Inspiring keynote will gather the industry to kick off online program offered in six publishing tracks — designed to inspire, connect, and train the Christian publishing professional

TEMPE, ARIZ., AUGUST 28, 2023 – Karen Wright Marsh will deliver the keynote — Wake Up to Wonder in your Publishing Role —  to kick off the industry’s fall training program, ECPA PubU Online, on Friday, October 27 at 10 am central.

Karen Wright Marsh is the author of Wake Up To Wonder: 22 Invitations to Amazement in the Every Day (Brazos, 2023) and Vintage Saints and Sinners: 25 Christians Who Transformed My Faith (IVP, 2017) and hosts the Vintage Saints and Sinners podcast. She is the executive director and cofounder of Theological Horizons, a ministry that supports Christians and seekers in academia by providing a welcoming community for engaging faith, thought and life.

“The wear and tear of ordinary life brings us all face-to-face with our own precarity,” states Marsh. “We – and our readers — need steady inner grounding, now more than ever.”

ECPA PubU Online will include over 40 webinars, master classes, and networking sessions in several training tracks for Design, Editorial, Marketing, Production & Operations, Rights, and Children’s Literature – offered from October 27 to November 13.

A committee of industry leaders, forming the event’s Brain Trust, develop each track.  They recently introduced their programs in this video.

Early bird registration is in effect until September 29, at $109 per person, for an all access pass to sessions, networking meet-ups, and recordings, offered on the Whova platform.  ECPA publishers are encouraged to take advantage of the lower training costs that the online program offers, and identify a broader swath of staff to participate.  The program will be offered online every other year to broaden its reach and accessibility.  Next year’s event will be held in-person in  Chicago.

ECPA PubU Online will continue its Emerging Leader mentorship program, offering scholarships to up-and-coming industry leaders, with an emphasis on under-represented voices in the industry. Each recipient will be matched with an industry mentor for a year-long mentorship program.  Nominations are accepted until September 22.

Schedule and program information is available at ECPAPubU.org.  All sessions and speakers will be posted soon.

For the first time, program includes optional add-ons for personal publishing consultations

August 28, 2023, Tempe, AZ – Registration is open for The Christy Award program events — including the four-part ART OF WRITING webinar series for writers, publishers, creatives, and fans — held every Thursday evening from October 19 to November 9.  The cost is $69 for all sessions and recordings.  The event is sponsored by ECPA, on behalf of its member publishers in Christian fiction.

Acquisition editors from major fiction publishers, literary agents, and award-winning authors will gather each Thursday to present the following four webinars, designed for both aspiring and published writers in Christian fiction:

Dispelling the Myths Around Christian Fiction with Kelsey Bowen (Revell), Jamie Lapeyrolerie (WaterBrook), and Rachel McMillan (author and agent)

How Great Books Can Improve Your Novel and Your Life with Claude Atcho (author/pastor/arts writer) and Jamie Lapeyrolerie (WaterBrook)

Publishing Doesn’t Have to Terrify You! with Stephanie Broene (Tyndale House), Laura Wheeler (HarperCollins Christian Publishing), Tamela Hancock Murray (author/agent), and Barb Roose (author/agent)

Going Deep with Award-Winning Authors with Becky Wade (Christy Hall of Fame novelist) and Christy Award winning author, Patricia Raybon.

Unique to this year as optional $29 add-ons for Art of Writing attendees, are small group consultations with publishers and agents around these topics:

• Pitch & Publish| Practice your pitch in front of an editor and small group. Come away with immediate feedback to take your pitch to publication.
• Ask Me Anything| Like the famed Reddit and Twitter quick-fire sessions, this is your chance to do that with an editor, agent, and established author. Come ready with your questions.
• Strengthen Your Proposal & Get Your Foot in the Door| Share your proposal in a small group with a publisher/agent. Come away with feedback on the areas you need to strengthen to deliver your proposal to publication.
• Calling All Debut Authors| Hear from a debut author and editor on how their fears were allayed, and their thoughts on best practices as you walk through the early stages of publishing.

The series is bookended by The Christy Award® Finalist Reveal & Winners Gala webcasts.  The Christy Award Finalist Reveal webcast will be held on Thursday, October 12 with award-winning novelist and radio announcer CHRIS FABRY and ECPA’s JEFF CROSBY at 11 am central.

The Winners Gala webcast will be held on Thursday, November 16 at 7 pm central, recognizing the finalists and announce the winners of The Christy Award in nine categories, Book of the Year, and Amplify Award.  Hosted by the winsome Chris Fabry, the Gala will feature two literary greats, Christian fiction legacy authors JANETTE OKE and DAVIS BUNN.

Award presenters will include Christy winning authors Amanda Cox, Toni Shiloh, Nicole Deese, Patricia Raybon, Jocelyn Green, Sarah Sundin, Terri Blackstock, Karen Witemeyer, Sharon Hinck, and Kara Swanson.

Both the finalist and winners webcasts are free but registration is required.

Register at https://christyawards.com/registration.html.
Complete information is at TheChristyAward.com.

ECPA (Evangelical Christian Publishers Association) is an international non-profit 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 our members can more effectively produce and deliver transformational Christian content. ECPA.org

The Christy Award® is the foremost award honoring and promoting excellence in Christian fiction since 1999, and is named for Catherine Marshall’s novel, Christy, which has sold over 10 million copies since its publication in 1967. ECPA assumed ownership and administration of the award in 2017 to focus and grow the unique opportunity of fiction in Christian publishing.  TheChristyAward.com FB ChristyAward TW @ChristyAward  IG @thechristyaward

Media contacts:
Jeff Crosby, ECPA President and CEO, jcrosby@ecpa.org, 480-966-3998 ext. 101
Cindy Carter, ECPA Awards & Recognition Manager, ccarter@ecpa.org, 480-966-3998 ext. 103

Grand Rapids, MI, Aug. 2023 – Zondervan, a division of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, is pleased to announce the release of two New International Version (NIV) Bibles designed to help men and women navigate the challenges of today’s society – Flourish: The NIV Bible for Women and Rooted: The NIV Bible for Men.

“We are so pleased to make these new editions available to readers, knowing each one is tailored to meet the unique needs of men and women,” said Melinda Bouma, vice president and publisher of Bibles for Zondervan. “With an emphasis on using Scripture to refute the myths men and women believe, we are hopeful these Bibles will speak God’s wisdom into readers’ hearts and help them see themselves as the Father sees them – as wholly and fully loved.”

Drawing on the truths of Scripture, the features in each Bible strengthen readers with insights and encouragement for the issues they face. In Flourish: The NIV Bible for Women, readers are introduced to 30 women from the Bible who offer frank insights from the best and worst of theirlives. Rooted: The NIV Bible for Men, features factoid-filled profiles highlighting the strengths and weakness of 50 biblical men. Each edition contains myths articles that expose commonly accepted myths of our culture —misconceptions about love, relationships, God, fulfillment, sex, faith, and identity. These resources combine to offer readers the knowledge, strength, and clarity to navigate life’s challenges with God’s Word as their guide.

Palm Bay, FL: The 2023 American Christian Fiction Writers conference at St. Louis, Missouri’s Hyatt Regency at the Arch included the much-anticipated Awards Gala spotlighting this year’s Christian fiction industry awards.

Author, instructor, and writing craft resource expert James Scott Bell was honored with ACFW’s Lifetime Achievement Award. ACFW CEO Colleen Coble notes that “James Scott Bell has influenced so many experienced and up-and-coming authors in their careers. His engaging teaching and communications skills complement his devotion to our craft.”

Carol Award winners, left to right:
Becky Wade
Sara Brunsvold
Joanna Davidson Politano
Hallee Bridgeman
Janyre Tromp
Carrie Stuart Parks
Photo by Emilie Haney of EAH Creative

Among other recognitions, congratulations are due these Carol Award winning authors for taking top honors in their category along with their publishing houses and editors.

Contemporary
The Songs That Could Have Been by Amanda Wen; Kregel Publications; Editors Dori DeVries Harrell and Janyre Tromp

Historical
The Lost Melody by Joanna Davidson Politano; Revell (a division of Baker Publishing Group); Editors Barbara Barnes and Vicki Crumpton

Historical Romance
Written on the Wind by Elizabeth Camden; Bethany House (Baker Publishing Group); Editors Luke Hinrichs and Jessica Sharpe

Mystery/Suspense/Thriller
Fallout by Carrie Stuart Parks; Thomas Nelson Fiction (HarperCollins); Editors Amanda Bostic and Erin Healey

Novella
While Mortals Sleep (O Little Town collection) by Janyre Tromp; Kregel Publications; Editor Christina Tarabochia

Romance
Turn to Me by Becky Wade; Bethany House (Baker Publishing Group); Editors Sarah Long and Raela Schoenherr

Romantic Suspense
Word of Honor by Hallee Bridgeman; Revell (a division of Baker Publishing Group); Editors Vicki Crumpton and Jessica English

Short Novel
Hunted in the Wilderness by Kellie VanHorn; Love Inspired (Harlequin); Editor Dina Davis

Speculative
Dream of Kings by Sharon Hinck; Enclave Publishing (Oasis Family Media); Editor Reagen Reed

Young Adult
Wishtress by Nadine Brandes; Thomas Nelson Fiction (HarperCollins); Editor Becky Monds

Debut Author
The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip by Sara Brunsvold; Revell (a division of Baker Publishing Group); Editor Rachel McRae 

Steve Laube, Editor of the Year
Brandilyn Collins, The Martha Rogers Member Service Award
James Scott Bell, The 2023 ACFW Lifetime Achievement Award
Rachel Hauck, ACFW’s 2023 Volunteer of the Year
Photo by Emilie Haney of EAH Creative

ACFW congratulates the winners of the 2023 Genesis Contest for as yet unpublished Christian fiction:

Contemporary–Leslie DeVooght – The Heartfelt Formula

Historical–Jacinta Meredith – A Picture of the Past

Historical Romance–Erin Mifflin – A Child So Fair

Mystery/Suspense/Thriller–Cindy Rieke – In the Name of Treason

Romance–Lisa Kelley – Last Wish for Tomorrow

Romantic Suspense–Elaine Clampitt – High Altitude Abduction

Speculative–Andra Loy – Inverse

Young Adult–Andra Loy – Echo of Secrets

Also announced during the Awards Gala were the following:

Agent of the Year–Steve Laube (The Steve Laube Agency)

Editor of the Year–Becky Monds (HarperCollins Christian Publishing)

Volunteer of the Year–Rachel Hauck

Mentor of the Year–Tari Faris

The Martha Rogers Member Service Award–Brandilyn Collins

Special thanks to the contest coordinators: Genesis—Teresa Haugh, Carol Award—Gabrielle Meyer, ACFW Contests Administrator—Robert Turner, and to the judges, assistants, and ACFW staff.

ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) is a professional organization devoted to the craft of Christian Fiction. Its mission is to “help you tell your stories by inspiring you to partner with God in the creative process, learn the craft, and find your audience.”

For more information about ACFW: https://www.acfw.com/

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (August 15, 2023) — Forefront Books, a Nashville-based independent book publisher, has announced the hiring of Becky Nesbitt as Publisher of her own imprints and Associate Publisher for Forefront Books. Nesbitt most recently was Editorial Director and Executive Editor at Penguin Random House.

“Becky is a trusted colleague and longtime friend as well as one of the most respected editors in our industry,” said Forefront Books’ owner, Jonathan Merkh. “I’m personally thrilled to have her on my team and looking forward to what she will add to our company.”

Nesbitt joins Forefront with over 30 years of experience gleaned from editorial roles at Simon & Schuster, Penguin Random House, and Tyndale House Publishers. “Jonathan has assembled an incredible, forward-thinking team and I’m excited to be a part of it.”  Nesbitt said.  “I’m thrilled to contribute to such an innovative and successful model of publishing.”

Forefront Books was recently named Publishers Weekly’s second-fastest growing independent publisher. With a sales growth of 216% over two years and an increase in title count from 21 books a year in 2020 to 39 in 2022, Forefront’s growth is projected to continue beyond 2023.

Current key titles for the publisher include Dark Future, by Glenn Beck, which charted again this week on the New York Times bestseller list, as well as John C. Maxwell’s newest work, The 16 Undeniable Laws of Communication.

Forefront Books is a unique publishing company that caters to the most successful men and women in their respective fields – the thought leaders, the visionaries, the pioneers, the business owners, and the entrepreneurs who have a compelling story to tell – and delivers a world-class end result from a team which has helped create more than sixty New York Times bestsellers, including seven number one bestsellers. To learn more about Forefront Books, visit https://www.forefrontbooks.com.

Dr. Emily Smith helps readers live out one of Jesus’ greatest commands through ‘The Science of the Good Samaritan’

GRAND RAPIDS, Michigan (Aug. 3, 2023) – Dr. Emily Smith, global health expert and creator of the popular Facebook page Friendly Neighbor Epidemiologist, encourages readers to change the world through the simple act of loving their neighbor in her new book, The Science of the Good Samaritan: Thinking Bigger About Loving Our Neighbors (Zondervan, Oct. 24, 2023).

Through The Science of the Good Samaritan, Smith outlines practical steps for individuals to live out the principles of Jesus’ Good Samaritan parable through the story’s three themes of centering, cost and courage. She weaves together fascinating stories of faith at work in the Bible, in her life and in the lives of others to inspire readers to think and act in a way that redefines their concept of “neighbor.”

“Jesus reveals to us that anyone who lives on the margins is the neighbor,” said Smith. “This book will show that truly being a neighbor goes way beyond simply donating food or money. It’s the ‘and also’ way of neighboring. It’s about doing the good things like donating food or money and also changing our hearts and posture to match those deeds. It’s about shifting our perspectives away from being just good enough to living into a life of neighboring that comes as naturally to us as thirst. It’s a radical shift in our thinking and worldview that will transform us into different people.”

An epidemiologist and Christian, Smith became known as the Friendly Neighbor Epidemiologist during the COVID-19 pandemic when she created a Facebook group to share science-based updates on what was unfolding and remind individuals what it means to love your neighbor as the Good Samaritan did.

What started as a project for a few friends and family members quickly developed into a page with tens of thousands of followers. But as the page grew and Smith continued sharing her knowledge, she learned the cost of centering on the neighbor, which for her included harsh criticism, loss of her friends and community, and threats on her and her family’s personal safety.

“There’s a cost in shifting our worldview and actions to match,” Smith said. “It’s hard, disorienting, lonely, vulnerable. It’s full of loss and pain. It’s messy and can feel long. But there’s something on the other side. There’s a courage that helps us be neighbors Jesus talked about despite the cost.” In the book, Smith notes that that loving your neighbor can be done anywhere by anyone and emboldens readers with biblical and real-world examples of how to be courageous in their neighboring journey.

The Science of the Good Samaritan releases Oct. 24, 2023, from Zondervan. For more information visit faithgateway.com.

Dr. Emily Smith is an assistant professor in the department of emergency medicine/surgery at Duke University and at the Duke Global Health Institute (DGHI). During the COVID-19 pandemic, she also became known as the Friendly Neighbor Epidemiologist through her social media outlets which reached over 10 million people in 2020-2021. Before joining the faculty at Duke University, Smith spent four years at Baylor University in the department of public health and was a research scholar at DGHI for two years. Dr. Smith received her PhD in epidemiology from the Gillings School of Global Public Health at UNC Chapel Hill and a MSPH from the University of South Carolina. Smith has been married to her pastor-husband for 20 years and they have two fantastic children, one spoiled golden retriever and a new very-friendly golden doodle puppy.

Zondervan, a worldwide leading Christian publisher of books and Bibles, is part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc. Its publications include a variety of Bible translations for all ages; books in different genres and subject areas for the general reader; curriculum for individual and group Bible study; books for children and young adults; academic resources including textbooks and reference books; ministry resources; and books on faith and culture. Zondervan is located in Grand Rapids, Michigan. For more information, visit www.zondervan.com.

Contact: Kristin U. Cole kristin@kcolecommunications.com 615-289-6701

The Heart Who Wanted to Be Whole is a powerful resource that helps children understand spiritual warfare and conquer overwhelming feelings

(COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado) – According to the National Survey of Children’s Health, children are experiencing an increase of anxiety and depression at unprecedented levels. The challenges they encounter and feelings they experience can be overwhelming, leaving their hearts in need of comfort, and parents searching for resources to help their children cope and heal.

David C Cook, a leading publisher of Christian books and resources, announces the release of The Heart Who Wanted to Be Whole by Beth Guckenberger. This poignant tale offers solace and strength to children in times of distress and anxiety and introduces young readers, ages 4 to 8, to the concept of spiritual warfare in a way that is age-appropriate and understandable.

“I wrote this book for the son of a good friend who struggles with overwhelming and hard feelings about his story,” explains Guckenberger. “I wanted him to understand no matter how attacked his heart might feel, or how loud the voices are, God is more. He’s more big, more strong, more present, more powerful.”

Guckenberger’s book addresses the reality of evil in the world in a way that is approachable and empowering for children. Beautiful illustrations and Bible verses weave a story of how God’s words of truth have the power to mend our hearts, no matter how overwhelming our emotions might feel.

The book is part of the StrongHeart Stories series, which focuses on teaching children how to use Scripture to engage in spiritual battles when their hearts are hurting.

The Heart Who Wanted to Be Whole is published by David C Cook, releases September 5, 2023, and is available for preorder now.

About the Author and Illustrator:

Beth Guckenberger is a recognized expert in children’s ministry, having served for thirty years in education and child welfare. As the co-founder and co-executive director of Back2Back Ministries, she has extended her reach to create transformative change in orphan care globally. With a rich background as an author of 12 books and a mother to 11 children, including biological, foster, and adopted, Beth’s profound insights have guided her impactful work. Beth’s engaging presence as a speaker at conferences, youth gatherings, and churches further solidifies her deep and diverse influence in children’s ministry.

Illustrator Irina Mileo was born in Tuscany and lives there with her family, including her strange cat Sir Boo and her beautiful baby girl. Trained as an engineer, Irina now constructs imaginative, colorful worlds for children, just like the worlds that so inspired her as a child.

David C Cook is a 501c3 nonprofit organization 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. Read more about David C Cook and its global ministry outreach at www.davidccook.org.

Media Contact: Cathy Herholdt, VP, Communications, cathy.herholdt@davidccook.org, 719.533.3011

Beth Guckenberger is available for interviews. To schedule, please contact Cathy Herholdt at cathy.herholdt@davidccook.org.

Iron Stream Media (ISM) is excited to announce two winners at the Golden Scroll and Christian Market awards. Awards were announced at the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association (AWSA) banquet on August 6, 2023.

ISM’s 2023 Golden Scroll Awards were as follows:

• Devotional Book of the Year: Meet Me Where I Am, Lord by Cindy K. Sproles
• Contemporary Novel of the Year: Songs for a Sunday by Heather Norman Smith
• The Jennifer Kennedy Dean Award went to Carol Kent. This award is named for the late Jennifer Kennedy Dean, a prolific ISM author. It is presented to someone who carries the light with excellence to a hurting world.

Iron Stream Media derives its name from Proverbs 27:17, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” This sharpening describes the process of discipleship, one toanother. Iron Stream Media provides a variety of solutions for churches, missionaries, and nonprofits that include in-depth Bible study curriculum, Christian book publishing, and consultative services. Iron Stream Media is the home of Iron Stream, Iron Stream Fiction, Iron Stream Harambee Press, Iron Stream Kids, and Brookstone Publishing Group. Through the popular Life Bible Study and Student Life Bible Study imprints, they also provide web-based, full-year, and short-term Bible study teaching plans as well as printed devotionals, Bibles, and discipleship curriculum.

Book these authors as guest speakers or for book signings by contacting Kim McCulla at kim.mcculla@ironstreammedia.com. A limited supply of giveaway copies is available for special events and interviews. Books can also be ordered through your distributor or through www.ironstreammedia.com.

Unique project explores hundreds of everyday issues, as well as ‘adds to the rich biblical literature in the expanding biblical counseling space’

August 16, 2023 — This week marks the release of The CSB Life Counsel Bible—a collaborative effort between Holman Bibles and New Growth Press.  The project is unique in how it was designed to explore practical biblical wisdom on everyday topics, and it was also brought to life to assist readers in navigating today’s complex cultural and mental health challenges.

Building on the consistent growth of the biblical counseling space, the project features an outstanding list of contributors (click here for a complete list). Articles were written by best-selling authors and Bible teachers such as Joni Eareckson Tada and Paul Tripp and experts in the biblical counseling community including Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation (CCEF) faculty members Edward Welch, Michael Emlet, and the late David Powlison as well as many other counselors. The Bible includes articles on topics as broad as grief, depression, anger, guilt, and shame, and as narrow as addiction, suicide, bipolar disorder, cutting, adoption, and chronic fatigue.

The CSB Life Counsel Bible explores and brings richness and depth to passages related to marriage, parenting, and hundreds of other day-to-day issues making it an excellent resource for not only pastors, counseling and ministry leaders, and youth leaders, but also couples, parents, and young adults.

“A simple survey of the publishing landscape will reveal that biblical counseling literature has seen a significant increase over the last several years,” said Holman Bibles publisher Andy McLean. “This growth in content not only shows attentiveness to tangible felt needs that exist in the world, but also reflects the church’s call to showcase how the gospel and biblical wisdom speak to personal and cultural challenges that we all face in life.”

The CSB Life Counsel Bible features the highly readable and decidedly reliable text of the Christian Standard Bible® (CSB), known for capturing the Bible’s original meaning without sacrificing clarity, making it easier for readers to engage with Scripture’s life-transforming message and to share it with others.

Other features of the new Bible include:

• More than 150 full-length articles from respected biblical counselors and scholars
• Callout quotes placed near each article providing truth, hope and encouragement
• Over 100 studies focusing on keywords applicable to personal healing, growth, and counsel
• Book introductions including “Circumstances of Writing,” “Structure,” “Contribution to the Bible” and a special “Truth for Healing” section with an overview of key truths related to healing from each book of the Bible
• Wide margins for notetaking and journaling
• A robust page-end cross-reference system with over 25,000 cross-references connecting Scripture from Genesis to Revelation

“Rising rates of mental health struggles, moral confusion, deconstruction of faith—we live in an unsettling and often scary world,” said Barbara Miller-Juliani, Vice President at New Growth Press.  “For The Life Counsel Bible, New Growth Press has assembled an experienced, thoughtful, full-of-grace team of biblical counselors who unpack the living truth of the Scripture and apply it to our modern struggles, sorrows, and failings. Pastors and counselors will find direction in how to apply Scripture to their counselees. Parents will be helped to apply God’s Word to their children’s struggles. Husbands and wives will learn about true love. And all will be pointed to Christ—the one who is the only soul anchor that will hold us fast in the storms of life.”

The mental health crisis in America continues to grow as millions of additional people each year report increased stress and anxiety, depression, and other ailments. Collectively, years of anxiety and fatigue around the COVID pandemic, rapid changes in cultural expectations and norms, inflation, and other economic issues are among the greatest contributors to the acceleration of the crisis and the corresponding growth in counseling needs.

Welch believes the project has something to say for everyone. “God,” he said, “… speaks many words to many different problems.”

The Life Counsel Bible will be available at all major retailers.  Learn more at www.lifecounselbible.com.

Holman Bibles – a subsidiary of B&H Publishing Group – is the oldest Bible publisher in North America, publishing high-quality Bibles and reference resources that are trustworthy, accessible and useful for the pursuit of lifelong discipleship. Print and digital releases include the award-winning “CSB Explorer Bible for Kids”, the “CSB Tony Evans Study Bible” as well as the “Tony Evans One Volume Commentary,” and the “The She Reads Truth Study Bible.”

(August 16, 2023 — COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado) – David C Cook recently promoted Chris Baggett to Chief Marketing Officer. Baggett previously served as VP of Marketing for the Christian book, curriculum, and music publishing company. Baggett will lead marketing for both David C Cook and Integrity Music.

A seasoned marketing leader with a career spanning over two decades, Baggett has held prominent positions, including Chief Marketing Officer at a mission-driven national consulting firm and Executive VP at a faith-based pro-life organization. He also developed and implemented a groundbreaking digital marketing strategy for an international radio broadcast ministry, earning him the prestigious Convio Open Innovator Award and the Best Ministry Website accolade. He brings fresh strategic thinking and stewardship to lead and shape the marketing efforts of the organization, driven by a genuine passion for growth and excellence.

“At this critical time in the history of the church, we are pleased and excited to promote Chris Baggett into the role of Chief Marketing Officer,” said Rick Rekedal, president and acting CEO of David C Cook. “Chris’s proven background, working directly with global ministries and mastering the business landscape faced by nonprofits, has perfectly prepared Chris for leading the marketing of David C Cook. In addition to his expertise, Chris also brings the heart of a pastor for the teams he leads across our organization. David C Cook is a multi-faceted, expanding global ministry, growing with the needs of the church, and is in great hands with Chris as CMO.”

“At David C Cook, the powerful story of the Gospel is intertwined with the life-changing work of God and the faithful service of His people,” said Baggett. “I am honored and inspired to accelerate the transformational work God is already doing through David C Cook globally to equip the Church with Christ-centered resources for making and teaching disciples who obediently transform today’s generations.”

Baggett holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Texas Tech University and a Master of Arts degree from Dallas Theological Seminary. Beyond work, Chris finds joy in serving his local church, sharing music with the community, and spending time with his family. He resides in a vibrant Dallas suburb with his wife, Michelle, and their five children, along with three cherished canine companions.

David C Cook is a 501c3 nonprofit organization 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. Read more about David C Cook and its global ministry outreach at www.davidccook.org.

Media Contact: Cathy Herholdt, VP, Communications, cathy.herholdt@davidccook.org, 719.533.3011