Founder of Atlanta’s rapidly growing 2819 Church makes an extraordinary literary debut, earning top rankings from the New York Times, USA Today, Publishers Weekly, and Amazon
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Oct. 23, 2026) — Pastor Philip Anthony Mitchell, founder and lead pastor of Atlanta-based 2819 Church, is an instant New York Times bestselling author following the release of his debut book, Contend: Standing Boldly for Biblical Truth While Winning the War Within (Oct. 13, 2026, W Publishing, an imprint of Thomas Nelson).
The book was an instant New York Times bestseller, debuting at No. 1 on the Advice, How-To & Miscellaneous list, No. 1 on Publishers Weekly’s Hardcover Frontlist Nonfiction list and No. 8 on USA Today’s Best-selling Booklist. It also ranked No. 2 among the most sold nonfiction books on Amazon Charts for the week of Oct. 18 and reached No. 1 among all books on Amazon during release week.
In another remarkable milestone, Contend has already surpassed 100,000 copies sold across print, e-book and audiobook formats, underscoring the extraordinary response to Mitchell’s message just days after its release.
The success marks a significant milestone for Mitchell, whose rise as one of the most talked-about voices in the American Church has captured national attention. Under his leadership, 2819 Church has grown from approximately 200 to more than 6,000 weekly attendees in just three years, drawing widespread interest in its unapologetic emphasis on biblical truth, prayer, repentance and discipleship.
“Seeing Pastor Philip’s debut book reach No. 1 on the New York Times Best Sellers list and surpass 100,000 copies sold is an extraordinary achievement,” said Susan Ligon, vice president and publisher of W Publishing. “But what makes this moment especially meaningful is what it represents. People are hungry for truth, conviction and a faith that goes beyond the surface. Pastor Philip has a remarkable ability to speak to that hunger with both boldness and authenticity, and we are honored to partner with him in bringing this important message to readers everywhere.”
In Contend, Mitchell delivers an urgent call for believers to stand firm in biblical truth while confronting the personal battles that threaten their spiritual lives. Addressing issues including compromise, complacency, fear, pride, and distraction, he challenges Christians to recognize that the fight for their faith is not only against the pressures of culture, but also against the struggles within themselves.
For Mitchell, whose personal journey took him from the streets of Queens, New York, and time spent at Rikers Island prison to a radical conversion to Christianity and a calling to ministry, the success of Contend represents another remarkable chapter in a story of redemption and transformation.
“From the beginning, we believed Contend was more than a book for a moment. It is a message the church needs right now,” said Kyle Olund, executive editor at W Publishing. “Pastor Philip does not shy away from difficult truths, but he also understands that genuine spiritual transformation begins with the individual. His willingness to confront both the challenges facing the church and the battles within our own hearts is what makes this book so compelling. The response from readers has been incredible, and we are grateful to see this message reaching so many people.”
As Contend continues to gain momentum, its success reflects the growing influence of a pastor whose message is resonating across generations, particularly younger audiences seeking an authentic, uncompromising expression of Christian faith.
Contend: Standing Boldly for Biblical Truth While Winning the War Within is available now wherever books are sold.
For more information or media inquiries, please contact Amanda Woods, amanda.woods@harpercollins.com.
About Philip Anthony Mitchell
Philip Anthony Mitchell is a native of Queens, NY. He is the founder and lead pastor of 2819 CHURCH, a lively Christ-centered movement based in Atlanta, GA, and the founder of the 2819 INSTITUTE. An honors graduate from North Carolina Central University, Pastor Philip also holds a degree in Pastoral and Church Leadership. He is a bold leader and passionate communicator deeply dedicated to the Great Commission of Christ, the equipping of the Disciples and Digital Disciples of 2819, and the spread of the Gospel across the nation and around the world. Pastor Philip has been married to his wife, Lena, since August 2004 and they make their home in the Atlanta area with their two sons and two daughters. His debut book, Contend: Standing Boldly for Biblical Truth While Winning the War Within, is a No. 1 New York Times bestseller.
Thomas Nelson is a world-leading publisher and provider of Christian content and has been providing readers with quality inspirational products 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, curriculum and digital content, with distribution of its products in more than 100 countries. Thomas Nelson is headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee. For additional information, visit www.thomasnelson.com.
Contact: Amanda Woods, Publicity Director, W Publishing Group, amanda.woods@harpercollins.com
