Together these strategic partners and ODBM will collaborate to design, develop, and implement community-based, multimedia programs.

“We are grateful to Lilly Endowment for such a generous expression of confidence in our important effort,” commented Dr. Matt Lucas, president and CEO of ODBM. “Through Bible engagement, spiritual formation, and discipleship, the Thriving Black Church Initiative will foster ministry relevant to the lives of Black congregants and their communities while connecting them more deeply with God.”

Global Summit founder and shepherd, Dr. Matthew Parker, stated, “It’s been my privilege to be engaged with Our Daily Bread Ministries for over a decade to provide biblical resources and programming for African American denominations, faith-based organizations, and local communities.This grant builds on the work I had the pleasure to lead as I helped ODBM build its relationships with the Black church.”

ODBM is one of 105 organizations that has received grants through a competitive round of the Thriving Congregations Initiative. Reflecting a wide variety of Christian traditions, the organizations represent mainline Protestant, evangelical, Catholic, Orthodox, peace church, and Pentecostal faith communities.

“Congregations play an essential role in deepening the faith of individuals and contributing to the vitality of communities,” said Christopher L. Coble, Lilly Endowment’s vice president for religion. “We hope that these programs will nurture the vibrancy and spark the creativity of congregations, helping them imagine new ways to share God’s love in their communities and across the globe.”

About Lilly Endowment:
Lilly Endowment Inc. is a private foundation created in 1937 by J.K. Lilly Sr. and his sons Eli and J.K. Jr. through gifts of stock in their pharmaceutical business, Eli Lilly and Company. While those gifts remain the financial bedrock of the Endowment, it is a separate entity from the company, with a distinct governing board, staff and location. In keeping with the founders’ wishes, the Endowment supports the causes of community development, education and religion and maintains a special commitment to its hometown, Indianapolis, and home state, Indiana. A principal aim of the Endowment’s religion grantmaking is to deepen and enrich the lives of Christians in the United States, primarily by seeking out and supporting efforts that enhance the vitality of congregations and strengthen the pastoral and lay leadership of Christian communities. The Endowment also seeks to improve public understanding of diverse religious traditions by supporting fair and accurate portrayals of the role religion plays in the United States and across the globe.

About Our Daily Bread Ministries:
Our Daily Bread Ministries is a global Bible engagement ministry with a staff of 700 serving in 32 offices to distribute more than 60 million resources in 58 languages throughout 150 countries. Often known for its global devotional, the ministry produces short form Bible content across print, video, audio, and digital platforms with the goal to fuel a global Bible engagement movement. For more than 85 years, the ministry’s mission has remained the same: to make the life-changing wisdom of the Bible understandable and accessible to all.

BRENTWOOD, TENN. – It’s the time of year when organizations present their annual book awards, and B&H Publishing Group has a lot to celebrate. In early December, the publishing arm of Lifeway Christian Resources received more than two dozen awards and acknowledgements from Christianity Today, The Gospel Coalition, Southwestern Journal of Theology, World Books of the Year and the ECPA Top Shelf Book Cover Awards.

“I’m so proud of B&H Publishing’s authors and publishing professionals,” said Devin Maddox, director of B&H books. “Year after year, their work is recognized as being among the top Christian publishers in the world. It’s exciting to see the way God continues to use Christian books in His work to disciple His church.”

Theology Titles Triumph

Theology books made up the bulk of this year’s awards for B&H Publishing. Christianity Today recognized three of the publisher’s titles in the categories of popular theology (“Hope for God’s Creation” by Andrew J. Spencer; “God, Gift, and Guide” by Gregg Allison) and academic theology (“The Trinity and Canon” by Brandon D. Smith).

Meanwhile, The Gospel Coalition presented two awards of distinction in theology categories for the books “To Be a Woman” by Katie J. McCoy and “You Are a Theologian” by Jen Wilkin and J.T. English. Smith’s book on the Trinity also won The Gospel Coalition’s academic theology award, while Southwestern Journal of Theology recognized five B&H Academic titles in their annual awards.

“Winning a book award is always a thrill for an author, and it’s equally exciting for those of us who work on acquiring, editing and marketing the book,” said Madison Trammel, associate director of publishing. “We’re so grateful to our award-winning authors this year for entrusting their wonderful works to us. Academic books rarely make bestseller lists, so book awards are one of the best opportunities to spotlight quality new releases.”

Going into an election year, many Christians may be considering how their faith plays into the public square. On that note, B&H received several awards for books that examine politics from a Christian perspective.

“Baptist Political Theology” was recognized as Christianity Today’s winner in the politics and public life category and Southwestern Journal of Theology’s winner in the Baptist studies category. “Political Gospel: Public Witness in a Politically Crazy World” by Patrick Schreiber also won a Top Shelf Book Cover Award from the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association. The ECPA Top Shelf Book Cover Awards identify industry leaders in graphic and artistic design.

Women & Spanish Authors

Ten of B&H Publishing’s female authors were honored as top writers and editors in this year’s awards. Christianity Today recognized Kelly Minter in the Bible and devotional category (“The Blessed Life”), Linda MacKillop in the young adults category (“Hotel Oscar Mike Echo) and Emily Bennett for the missions/global church category (“Before You Go”).

Meanwhile, The Gospel Coalition presented an award of distinction to Amy Baik Lee (“This Homeward Ache”) in the first-time author category and recognized Rebecca McLaughlin in the Bible study and devotional literature category (“Navigating Gospel Truth”).

“There’s nothing that makes us happier than seeing readers love books like we do,” said Mary Wiley, trade books manager. “When respected organizations like The Gospel Coalition and Christianity Today deem those books to be among the best within Christian publishing, we celebrate, not just for great literature, but because books that readers love transform hearts.

“Awards also help readers find great books, and we’re thankful more people will be able to benefit from the words in their pages because of these recognitions,” said Wiley. “We work with some of the most faithful, gifted communicators. I’m thankful God chooses to move through the ministry of books.”

Earlier in the year, Lifeway Christian Resources and B&H Español were named Publisher of the Year by the Spanish Evangelical Publishers Association. This is the fifth time Lifeway—the world’s largest provider of Spanish Bibles—has been named Spanish Publisher of the Year.

Lifeway also received the award for Bible of the Year for “The Thematic Study Bible” (Biblia Temática de Estudio), edited by Miguel Núñez. “The Thematic Study Bible,” published June 2022, features a collaboration of theologians and pastors from various Spanish-speaking countries.

“We’re extremely grateful to God not only for the privilege of serving Him through a Bible like this but also for this recognition that testifies to a great work,” said Emanuel Elizondo, editor-in-chief. “Our desire is to continue glorifying God through resources of depth and quality.”

A full list of 2023 Lifeway and B&H Publishing awards can be found below.

Christianity Today book awards

• Bible and devotional, award of merit — “The Blessed Life: A 90-Day Devotional Through the Teachings and Miracles of Jesus” by Kelly Minter
• Young adults, finalist — “Hotel Oscar Mike Echo: A Novel” by Linda MacKillop
• Missions/global church, finalist — “Before You Go: Wisdom from Ten Women Who Served Internationally” edited by Emily Bennett
• Politics and public life, winner — “Baptist Political Theology” edited by Thomas S. Kidd, Paul D. Miller and Andrew T. Walker
• Theology (popular), award of merit — “Hope for God’s Creation: Stewardship in an Age of Futility” by Andrew J. Spencer
• Theology (popular), finalist — “God, Gift, and Guide: Knowing the Holy Spirit” by Gregg Allison
• Theology (academic), finalist — “The Trinity in the Canon: A Biblical, Theological, Historical, and Practical Proposal” edited by Brandon D. Smith

The Gospel Coalition book awards

• Academic theology, winner — “The Trinity and the Canon: A Biblical, Theological, Historical, and Practical Proposal” edited by Brandon D. Smith
• Public theology and current events, award of distinction — “To Be a Woman: The Confusion Over Female Identity and How Christians Can Respond” by Katie J. McCoy
• Popular theology, award of distinction — “You Are a Theologian: An Invitation to Know and Love God Well” by Jen Wilkin and J.T. English
• Christian living, award of distinction — “Never Cast Out: How the Gospel Puts an End to the Story of Shame” by Jasmine L. Holmes
• First-time author, award of distinction — “This Homeward Ache: How Our Yearning for the Life to Come Spurs On Our Life Today” by Amy Baik Lee
• Bible study and devotional literature category, award of distinction — “Navigating Gospel Truth: A Guide to Reading Faithfully” by Rebecca McLaughlin

ECPA Top Shelf Book Cover Awards for design excellence

• Non-fiction, winner, “Political Gospel: Public Witness in a Politically Crazy World” by Patrick Schreiber, (Susan Browne, art director)
• Non-fiction, winner, “Fostered: One Woman’s Powerful Story of Finding Faith and Family through Foster Care” by Tori Hope Petersen, (Susan Browne, art director)

ECPA Christian Book Award® program

• Winner in Bible category: Explorer Bible for Kids CSB, B&H Publishing Group

WORLD books of the year

• Book of the year, winner, “Being Elisabeth Elliot” by Ellen Vaughn
• Book of the year, honorable mention, “You Are a Theologian: An Invitation to Know and Love God Well” by Jen Wilkin and J.T. English

Southwestern Journal of Theology

• Baptist studies, winner — “Baptist Political Theology” edited by Thomas S. Kidd, Paul D. Miller and Andrew T. Walker
• Discipleship/spiritual formation, winner — “Formed in His Image” by Coleman M. Ford
• Christian education, winner — “Faithful Learning” by Jacob Shatzer
• Book of the year, honorable mention — “The Trinity in the Canon: A Biblical, Theological, Historical, and Practical Proposal” edited by Brandon D. Smith
• Theological studies, honorable mention — “A Handbook of Theology” edited by Daniel L. Akin, David S. Dockery and Nathan A. Finn
• Christian education, honorable mention — “Transformational Teaching” by Kenneth S. Coley, Deborah L. MacCullough and Martha E. MacCullough

Spanish Evangelical Publishers Association

• Bible of the year — “The Thematic Study Bible” (Biblia Temática de Estudio), edited by Miguel Núñez
• Book of the year — “A Year in the Psalms” (Un Año en Los Salmos)
• Book of the year — “How Do I Order My Life?” (¿Cómo Ordeno Mi Vida?) by Jeanine Martinez

For the Church Awards

• “Women Leading Well” by Emily Dean
• “Pastoring Small Towns” by Ronnie Martin and Donnie Griggs

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.

Contact: Aaron Wilson, aaron.wilson@lifeway.com