Oct. 14, 2025 – W Publishing Group, an imprint of Thomas Nelson Publishing, today announced a deal with Philip Anthony Mitchell, lead pastor of 2819 Church in Atlanta, Ga., for his debut book, Contend: Winning the War Outside and the Battle Within. The acquisition went to Kyle Olund, senior acquisitions editor for W Publishing Group, by Jevon Bolden, CEO and founder, Embolden Media Group. The book’s release date is to be announced.
In Contend, Mitchell, a renowned prophetic communicator and cultural voice, calls a drifting generation to awaken—to confront spiritual apathy and cultural compromise with trembling reverence and courageous clarity. Drawing deeply from the often-overlooked letter of Jude, he confronts the crisis within the Church in America and beyond, sounding an urgent call for believers to reclaim authentic faith, pursue inner healing, and carry forward the true gospel amid encroaching darkness. Mitchell equips readers with spiritual tools to stand firm both in the battle within and the war without.
“I believe we’re living in a tense and pivotal moment of American history where Christianity can tip toward revival or irrelevance. With that in view, I am elated to partner with the W Publishing Group team at HarperCollins Christian Publishing to release my long-awaited, forthcoming book Contend, a clarion call to the body of Christ,” said Mitchell.
“We’re thrilled to partner with W Publishing Group on this project. Their proven track record of publishing high-impact authors and their collaborative spirit made them the ideal choice for this next chapter in Pastor Philip’s ministry and the bold message of Contend,” said Bolden.
“We welcome Philip and his timely message to our publishing family,” said Damon Reiss, VP and Publisher of W Publishing Group. “Philip’s voice resonates with a boldness and conviction that is so needed in this moment. Contend is far more than a book—it is a rallying cry, a blueprint for spiritual courage, and a lifeline for those longing to see genuine revival and restoration in the Church. We believe its impact will be both immediate and enduring.”
2819 Church is a movement that has experienced explosive growth and stirred hearts across generations and platforms. With over eighteen years in ministry, Mitchell is recognized for his unwavering focus on biblical authority, his compassion for the broken, and his relentless pursuit of spiritual awakening. His personal journey of faith and restoration breathes authenticity and hope into every page of his work.
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, TN. For additional information, visit www.thomasnelson.com.
Contact: Allison Carter, Sr. Publicity Dir., W Publishing Group, allison.carter@harpercollins.com
