Tag: HarperCollins Christian Publishing

Grand Rapids, MI – October 6, 2022 – The Zonderkidz title, I’m So Glad You Were
Born authored by FOX & Friends co-host Ainsley Earhardt received #1 status on the New York
Times bestseller list for Children’s Picture Books for the October 16 issue. The book released
September 27, 2022 with Earhardt appearing on numerous FOX programs, doing a full national
media tour and personal appearances in several cities around the country such as Nashville, Salt Lake City, and Ponte Vedra, Florida.

“Our team at Zonderkidz is elated about this #1 status for this special book,” says Zonderkidz
Vice President and Publisher Megan Dobson. “Ainsley’s heart for sharing this important and
needed message with children has shown since our first conversations together, and it’s been
amazing to watch this book already reach so many children and their families. We’re so grateful
for Ainsley and the teams at FOX and CAA for helping us inspire young lives and get the word
out about I’m So Glad You Were Born. We’re excited to keep on sharing this message of love to
even more children, celebrating who they are and the plans God has for them.”

Earhardt shared the bestseller news with viewers of FOX & Friends this morning and on her
Instagram account: https://www.instagram.com/p/CjX2IisDHNL/

Dedicated to her daughter Hayden, this book is meant to be shared with children to remind
them that they were created to be extraordinary and treasured.

“My mother always told us on our birthdays each year how glad she was that we were born—and
now I love saying that to my daughter, Hayden,” said Earhardt, during her book announcement
this spring. “This book celebrates all the reasons we are so glad our children are born and how
special they are. It reminds children they have a purpose, there’s a plan for their life, that God
loves them and they are worthy of having a wonderful life. This book is about noticing the traits
that make a child special, and I hope it helps parents, grandparents, and caregivers to slow down and take the time to tell the children in their lives how grateful and appreciative they are for all the special things that make a child who they are.”

Ainsley Earhardt is now the author of four New York Times bestsellers, including three #1 children’s picture book bestsellers as of October 2022. She hosts a Bible Study with Fox Nation and has over one million followers on her social media platforms combined. Earhardt has been a co-host on the popular FOX & Friends morning show since 2016.

Visit https://books.ainsleye.com/ for information about the book.

For more information, please contact Zonderkidz Publicity Director Jessica Westra at
[email protected] or Velvet Kelm at [email protected].

Hardcover w/Jacket, $18.99 – 9780310777021
(eBook, $14.99 – 9780310776673, audio book read by the author, with bonus
material and interview)
32 pages, 10 x 10 spot UV, foil
Ages 4 – 8
Now Available Anywhere Books Are Sold

Zonderkidz™, the children’s division of Zondervan, inspires young lives through imaginative, innovative and educational resources that represent a Christian worldview and build up God’s children and teens. For additional information, please visit www.zonderkidz.com.

Zondervan is a world-leading Bible publisher and provider of Christian communications. Zondervan, as part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc., delivers transformational Christian experiences through its bestselling Bibles, books, curriculum, academic resources and digital products. The Company’s products are sold worldwide and translated into nearly 200 languages. Zondervan’s offices are located in Grand Rapids, Michigan. For additional information, please visit www.zondervan.com.

Media Contact:
Jessica Westra
Director of Publicity, Zonderkidz
[email protected]
616.403.6628

The Unexpected Light of Thomas Alva Edison releases March 2023

Grand Rapids, MI – September 23, 2022 – Zonderkidz is pleased to announce that New
York Times bestselling author, broadcast journalist and producer Raymond Arroyo will publish
a new children’s picture book series titled Turnabout Tales, with the first book arriving in stores
on March 21, 2023, titled The Unexpected Light of Thomas Alva Edison. Illustrated by Kristina
Gehrmann, the book will be for children 4-8 and beyond who will enjoy learning how small
moments and events in one’s life can create a big change, much like Edison’s life did.

Based on the younger years of inventor Thomas Alva Edison, the book highlights the support of
his mother, Nancy Edison, who understood Thomas had a special curiosity and went on to
school him at home to help expand his worldview and understanding of all things nature and
science. Edison’s curiosity often got him into trouble, but also led to his love of chemistry, the
mechanics of the telegraph and more. His struggle with deafness at an early age also compelled
him to become a compulsive reader. Edison’s mother was his biggest advocate, and he opened
up an “invention factory” in 1876 to honor her after her unexpected death.

The Turnabout Tales series will feature pivotal moments in other historic lives, each revealing
challenges faced, paths changed and history turned. More books will be announced later in 2023. This series was acquired by Zonderkidz Publisher Megan Dobson and Senior Acquisitions
Editor Katherine Jacobs, from agent Chip Flaherty of Bamtrey Strategies.

Zonderkidz is happy to bring these unique stories from Raymond to a wide audience who will
appreciate history and the hidden backstories of characters that can inspire children and their
families even today,” says Megan Dobson, Vice President and Publisher of Zonderkidz. “We seek
to highlight tales that bring light and joy while also delivering inspiring yet little-known stories
that bring history to life for kids in an all-new, fun way. Acquiring this series fits perfectly within
our mission.”

“We often forget that talent is nurtured by love and belief. I was drawn to Edison when I read a
comment where he attributed his entire career as an inventor to his mother,” says Arroyo, host
of the global news program The World Over Live on EWTN, and a Fox News Contributor. “At a
critical point, when he was tossed from school, it was Edison’s mother who recognized his spark
and changed the trajectory of his life. My hope is that the whole series will inspire kids and their
families to be open to the direction of their children’s gifts and interests. Often it is by looking
back that we can see the best way to go forward –and that’s what I hope to do with Turnabout
Tales.”

The book includes an author note and bibliography for further reading. A Teaching Guide and
Activity Guide will also be available for free download to parents and educators at
www.zonderkidz.com.

“…the light of the invention within Tom might have never illuminated the world, had it not been
for a mother who first saw the glow of curiosity in her Al.” – The Unexpected Light of Thomas
Alva Edison

ABOUT THE BOOK:
The Unexpected Light of Thomas Alva Edison
By New York Times bestselling author Raymond Arroyo
Illustrated by Kristina Gehrmann
Hardcover w/Jacket, $17.99
9780310799238
March 21, 2023 On Sale

Advance copies of the book and interviews are available upon request; a multi-city media tour in
several U.S. cities in the spring featuring visits to media and schools is in process. Please contact
Publicity Director Jessica Westra at [email protected] for more information.

WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING:
“This moving, hidden story of one of our great inventors, in Raymond Arroyo’s skillful hands,
becomes a lesson in the power of love and family. This Turnabout Tale will touch any parent
who has ever defended or encouraged their child and inspire any student who has been
underestimated. There’s true light in this tale.” – Kathie Lee Gifford, Best-selling author and
4-time Emmy award winning entertainer

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Raymond Arroyo is an internationally known, award-winning journalist, producer, and New
York Times bestselling author. As a Fox News Contributor and Editorial Advisor to the top rated, The Ingraham Angle, he has created the popular “Seen and Unseen” and “Friday Follies”
segments that have become audience favorites. He regularly files reports for Fox News and
appears across the network.

As founding News Director, Managing Editor and Lead Anchor for EWTN News, he is seen in
more than 350 million homes on six continents each week and heard on more than 500 AM/FM
affiliates and a stand alone Sirius channel throughout the U.S. Arroyo established EWTN News
and The World Over Live in 1996, which he hosts from Washington D.C. each week.
Known for his penetrating interviews, Arroyo has interrogated the leading figures of the day.

Highlights include: The first exclusive, sit down interview with Mel Gibson about his film, “The
Passion of the Christ”; Mother Teresa of Calcutta; Placido Domingo; Presidents George W. Bush
and Donald Trump, a groundbreaking interview with comic legend, Jerry Lewis, and the first
and only English language interview with Pope Benedict XVI.

Before coming to EWTN, Arroyo worked for the Associated Press, The New York Observer and
the political columnist team of Evans and Novak. Arroyo is a graduate of New York University’s
Tisch School of the Arts. He has acted and directed in New York and London.

In addition to his work at EWTN, Arroyo has appeared on The Today Show, Good Morning
America, CNN Headline News, Access Hollywood, and NPR. His work has appeared in the Wall
Street Journal, The Financial Times, Newsweek, Time Magazine, The New Yorker, and
elsewhere.

Five of his adult books, including his biography of Mother Angelica, were all New York Times
bestsellers. His first picture book, The Spider Who Saved Christmas, was also a New York
Times bestseller. Additionally, he is author of the bestselling Will Wilder series for young
readers. In 2015, Arroyo founded Storyented.com, a literacy initiative to inspire reading by
connecting the world’s great authors and their readers. Arroyo resides in New Orleans and
Washington D.C. with his wife Rebecca and their three children.

https://raymondarroyo.com/
https://twitter.com/raymondarroyo
https://www.facebook.com/ArroyoRaymond
Literary Initiative: storyented.com

Zonderkidz™, the children’s division of Zondervan, inspires young lives through
imaginative, innovative and educational resources that represent a Christian worldview and
build up God’s children and teens. For additional information, please visit
www.zonderkidz.com.

Zondervan is a world-leading Bible publisher and provider of Christian communications.
Zondervan, as part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc., delivers transformational
Christian experiences through its bestselling Bibles, books, curriculum, academic resources and
digital products. The Company’s products are sold worldwide and translated into nearly 200
languages. Zondervan’s offices are located in Grand Rapids, Michigan. For additional
information, please visit www.zondervan.com.

Media Contact:
Jessica Westra
Director of Publicity, Zonderkidz
[email protected]
616.403.6628

Fiona Love at the Zoo releases November 15 and highlights the affections of Zoo animal families 

Exclusive pre-order print features Fiona and her new sibling, Fritz 

Grand Rapids, MI — September 13 — Zonderkidz, the children’s division of Zondervan, will release a new illustrated picture book in November in partnership with the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, one of the top zoos in the nation. Fiona Love at the Zoo features artwork from New York Times bestselling illustrator and Cincinnati native, Richard Cowdrey. 

This is the sixth picture book from Zonderkidz featuring the world’s most famous hippo. The New York Times bestselling Fiona the Hippo picture book was a hit with Fiona fans around the globe. Fiona is a worldwide internet sensation and the star of the Cincinnati Zoo, thanks to her spunk and the fighting spirit that helped her overcome all odds when she was born six weeks premature.  She is now over 5 years old and much heavier than her 29-pound birthweight! 

To celebrate the book, a free, exclusive pre-order print from Zonderkidz is available to the first 500 fans who order the book from their favorite retailer prior to November 15, 2022 and fill out the form on here. The 5×7 colored print, drawn by Fiona book illustrator Richard Cowdrey, shows Fiona lovingly snuggling with new baby brother, Fritz. Suitable for framing, the print highlights Fiona with the new baby hippo who was born this August to much fanfare worldwide.    

In the latest book, Fiona is illustrated discovering how her animal friends at the Zoo have lots of little ways of showing affection to each other – like wrapping necks as giraffes do, swans water-dancing, seals booping noses, and peacocks striking dramatic poses.  

“This book is a celebration of love, and the timing couldn’t be more perfect as the Cincinnati Zoo recently welcomed Fritz into their hippo “bloat” family,” says Megan Dobson, VP and publisher of Zonderkidz. “We appreciate working alongside the Zoo and helping them support their mission. And yes, Fiona the Hippo fans should be delighted to know that Fritz will be in an upcoming book in 2023…so stay tuned!”   

About the book: 

www.fionathehippobook.com 

Fiona Love at the Zoo 

Illustrated by Richard Cowdrey 

On sale November 15, 2022  

$18.99 Ages 4 – 8 

9780310770855  

From Zonderkidz, a division of Zondervan, a HarperCollins company 

About the Illustrator: Richard Cowdrey is well known for illustrating many beautiful children’s picture books, including the New York Times bestseller Fiona the Hippo and Bad Dog, Marley! Originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, Cowdrey graduated from The Columbus College of Art and Design. Richard’s love for family and nature overflows into his illustrations which are enjoyed by children around the world. The artist lives in Ohio with his wife and has four grown children and five grandchildren. When not painting in his studio, Richard enjoys visiting schools to share with children his love of illustration.  Richard is available for interviews, school visits and store and library story time events about Fiona. 

About the Hippo:  Fiona was born January 24, 2017, six weeks before her due date. At 29 pounds she was very small for a Nile hippo. The whole world watched as Fiona learned to walk, eat and swim. Her challenges were big, but her spunk and incredible will helped her prevail time and again. Since her birth, millions of people from around the world have been pulling for Fiona to keep fighting. As she grew older, so did her social media following.     

#FionatheHippo #TeamFiona #FionatheHippobook #Zonderkidz 

About the Zoo:  The world-famous Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is committed to inspiring visitors to care about wildlife and wild places.  It has been rated the #1 attraction locally and one of the top zoos in the nation by Zagat Survey.  It has also received rave reviews from Child Magazine, Parents Magazine, USA Today and TripAdvisor. Over 1.6 million people visit the Zoo’s award-winning habitats, and more than 500 animal and 3000 plant species annually. 

About us: Zonderkidz™, the children’s division of Zondervan, inspires young lives through imaginative, innovative, and educational resources that represent a Christian worldview and build up God’s children and teens. For additional information, please visit www.zonderkidz.com. 

Zondervan is part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc.  The company’s products are sold worldwide and translated into nearly 200 languages.  For additional information, please visit www.zondervan.com 

Media Contact:

Jessica Westra

Publicity Director, Zonderkidz

[email protected]

616-698-3208

Author and pastor Randy Frazee to serve as host of The Bible Roots Podcast

Grand Rapids, MI – September 7, 2022 – HarperChristian Resources announced today the release of a new Bible-engagement-centered podcast hosted by author and pastor Randy Frazee. The Bible Roots Podcast is for pastors and church leadership who want to help their congregation or ministries actively and effectively engage with the Bible.

“We have designed this podcast for anyone who longs to see people engage with God’s Word. Everyone is welcome, but our crosshairs are on pastors and church leaders,” said Frazee.

Learn from Randy and other experienced leaders in their respective branches of church ministry, as they bring a rich and valuable perspective that makes this podcast a practical and useful resource for anyone in church and ministry leadership.

“Bible engagement continually comes up in research as the number one thing that helps people grow in their walk with Christ, and church leaders are looking for fresh ideas on how to help people read, understand, and apply the Bible in a culture that is increasingly skeptical of the Bible’s relevance,” added John Raymond, VP and Publisher of HarperChristian Resources. “Randy Frazee and his guests on this podcast dig into real challenges church leaders are facing, and discuss methods of Bible engagement that work in the real world.”

The first two episodes of Season One of The Bible Roots Podcast are now available wherever podcasts are streamed, while the next eight release each Wednesday beginning September 14th through November 2nd, totaling 10 episodes.

The first season topics, release dates, and guests are slated as follows:

Episode 1: The One Thing Your People Want (now available)

• Featuring Cally Parkinson, Director for REVEAL

Episode 2: The Science of How People Grow (now available)

• Featuring Scott Beck, CEO and Co-Founder of Gloo

Episode 3: Storytelling to Engage a Congregation (Sept. 14 release)

• Featuring Kyle Idleman, Pastor at Southeast Christian Church and bestselling author

Episode 4: The Movable Middle (coming Sept. 21)

• Featuring Nicole Martin, Sr. VP of Ministry Impact at the American Bible Society

Episode 5: Instilling a Love of the Bible in the Next Generation (Sept. 28 release)

• Featuring Dr. Phil Collins, Professor of Christian Ministries and Director of the Taylor University Center for Scripture Engagement

Episode 6: The Story: Equipping parents to disciple their kids (Oct. 5 release)

• Featuring Shelley Leith, Director of Church Relations for HarperCollins Christian Publishers

Episode 7: Leading Your Church in a Divided World (Oct. 12 release)

• Featuring pastor and author Mark Batterson, Lead Pastor at National Community Church and New York Times bestselling author

Episode 8: The New Roadmap of Youth Ministry (Oct. 19 release)

• Featuring Matt Markins, President and CEO of Awana

Episode 9: People Are Reading Less, But Listening More (Oct. 26 release)

• Featuring Morgan Jackson, Sr. VP of Faith Comes By Hearing

Episode 10: The Power of Student Discipleship Through Music (Nov. 2 release)

• Featuring Mark Hall, Storyteller, teacher and lead singer and songwriter for Grammy Award-winning band Casting Crowns

More about the Podcast:

The Bible Roots Podcast trailer can be found at TheStory.com/Podcast and at Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music platforms. Guest inquiries can be made to Lu Aguilar at [email protected]. The Podcast will be carried on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Podchaser, and other popular podcast platforms.

More about Randy Frazee:

Randy Frazee is the lead pastor at Westside Family Church in Kansas City. A frontrunner and innovator in spiritual formation and biblical community, Randy is the architect of The Story and BELIEVE church engagement campaigns. He is also the author of The Heart of the Story; Think, Act, Be Like Jesus; What Happens After You Die; The Connecting Church 2.0; and The Christian Life Profile Assessment. He and his wife, Rozanne, live in Kansas City, Kansas.

About HarperChristian Resources:

Equipping people to understand the Scriptures, cultivate spiritual growth, and live an inspired faith with Bible study and video resources from today’s most trusted voices.

Media Contact:

Lu Aguilar

Sr. Manager, Marketing

[email protected]

(Nashville, TN) August 18, 2022—Thomas Nelson today announced Andrew Stoddard will be joining as the publishing group’s new v-p, publisher of the Nelson Books imprint. Thomas Nelson is part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, the world’s largest Christian publisher.  Stoddard, who previously served as the editorial director for Waterbrook & Multnomah, Christian imprints for Penguin Random House, will begin his leadership at Nelson Books on September 7, 2022. 

“It is an honor to step into this role at Nelson Books, an imprint with such a rich cultural, literary, and spiritual heritage,” commented Stoddard.  “I am looking forward to working with the talented team and our thoughtful agent partners to champion authors with powerful, life-changing messages. I am committed to leading this imprint to publish creatively compelling, commercially impactful, and consistently faithful books for our readers.” 

As the publisher for Nelson Books, Stoddard will be stewarding today’s most well-known Christian thought leaders, including #1 New York Times bestselling author Lysa TerKeurst and international bestselling author Max Lucado, both with new titles releasing this fall—TerKeurst’s much anticipated Good Boundaries and Goodbyes (November 8, 2022) and Lucado’s Help is Here (September 13, 2022). Nelson Books is also home to many New York Times bestselling authors including Bob Goff (Undistracted), Christine Caine (How Did I Get Here?), John Eldredge (Resilient) and many more.   

Stoddard’s nine-year tenure in publishing includes acquiring and working with  New York Times bestselling authors John Mark Comer, Michael Todd and Tim Tebow. He has seen titles published under his editorial direction receive esteemed honors such as the ECPA Christian Book Award for Christian Living.  He consistently appears as a top ten Deal Maker in all Nonfiction Religion for Publishers Marketplace and has been ranked as the #1 Deal Maker in that category.   

Don Jacobson, senior v-p and group publisher for HarperCollins Christian Publishing said, “It is my pleasure to now work with Andrew and welcome him to HarperCollins Christian Publishing. I’ve known Andrew for almost ten years and after identifying him early on as a rising star in our industry, I have kept a close watch on his career. Andrew’s strengths begin with his love for the written word and its ability to shape hearts and minds.  He is sincere in his dedication to authors, and he creates strategies that align with their ministry and organizational goals. Andrew is both strategic and a visionary; relational, genuine, and kind.” 

Thomas Nelson, part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc., is a world-leading provider of Christian content and has been providing readers with quality inspirational product for more than 200 years. The publishing group provides multiple formats of award-winning Bibles, books, gift books, children’s books, and digital content, with distribution of its products in more than 100 countries. Thomas Nelson is headquartered in Nashville, TN. For additional information, please visit www.thomasnelson.com. 

Contact: Casey Harrell  

VP, Corporate Communications 

[email protected] 

Available in over 100 countries and accessible through Online Streaming and the Study Gateway App on Mobile Devices and Smart TVs 

(Nashville, Tenn.) August 10, 2022— Study Gateway, a leading video Bible study streaming service, today revealed its fall 2022 schedule of studies from Harper Christian Resources, the curriculum imprint of HarperCollins Christian Publishing. This inspiring group of bestselling Christian authors, pastors and Bible teachers are debuting more than 50 new videos from eight different study series by Max Lucado, Megan Fate Marshman, John Eldredge, Anne Graham Lotz, Rachel-Ruth Lotz Wright, Sarah Jakes Roberts, Lysa TerKeurst, Kathie Lee Gifford, Rabbi Jason Sobel, and Shauna Niequist. 

“We’re honored that the best lineup of authors and Bible teachers from Harper Christian Resources is coming to Study Gateway. These are their most anticipated video studies of the new season.” said John Raymond, v-p and publisher of Harper Christian Resources. 

Kate Johnson, senior v-p of direct-to-consumer at HarperCollins Christian Publishing added, “We’re thrilled to give people worldwide a sneak peek of Study Gateway’s newest studies. Every subscriber can experience these new releases thirty days before the in-store on-sale date—Study Gateway is only place where people get this early access.” 

Study Gateway’s study streaming subscription service provides unique pricing levels and subscriptions plans starting at just $7.95 per month—all with a seven-day free trial.  

The complete lineup of new video Bible studies making their debut on Study Gateway this fall: 

• Max Lucado’s Help is Here: Finding Fresh Strength and Purpose in the Power of the Holy Spirit (Aug. 17 release). Watch trailer here. 
• Megan Fate Marshman’s John: A Beautiful Word Bible Study (Aug. 31 release). Watch trailer here. 
• John Eldredge’s Resilient: Restoring Your Weary Soul in these Turbulent Times (Sept. 14 release). Watch trailer here. 
• Anne Graham Lotz and Rachel-Ruth Lotz Wright’s Jesus Followers: Real-Life Lessons for Igniting Faith in the Next Generation (Sept. 21 release). Watch trailer here. 
• Sarah Jakes Roberts’ Woman Evolve: Break Up with Your Fears and Revolutionize Your Life (Sept. 28 release). Watch trailer here. 
• Lysa TerKeurst’s Good Boundaries and Goodbyes (Oct. 19 release). Watch trailer here. 
• Kathie Lee Gifford and Rabbi Jason Sobel’s The God of the How and When (Nov. 2 release). Learn more here. 
• Shauna Niequist’s I Guess I Haven’t Learned That Yet (Nov. 16 release). Learn more here. 

For more information and to view Study Gateway’s expanding list of available studies, visit StudyGateway.com and see the full list of supported devices. 

ABOUT STUDY GATEWAY 
Study Gateway is the dedicated direct-to-consumer streaming service from HarperCollins Christian Publishing and is the streaming home for video Bible studies produced by Harper Christian Resources. The subscription service offers commercial-free streaming of exclusive original studies, plus a growing library of children’s videos, Christian events and webinars, and other short-form content. 

Media Contact: 

Jaime Guthals 
Senior Director, Marketing 
FaithGateway & StudyGateway 

[email protected]  

I’m So Glad You Were Born by #1 New York Times bestselling author Earhardt releases September 27, 2022

Grand Rapids, MI – July 27, 2022 – Zonderkidz author and FOX & Friends co-host Ainsley Earhardt will be on tour this fall sharing about her new picture book, I’m So Glad You Were Born. Tickets for the following events are now available for purchase:

(Nashville, Tenn.) June 3, 2022 — HarperCollins Christian Publishing (HCCP) today announced Gabriel Aviles as vice president of marketing for their Spanish Language Division.

Aviles joined the Spanish Division as senior marketing director in 2019 with over 25 years of marketing experience. During his tenure as marketing leader, the Spanish Division has experienced 25% growth. Aviles has led the successful launch of the C.S. Lewis Spanish brand and the NBLA Bible translation, as well as worked with bestselling authors including Agustín Laje, Daniel Habif, Miguel Nuñez, Christy Muller, Craig Groeschel, Lysa TerKeurst, and Max Lucado.

As vice president of marketing for the Spanish Division, Aviles will continue to lead the marketing strategy and execution for the division.

Cris Garrido, vice president and publisher for HCCP’s Spanish team commented, “Gabriel’s strategic mind, experience working across brands and voices on a global scale, and his knowledge of Christian and inspirational content across genres and formats make him the ideal person to lead our Spanish team’s marketing efforts. I look forward to the ways his leadership will help bring our inspirational content into new markets.”

Thirteen titles across eight categories honored as finalists  

(Nashville, Tenn.) May 6, 2022 — HarperCollins Christian Publishing (HCCP) congratulates its authors and publishing teams who were honored with six 2022 Christian Book Awards. These awards are presented annually by the Evangelical Christian Publishing Association (ECPA) and honor the “best of the year” in Christian books and Bibles. This year writtmarked the first in-person awards ceremony since 2020 and was held on May 3, 2022, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

The six winning titles from HCCP are:

• Bible Reference Work – A Theology of Paul and His Letters: The Gift of the New Realm in Christ by Douglas J. Moo – (Zondervan Academic)
• Children – Where’d My Giggle Go? by Max Lucado, illustrated by Sarah Jennings (Tommy Nelson)
• Faith and Culture – How to Fight Racism: Courageous Christianity and the Journey Toward Racial Justice by Jemar Tisby – (Zondervan Reflective) 
• Ministry Resources – Emotionally Healthy Discipleship: Moving from Shallow Christianity to Deep Transformation by Peter Scazzero – (Zondervan Reflective)
• New Author – Becoming All Things: How Small Changes Lead to Lasting Connections Across Cultures by Michelle Ami Reyes – (Zondervan Reflective)
• Young People’s Literature – Roar Like a Lion: 90 Devotions to a Courageous Faith by Levi Lusko, illustrated by Catherine Pearson – (Tommy Nelson)

In addition to the award-winners, the company had 13 titles named finalists across eight categories.

The 13 HCCP finalists are:

• Bibles – NIV Grace and Truth Study Bible, General Editor, Dr. R. Albert Mohler, Jr. – (Zondervan)
• Bibles – NIV Radiant Virtues Bible: A Beautiful Word Collection – (Zondervan)
• Bibles – NRSVCE Illustrated Catholic Bible – (Catholic Bible Press)
• Bible Reference Works – Old Testament Use of Old Testament: A Book-by-Book Guide by Gary Edward Schnittjer – (Zondervan Academic)
• Bible Study – Beautiful Word: Revelation Study Guide by Margaret Feinberg – (HarperChristian Resources)
• Bible Study – Forgiving What You Can’t Forget Study Guide by Lysa TerKeurst – (HarperChristian Resources)
• Children – Indescribable for Little Ones by Louie Giglio, illustrated by Nicola Anderson – (Tommy Nelson)
• Children – Near by Sally Lloyd-Jones, illustrated by Jago – (Zonderkidz)
• Christian Living – When Strivings Cease: Replacing the Gospel of Self-Improvement with the Gospel of Life-Transforming Grace by Ruth Chou Simons – (Thomas Nelson)
• Devotion and Gift – Seeing Beautiful Again: 50 Devotions to Find Redemption in Every Part of Your Story by Lysa TerKeurst – (Thomas Nelson)
• Ministry Resources – Urban Apologetics: Restoring Black Dignity with the Gospel, General Editor, Eric Mason – (Zondervan Reflective)
• Young People’s Literature – Anxious for Nothing (Young Readers Edition): Living Above Anxiety and Loneliness by Max Lucado and Andrea Lucado – (Tommy Nelson)
• Young People’s Literature – Everybody, Always for Kids by Bob Goff and Lindsey Goff Viducic, illustrated by Diane Le Feyer – (Tommy Nelson)

Mark Schoenwald, president and CEO of HCCP commented, “Since 1978, the ECPA Christian Book Awards have served as a hallmark of excellence for Christian books and Bibles. After two years of unprecedented challenges from shutdowns to supply chain issues, it is a testament to the resilience of our teams and authors to have 19 books recognized in the 2022 Christian Book Awards. Congratulations to our authors and publishing teams. This recognition is well-deserved!”

For more information on this year’s winners and finalists please click here.

HarperCollins Christian Publishing

The world’s leading Christian publisher, HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc. comprises the Thomas Nelson, Zondervan and HarperChristian Resources publishing groups and imprints, BibleGateway.com, FaithGateway.com, StudyGateway.com and ChurchSource.com. The Company produces bestselling Bibles, inspirational books, academic resources, curriculum, audio and digital content for the Christian market space. Bible Gateway is the world’s largest Christian website with more than 29 million unique visitors each month. HarperCollins Christian Publishing is headquartered in Nashville, Tenn. with additional offices in the U.S. and Mexico. For more information visit www.HarperCollinsChristian.com.​

Platform to feature prominent black pastors like Bishop Joseph W. Walker, III

(Nashville, Tenn.) February 1, 2022—Urban Ministries, Inc. (UMI) and HarperCollins Christian Publishing (HCCP) today announced the launch of UrbanFaithStudy.com a subscription-based digital platform offering churches and individuals a regularly expanding library of more than 100 video sermons and study curricula from well-known African American Christian voices. UrbanFaithStudy.com is a co-launched consumer-direct product created by UMI and HCCP, a result of the partnership the organizations announced in November 2020. UrbanFaithStudy.com will be an extension of UrbanFaith, a contemporary and socially engaged community and brand, targeting African American young adults committed to growing in their knowledge of biblical truth.

UrbanFaithStudy.com will offer culturally relevant, topical sermons delivered by pastors such as Bishop Joseph W. Walker, III; Dr. Dominique Robinson; and husband and wife team Pastor Gabby Cudjoe-Wilkes and Pastor Andrew Wilkes. Bishop Walker is the International Presiding Bishop of the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship and pastor of the historic 30,000-member Mount Zion Baptist Church in Nashville, TN. Dr. Robinson is a religious scholar, theological educator, preacher, writer, activist, and advocate, who serves as an assistant professor of preaching at Seminary of the Southwest in Austin, TX. Her sermon “iHomiletic™: Preaching that Clicks,” has been used to assist faith leaders across the U.S. with developing impactful ministry methodologies that employ technology and social media linguistics.[1] HBCU and Ivy League–educated pastors Gabby Cudjoe-Wilkes and Andrew Wilkes co-founded the Double Love Experience Church in Brooklyn, NY, which is a growing congregation of believers committed to the liberating, love-powered ministry of Jesus.

“I am pleased to see this robust and unique platform featuring strong voices and transformative messages by African American pastors and authors,” remarked Jeff Wright, CEO of UMI. “I know it will be a blessing to many people.”

UrbanFaithStudy.com will also launch with book study curricula for readers who are looking for deeper engagement and group study content that engage the church with culturally relevant topics. These curricula are by well-known African American voices including New York Times bestselling author Jemar Tisby; beloved author and speaker Crystal Evans Hurst; Grammy Award-winning artist, Lecrae; and Bible teacher, pastor, and author, Jada Anae Edwards.

“When teaming up with UMI more than a year ago, we knew creating a video platform to host engaging, life-changing biblical content would showcase both organizations’ ability to reach new audiences,” said Mark Schoenwald, president and CEO of HarperCollins Christian Publishing. “The church is evolving; becoming more dependent on technology to deliver sermons, Bible studies, and other curricula.  When designing UrbanFaithStudy.com we used our strengths to achieve more than we could if we had each approached the project separately.”

UrbanFaithStudy.com will serve a range of consumers including church congregations, divinity students, young preachers, and individuals seeking to understand how faith informs cultural engagement. The monthly subscription is $5.95 for individuals and $19.95 for churches. To subscribe, visit UrbanFaithStudy.com.

UMI (Urban Ministries, Inc.) is the largest independent religious media and publishing company serving the African American market. Founded in 1970 in Chicago, IL., by Dr. Melvin E. Banks, Sr., UMI creates positive, transformative analog and digital content based on a biblical worldview that is especially empowering to the African American community. UMI offices are in suburban Chicago. UMI exists to disseminate culture changing, biblically sound content and has tremendous credibility in producing high quality material reaching millions of people throughout the globe.

About HarperCollins Christian Publishing: The world’s leading Christian publisher, HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc. comprises the Thomas Nelson, Zondervan and HarperChristian Resources publishing groups and imprint, BibleGateway.com, FaithGateway.com, StudyGateway.com and ChurchSource.com. The Company produces bestselling Bibles, inspirational books, academic resources, curriculum audio and digital content for the Christian market space. Bible Gateway is the world’s largest Christian website with more than 20 million unique visitors each month. HarperCollins Christian Publishing is headquartered in Nashville, Tenn. with additional offices in the U.S. and Mexico. For more information visit www.HarperCollinsChristian.com.​

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[1] https://ssw.edu/about-southwest/faculty/dominique-robinson/