Beginning in January 2018, the Nazarene Publishing House commenced doing business in North America as The Foundry Publishing. The rebranding, which was introduced in phases beginning in June 2017, will allow NPH to expand its market reach in order to impact a broader audience with the Wesleyan-Holiness message, according to CEO Mark D. Brown. Internationally, the Nazarene Publishing House brand will remain in place.
“The primary focus of our company will be the Wesleyan market, particularly the Church of the Nazarene,” said Brown. “But just as Saul’s name became Paul in order to evangelize the Gentiles, we also feel some changes are necessary in order to reach beyond our denominational borders. Adopting his Roman name was typical of Paul’s missionary strategy. His method was to put people at ease and to approach them in a language and style they could relate to. Our market research is telling us that it is time for a new brand that opens the door to new audiences.”
The Foundry name was chosen because it harkens back to John Wesley’s first chapel, The Foundry Church, established in 1739 in London. The Foundry Church was the cradle of a new holiness theology as Wesley led congregants in a commitment to embrace justice and compassion as central to the gospel of Christ. “We are leaning into our rich holiness heritage to inform our strategic plan,” Brown said. “We believe ‘The Foundry’ is a powerful metaphor that keeps us anchored in our past and yet propels us into the future.”
Brown describes a future that includes innovative products, a more responsive posture, and more collaboration with partners in ministry. “In the midst of change, we will continue to provide the resources local congregations depend on weekly for ministry,” Brown said. The Foundry Publishing will focus on theology, spiritual formation, pastoral resources, and youth and children’s ministry. Brown said there are plans to release a brand new suite of media-rich Adult Sunday School and small group resources in March 2018, as well as all-new children’s, youth, and young adult curriculum in 2019.”
“We thank God for these days of opportunity,” Brown said. “We ask our industry partners to join us in prayer as we embark on this exciting season of innovation.”
For more information and to view a video on The Foundry story, visit The FoundryPublishing.com.
