Beloved pastor and bestselling author shares the personal story behind seven decades of ministry in the book he never expected to write.
NASHVILLE, TN (October 13, 2026) – Nelson Books, an imprint of Thomas Nelson, today releases Awakened by Grace: The Life Story of Chuck Swindoll, the long-awaited memoir by internationally known pastor, bestselling author, and founder of the global radio ministry Insight for Living. For the first time, Swindoll shares the deeply personal experiences, unexpected challenges, and defining moments that shaped his life and seven decades of ministry.
Long encouraged by readers and listeners to share his complete story, Swindoll initially resisted writing about his own life. He eventually embraced the project as a chance to show how God’s grace guided him through seasons of uncertainty, hardship, and extraordinary influence.
From overcoming a childhood stutter to being accepted to Dallas Theological Seminary on probation and later serving as its president, Swindoll’s journey is marked by unexpected turns and remarkable perseverance. The memoir also chronicles his five pastorates, the founding of Insight for Living and Stonebriar Community Church, and his decision to pass leadership to the next generation while affirming, “I am not retiring from the ministry!”
“The book that needs to be written is not about me. It’s about God’s sovereign plan working in and through me, even despite me!” Swindoll writes.
Published after Swindoll transitioned from regular preaching responsibilities in 2024, the memoir offers a rare opportunity to reflect on the experiences and relationships that shaped his ministry and the enduring message of grace at its center.
Awakened by Grace: The Life Story of Chuck Swindoll is available today wherever books are sold.
Book Details
Title: Awakened by Grace: The Life Story of Chuck Swindoll
Author: Charles R. Swindoll
Publisher: Nelson Books / Thomas Nelson
Publication Date: October 13, 2026
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781400258352
List Price: $34.99
About Charles R. Swindoll
Charles R. Swindoll is the founder and senior pastor–teacher of Stonebriar Community Church in Frisco, Texas. But Chuck’s listening audience extends far beyond a local church body, as Insight for Living airs on major Christian radio markets around the world. Chuck’s extensive writing ministry has also served the body of Christ worldwide, and his leadership as president and now chancellor of Dallas Theological Seminary has helped prepare and equip a new generation of men and women for ministry. Chuck and his wife, Cynthia, his partner in life and ministry, have four grown children, ten grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.
Connect with Chuck on Facebook and Twitter (@ChuckSwindoll), or on his Insight for Living ministry website (http://insight.org/).
About Nelson Books
Nelson Books, an imprint of Thomas Nelson, is an industry leader in Christian nonfiction publishing. Nelson Books publishes a diverse array of leaders, experts, and creatives, crafting biblically informed and spiritually fresh books from a Christian perspective that enliven, educate, and encourage readers. The Nelson Books roster of bestselling authors includes Lysa TerKeurst, Tim Tebow, John Mark Comer, John & Stasi Eldredge, Jennie Allen, Jefferson Bethke, Bob Goff, Ruth Chou Simons, Tyler Staton, Jason Wilson, Christine Caine, and Zach Windahl.
Contact:
Lisa Beech, VP of Publicity, Lisa.beech@harpercollins.com
