APRIL 11, 2023—Trailblazing country singer/songwriter, Granger Smith, announced today via his wildly popular social media accounts that he has decided to exit the music touring business to move towards a new chapter in his life.

“I’ve been so nervous to make this video, but I’m making this post to announce that this summer is my last ever tour,” said Granger, who has toured for 24 years. “I have felt a strong desire to pursue ministry. This doesn’t mean I’m going to start a church, but this is a time of learning and growing for me.

“I’m so hopeful about this future. Amber and I have been totally united on this. I know there are going to be a lot of questions and I’m going to try to stay engaged. I’m not going anywhere. I’m going to be here,” added Granger.

Smith’s “Like A River” farewell tour begins April 13 and runs through August 26. Tour dates and tickets can be found at grangersmith.com, with more shows being added in the coming weeks.

In conjunction with this monumental life change, Smith also announced the upcoming release of his memoir, Like a River: Finding the Faith and Strength to Move Forward After Loss and Heartache, on August 1, 2023 (W Publishing Group, and imprint of Thomas Nelson).

“Getting here hasn’t been easy, and it hasn’t been quick,” writes Granger in the book’s opening chapter, in reference to his family’s journey through grief following the tragic passing of his young son, River. “Learning to live after loss is not a simple or straightforward process, but I’m here to help you discover that it is possible. This is a book about that process. It’s about learning to live after loss, which actually comes to all of us at some point in life—one way or another. It’s also about my journey toward purpose on the other side of debilitating pain.”

It was important for Smith to bill his final music tour “Like A River,” the same title as his book, so that the heart behind his new direction would be clear. “I want to be able to provide my fans with one last chance to see me tour. They’ve been such a huge part of my life and I will serve them the best way I can this summer.”

Compelled by the call to ministry, Smith intends to serve his local church under the teaching, council and leadership of his pastor and elders while he continues work on a master’s degree at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary along with public speaking and authorship.

In a People.com exclusive, Smith opened up more extensively about how his personal journey of grief and faith led him to his life’s true calling.

Like a River is available for pre-order wherever books are sold. For more, visit www.grangersmith.com

ABOUT GRANGER SMITH:  Granger Smith is an award-winning, platinum-selling, American country music singer-songwriter who fell in love with music at an early age. Over the course of his groundbreaking career, Granger has amassed a massive and rabid audience known as Yee Yee Nation, built through heavy touring and grassroots fan engagement. He has released ten studio albums, one live album, and two EPs. Granger has charted over eight singles on the Billboard country charts, including the number one hit “Backroad Song.” He is a highly sought-after speaker, actor, author, and host of the nationally syndicated iHeartRadio show After Midnite with Granger Smith. In 2017 he started the Granger Smith Podcast, where he discusses matters of faith, family, music, and the outdoors, while spreading messages of integrity, honor, truth, and restoration grounded in a Christian worldview. Granger’s social media following exceeds twelve million, with more than one billion online video views. Granger and his wife, Amber, live north of Austin, Texas, with their kids London, Lincoln, and Maverick.

ABOUT W PUBLISHING, AN IMPRINT OF THOMAS NELSON:  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.

Media Contacts:
Allison Carter, W Publishing Group, allison.carter@harpercollins.com
Nicole Gaia, NPG PR, nicole@npgpr.com

Carol Stream, Ill. — (April 12, 2023) — Pawverbs for a Dog Lover’s Heart: Inspiring Stories of Friendship, Fun, and Faithfulness by Jennifer Marshall Bleakley has surpassed 100,000 copies sold.

Pawverbs for a Dog Lover’s Heart, which released September 8, 2020, is a collection of stories with beautiful photographs, each featuring a real-life animal and principle from the book of Proverbs. The lovable dogs in Pawverbs show us the value of listening and loyalty, what it means to trust and obey, and the importance of just sitting with someone and being a friend.

Sarah Atkinson, VP of Tyndale Book Group, shared, “I couldn’t be more delighted to celebrate Pawverbs for a Dog Lover’s Heart hitting the milestone of 100,000 copies sold! (And not just because my own boy, Bullet, is one of the beloved animals featured in its beautiful pages.) Jennifer Marshall Bleakley is a gift in every way—her talent and skill as a writer, her hardworking spirit, her kind heart, her encouraging words, and her calling to write books that point people to God’s love through the animals He’s created.”

Jennifer Marshall Bleakley has a master’s degree in counseling and worked as a grief counselor for several years before discovering her passion for writing. Jen lives in Raleigh, North Carolina, with her husband, Darrell, their two children, Andrew and Ella, and a menagerie of pets, including a rescue cat, a sloth-like bearded dragon, and a very needy golden retriever.

This is Bleakley’s second book to achieve 100,000 units sold; her debut book, Joey, the story of a blind therapy horse, reached that milestone in 2021.

In addition to Pawverbs for a Dog Lover’s Heart and Joey, Bleakley is also the author of Pawverbs, Project Solomon (co-authored with Jodi Stuber), and Pawverbs for a Cat Lover’s Heart. In fall of 2023, she will release Pawverbs for Kids and Finding Grace (co-authored with Larry Randolph).

For more information or for media inquiries, please contact Madeline Daniels, madelinedaniels@tyndale.com.

Since its founding in 1962, Tyndale House Publishers has been a voice to trust for generations of readers. Today, Tyndale is one of the largest independent Christian publishers in the world. Tyndale’s mission is to make the Bible accessible to as many people as possible in language that they can relate and respond to. Tyndale publishes the Holy Bible, New Living Translation (NLT), and offers nonfiction books that equip readers with Christ-centered insight, counsel, and life-improving stories. In addition, Tyndale publishes fiction from fresh new voices and celebrated authors alike, capturing the imagination of millions of readers. With a deep understanding of the importance of nurturing future generations, Tyndale also publishes children’s products that make God’s Word and wisdom come alive. Tyndale’s independent status allows it to follow its founding model, giving a majority of annual revenue—more than $110 million throughout its history—to charitable missions. With every book purchased, Tyndale readers help meet the physical and spiritual needs of people around the world.

Contact: Madeline Daniels, madelinedaniels@tyndale.com

LONDON – Independent Publishers Group (IPG) is pleased to announce that it has appointed Andrew Boughton, Chief Operating Officer of United Independent Distributors (UID), and its group companies, Eurospan, Marston Book Services and Orca Book Services, effective 31 March 2023. Boughton succeeds UID’s former COO, Mark Chaloner, who has left the company to pursue other career opportunities.

“Since our acquisition of UID, Andrew has stepped to the forefront, working closely with publishers and overseeing client and customer services,” said Joe Matthews, CEO of IPG. “He has a huge breadth of experience and is extremely knowledgeable, having led Eurospan’s operations team for several years. Andrew is a natural fit for the role, and we are excited to see him in this new position.”

Boughton is a 20-year veteran of UID’s academic and professional marketing division, Eurospan, where he has held several leadership positions in the areas of marketing strategy and operations management, including the title of COO of Eurospan.

Regarding his appointment, Boughton remarked, “I am excited to be given the opportunity to lead and transform the UID businesses into market leaders.”

In a recent letter to publishers, UID also announced the hire of a new warehouse manager at its Biggleswade facility, as well as several strategic initiatives, including software system upgrades and the implementation of a new warehouse management system.

“We are determined to restore quality service and are investing hugely,” said Matthews. “We must execute this year. You can be sure it is the singular goal of IPG globally for 2023.”

About Independent Publishers Group:  Founded in 1971, IPG was the first organization specifically created for the purpose of marketing titles from independent presses to the book trade. Today, IPG’s wide reach into the book market includes distribution of both print and e-books from a wide array of publishers, digital printing and traditional publishing. With consistent growth year over year, IPG’s success has come from supporting and encouraging the growth of its publishing partners in the United States and worldwide. IPG was acquired by Chicago Review Press in 1987, and this acquisition formed the parent company Chicago Review Press, Inc., which now owns Chicago-based indie publishers Chicago Review Press and Triumph Books. In October 2021, IPG acquired UK-based United Independent Distributors (UID) and its subsidiary companies Eurospan, Marston Book Services and Orca Book Services, extending IPG’s menu of services and global reach.

Contact: Sidney Thompson | Corporate Communications | 312.337.0747 | sthompson@ipgbook.com 

New Book Coming April 4, 2023

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (April 12, 2023) – Tommy Nelson and Passion Publishing announced that their Indescribable Kids series by pastor of Passion City Church and national bestselling author Louie Giglio has surpassed more than one million copies sold. Passion Publishing and Tommy Nelson celebrated this noteworthy achievement together in Atlanta on February 10, 2023.

“I am humbled and blown away that the Indescribable Kids books have reached such a rare milestone, and I’m grateful for the partnership with Passion Publishing and Tommy Nelson. But what’s even more encouraging is knowing that behind these numbers are countless stories of children and families who are having their eyes opened to the greatness of our Creator through His creation,” said Giglio.

Inspired by two of Giglio’s most well-known and inspiring messages (“Indescribable” and “How Great is Our God”), the first title in the series, Indescribable: 100 Devotions About God and Science, was released in 2017. It became an instant bestseller, receiving positive reviews from esteemed Christian personalities like Chris Tomlin, Priscilla Shirer and Jamie Ivey and was recognized with an Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) Gold Award. The series has since expanded to include additional devotionals (How Great is Our God and The Wonder of Creation), a board book and more. It has also been adapted into a podcast (Indescribable Kids) hosted by characters from the books. The next book in the series, Indescribable Activity Book for Kids, releases on April 4.

The three devotionals have also been translated into twenty-three languages, including Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, Arabic, French, Afrikaans and Russian, to name a few.

As the original visionary of the Passion Movement, Louie Giglio has ministered to millions of people around the world, reaching college students, church leaders and people of all walks of life for decades. “My hope is the Indescribable Kids books will continue to help children around the world gain a bigger view of who God is through His creation and, as a result, gain a more accurate view of who they are.” said Giglio.

More information about Louie Giglio can be found at louiegiglio.com. To learn more about the Indescribable Kids series and podcast and to access free downloadable activity sheets and educator guides, visit www.indescribablekids.com.

About Louie Giglio: Louie Giglio is pastor of Passion City Church and the original visionary of the Passion movement, which exists to call a generation to leverage their lives for the fame of Jesus. Since 1997, Passion Conferences has gathered college-aged young people in events across the United States and around the world. In 2022, Passion hosted over 50,000 students in the Mercedes-Benz Stadium with another one million people joining online. Louie is the national-bestselling author of over a dozen books, including Don’t Give the Enemy a Seat at Your Table, At the Table with Jesus, Goliath Must Fall, Indescribable: 100 Devotions About God and Science, The Comeback, The Air I Breathe, I Am Not but I Know I Am, and others. As a communicator, Louie is widely known for messages such as “Indescribable” and “How Great Is Our God.” An Atlanta native and graduate of Georgia State University, Louie has done postgraduate work at Baylor University and holds a master’s degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Louie and his wife, Shelley, make their home in Atlanta.

About Tommy Nelson: Tommy Nelson^® is the children’s imprint of Thomas Nelson. As a leading provider of Christian content, Tommy Nelson publishes a wide variety of high-quality, enjoyable products that are consistent with the teachings found in the Bible. Tommy Nelson’s award-winning products are designed to expand children’s imaginations and nurture their faith while inspiring them to develop a personal relationship with Jesus. For more information, visit https://www.tommynelson.com.

Media contact: Jen Roberts, senior marketing director, 615-902-1190, Jen.Roberts@harpercollins.com

Finding Relief from the Pressures of Social Media

New devotional for teens addresses the effects of smartphone usage and offers practical advice for wise engagement 

There are very few people among us without a smartphone. Our phones are a major part of daily life, and there are many positives: being able to send messages of encouragement, having instant access to take a picture, reading the Bible from anywhere, or listening to music. However, there are drawbacks as well, especially when it comes to the effects of too much time spent on social media.

Statistics show that teens especially spend most of their waking hours on screens, without a lot of direction on managing their online life. In his new devotional for teens, Social Media Pressure: Finding Peace Alongside Jesus (New Growth Press/May 15, 2023), John Perritt, a longtime youth pastor, guides teens in making sure that their relationship with God remains at the center of their life without letting their phone take over.

“As you are well aware, sometimes our relationships with phones can cause a lot of angst and pain,” Perritt writes. “Have you ever gotten a DM that destroyed your day? Or had a humiliating picture of you posted for all to see? Has someone ever sent you explicit content? If any of these things have happened to you, you know how much hurt and embarrassment can come from misuse of phones or social media.”

Perritt helps show why social media can leave users feeling sad, anxious, and depressed and points to practical ways of turning to Jesus for rest and wholeness. The devotionals address social media pressures including the fear of missing out, comparing yourself with others, being bullied, and even being addicted. They will help direct teens to interact with social media in a way that is sensible, smart, and biblical, while at the same time finding the peace that comes with walking alongside Jesus. Perritt wants readers to see that God is a true refuge in the midst of the negative thoughts social media can often foster.

Using a daily devotional format, Social Media Pressure fosters reflection on how social media impacts us and gives practical advice on wise engagement. Each chapter invites the reader to establish an “Alongside Practice” that encourages specific, healthy habits that will bring peace to daily life. The format provides readers with four devotions per week, allowing plenty of grace for missing a day or two during the week. Each week includes a weekend conversation section for the teen to have with their “Alongsider”—a parent, mentor, or friend to read and discuss each devotion with.

“This book is written in response to the anxiety many of us feel through our experience with social media. In some ways, the stress and loneliness can feel overt, and in some ways it’s more subtle,” Perritt shares. “This book uncovers many examples of how our relationships, mental health, and perception of the world around us can be directly affected by our choices on social media. How do we gain more peace in our lives? How do we relate more thoughtfully with others? How do we recognize if we are becoming digitally addicted? What does God have to do with any of this?”

Sarah Eekhoff Zylstra, an author and senior writer for The Gospel Coalition writes, “This clear-eyed, compelling, and challenging devotional is perfect for teens or young adults (as well as their parents or youth leaders) who are serious about following Jesus in a digital age. John Perritt leads readers to examine their habits, identify their sin, and begin to interact with social media in a healthy, purposeful way.”

Social Media Pressure is the second book in the Devotions for Teenagers series. Also available is Alongside Jesus by Drew Hill.

Social Media Pressure: Finding Peace Alongside Jesus
Part of the Devotions for Teenagers series
by John Perritt
Print ISBN: 978-1-64507-310-9
May 15, 2023 / Retail Price: $16.99
RELIGION / Christian Ministry / Youth

John Perritt, DMin, serves as the Director of Resources for Reformed Youth Ministries and has served in student ministry for over twenty years.  He is the host of The Local Youth Worker podcast and is a frequent conference speaker. Perritt is the author of several books, including Mark: How Jesus Changes Everything and Social Media Pressure.  John and his wife, Ashleigh, are the parents of five children and live in Ridgeland, MS.

For review copy and interview information, contact:
Audra Jennings – audra@newgrowthpress.com 

Author Hans Boersma Retrieves Ancient Meditative Practices to Engage with the Living Word in a Fresh Way

BELLINGHAM, Wash., April 17, 2023 — Inviting Christians to a fresh encounter with the Bible based on an ancient way of reading the Scriptures, experienced preacher, theologian and author, Hans Boersma, has written “Pierced by Love: Divine Reading with the Christian Tradition,” available April 19, 2023 from Lexham Press.

Scripture engagement in America is at an all-time low. While 77% of U.S. adults own a Bible, only 39% are classified as active “Bible Users.” According to a report by State of the Bible, nearly 26 million Americans decreased or stopped interacting with Scripture in 2022, 11% lower than the previous year.

“Pierced by Love,” encourages Christians to intimately engage with God’s Word to experience a personal, spiritual encounter with Him. Affirming that the Bible is not a human book, but rather Holy text, Boersma asserts it must be approached with Holy-minded reading, something the ancient church demonstrated for us which we can adopt and benefit from today.

Christians read Scripture to encounter Christ and be conformed to his image. So how should we read it? For Christians throughout the centuries, the answer has been Lectio Divina, or “divine reading.”

In “Pierced by Love: Divine Reading with the Christian Tradition,” Boersma encourages Christians to read the Bible using this meditative and deliberate approach, which aims to take us more deeply into the life of God.

“The Scriptures are holy – set aside for a unique purpose,” writes Boersma. “Scripture is divine in that it has a special place within the Church. Lectio Divina simply means reading the Bible the way it’s supposed to be read – as divine Scripture.”

Through practicing the four movements of Lectio Divina — attentive reading, extended meditation, prayerful reflection, and silent resting — we have a structured and mindful way to focus on Christ, listen to the Spirit and rest in God’s love.

Drawing insights from our forefathers, such as Augustine, Anselm of Canterbury and Bernard of Clairvaux, “Pierced by Love” inspires Christians to join the Church’s rich heritage of transformative reading.

“Of course, God can reveal himself however, whenever and to whomever he wants, no matter the path we ourselves have taken,” notes Boersma. “But our job is to turn back, time and again, to the regular practices of reading, meditation and prayer. It is in the incarnate Christ, made known in biblical words, that we witness the self-revelation of God’s love.”

“Pierced by Love: Divine Reading with the Christian Tradition” is available April 19 from Lexham Press. For more information, visit https://lexhampress.com/product/229469/pierced-by-love-divine-reading-with-the-christian-tradition.

About Lexham Press: Lexham Press seeks to increase biblical literacy, thoughtful Christian reflection, and faithful action around the world by publishing a range of Bible study materials, scholarly works, and pastoral resources. For information, visit lexhampress.com.

About Hans Boersma:  Hans Boersma is the Saint Benedict Servants of Christ Chair in Ascetical Theology at Nashotah House in Wisconsin, a priest in the Anglican Church in North America, and the author of numerous books, including “Seeing God,” “Heavenly Participation,” and “Five Things Theologians Wish Biblical Scholars Knew.”

Media Contact:  Lauren Briggs, 972-267-1111, lauren@alarryross.com

HC Arc offers improved readability and sustainability

New York, NY, April 20, 2023—HarperCollins Publishers today announced the creation of HC Arc^®, a new font designed to enhance the reading experience. The font has a dynamic sense of motion and was designed to improve readability. In addition, HC Arc will reduce the amount of paper used per title by up to 20 percent. Launching in July, the font will be exclusive to HarperCollins and used on select non-English titles published by the company’s European and South American businesses.

“We are very excited about the introduction of HC Arc,” says Chantal Restivo-Alessi, CEO International Foreign Language and Chief Digital Officer. “It promises to deliver on two important initiatives at HarperCollins: improving readability and sustainability. Translations in Europe can be extremely lengthy. This new font is a creative way to publish shorter books while accommodating the longer text, all while ensuring the reader’s experience is actually improved. It is elegant and dynamic, and we look forward to bringing it to market this year.”

HarperCollins partnered with 2K/DENMARK to develop the proprietary typeface, which has a darker texture, higher x-height, and low contrast aesthetic. It was designed to provide an elegant representation of the text, and can be used on high-bulk paper. With less paper usage, it helps to reduce the environmental impact of the books.

About 2K/DENMARK: 2K/DENMARK was founded in 1987. Today they offer a range of high quality services, both digitally and in printed media. 2K are designers, and that shines through in their type design, typesetting, and app development. With their roots deep in typography, design, and art history, they understand and respect the craft, but they also dare to find new solutions using new technology—innovation turns most parts of their business. Learn more at www.2kdenmark.com.

About HarperCollins:  HarperCollins Publishers is the second largest consumer book publisher in the world, with operations in 18 countries. With 200 years of history and more than 120 branded imprints around the world, HarperCollins publishes approximately 10,000 new books every year in 17 languages, and has a print and digital catalog of more than 200,000 titles. Writing across dozens of genres, HarperCollins authors include winners of the Nobel Prize, the Pulitzer Prize, the National Book Award, the Newbery and Caldecott Medals and the Man Booker Prize. HarperCollins, headquartered in New York, is a subsidiary of News Corp (NASDAQ: NWS, NWSA; ASX: NWS, NWSLV) and can be visited online at corporate.HC.com.

Contact: Erin Crum, HarperCollins Publishers, 212-207-7223, Erin.Crum@HarperCollins.com

ATLANTA, April 16, 2023 — The death has been announced of George Verwer, who founded the global Christian mission agency, Operation Mobilization, and directed it for 45 years.

He passed away peacefully with his family by his side at his home near London, England, the evening of April 14.  He was 84 years old.

Verwer was born in New Jersey, USA, and committed his life to Christ at a Billy Graham meeting in New York City in 1955. Driven by the cause of world evangelism from then on, the teenage maverick went on to have immeasurable global impact. He has been described as “the most outstanding North American missionary statesman of the last 60 years.”

“George changed the face of missions in his generation,” said Andrew Scott, president of OM   USA. “When the mission agencies of the late fifties were looking for highly trained individuals with seminary degrees who would commit to going for a lifetime, George invited young people who simply loved Jesus to come for a summer. This was new. This was different. Thousands came.”

Operation Mobilization began with three students in a worn-out van distributing Christian literature in Mexico, then branching into Europe and across the globe. Today, more than 5,000 OM workers are active in almost 150 countries, in a huge range of ministries.

Verwer’s daring vision in the 1960s led to ships being used to transport and train international volunteers while carrying a cargo of literature and aid supplies. Fifty million people have climbed the gangways of OM’s four ships, and at least double that number have come into contact with the “good news”  through outreaches and projects in port cities worldwide.

Movements like OM and its close contemporary, Youth With A Mission (YWAM), led the way in developing same- and near-culture workers to serve globally alongside those from established mission-sending nations and backgrounds.

OM International Director Lawrence Tong, said, “George was passionate about Jesus, passionate for God’s word, and passionate for the lost. I believe he was God’s man for the 20th century, who changed the course of modern missions.”

“We should have thought he was a ‘nutcase,’ but because of the Holy Spirit, we just knew this was a man you could follow to the ends of the earth, and we had real confidence he was getting the mind of the Lord,” recalls Greg Livingstone, the founder of missions group Frontiers.

Known for his world map jackets and for handing out more than a million free books, in the 20 years since he stepped down from leading OM, Verwer managed special projects, spoke at church events with characteristic vigor and wrote more than a dozen books. A key theme was admitting his own imperfections and honoring God who graciously forgives and works through people, despite their mistakes. He called it “messiology.”

George is survived by his wife, Drena, their three children, plus grandchildren and great grandchildren. The Verwer family thanks partners all over the world for their prayers and asks for privacy at this time. Details of thanksgiving services will be released later.

Speaking in 2015, George summed up what drove him, long past retirement age:

“I’m still mega-motivated to see everyone in the world being given the gospel at least once…  [to] have the opportunity to hear about saving grace through our Lord Jesus Christ, and I hope I can, right to my last breath, continue to share that message.”

Those in the United States who would like to give to OM in memory of George Verwer can visit omusa.org/George – or contact OM USA at 770-631-0432.

About Operation Mobilization:

• Operation Mobilization’s work began when George Verwer, Dale Rhoton and Walter Borchard embarked on their first mission trip in 1957. Their passion to share God’s word with those who had not yet heard the gospel or encountered followers of Jesus led to a global organization of upwards of 5,000 people, now at work in more than 147 countries.
• Millions have been shown the love of Christ, tens of thousands of Christians who served short-term have been discipled and prepared for future service, and countless lives have been transformed by God.
• An estimated 300 other organizations worldwide have their roots in OM or have been started by former OMers.

Notes to Editors:

• Biography details about George Verwer.
• A selection of high-resolution photographs. (Please credit OM in your use of these.)
• A short video with highlights of Verwer’s life and ministry — https://vimeo.com/816045065.
• A compilation of Verwer’s own words from speeches, books and interviews.
• Tributes from Verwer contemporaries.

Interviews with OM leaders in the US and other countries can be arranged. Please direct inquiries to:
Elizabeth Flowers, Phone: 770-380-5773, E-mail: elizabeth.flowers@om.org

CONTACT: Elizabeth Flowers, 770-380-5773, elizabeth.flowers@om.org

Nashville, TN (April 17, 2023) – AccessMore, Educational Media Foundation (EMF) – parent of K-LOVE, Air1, and WTA MEDIA – proudly announces that “America’s Pastor” and New York Times bestselling author Max Lucado will join their platform.

“AccessMore is ecstatic about our new podcast partnership with Max Lucado. We are thrilled and energized at the opportunity to help Max’s insights and teaching on Jesus go even further with his addition to AccessMore,” commented Jim Houser, EMF Chief Content Officer. “The ministry of Max Lucado has had a profound influence on this generation; it’s impossible to calculate its reach. Through his teachings and books, he points people to Jesus, a mission that we here at EMF share, and we are humbled by every opportunity to stand alongside him.”

Lucado, a pastor for more than 40 years and bestselling author whose books have sold more than 145 million copies in over 50 languages, aims through this podcast to share the greatest story ever told – the living Savior who brings a lifetime of hope.

The Max Lucado Encouraging Word Podcast has seen over six million downloads since launching in the summer of 2020. Lucado welcomes the next chapter with AccessMore saying: “I’m excited to join the AccessMore podcast network and to have the opportunity to share weekly messages of hope and encouragement with listeners. My years in ministry have shown me what God can do through faithful partners, and I’m honored The Encouraging Word Podcast is now available on the AccessMore platform.”

Each episode features an inspired and encouraging word from Lucado as he uses his unique biblical insight, heartwarming storytelling, and comforting tone to empower listeners to put their faith in a God who is always near. The Max Lucado Encouraging Word Podcast started in 2020 when the global pandemic began from Max’s daily “check-in” videos to virtually pastor people from home. These messages have continued, and have been viewed more than 42 million times since March 2020.

“As podcast listening continues to grow, it’s so fitting to add Max to the curated cart of thoughtful podcasts we call AccessMore.” said Rahny Taylor, Director of AccessMore. “Now you can start your week with motivation from Christine Caine, encouragement from Max Lucado, theology with Lisa Harper, and more!”

The Max Lucado Encouraging Word Podcast is out now and can be heard weekly on AccessMore.com, the AccessMore App, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

About Max Lucado:  Max Lucado is a pastor, speaker, and bestselling author who, in his own words, “writes books for people who don’t read books.” He lives in San Antonio, Texas with his wife Denalyn where he serves the people of Oak Hills Church. His message is for the hurting, the guilty, the lonely, and the discouraged: God loves you; let him. Learn more about Max at www.maxlucado.com.

About Educational Media Foundation:  Educational Media Foundation (EMF) is a nonprofit, multi-platform media company on a mission to draw people closer to Christ. Founded in 1982 in Santa Rosa, Calif., with a single radio station, EMF today owns and operates the world’s two largest Christian music radio networks (K-LOVE and Air1) with more than 1,000 broadcast signals across all 50 states, streaming audio reaching around the world, and a growing family of media ministries including podcasts, books, films, concerts and events. EMF employs 500 team members between its offices in Nashville, TN; Rocklin, CA; and field locations around the country. (For more information, visit www.emfbroadcasting.com)

Media Contact: Jana Muntsinger, MMPR, jana@mmpublicrelations.com, 832-247-9308

Orange County, CA – FrontGate Media, the leading faith-based marketing agency and media group, is pleased to announce that its Founder and Chief Engagement Officer, Scott A. Shuford, is appearing on The Doctor of Digital™ Podcast to discuss the benefits of marketing to the faith-based Christian audience.

The Doctor of Digital™ Podcast is hosted by GMick Smith, PhD, an expert in digital marketing, and covers a range of topics related to the digital world. In the episode, Scott A. Shuford discusses the unique opportunities and challenges of marketing to the faith-based Christian audience and shares insights into how FrontGate Media has been successful for their clients in reaching this group.

“Marketing to the faith-based, Christian audience is a passion of mine, and I am excited to share my experience and knowledge on this topic with The Doctor of Digital™ Podcast audience,” said Scott A. Shuford. “At FrontGate Media, we have helped many clients effectively engage with this audience and achieve their marketing goals, and I am excited about the discussion of key strategies and best practices that have worked for us.”

FrontGate Media has been a leader in faith-based marketing for over two decades, offering a range of services to help clients effectively reach the Christian audience through Public Relations, Social Marketing, and Advertising. With exclusive proprietary marketing programs and a digital network of over 20 million email subscribers, 10 million monthly pageviews, and millions of social followers, FrontGate Media has the expertise and reach to help for-profit and non-profit brands connect with the faith-based community.

The episode featuring Scott A. Shuford is available now on The Doctor of Digital™ Podcast.  Listeners can tune in on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and other major podcast platforms.

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About FrontGate Media
Award-winning FrontGate Media is the leading marketing agency and media group specializing in the faith and family audience.  With a 20+ year track record of success, the firm serves as “Your Gateway to the Christian Audience.” FrontGate’s full-service agency and media group has been trusted with over 5,000 campaigns, providing Faith-based market Strategy Development, Public Relations, Social Media & Marketing, and Media Buying. FrontGate’s own Digital Network also provides reach to 10 Million UMV, 20 Million Email Subscribers, and Millions more Social Followers each month.  Founded in 2001, FrontGate has repeatedly been honored in the Internet Advertising Competition and the WebAwards. The company plays a key role in the success of for-profit and non-profit organizations seeking faith-based and family-friendly audiences. http://FrontGateMedia.com