Two Legacy Brands Unite, Making David C Cook the Largest Independent Publisher of Curriculum for the Interdenominational Church Market
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., October 16, 2024—Christian publisher and music company David C Cook announced today its intention to acquire Group Publishing, a leader in Vacation Bible School (VBS) programs.
The addition of Group Publishing’s VBS and other faith-focused curricula will make David C Cook the largest independent publisher of curriculum for the interdenominational church market, furthering its position as a leader in children’s ministry resources.
David C Cook has a proven history of acquiring and successfully growing and integrating legacy brands—including Standard Publishing Commentary and Gospel Light—but hasn’t yet established a strong presence in the VBS market, where Group Publishing is a market leader.
“The success of Group Publishing as an innovator in VBS, children’s ministry, youth ministry, Bibles and small-group resources is a testimony to the hard work and creativity of their staff,” said David C Cook CEO Bill Reeves. “Combining the talents and capabilities of the Group Publishing and David C Cook teams will exponentially increase our ability to equip the church and engage young people in transformational discipleship.”
“Group Publishing’s VBS programs include memorable and relevant children’s music we envision partnering well with our global music division, Integrity Music,” said Reeves. “Expanding our children’s ministry capabilities aligns with our commitment to continue serving all generations of the church.”
David C Cook was founded in 1875 in response to a need for age-appropriate Sunday school materials for kids. It has since expanded to create and distribute curriculum, books and music for all ages and stages of the faith journey.
Group Publishing began in 1974, when youth ministry worker Thom Schultz published GROUP magazine to support and inspire youth group leaders. Following the magazine’s initial success, Schultz grew Group Publishing’s offerings to include a wide variety of practical and innovative resources and experiences for Christians and church leaders.
“David C Cook is a great choice to carry on the important work we’ve started,” said Schultz, who has served as founder and CEO of Group Publishing since its inception. “As my wife Joani and I prepare to shift our focus to global philanthropic work, we enter this next season knowing Group’s relational, experiential resources will live on with David C Cook, reaching even more people and helping them grow in their relationships with Jesus and each other.”
About David C Cook
David C Cook is a nonprofit ministry dedicated to equipping the global church with leadership, discipleship and worship resources to help Christians grow in faith and pass it along to the next generation. Integrity Music, part of the David C Cook family, is committed to taking songs of substance to the local church and its leaders around the world. Read more about David C Cook and its global ministry outreach at davidccook.org.
About Group Publishing
Group Publishing creates a wide variety of award-winning, faith-based content, products and experiences for kids, teens and adults. Founded in 1974 when Thom Schultz recognized a need for youth ministry resources, today Group Publishing’s offerings include Vacation Bible School curriculum, Sunday school curriculum, music and resources for believers of all ages. For more information about Group Publishing, visit group.com. CONTACT: Alli Ehrhardt, 541.973.1994
