Christian Retailing

March 1, 2012 Print Email
Written by andrea blain   
Thursday, 01 March 2012 10:30 AM America/New_York

LifeWay still selling NIV: Complaints that the New International Version of the Bible is inaccurate and too gender-inclusive won’t stop LifeWay Christian Resources from selling it.

The Tennessean

Christian education publishers retiring: Dr. Arlin Horton and his wife, Rebekah, founders of A Beka Book, the world's largest Christian textbook publisher, are to retire.  

The Pensacola News Journal

Disappointed by “The Vow”: The couple whose love story was the inspiration for the new hit film, "The Vow," wishes it drew more on their Christian faith, shared in the Zondervan book they wrote.

The New York Post

'Linsanity' provides music boost: Basketball newcomer Jeremy Lin's star power is giving an unexpected boost to a couple of Christian musical artists, Lecrae and Hillsong United.

CNBC

MercyMe's 'forever' song: For MercyMe, crossover hit “I Can Only Imagine” is “the song that won't go away.”

The Lubbock Avalanche-Journal

Pastor's video chronicle spotlighted: A former pastor, onetime Christian Right operative and an icon among religious leaders, Ed Dobson is chronicling his struggle with Lou Gehrig’s disease in a series of short videos, “Ed's Story.”

CNN

Tragedy deepens singer's music: Steven Curtis Chapman says the tragic loss of his daughter Maria in an accident has meant that “lyrics I may have written 10 or 15 or 25 years ago, suddenly took on a more profound meaning to me.”

The Clarion Ledger

Sisters start used bookstore: Used books business Read It Again Bookstore in Hiltons, Va., was started  by two sisters “on a wing and a prayer.”

The Kingsport Times News

'Angel' actress' new mission: Former “Touched By an Angel” star Roma Downey has launched “Little Angels,” a collection of animated DVDs, CDs, books and an app that fuse education with inspiration.

The Tennessean

Jason Crabb's Dove nods: Singer Jason Crabb has earned eight nominations for the Dove Awards, the gospel and Christian music show that will be held in Atlanta for the second year in a row.

The Washington Post

Fox News reporter's homecoming: Fox News Reporter Todd Starnes stopped at his Lee University alma mater as part of his book tour for “Dispatches from Bitter America” (B&H Publishing Group).

The Cleveland Daily Banner

Author defends 'earthy' Bible: Author Steven James is concerned that “it seems like Christians are uncomfortable with how earthy the Bible really is. They feel the need to tidy up God.”

CNN

Women of Faith conference: Thomas Nelson's Women of Faith convention “wasn't your grandmother's church service with docile ladies in bifocals, dentures and crocheted sweaters.”

The (San Jose, Calif.) Mercury News

Store adds thrift section: Redeemed Books and Gifts II in Carlisle, Pa., has added a small thrift section as part of a move to make it “more about giving than receiving.”

The Sentinel

James Robison's new partnership: TV host James Robison says his decision to write his latest book,  “Indivisible,” with a Catholic author was inspired by his friend Billy Graham.

The Tulsa World

Suicide movie outreach course: Spurred by three teen suicides, a church in Tulsa, Okla., is offering a Bible study and small group series based on the movie, “To Save a Life,” to spark discussion on topics that challenge young people.

The Oklahoman

Newcomer store closes down: Crossroads Christian Books and Bright Ideas in Truro, Nova Scotia, is closing after just two years.  

The Truro Daily News

'Courageous' solidifies faith films: With “Courageous,” church-based Sherwood Pictures “solidifies the viability of religion-themed movies.”

The Deseret News

 
February 22, 2012 Print Email
Written by Felicia Abraham   
Wednesday, 22 February 2012 10:32 AM America/New_York

Jewish New Testament released: The new “Jewish Annotated New Testament” (Oxford University Press) aims to show Christians “the very Jewish nature of the books (and writers) in question.”

Haaretz

Festival explores Christian films: The Spirit of Naples Film Festival was launched to “address what makes for a Christian movie or faith film.”

The Naples News

Brandon Heath's Grammy date: Singer Brandon Heath took his former high school choir teacher, Bobby Jean Frost, to this year's Grammy awards, where he had three nominations.

Read more...
 
February 15, 2012 Print Email
Written by Felicia Abraham   
Thursday, 16 February 2012 03:11 PM America/New_York

Red Letter tee-shirts: Employing 18, apparel company Go Teez/Red Letter 9 will ship close to 100,000 pieces of product this month.

The Daily Times

Matt Kearney's 'good pop': There is “nothing overtly 'Christian'” about Matt Kearney's songs, “just good pop, and he's delving deeper into narrative songwriting with each album.”

The Dallas Observer

President Carter's latest book: President Jimmy Carter's 26th book, a daily devotional published by Zondervan, was a "labor of love."

The Toledo Blade

Store is 'ministry first': Brook Besor in Cropwell, Ala., is a Christian bookstore, a coffee shop and a music venue, “but first we are a ministry,” says owner Tim Hendrix.

The St. Clair Times

David Crowder Band's farewell: Faithful David Crowder Band followers have received “a parting gift” from the disbanding group in the form of "Give Us Rest (A Requiem Mass in C [The Happiest of All Keys])," the band's 34-track, double-disc swan song.

Billboard

Singer shares Tourette's struggle: Grammy-nominated Christian singer Jamie Grace shares about her struggle with Tourette syndrome to motivate others.

The Winnipeg Free Press

Native bookstore expands: The Northern Canada Evangelical Mission has relocated its Tribal Trails Bookstore to Prince Albert, Sasketchwan.

The Daily Herald

Crime family author speaks: Author Michael Franzese spoke to men at First Baptist Church of Conroe, Texas, about his life in organized crime, his rise in the organization and his ultimate conversion to Christianity.

Your Houston News

Casting Crowns' career achievements: Despite being "part-time" music artists, the members of Casting Crowns have sold more than 8 million albums, won three Grammys and 14 Dove Awards, and two American Music Awards.

The Grand Rapids Press

Store's new name, venue: Crossroads of Life Christian Books and Gifts in Peoria, Ariz., is moving to a new location and unveiling the addition of a coffee shop, a new name (Crossroads Books and Coffee) and a possible venue for live music.

The Arizona Republic

'The next Frank Peretti': Debut UK author Fred Hurr is being promoted as “the new Frank Peretti.”

The Braintree Chronicle

Steven Curtis Chapman's music: Steven Curtis Chapman says that “at the core, it's heart and soul music; it's music that comes from my heart and my soul and my faith.”

The Aiken Standard

Kids book to be filmed: “Mariah Mundi and the Midas Box,” a book by former British vicar GP Taylor, author of the bestseller, “Shadowmancer,” is to be made into a Hollywood movie.

The Gazette & Herald

Band offers 'comfort food': MercyMe is “Christian comfort food—warm and welcoming and something you always want to come home to.”

The Times Record News

Bible apps push boundaries: The makers of Bible apps “care about every last soul, which means they sometimes end up in distant realms of the linguistic and technical worlds.”

The Atlantic

 
February 8, 2012 Print Email
Written by Felicia Abraham   
Wednesday, 08 February 2012 10:27 AM America/New_York

Bargain books leader interviewed: Treasures Media founder Jerry Bloom discusses the Christian remaindered books market.
The (Racine, Wisc.) Journal Times

Book encourages Christian singles: Former radio host Jae Henderson penned a Christian romance novel “to inspire Christian singles, especially women, who are trying to live the Christian life, but who are dating and tying to find someone special."
USA Today

Read more...
 
February 1, 2012 Print Email
Written by Felicia Abraham   
Wednesday, 01 February 2012 09:56 AM America/New_York

Christian movies ease grief: Support group Reel Grief uses Christian movies like “Letters to God” to offer “cinema therapy,” which involves viewing movies for therapeutic value.

The Reflector

Bookstore robbed at knifepoint: A man brandishing a knife robbed Heaven & Earth Christian bookstore in Hampton, Va.

The Daily Press

David Crowder Band’s farewell: On their seventh and final compilation, the members David Crowder Band “have truly outdone themselves with a two-disc, 34-track farewell to fans.”

The Houston Chronicle

Olympic medalist writes memoir: Olympic gymnastics champion Shawn Johnson is to publish “Winning Balance: What I’ve Learned So Far About Love, Faith and Living Your Dreams” with Tyndale House Publishers.

The Des Moines Register

Store offers ‘wholesome’ reading: Trinidi Soulard has opened a Christian bookstore in Petrolia, Ontario, because of the “lack of decent, wholesome reading material in retail shops.”

The Petrolia Topic

Tyndale biography’s ‘passion’: In “Tyndale,” biographer David Teems captures the life and legacy of Bible translator William Tyndale, “with passion and verve.”

The Washington Times

Tammy Trent’s time out: Singer Tammy Trent is planning to take “a sabbatical of sorts.”

The Grand Rapids Press

Skillet’s ‘solid rock’ evolution: Skillet has “transitioned and evolved into a solid rock group with awesome tunes and strong messages.”

The Burlington County Times

Comic book Bible teaching: A Florida youth pastor has found success teaching from “The Action Bible," David C Cook’s comic book format in which “biblical figures are muscular and fierce-looking.”

TC Palm

Baseball star supports orphans: LA Dodgers’ Clayton Kershaw and his wife, Ellen, are giving the proceeds from his new book, “Arise: Live Out Your Faith and Dreams on Whatever Field You Find Yourself,” to support orphans in Zambia.

ESPN

Dodgers star’s faith profile:  Clayton Kershaw offers his views on another high profile Christian sportsman: Tim Tebow.

The Los Angeles Times

Christian advice books ‘bigoted’: Two Christian sex advice books being hyped as edgy and sexy “are actually outdated and bigoted.”

Salon

Gaither singer’s reunion: Comedian Mary Lowry talks about what it is like to be back performing with the Gaither Vocal Band.

The Modesto Bee

Sex book criticized: Critics of Mark and Grace Driscoll’s “Real Marriage book “wonder if church leaders should stick to teaching about the Bible and steer clear of sex.”

The Tennessean

Store closing after 44 years: The Miracle Book Room in Richmond, Ky., is to close after 44 years.

The Richmond Register

‘Courageous’ impacts lives: A bookstore manager tells of the “life-changing influence on people” of hit movie, “Courageous.”

WALB TV

 
January 25, 2012 Print Email
Written by Felicia Abraham   
Tuesday, 24 January 2012 12:01 PM America/New_York

Digital Bible partnership: Zondervan has launched a new app that brings together its New International Version Bible with the digital platform of the award-winning Glo Bible and video from an upcoming History Channel production.

The Grand Rapids Press

Novelist avoids 'formulaic writing': Novelist Sue Duffy aims to “inject the presence of God into her story lines with a thoughtful, nuanced hand rather than relying on trite, formulaic writing.”

The State

Anne Rice book to be filmed: A movie version of Anne Rice's “Christ the Lord” is in the works.

Big Hollywood

'Courageous' stars promote DVD: Father and son “Courageous” starts Rusty Martin, Sr. and Rusty Martin, Jr. are helping promote the DVD release of the hit movie with in-store appearances.

The Garner News

Director discusses 'Courageous' message: “Courageous” director and co-star Alex Kendrick discusses the movie and its message.

CNN

'Courageous' gets mixed review: As it releases on DVD, Alex and Stephen Kendricks' “Courageous”  is assessed as an “effective, professional-looking melodrama, but the programmatic nature of their films still makes them hard to take seriously.”

The Los Angeles Times

Winter Jam's cheap tickets: NewSong founding member Billy Goodwin says of the cheap Winter Jam tour: “If people come to our show, we're not going to turn them away because they can't afford a ticket.”

Tampa Bay Times

Ex-Newsboy's new career: Former Newsboy leader Peter Furler discusses his solo career.

The Morning Call

Library promotes Amish fiction: A Florida library promotes Amish fiction.

The Bradenton Herald

Sex book stirs controversy: Mark and Grace Driscoll's book, “Real Marriage: The Truth about Sex, Friendship and Life Together,” has elicited responses that range "from praise to disgust."

CNN

 
January 12, 2012 Print Email
Written by Felicia Abraham   
Thursday, 12 January 2012 04:18 PM America/New_York

Country singer's co-written novels: Novelist Rachel Hauck discusses her collaborations with country singer Sara Evans.

USA Today

Leading store undergoing makeover: Baker Book House, one of the industry's largest independent Christian bookstores, will undergo a major renovation this year. 

The Grand Rapids Press

Steven Curtis Chapman tour: Steven Curtis Chapman gets personal on his latest tour.

Journal & Courier

Lineup for Texas music festival: More than 30 Gospel groups and soloists are booked for the Rockport Gospel Music Festival in Texas.

The Corpus Christi Caller Times

Hard-working rockers, Skillett: “Billboard” magazine named Skillett one of the top 10 most working bands in the country, performing around 160 shows in a year.

The Charleston Daily Mail

Co-authors visit library: Contemporary Christian fiction authors Victoria Christopher Murray and ReShonda Tate Billingsley speak at a public library book club meeting about their collaborative new book, “Sinners & Saints.”

The Huntsville Times

Church drops revised NIV: Houston’s First Baptist Church has dropped the New International Version for official use because of concerns over revisions to the latest edition.

the Houston Chronicle

Winterfest celebrates Gospel music: The 12th annual Winterfest gathering brings leading Southern gospel artists to the Mobile Civic Center Theater for three nights of music.

The Press-Register

'Manners' series returns: Thomas Nelson will re-release its entire GentleManners series. The guides to manners and etiquette will be revised, updated and repackaged in new, modern covers.

The Tennessean

Co-authors promote sex book: Texas pastor Ed Young and his wife Lisa will spend 24 hours in a bed on the roof of their church to promote their new book on sex.

The (London) Guardian

Indie owner's success spotlighted: Mary Spring, owner of Brighter Life Bookshoppe in Galesburg, Ill., is featured in a report on successful local small businesses.

The Register-Mail

Francesca Battistelli meets young fan: Tori Svenson, star of a hit YouTube video, got to meet her favorite Christian singer, Francesca Battistelli, in a live television appearance.

KCTV TV

Winter Jam launches newcomers: Through its 16-year history the annual Winter Jam tour has helped launch acts that are now “Christian market staples.”

The Charlotte Observer

'God-given' country hit: Songwriter Dave Barnes' hit “God Gave Me You,” recorded by country star Blake Shelton, was an answer to prayer.

The Tennessean

Top new music releases: Looking ahead to some of the best new Christian music releases of the year.

The (Lexington, Ky.) Herald-Leader

 
2010-2011 Radar Archives Print Email
Written by Staff   
Thursday, 11 December 2008 12:05 PM America/New_York

This roundup of reports by other media is provided as a service to Christian publishing and retailing professionals and does not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of Christian Retailing.

January 4, 2012

'Spanking' book controversy grows: Controversy grows over pro-spanking book after abuse deaths.

MSNBC

Solo album offers consolation: Sanctus Real lead singer Matt Hammitt's solo album, “Every Falling Tear,” is “meant to touch and console during the hardest of times.”

USA Today

Parenting book under fire: A Christian parenting book has come under fire after the deaths of three children from abuse.

The Los Angeles Times

Hell made big news: Hell "made a huge splash in the book industry" in 2011, "jump-started by a promotional video from one of the nation's most influential evangelicals (Robe Bell)."

NPR

Christian fiction writer's success: Melanie Lee Dickerson is seeing success with her second novel, “The Merchant’s Daughter,” published by Zondervan in November and just released for e-readers.

The Andalusia Star News

Novelist, 12, makes debut: Twelve-year-old Kaden Hurley’s debut novel, “Elves of Zeoch: The Last Two,” has been released by Destiny Image.

The Sentinel

Fred Hammond's new music: “I Feel Good,” a new song from Fred Hammond’s forthcoming album, is “a sunny, rhythmic, harmony-filled tune of affirmation of joy even in trying times.”

The Grand Rapids Press

Music festival under threat: Changes in the music industry and the downturn in the economy took a toll on one of the longest-running Christian music festivals.

The (Lexington, Ky.) Herald-Leader

Writer opens own bookstore: Best-selling British children’s author G.P. Taylor (“Shadowmancer”) has opened his own bookstore in his hometown of Whitby.

The Yorkshire Post

Pastor pens healthy living guide: Pastor Steve Willis wrote “Winning the Food Fight” as a guide for everyone from parents to school cafeteria workers and civic leaders to ministers about the life-threatening urgency to adopt good nutritional habits.

The Charleston Gazette

 

December 21, 2011

New faith film coming: “Brother’s Keeper,” a Christian faith-based film, is expected to reach theaters nationwide in the fall of 2012.

The Beacon-News

Climate book’s lukewarm reception: Katharine Hayhoe's book for fellow evangelicals, "A Climate for Change," “sells tepidly because Christian bookstores won't stock it.”

The Los Angeles Times

Ex-Newsboy on tour: Former Newsboys bass player Phil Joel is back on the road with his The deliberatePeople Tour. 

West Hartford News

Inside The Story Christmas: A multimedia concert experience over a year in the making, The Story Christmas spectacular brings award-winning artists across all major labels into collaboration with bestselling authors Randy Frazee and Max Lucado.

The Sallatin North Missourian

Profile of Sandi Patty: Gospel diva Sandi Patty is “the most awarded female vocalist in contemporary Christian music history.”

Cincinnati.com

Tim Tebow’s book ‘score’: Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow, a sensation thanks to his winning ways on the football field and his controversial gridiron prayers, “is scoring in bookstores, too,” with his Tyndale House Publishers autobiography.

USA Today

Rainbow store fades out: Rainbow Christian Bookstore, part of the Lewisburg, Pa., community for almost 20 years, is closing. 

WNEP TV

LifeWay pulls cancer Bible: LifeWay Christian Bookstores has removed a Bible from its shelves because the Bible helped raise money for the Susan G. Komen Foundation, which in turn "funds Planned Parenthood" breast cancer programs.

CNN

The Story concert tour: Highlights of the entire biblical saga, from first chapter to last, are the basis of “The Story,” a condensed version of the Bible recently developed into a concert tour.

The Grand Rapids Press

BarlowGirl offers hometown help: Dove award-nominated band BarlowGirl performs a hometown benefit concert. 

The Herald-News

Novelist Amy Tang interviewed: A Stanford-educated biologist researcher-turned-novelist, Amy Tang writes "romance with a kick of wasabi."

USA Today

Children’s author’s ‘carol’ gift: Author Sally Lloyd-Jones says her children’s book, “Song of the Stars,” is “sort of like a Christmas carol I’m giving back to God.”

The Grand Rapids Press

‘Here’s Hope’ Bible withdrawn: LifeWay Christian Resources, which sells the “Here’s Hope Breast Cancer Awareness Bible,” pulled the book from store shelves at Walmart and other retailers, because some of its proceeds went to a charity with ties to Planned Parenthood.

TIME

Singer’s birthday surprise: Nicole C. Mullen, a Grammy-nominated and Dove Award-winning Christian contemporary singer, performed at a special 18th birthday party for Molly Hess, born with cerebral palsy and unable to verbally communicate.

The Lancaster New Era

December 15, 2011

Store closing after 30- years: Sonlight Books in Sheybogan, Wisc., marks its 30th anniversary.  

The Sheboygan Press

Prayer walker visits store: Berean Christian Stores hosts a book signing for Carol Cruise, whose “Cross Walk: An Amazing Journey of Faith,” tells of her eight-year, 10,000-mile “prayer walk” around the perimeter of the contiguous 48 states.
The Canton Repository

'Laughing through the tears': Comedian Chonda Pierce “has learned to laugh through the tears.”

The Savannah Morning News

Store for Hispanic Christians: Owner and Manager Josephine Beintema has opened Inspirations, the first Christian bookstore to serve Strathroy, Ontario, for several years.

The Strathroy Age Dispatch

Casting Crowns leader's 'illusion': For Casting Crowns leader Mark Hall, “fame is such an illusion.”

The Salt Lake Tribune

NewSong's big seasonal hit: The story behind NewSong's big seasonal hit, “The Christmas Shoes.”

American Songwriter

Hawk Nelson's 'mellow' sound: The members of Hawk Nelson “win over most audiences with their mellow pop rock sounds.”

The Lantern

Store spotlights 'Courageous' star: A Christian bookstore arranges for one of the stars of “Courageous” to speak at a local church.

The Daily Reporter

Downhere singer's Queen gig: Marc Martel, leader singer of Christian band Downhere, is a contender for the vocalist slot on The Queen Extravaganza Tour, taking the late Freddie Mercury’s spot in the group being put together by Queen drummer Roger Taylor.

The Winnipeg Free Press

U.K. Store faces closure: A 54-year-old Christian bookstore in England is struggling to stay in business.

BBC News

Romance novelist's personal story: A mother of two grown children, award-winning inspirational romance author Tamera Alexander navigated the corporate world before she began writing full time. 

USA Today

Christian artists' Christmas music: A review of Christian hitmakers offering their takes on Christmas.

The Lexington Herald-Leader

Mandisa addresses abuse: Christian singer Mandisa is “addressing her demons of childhood abuse and living life to the fullest.”

The Denver Post

Writer explores biblical womanhood: Rachel Held Evans' experiment in following literally some of the Bible’s teachings —which she intends to chronicle in a forthcoming book tentatively titled “A Year of Biblical Womanhood”—“changed her relationship to the Bible and deepened her faith.”

The Oklahoman

Facing the Internet challenge: The Bible and Book Center in Baton Rouge, La., is featured in a report on brick and mortar stores' struggles against Internet competition.

FOX News

Newcomer to Christian fiction: Aaron L is a newcomer to Christian fiction, "but he is not new to anything related to art and all things creative."

The seattle Post-Intelligencer

Christian video games released: A Christian video game publishing company has released at least seven new games in 2011.

The Huffington Post

November 30, 2011

Chonda Pierce’s movie moves: Comedienne Chonda Pierce has appeared in three movies this year.

The Montgomery Advertiser

Young novelist offers advice: Christian fiction writer and student Noelle Marchand encourages young writers “to not discount yourself.”

The Collegian

Michael Card, Bible teacher: Christian artist Michael Card says that, whether as a songwriter, singer or author, he is following his calling to be a Bible teacher.

The Englewood Herald

Amy Grant’s new album: Amy Grant is due back in the studio soon to record her first full album of all-new songs in more than seven years.

The Tulsa World

Fantasy-writing family’s trip: Father-and-daughter YA fantasy authors Bryan and Amanda Davis have made the 75th stop in their 10,000-mile Crossing America tour.

The Daily Journal

Store celebrates 10 years: Dalton’s Christian Bookstore in Waynesville, N.C., is “putting 10 candles on its birthday cake this year.”

Waynesville Smoky Mountain News

Stores closes after 30 years: The final chapter in a local Christian tradition closes when the Gospel Shop bids farewell after three decades of serving the retail needs of clergy and lay people across Delmarva, Del.

Delmarva Now

‘Machine Gun Preacher’ signing: Sam Childers, a self-proclaimed former "scum bucket" turned preacher, signs copies of his book, "Another Man's War: The True Story of One Man's Battle to Save Children in the Sudan,” recently turned into the film, "Machine Gun Preacher.”

The Northern Virginia Daily News

From retail to writing: For former retail executive Christy Bowers, becoming a full-time writer was “one of those God things.”

The Daily Inter Lake

Book addresses Christian consumers: Laura Hartman's “The Christian Consumer'” offers “four basic considerations to consume in such a way that one honors God and generates delight.”

Quad-City Times

Christian bestsellers in ‘WSJ’?: Christian titles could start appearing on the bestsellers lists of ‘The Wall Street Journal,’ following changes in the database used.

Deseret News

Michele Bachman’s Family visit: Presidential hopeful Michele Bachman signs her new autobiography at Family Christian Stores in Waterloo, Iowa.

The Waterloo Cedar Falls Courier

Moviemakers are ‘afterthought’ authors: “Courageous” makers Alex Kendrick and Stephen Kendrick have become best-selling authors, “literally as an afterthought to their filmmaking.”

The Toledo Blade

New store’s broad mix: Newly opened The Source Books & Gifts in Huntsville, Ala., offers a “mixture of the apparently secular with ancient and modern spirituality from both Christian and non-Christian authors.”

The Huntsville Times

Novelist avoids ‘awkward’ style: Melanie Dickerson's novels contain “a natural weaving of faith and teaching into the stories that doesn't stick out as awkwardly obvious as some Christian novels.”

The Huntsville Times

Store hosts Casting Crowns: Cedar Springs Christian Store in Knoxville, Tenn., hosts Casting Crowns for a meet-and-greet.

The Knoxville News-Sentinel

November 16, 2011

Faith films 'in vogue': A nuanced look at Christian spirituality, as in “The Way,” seems “to be in vogue these days.”

The Washington Post

HarperCollins' Nelson move: HarperCollins, which runs publisher Zondervan, will have a 35-40 percent share of the evangelical Christian publishing market after acquiring Nashville-based Thomas Nelson.

The Tennessean

Christian actor's health crisis: 'Hercules” and Christian movie actor Kevin Sorbo's new book tells how he ignored a warning from God and nearly died.

StarPulse.com

New store for Hispanics: Yolanda Villa has opened Shalom Christian Bookstore Dodge City, Kan., to serve the area’s Hispanic Christian community.

The Dodge Globe

Amish writers discuss their work: Three Amish fiction writers discuss their work.

The Times-Reporter

Nelson purchase, digital consolidation: HarperCollins’ anticipated purchase of Thomas Nelson is intended to “get ahead of anticipated consolidation in the industry and pool resources related to the digital age.”

Nashville Business Journal

Oil workers outreach tool: “God’s Word for the Oil Patch,” a special edition of the New International Version for oil industry workers, has sold more than six figures.

The New York Times

Billy Graham's 30th book: Franklin Graham calls “Nearing Home,” the 30th book by his father, evangelist Billy Graham, “a how-to book on finishing life well.”

WYFF TV

Child discipline book controversy: Michael and Debi Pearls’ book on child discipline, “To Train Up a Child,” is the center of controversy.

The New York Times

Mercy Me's 'overnight success': Mercy Me is enjoying “the longest overnight success in history.”

The Saginaw News

Store survival needs prayer: Survival for one of Canada’s largest faith-based businesses still involves a lot of prayer says Michael Easton, second-generation owner of Christian Book and Music in Victoria, B.C.

The Times Colonist

'Left behind' movie remake: “Left Behind,” the faith-based, action-packed book and movie series about the End Times, is getting a film reboot.

The Hollywood Reporter

Honoring the KJV: The King James Bible is “a work of literary and spiritual genius.”

The Daily Telegraph

Pastor-author profiled: A profile of author and pastor Wayne Cordeiro.

The Register-Guard

Celebrating ten years' sales: Mary Paul hosts an open house to celebarte her tenth anniversary as owner of Covenant Christian Resource Center in Beaver Dam, Wisc.

The Beaver Dam Daily Citizen

'Praying the News': Craig von Buseck, ministries director for CBN.com, the website for the Christian Broadcasting Network, is co-author of "Praying the News: Your Prayers are More Powerful than You Know."

The Erie Times-News

Canadian stores pursue personalization: Christian stores in Canada have installed personal engraving machines to help grow their gifts business.

The Edmonton Journal

Author discusses media storm: Author Michael Pearl discusses the “”false image” gucven to his book on child discipline by media accounts linking it to the deaths of three children.

The National Post

New homes for old books: The Theological Book Network helps find new homes in the developing world for discarded theological study materials.

The Grand Rapids Press

Christian music label sold: Universal Music Group is buying EMI Group’s recording division, which includes EMI Christian Group, home to Christian hit makers including Amy Grant and Steven Curtis Chapman.

The Tennessean

 

·Industry Radar for the week of November 2, 2011

Sequim store changes hands: Joe Mangiameli and son John have taken over The Good Book in Sequim, Wash., from Christine Rich, owner for 13 years.

The Sequim Gazette

'All kinds of Christian fiction': Author Jenny B. Jones says “there's something for everyone in Christian romance fiction, especially if you prefer a story where the bedroom door stays closed.”

USA Today

Brandon Heath, 'rising superstar':

Brandon Heath is “the closest thing there is to a rising superstar in contemporary Christian music these days.”

The Morning Call

Switchfoot's 'Street 'n' Greet': Grammy-winning rock band Switchfoot is visiting select LifeWay stores for a “Ticket Servant Street ‘n’ Greet” to promote new album, “Vice Verses.”

The Houston Chronicle

Store owner seeks office: Michael Osborne’s Our Father’s House Christian Bookstore in Glade Spring, Va., is doubling as the campaign headquarters for run as an independent candidate for Southwest Virginia’s 5th District seat in the 100-member state house 

Tri-Cities.com

Digital piracy hits Christian music: Over the past eight years, Christian music publisher Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing has downsized from more than 60 employees to 20 “due in large part to lost sales and royalties for their songwriters as a result of digital theft.”

The Hill

Music videomakers' feature debut: “October Baby,” the first movie from brothers Jon and Andrew Erwin, award-winning makers of Christian music videos, has released in theaters.

The Birmingham News

Christian novelist's 'intelligent tension': Christian novelist Debbie Viguie writes “with an intelligent tension that keeps the reader glued to the page.”

USA Today

Pastor pens food guide: Pastor Steve Willis has authored “Winning the Food Fight. Victory in the Physical and Spiritual Battle for Good Food and a Healthy Lifestyle,” with a foreword by British TV chef Jamie Oliver.

The Huntington (West Va.) Herald-Dispatch

Long-time Alabama store closes: Gadsden Christian Book Store in downtown Gadsden, Ala., is closing after 32 years

The Gadsden Times

'Love Wins,' 'love note': Rob Bell's controversial “Love Wins” is “a love note to and about Jesus the Christ.”

The Winnipeg Free Press

'Heaven' gives people peace: People's need for peace in childlike faith is what is driving sales of best-seller “Heaven is for Real,’” says author Todd Burpo.

The Grand Rapids Press


·Industry Radar for the week of October 12, 2011

Brothers make 'niche' films: “Courageous” actor Kevin Downes and his brother Bobby have made 11 films—including 2000’s “Mercy Streets” with Eric Roberts and 2002’s “Time Changer”—for the niche Christian-entertainment market.

The Visalia Times-Delta

Store sued over loan: A bank has filed suit against a Christian bookstore in Swansea, Ill., alleging it defaulted on a $130,000 loan.

The Record

Faith-based films succeed: Box office results show “the power of faith-based films at the multiplex “

The Atlantic

'Courageous' makers thrilled at response: Sherwood Baptist Church leaders are thrilled by the response to their new movie “Courageous.”

WALB TV

Book explores pastor's doubts: “Not Sure: A Pastor's Journey From Faith To Doubt” is the story of “a pastor who used to have all the answers.”

Northumberland Today

'Courageous' shows 'growing sophistication': It’s interesting to track the growing cinematic sophistication of those preaching/filmmaking brothers of Sherwood Baptist Church,” from “Facing the Giants” to their breakout hit “Fireproof: to their latest film, “Courageous.”

The Tennessean

Creflo Dollar plans movies: Megachurch preacher Creflo Dollar is catching the wave of faith-based movies and “has opened up a film division within his Christian empire.”

Electronic Urban Report

Movie depicts controversial missionary: The subject of new movie, “Machine Gun Preacher,” talks about his controversial missionary work in Sudan.

The Jewish Journal

LifeWay closes center store: LifeWay Christian Stores’ outlet at the Southern Baptists Glorieta Conference Center, east of Santa Fe, N.M., is closing as part of downsizing of operations at the facility.

The Albuquerque Journal

Mutemath fights 'Christian' tag: Mutemath has been “fighting against being classified and marketed as a strictly contemporary Christian band.”

The San Antonio Express-News

CDs stolen from store: Around $5,000 worth of CDs were stolen from Christian Family Book Store in Elyria, Ill.  

The Morning Journal

Hollywood is 'rediscovering religion': Judging by the offerings at the movies this season, and more in the works, “Tinseltown is rediscovering religion.”

The Los Angeles Times

Movie explores pilgrimage route: “The Way” offers “an intriguing look” at the contemporary version of an ancient ritual, following one of Europe's most famous Christian pilgrimage routes.

The Los Angeles Times

Authors gather for signing: Four nationally known romance novelists take part in a signing at The Well in McPherson, Kan., as part of  Christian Store Week.

The McPherson Sentinel

Store marks 38 years: One Way Christian Book Store in Selma, Ala., is marking its 38th anniversary by giving away an organ.

The Selma Times-Journal

New store in Delaware: Former auditor Sheila Williams has opened Saving Grace Christian Bookstore  in a three-story house in Middletown, Del.

The Middletown Transcript

 

·Industry Radar for the week of September 28, 2011

'Bonhoeffer'e-sales spike: A $1.99 e-book deal sparked sales of Eric Metaxas' award-winning biography, “Bonhoeffer.”

USA Today

Teen author's debut novel: Noelle Marchand's debut novel for Steeple Hill's Love Inspired imprint, “Unlawfully Wedded Bride,” was written when  she was 18.

River Oaks News

Religious book sales healthy: ‎The religion book niche “appears to be doing a little better than the rest of the industry so far this year.”

Reuters

Author's 'huge' influence: Through his books, retiring Summit Ministries leader Dave Noebel has had a “huge” influence in conservative Christian circles.

The (Colorado Springs, Colo.) Gazette

Biopic of 'Machine Gun Preacher': New movie “Machine Gun Preacher” is “a flawed hero's tale” about missionary Sam Childers.

The Los Angeles Times

Borders closures 'an opportunity': Christian retailers “see a window of opportunity” in the death of a mega-competitor—Borders-- that once threatened to put them out of business.

Religion News Service

Indie stores pick up business: Some independent bookstores seem to have picked up business in the wake of the Borders closures.

The Atlantic

Dave Ramsey's signing giveaway: Financial expert Dave Ramsey gives away $2,000 at a signing for his latest book, “EntreLeadership.”

NorthJersey.com

Falling sales prompts closure: Declining sales and increased online competition have forced the closure of The Promise Shop in Fergus Falls, Minn.

The Fergus Falls Daily Journal

Missionary movie 'acutely earnest': Christian-themed biopic “Machine Gun Preacher” is “an acutely earnest movie about an evangelical Christian convert on a self-appointed quest to save children in Sudan. “

Screen Daily

 Industry Radar for the week of September 14, 2011

'New monastic' author spotlighted: The most famous “new monastic” is Shane Claiborne, author of “The Irresistible Revolution.”

The Washington Post

New Catholic publisher launches: Ken Nowell, a former businessman, has launched his own Catholic publishing company.

TC Palm

'Jesus Camp' book released: In "Jesus Camp: My Story," Becky Fischer tells her side of the story about the controversial documentary “Jesus Camp.”

The Bismarck Journal

Dog inspires faith film: Inspirational movie “Footprints — Angels are real. Some even have fur" is based on the true story of Cadie, an abused and seemingly unadoptable German shepherd, and a lost man who crosses paths with her.

South Coast Today

Church store test case: A South Nashville megachurch’s fight against a $425,000 property tax bill could have major implications for churches throughout the state whose facilities include stores and athletic facilities.

The Tennessean

Christian novel foreshadowed 9/11: Joel Rosenberg’s “The Last Jihad,” written nine months before the 9/11 terrorist attacks, “showed a remarkable prescience.”

The Calgary Herald

Mike Norris' new movie: John Schneider and Dean Cain star in “I Am… Gabriel,” the latest in a line of faith-based films by Mike Norris currently filming in Texas.

 The Flower Mound Leader Star

Christian movies, 'big business': A report on the success of church-based Sherwood Pictures finds “Christian entertainment is a big, increasingly mainstream business.”

TIME

Historical novelist goes undercover: To better inhabit her characters, historical novelist Deanne Gist commissioned a full Victorian get-up from a seamstress who specializes in period clothing. She now puts on Victorian fashion shows for fans and other romance novelists.

The Wall Street Journal

Flooding damages store: Flooding from Tropical Storm Lee caused about $10,000 damage at Life Discovery Christian Bookstore in Hartford, N.Y.

The Utica Observer-Dispatch

Free Bible app focus: One of the leaders in new technology publishing is YouVersion, a free Bible app developed by the staff of LifeChurch.tv, a cutting-edge megachurch based in Edmond, Okla.

The Toledo Blade

Debut author's Christmas message: In her first published novella, included in “The Christmas Bells of Georgia,” Rose McCauley “channeled her personal sentiments for the Christmas holiday.”

WKYT TV

Industry Radar for the week of September 7, 2011

Band Angels are big: Tim West has sold more than 125,000 boxes of his Band Angels, band aids featuring Bible verses, advertising on Facebook and by word-of-mouth.

The Tennessean

Books prompts poverty help: Reading “The Hole in Our Gospel” inspired  University of Georgia football coach Mark Richt to sell his near-$2 million home and give the money to an anti-poverty ministry.  

the Huffington Post

Band shares 'hopeful nostalgia': The City Harmonic’s new album celebrates “hopeful nostalgia.” 

The Visalia Times-Delta

Proud of 'Courageous' role: Miami actor Robert Amoya is “really proud” of his part in the new movie, “Courageous.”

The (Fort Myers, Fla.) News-Press

Petra performs at festival: Veteran rock band Petra performs at the Christian Music and Film Festival in Panama City Peach, funded for the second year by BP.

Golf book inspires movie: Originally self-published, then picked up by Zondervan, David Cook’s “Golf's Sacred Journey: Seven Days at the Links of Utopia”has been turned into a movie starring Robert Duvall.

The Houston Chronicle

Campus pastor tackles hypocrisy: Johnnie Moore, campus pastor at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Va., tackles hypocrisy, which he calls “Christianity’s biggest problem,” in his book, “Honestly.”

The News & Advance

Christian hockey star profiled: Christian hockey star Mike Fisher is the subject of new Christian children's book, “Defender of Faith.”

The Boot

Fight film a 'sleeper' hit: Christian-themed ultimate fighting drama, “Warrior,” “may be the sleeper of the fall season.”

Hollywood Soapbox

'Courageous' pair discuss roles: A father and son talk about their roles in the new Sherwood Pictures movie, “Courageous.”

The Apex Herald

'Utopia' has 'gentle' message: Christian movie “Seven Days in Utopia" “embraces gentle, Christian messages of encouragement and fortitude, which --while far from groundbreaking --bear repeating.” 

The Washington Post

Teen author encourages activism: Teenage author and anti-slavery campaigner Zach Hunter discusses why “faith without works is dead.”

The Huffington Post

Store boasts 9/11 mural: Artist David Webster’s 9/11 mural on the side of Berean Christian Book Store in Peoria, Ill., honors those who died in the terrorist attacks.

The (Warsaw, Ins.) Times-Union

Store robbed by gunman: Noah's Cove Christian Outlet in Birch Run, Mich., was robbed by a gunman.

NBC25 TV

“Utopia' has unusual ending: Inspirational G-rated golf drama, “Seven Days in Utopia,” doesn’t have a traditional ending.

The Los Angeles Times


 

Industry Radar for the week of August 31, 2011

Tim Pawlenty's book money: Tim Pawlenty lists royalty payments of $342,000 over the past year from his book "Courage to Stand," which was published early this year in connection with his now-ended run for president.

MinnPost.com

'Revolutionary' book marketing tactic: The success of “The Purpose-Driven Life” was due to author Rick Warren’s “revolutionary tactic to bypass bookshops and market the book directly to evangelical America, through its churches.

The Financial Times

Chilean miners' ordeal movie: A book about the ordeal of the 33 Chilean miners trapped underground for 69 days will “touch on the role their Christian faith played in the drama,” says writer Hector Tobar.

Agence France Press

Faith-based thrillers: Robert Whitlow’s novels are “a commingling of legal intrigue, Southern culture and fast-paced thrill–all with a Christian bent.”

South Park Magazine

Football star 'too preachy': Tim Tebow's football autobiography is “too preachy in spots.”

The Ledger

Christian publishers tackle porn: Christian publishers have produced “a wave” of recent books on sexual issues, including popular titles like “Porn-Again Christian,” “Secret Sexual Sins: Understanding a Christian's Desire for Pornography” and “Eyes of Integrity: The Porn Pandemic and How It Affects You.”

CNN

Singer's latest movie role: Singer Rebecca St. James is filming the faith-based romantic comedy, "A Strange Brand of Happy.”

Cincinnati.com

Coach's story will film: A movie adaptation is in the works for Zondervan's “The Sacred Acre: The Ed Thomas Story.”

The Des Moines Register

Australia's top Christian book: Ian Harper's “Economics for Life” has been named Christian Book of the Year in Australia.

Eternity

Bible artifacts are exhibited: The “Passages” exhibition of Bible artifacts includes portions of a Gutenberg Bible, Moses lithographs by Salvador Dali and copies of the first Bible translated into English in the 1380s by John Wycliffe.

The Amarillo Globe-News

Small store weathers storms: A small, independently owned Christian bookstore in Topeka, Kan., has weathered “not only the tough economy but also a change of location.”

The Topeka Capital-Journal

Apparel company wins award: Apparel company Gardenfire won a Best Booth award at the International Christian Retail Show with a recreation of its retail store display.

Lovely County Citizen

Hip-hop release applauded: Shonlock's latest release “brings the genre of Christian hip-hop music to a new level.”

Houston Chronicle

Inspirational film stars Satan: As Satan himself, British actor Malcolm McDowell “gives a good bit of rascally life” to Christian-themed movie, “Suing the Devil.”

The Florida Times-Union

Retailer sad for Borders loss: Independent bookseller Byron Borger, who owns Hearts and Minds bookstore in Dallastown, Pa., is not happy that Borders is closing.

The York Daily Record

Industry Radar for the week of August 17, 2011

Student publishes YA fantasies: Professional writing major Amy Green has published two teen fantasy books with Warner Press.

The (Warsaw, Ind.) Times-Union

Christian art's 'God connection': Christian art and other products can “connect us to God in a way that our head cannot do."

Deseret News

New Christian movie shoots: “King's Faith,” shooting now, is the latest Christian movie to rely on financial and volunteer support from churches.

The Rochester Democrat and Chronicle

LifeWay hosts fan events: Steven Curtis Chapman appears at three Houston-area LifeWay Christian Stores as part of an artist and fan “Street-n-Greet” event.

The Cypress Times

'Soul Surfer' star's faith: “Soul Surfer” star Dennis Quaid talks about his belief in the power of prayer.

ESPN

Playing cards proclaim healing: Art gallery owner Tom Woodfin has created a deck of healing-themed playing cards.

The (Fort Wayne, Ind.) Journal Gazette

Store hosts free concert: Kolas Christian Bookstore in Highland, ind., hosts a free concert by Southern Christian gospel group The Daybreak Quartet.

North West Times

Michele Bachmann's Christian library: A profile of Michele Bachmann looks at the Christian books that have influenced the Republican Presidential nominee hopeful.

The New Yorker

Bookstore seized over taxes: A Christian bookstore in Mattituck, N.Y., has been seized by authorities for the owner’s failure to pay taxes.

The Riverhead News-Review

Author's son found dead: The son of best-selling author Debbie Macomber has been found dead after “battling an extended illness.”

The Kitsup Sun

Author is voracious reader: Basketball executive and Christian author Pat Williams is a voracious reader.

Orlando magazine

Murdered coach's biography releases: Zondervan's "Sacred Acre: The Ed Thomas Story,” tells the story of the murdered football coach who “left lessons of grace and forgiveness that touched a nation.”

The Waterloo Cedar Falls Courier

Stores closing after 40 years: Agape Booksellers in Jackson Crossing, Mich., is closing after 40 years.

The Jackson Citizen Patriot

 

Industry Radar for the week of August 3, 2011

Karen Kingsbury, 'part-time writer': Though her children view her as a “part-time writer,” Karen Kingsbury has managed to write more than 50 novels and repeatedly earn spots on ”The New York Times” best sellers list.

The Tennessean

Hacking scandal brings scrutiny: The scandal involving NewsCorp head Rupert Murdoch's British tabloid empire has brought scrutiny to Zondervan.

The Grand Rapids Press

Author concerned about hacking: The UK phone hacking scandal has “become a sticky wicket for at least one Zondervan author,” who says Rupert Murdoch's ownership could create an "ethical dilemma."

CNN

'Machine gun' book filmed: Gerard Butler portrays God-fearing, firepower-toting Sam Childers in “Machine Gun Preacher,” based on the book about the man whose quest to end atrocities committed against the children of Sudan “sometimes places him on the moral divide between right and wrong.”

USA Today

NIV sales are up: Sales of Zondervan's new edition of the New International Version are up despite its being denounced by Southern Baptist Convention pastors.

The Grand Rapids Press

Michael Vick's book delayed: "Finally Free," the faith-based autobiography of jailed NFL player Michael Vick, will not be released as originally scheduled. Publication of the book has been delayed.

The Daily Press

Kirk Cameroon helps marriages: Actor Kirk Cameron speaks about the “real market for really quality movies that focus on Christianity and the gospel.”

The Florida Times-Union

Star ghostwriter profiled: Lynn Vincent, ghostwriter of Christian bestsellers, has “become a star” in the past couple of years.

Newsweek

Faith inspires electronica musician: Electronica artist Andy Hunter's music is “motivated by his Christian beliefs, despite minimal references to God in his songs.”

Glide

Kirk Cameron fights for marriage: Kirk Cameron speaks about his Love Worth Fighting for marriage conferences.

The Florida Times-Union

John Stott 'an inspiration': For many evangelicals who “winced whenever a televangelist made the headlines,” the late John Stott was “an intellectual guru and an inspiration.”

The New York Times

Book promotes money management: A new book looks at money from a biblical perspective.

Rapid City Journal

'Nooma' series becomes app: “Nooma,” Rob Bell’s film series started nearly a decade ago, is finding new life as an app. 

The Grand Rapids Press

Romance writer's personal story: Romance novelist Kathleen Y'Barbo-Turner is living out her own real-life love story.

The Tulsa World


Industry Radar for the week of July 20, 2011

Cook buys Integrity: Integrity Music publishing operation will relocate this fall to Colorado Springs after its acquisition by David C Cook, the nonprofit Christian Sunday-school curriculum publishing company.
The (Colorado Springs, Colo.) Gazette


'Stalwart' store closes down: Bread of Life Christian bookstore is now closed after being a “stalwart fixture” in Elk River, Minn., for the past 37 years.

The Star News

Mom, baby faith-wear: Miracle Maternity Wear and Heaven Sent Infant Wear designs are apparel with “a spiritual reflection.”

The Santa Clarita Valley Signal

Bookstore owner's 'special' insights: The insight of owner Steve Camp makes Christian Book and Supply Center in Burlington, Mass., “a special place.”

Burlington Patch

Lee Strobel's 'who-is-it?': Readers of Lee Strobel's first novel, “The Ambition,” will find themselves “trying to figure out which real-life characters the book's key players are based on.”

The Chicago Tribune

Newsboys' enduring appeal: Newsboys' enduring success is due to “their ability to stay relevant in an ever-changing culture, and their willingness to be used by God.”

The Middletown Journal

Old-school store beats chains: Because Pilgrim's Progress in Charleston, W. Va., has not changed with the times, the little Christian bookstore can offer services not found in larger chain establishments.

The Charleston Daily Mail

Tony Dungy's quiet co-author: The collaborator on wildly successful books with two iconic sports figures—Tony Dungy and Tim Tebow—Nathan Whitaker “has a pretty good story of his own.”

The Tampa tribune

'Courageous' screenings go well: Preview screening reviews for “Courageous” have “exceeded our expectations,” says Michael Catt, one of the producers.

The Albany Herald

Industry Radar for the week of July 6, 2011

Faith-based films growing: Backers of faith-based movies say box office figures “indicate people are turning out for films that reflect their beliefs and they don't expect the support to wane.”

Associated Press

Mahalia Jackson biopic coming: Biopic "Mahalia!" is to be filmed in New Orleans and Chicago, in keeping with singer Mahalia Jackson's life.

Southeast Missourian

Doves return to Atlanta: The Dove awards will return to Atlanta in 2012.

The Tennessean

Thumbs-down for NIV: The Southern Baptist Convention has given a thumbs-down to the 2011 version of the New International Version, and one prominent Tulsa pastor is unhappy about it.

The Tulsa World

U.K. chain closes stores: U.K. Christian book chain Living Oasis has announced its third store closure in just over a week.

The Bookseller

Football coach publishes memoir: Football coach Gene Chizik's memoir, "All In: What It Takes to Be the Best," is “a story about football, family and faith," he says, “three things that are important in my life."

The Birmingham News

Dutch publisher's lightweight books: Dutch Christian printing house Jongbloed is adopting the lightweight, high-quality ''onion skin'' paper used for Bibles to produce a series of miniature sideways books that can be read using only one hand.
The Sydney Morning Herald

Homeschool store 'a ministry': Cherrie Moore's homeschooling business “is more than a bookstore; it's a ministry and a help center.”

The Virginian-Pilot

Ex-Korn guitarist talks faith: Christian music festival headliner Brian “Head” Welch talks about his former career with rock band Korn and his conversion.

The (Appleton, Wisc.) Post-Crescent

Faith-based memoirs reviewed: Two new faith-based memoirs “seem to express how different Christians are in wrestling with their faith and our world.”

The Denver Post


Industry Radar for the week of June 30, 2011

Glenn Campbell faces Alzheimer's: Country singer and Dove award winner Glenn Campbell has Alzheimer's disease.

People magazine

Faith film's pro-life stance: Inspirational movie “Doonby” brings “an emphatically anti-abortion slant to the hot-button issue.”

The Los Angeles Times

Best Australian books shortlisted: The shortlist for this year's Australian Christian Book of the Year Award has been announced.

Bookseller and Publisher

Catholic church stores closing: Two Catholic Cathedral Book Shops in Columbus, Ohio, are closing down.

The Columbus Dispatch

Community bookstore launches: Kandis Henry's new By My Spirit bookstore in Liberty, Texas, is “for the community.”

The Dayton News

Pastor writes faith fiction: A new mystery-thriller-romance novel with faith overtones is what author Sheilah Fletch calls "proof that God challenges you out of your comfort zone to expand your world."

Owen Sound Sun Times

YA author challenges stereotypes: YA author Lisa Bergren wants to “redefine what makes a hero and stop teaching girls that danger is an essential ingredient.”

The Jersey Journal

Publishing, retail veteran dies: Robert Kregel, who for decades ran the the local Christian publishing house and bookstore chain begun in 1909 by his father, has died after a brief illness.

The Grand Rapids Press

Ten Boom sequel filmed: Olympic medalist Josh Davis has a small role in the forthcoming “Return to the Hiding Place," the sequel to the 1975 movie based on the famous autobiographical novel by Corrie ten Boom.

The San Antonio News

Rob Bell's personal hell: Rob Bell has “experienced hell this year, both in his writing and in his personal life,” since the publication of “Love Wins.”

The Tennessean


Industry Radar for the week of June 22, 2011

Books bloom at florist's: A florist's in Springfield Township, Ohio, has opened a Christian bookstore as part of the business.

The Suburbanite

Store throws annual party: Lighthouse Christian Gift & Bookstore in Martell, Calif., hosts its second annual “Knock at the Door” event, which features  face painting and games, live music, food, ministry activities and a guest speaker.

The (Amador, Calif.) Ledger Dispatch

Church bookstore expands: At a time when many places of worship are cutting back the hours and the space dedicated to their bookstores, Holy Cross Catholic Church in Charlotte, N.Y., is expanding its offerings.

The Rochester Democrat and Chronicles

The appeal of heaven: “90 Minutes in Heaven” author Don Piper discusses why his story is appealing to so many.

Connect Amarillo

Industry Radar for the week of June 15, 2011

Third Day, top band: Third Day is “arguably the top Christian rock band in the world.”

The Sun Journal

Cowboy romance author's success: Author Mary Connealy worked on her cowboy romantic comedies for 10 years before getting her big break at a Christian fiction contest.

The Omaha World-Herald

Hockey star pens bio: NHL star Mike Fisher's faith in God—detailed in his new Zondervan biography --”has been unwavering, which has made him an inspiration to believers and non-believers alike.”

Ottawa Citizen

Karen Kingsbury movies coming: Several of Karen Kingsbury's recent novels are currently under full-length movie production and will appear in theaters over the next few years.

The Daily News Journal

Randy Travis records duets: Randy Travis has released “Anniversary Celebration,” a 17-song duets project that features past Travis hits and new songs and pairs him with “a contemporary who’s who.”

The Tennessean

Store closes after two years: Living Waters Christian Store in Potsdam, N.Y., has closed its doors after less than two years in business.

North Country Now

Online sales force closure: Internet sales have been the biggest factor in the closure of Upper Room Christian Bookstore in London, Ontario.

Our London

Evolution movie for sale: Ben Stein's documentary about the evolution debate, “Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed, ” is for sale as part of the liquidation of film producer Premise Media Holdings LP.

The Wall Street Journal

Integrity Music sale details: Co-founder and CEO Michael Coleman discusses the sale of Integrity Music to David C. Cook.

The (Mobile, Ala.) Press-Register

Christian romances on rise: Romance readers are scooping up books that, “while simplistically defined as 'Christian,' are in fact offering us an alternate view of life and society, one where selfishness and vulgarity have been replaced by community and decorum.”

The Huffington Post


 

Industry Radar for the week of June 9, 2011

Berenstain Bears author's support: Mike Berenstain, author and illustrator of the popular Berenstain Bears books that include a faith-based series for Zondervan, supports a Christian bookstore's summer reading program.

The Grand Rapids Press

Upper Room stores closing: After 32 years of providing the community of London, Ontario, with Christian books, music, and gifts, the Upper Room Book Store is  closing.

Quill & Quire

Another online sale victim: The “growing trend to online book sales” has claimed a Canadian Christian bookstore as a casualty.

London Free Press

Joy Williams' breakout success: Former Christian recording artist Joy Williams finds breakout success with the folk-pop duo, The Civil Wars.

USA Today

Christian singer 'creatively stifled': The Civil War's Joy Williams “felt stifled creatively by a Christian record label deal.”

The Tennessean

Documentary follows pastor's trials: Pastor and author Ed Dobson features in a new documentary series from David C. Cook that looks at his life after being diagnosed with ALS. 

The Grand Rapids Press

 

Industry Radar for the week of June 2, 2011

'Angel' tackles the Bible: “Touched by an Angel” actress Roma Downy is co-producing the 10-part docudrama, “The Bible,” for the History Channel.

The Tennessean

Mardel supports military families: Mardel Christian Bookstore in Corpus Christi, Texas, is collecting handwritten Bible verses and personal messages on cards that will be given to local families who have lost loved ones in war.

KIII TV 

Canadian writing award finalists: Five Manitobans have been named finalists in the annual Canadian Christian Writing Awards, which recognize excellence in books, articles, columns and songs written with a Christian worldview.

Winnipeg Free Press  

'Heaven' is faith-builder: Bestselling “Heaven is For Real” “reinforced and bolstered my faith.”

Deseret News

'Love Wins' film response: Fallen Tree Productions is to make an as-yet-unnamed film in response to the controversy and

the conversation surrounding Rob Bell's “Love Wins.”

The Grand Rapids Press

Funny faith cards: Inherit the Mirth's Christian greeting cards have been described as been described as “The Far Side meets the Bible.”

Winnipeg Free Press 

Pro-waiting sex comedy: The pro-abstinence sex comedy, “The Waiting Game,” will feature a cameo by former National Association of Evangelicals leader Ted Haggard.

The Madison County Herald

Heralding 'the new KJV': As the King James Version marks its 400th birthday, some Christian scholars are hoping to spark interest in a new translation capable of attaining the KJV’s “cultural authority, poetic power and theological depth.”

The Washington Post

Tim Tebow draws crowd: Fans camped out overnight to be sure of getting Tim Tebow to sign his new autobiography, “Through My Eyes,” the day of its release.

Bleacher Report

Publishers' 'birthing station': Jennifer and David Minigh's ShadeTree Publishing is “like a birthing station for Christian writers.”

The Register-Herald

'Fireproof' still helping marriages: Actor Kirk Cameron says that after viewing “Fireproof,” the movie in which he stars, many people “feel there's a chance they can make their marriage work again."

The Madison County Herald

 

Industry Radar for the week of May 26, 2011 

Marketing faith-based movies: Divergent strategies are “now standard marketing” for a film with strong religious themes, like 'There be Dragons.”

The Huffington Post

Amy Grant's 'painful journey': Amy Grant and Vince Gill reflect on “the long and painful journey that has brought them to what they each call the best time of their lives.”

AARP magazine

Swept along by 'Broom': T.D. Jakes' new movie, “Jumping the Broom,” “get its yuks while exploring spiritual issues.”

The Atlanta Constitution-Journal

Texas store to close: After more than six years in business, the Cornerstone Christian Bookstore in Lufkin,Texas, will close its doors.

The Lufkin Daily News

Ex-atheist preps 'devilish' film: A former atheist, Tim Chey plans to release "Suing the Devil," his fifth Christian-themed movie, in about 400 theaters.

The Florida Times-Union

Debut author nominated: At 74, optometrist Dale Garland finds his first book up for a small Christian publishers' award.

The Andrews Journal

Another Christian film coming: A former marine and professional arm wrestler, Shawn Starry is to make a Christian film of his book, “The Train of Life.”

The (Freeport, Ill.) Journal Standard

Chris Fabry's writing career: Since his first book was published in 1995, Chris Fabry has gone on to write 69 more.

The State Journal 

Long-time retailer dies: After a long battle with cancer, Paul Holsopple, the co-owner of long-time Christian bookstore the Anchor Room, in Fort Wayne, Ind., has died.

Indiana NewsCenter

 

Industry Radar for the week of May 18, 2011


Bands support teen's festival: Former Korn guitarist Brian “Head” Welch and P.O.D. are among the artists appearing at a music festival organized by a teenage Christian music fan.

CNN

Documentary tackles absent dads: Author John Eldredge and heavy metal musician James Hetfield appear in a new documentary about the problems caused by absent fathers.

The Arizona Republic 

Jakes' movie has 'polish': T.D. Jakes' new film, “Jumping the Broom,” “is like a Tyler Perry movie with polish.”

The Tennessean

Business family faces 'shakedown': Mart Green, founder of Mardel Christian & Education, and members of his family have dismissed as “shakedowns tactics” allegations by founders of the charity Feed The Children that they played a role in pushing them out of their jobs.

The Republic

'Outspoken' Christian music figure: Tenth Avenue North front man Mike Donehey is “a notably outspoken figure in contemporary Christian music.”

The Tennessean 

Jars' well mission accomplished: Jars of Clay celebrates helping provide 1,000 African communities with clean water sources.

The Tennessean

Zondervan to close warehouse: Zondervan will close its warehouse in June 2012 and eliminate 75 jobs as parent company HarperCollins moves to on-demand publishing.

The Grand Rapids Press

Profit 'not ultimate goal': Publisher Steve Strang says that while profit is important at his company, Charisma Media, “it’s not the ultimate goal.”

Gulf Coast Business Review

Zondervan may move HQ: Zondervan plans to move its headquarters to another Grand Rapids-area location and close a warehouse operation next year

The Detroit Free Press

Praising C.S. Lewis: C.S. Lewis “expresses the Christian faith vigorously but winsomely.”

The Columbus Dispatch

Christian classic artists tour: Featuring Steve Green, Twila Paris, Michael Card and Wayne Watson, The Christian Classic Tour presents artists “who have played a key role for more than 25 years in pioneering what is today the contemporary Christian music world.”

The Chattanoogan

 

Industry Radar for the week of May 11, 2011

Lessons from a storm: Phil Cooke, Christian media consultant and author of “Jolt!,” on the lessons her learned about dealing with change, from a “storm chaser.”

Fox News

Zondervan's 'quiet' new leader: New President and CEO Scott Macdonald's “quiet style and three decades of business experience make him a good fit” to head Zondervan.

The Grand Rapids Press

Authors' Christian book club: Sisters with A Purpose is a Christian book club founded by Gainesville, Fla.-based authors Sabriena Williams and Shanon Nelson.

The Gainesville Guardian

Movie role for 'Wade': Pro-life activist Norma McCorvey—the subject of the pivotal Roe vs. Wade abortion ruling—appears in the new inspirational movie, “Doonby.”

The Hollywood Reporter

New Zondervan head speaks: Scott Macdonald discusses his new role as the leader of Zondervan.

The Grand Rapids Press

Publisher supports prayer day: Group Publishing offers its facilities in Loveland, Colo., for members of the community to gather during the National Day of Prayer.

The (Loveland, Colo.) Reporter-Herald

Faith film's 'honest discussion': T.D. Jakes' new film, “Jumping The Broom” features “honest discussion of faith, sex and forgiveness.”

The Huffington Post

Singer's pro-life support: Since the release of the pro-life film, “Sarah's Choice,” in which she stars, singer Rebecca St. James has been singing at fundraisers for pregnancy centers and finding “incredible joy.”

The Appleton Post-Crescent

Author writes 'challenging' stories: Debut author Paula Wiseman wants to “write stories about people dealing with faith issues in the midst of some of life's most challenging·circumstances.”

The Seattle Post-Intelligencer

Francesca Battistelli's broad appeal: Although she’s primarily known as a Christian music artist, Francesca Battistelli's music “has won over secular audiences as well.”

American Songwriter


Industry Radar for the week of May 4, 2011

Movie follows 'saintly prostitute': Inspirational movie “The 23rd Psalm” boasts “an investigation into the murder of a saintly prostitute.”

Technorati

'Soul Surfer,' backroom battles: The creators of "Soul Surfer" had to battle with producers over several specific moments in the film in order to obtain a wide theatrical release.

Deseret News 

 Church center includes bookstore: The new ChristLife Center in downtown Huntsville, Tex., includes a coffee bar and bookstore.

The Huntsville Item

David Wilkerson, movie pioneer: David Wilkerson, killed in an auto accident, pioneered ministry films like "The Cross and The Switchblade," originally his own book, into theaters.

WCTI TV

Rob Bell is misunderstood: Rob Bell's “Love Wins” has “been largely misunderstood.”

The Baylor Lariat

'Heaven' reveals 'faith paradox': The success of “Heaven is For Real” “demonstrates an odd paradox about the faithful.”

The Huffington Post

 

 Industry Radar for the week of April 27, 2011.

DeMille epic 'essential viewing': In the 55 years since it was made, “The Ten Commandments” has become “essential viewing for both Christian and Jewish families, especially during religious holidays.”

The Sudbury Star

Atheist salutes KJV: Leading atheist Christopher Hitchens argues that “our language and culture are incomplete without a 400-year-old book—the King James translation of the Bible.

Vanity Fair

King James anniversary noted: The King James Bible is 400 years old this year and “the music of its sentences is still ringing out.”

 The Economist

Kenny Rogers' gospel exclusive: Country legend Kenny Rogers' “The Rock of Your Love,” featuring contemporary Christian songs as well as gospel classics, is available only at Cracker Barrel.

The Tennessean

Francesca Battistelli's musical vision: Francesca Battistelli has “longed to produce Christian music for those who may never listen to Christian radio or step into a religious bookstore.”

ABC News

'Heaven' book breaks records: “Heaven Is for Real: A Little Boy's Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and Back” has broken all sales records for Thomas Nelson.

USA Today

Dove Awards winners named: Francesca Battistelli continued her strong surge as Christian music’s biggest star by taking three 2011 Dove Awards.

The Tennessean

Musician helps Haiti effort: A concert in Shippenberg, Pa., by renowned Christian singer and songwriter Michael W. Smith will help a local organization fund the building of a school in Haiti.

Public Opinion 

New 'official; Bibles launch: U.S. Catholics and Protestants alike are being introduced this Easter season to separate "official" updated translations of the Bible.

MSNBC 

Readers 'fixated' on heaven: Readers are “fixated on a more recent depiction of life and afterlife, as painted by an 11-year-old boy,” in ““Heaven is For Real: A Little Boy’s Astounding Story of his Trip to Heaven and Back.”

The Couer d'Alene Press

Church hires movie director: An Elgin, Ill., megachurch has hired a Hollywood director to make series of “faith-based movies” for theatrical and DVD release over the coming years.

The Courier-News

Ex-publisher portrays Lewis: A former Christian publisher now portrays C.S. Lewis in a one-man show.

The Modesto Bee

Tim LaHaye's resurrection movie: Author Tim LaHaye is working on “The Resurrection,” a movie about the ten post-resurrection appearances of Christ.

The Wall Street Journal

Ron Bell 'shakes' orthodoxy: Rob Bell is “in the midst of shaking the world of American Protestant orthodoxy to its core — even as he insists he is not sure why.”

The National Post

Book spurs father movement: Greg Vaughn's book, “Letters from Dad,” has inspired a movement of the same name helping men connect more with their families and loved ones.

The (Wilmington, N.C.) Star-News

Latest KJV helps stores: The latest edition of the King James Version of the Bible “could be one of the saviors of the Australian bookshop industry.”

The Age

'Love Wins' rebuttal published: The controversy surrounding “Love Wins” has produced its first book in response, “Christ Alone: An Evangelical Response to Rob Bell’s Love Wins” by seminary professor Michael E. Wittmer.

The Grand Rapids Press

New store's 'homey' welcome: Robin Chapman's By The Way Christian Espresso Lounge & Bookstore offers a “homey, welcoming and warm environment.”

The (Banning, Calif.) Record Gazette 

'Love Wins' sparks 'firestorm': “Love Wins” has “ignited a firestorm in the evangelical world.”

ABC News

'Love Wins' is 'important': “Love Wins” is “an important book religiously—and in terms of American political and cultural life.”

The Washington Post

Mandisa slims and sings: Mandisa's new album, What If We Were Real,” reflects her lifelong battle with her weight.

The Tennessean


Industry Radar for the week of April 20, 2011. 

Thomas Nelson's Titanic history: Rock journalist Steve Turner turns his attention to one of the world's most spectacular and memorable tragedies, the sinking of the Titanic, in Thomas Nelson's new “The Band That Played On.”

USA Today

Couple starts 'ministry' bookstore: When David and Amy Tucker decided to open All About Love Christian bookstore in Wentzville, Mo., “they knew they were starting a ministry as much as a business.”

The Wentzville Patch

'Soul Surfer' pleases Christians: Evangelical Christians have been waiting for a movie like “Soul Surfer” “the way a surfer waits in the swells for The Big One.”

The Toledo Blade

'Soul Surfer' sparks debate: The question of how to show the Hamilton family's religion in the film, “Soul Surfer,” “caused huge debate on set.”

CNN

Follow-up for 'Potatoes' film: Filming has started on “Ordinary People,” a follow-up to “ Faith Like Potatoes,” the story of African evangelist Angus Buchan.

Screen Africa

'Lame' faith-based movies: As "Soul Surfer" demonstrates, faith-based movies are a boom industry, a mainstream journalist notes before asking: “Do they have to be so lame?”

Salon

Jakes unveils new movie: T.D. Jakes' new "Jumping the Broom" is the story of two African-American families from different socioeconomic backgrounds coming together one weekend in Martha's Vineyard for a wedding.

The A&T Register

Rob Bell, 'Time' cover: Rob Bell's “slim, lively book has ignited a new holy war in Christian circles and beyond.”

TIME

Author discusses 'Love Wins': Rob Bell discusses “Love Wins” on American Morning.

CNN

'Soul Surfer' thumbs-up: “Soul Surfer” “rides the waves of 'real' Christian films.”

The Houston Chronicle

Seeking faith-based film-goers: “Soul Surfer' is the latest movie to try and capture the faith-based movie market.

The Tennessean

C.S. Lewis Bible dispute: A newly published Bible bearing his name has excited fans and provoked debate over whether C.S. Lewis would have approved.

The Los Angeles Times

New Nelson leader speaks: New Nelson chief Mark Schoenwald says research suggests Christian reader are slower to adopt e-book readers than others.

The Tennessean

Actress hosts Dove Awards: Actress and TV host Sherri Shepherd is “a perfect fit” for hosting the Gospel Music Association's annual Dove Awards.

The San Antonio Express-News

Detective overcomes writing challenges: Mark Mynheir's detective thrillers “may be inspirational in the spiritual sense, but they also offer inspiration for anyone who's ever wanted to write.”

Florida Today

'Weird' Christian movies: A look at “the weird world of straight-to-DVD Christian film.”

Salon

Industry Radar for the week of April 13, 2011.

Singer's 'soulful' movie debut: Singer Carrie Underwood discusses her acting debut in inspirational biopic, “Soul Surfer.”

USA Today

Top ghostwriter profiled: Best known for helping others tell their faith stories, leading co-author Lynn Vincent's own life has taken some dramatic turns.

The San Diego Union Tribune

Rob Bell 'not the devil': Rob Bell "is not the devil people are making him out to be,” says a critic of “Love Wins.”

The Tennessean

Store goes online-only: Crossroads is “not going away, we’re going virtual,” says owner Murray Zetterholm of the closure of the store in Ann Arbor, Mich., in favor of an online operation.

AnnArbor.com

Bible exhibition in Oklahoma: The Oklahoma City Museum of Art will be the first stop for a worldwide traveling exhibition of historic biblical texts and artifacts collected the Green family behind Hobby Lobby and Mardel Christian & Education chains.

The Oklahoman

Bible collection contains treasures: The Green family's massive collection of biblical manuscripts and texts includes many items yet to be studied in detail.

The Oklahoman

Scott Krippayne top songwriter: Scott Krippayne’s “What Faith Can Do,” recorded by Christian rockers Kutless, named Christian song of the year for 2010.

The Tennessean

Chocolate Easter Lambs spread: Joel and Sally Moylan's Why the Lamb Easter chocolates are selling well in Christian bookstores, churches and other stores.

The Lynchburg News & Advance

Film subject's 'beautiful thing': Surfer Bethany Hamilton says that the shark attack the sparked the biopic, “Soul Surfer, “has turned into a beautiful thing.”

The New York Times

Derek Webb offers 'Feedback': Derek Webb's new release, “Feedback,” is an instrumental electronic album based on the Lord’s prayer that pairs the music with companion pieces of art.

The Tennessean

Georgia stores doubles space: Christian Art and Books has doubled its space with a moved into downtown Monroe, Ga.

The Walton Tribune

'Soul Surfer,' so-so: “Soul Surfer” “contains enough platitudes to stock a Hallmark shop.”

The Washington Post

Surf movie's 'few waves: “Soul Surfer” “makes very few waves.”

USA Today

'Soul Surfer' a 'champ': From the production values to the “savvy delivery of its Christian message, 'Soul Surfer' a champ.”

The Oklahoman

'Soul Surfer' not preachy: “Soul Surfer” “manages to avoid the preachiness found in many Christian films.”

The Gazette

Nicholson in 'Soul Surfer': Actor Jack Nicholson's daughter, Lorraine, has her first major supporting role in “Soul Surfer.”

NBC

Film's faith message defended: Singer Carrie Underwood supportesd the faith message of “Soul Surfer,” in which she makes her acting debut.

The Deseret News

'Soul Surfer' is underwhelming: An inspiring true-life story “gets a less-than-inspired film dramatization.”

The Hollywood Reporter

Biopic's open faith: It's rare for a Hollywood production like “Soul Surfer” to “so openly embrace any faith for fear of offending potential audience members who might believe differently.”

The Los Angeles Times

'Soul Surfer' 'heartfelt': While “formulaic in design, 'Soul Surfer' is an authentic and heartfelt movie.”

Entertainment Weekly

Best faith film ever: “Soul Surfer” is “the best faith-based film ever made... uplifting, entertaining and wonderfully-acted.”

The Orlando Sentinel

'Soul Surfer' undermines itself: “'Soul Surfer' can't help patting itself on the back at key moments, undermining its own impact. “

The Huffington Post

'Soul Surfer' is kind-hearted: “Soul Surfer” is a kind-hearted coming-of-age drama with killer waves.”

Variety

Bethany Hamilton, comeback queen: Bethany Hamilton is “the ultimate comeback kid.”

Parade

Industry Radar for the week of April 7, 2011.

Meet the big box challenge: How a small Christian chain in Canada has responded to the challenge of other channels selling Christian products.

The Globe and Mail

Faith-based music guide: Noting the growth of Christian artists with a mainstream appeal and secular artists with a faith-based background who “comprise a comprehensive collection of artists whose music transcends secular/Christian boundaries.”

The Pepperdine Graphic

'Big tent' sexuality views: Author Jonathan Merritt reflects on the move among young evangelicals towards a “big-tent approach to sexuality.”

The Christian Science Monitor

Advice for Charlie Sheen: Author Margaret Feinberg pens an open letter of concern to troubled TV star Charlie Sheen.

CNN

Artist's illustrated gospels: Artist Makoto Fujimura speaks about illuminated English Standard Version of "The Four Holy Gospels,” published by Crossway.

The Tampa Bay Tribune

Rob Bell defends 'Love Wins': Rob Bell defends his decision to write “Love Wins.”

The Huffington Post

Bell offers 'fresh air': For some readers, “Love Wins” “has been a breath of fresh air and a chance to discuss ideas that have long been taboo in evangelical circles.”

Associated Press

Christian songwriter of 2010: Dan Muckala named Christian songwriter of the year for his work on three of the most performed songs of 2010--“All of Creation,” “Beautiful” and “Light Up the Sky.”

The Tennessean

Rob Bell wonders about critics: Rob Bell “wonders why his critics bristle at the idea of making the gospel more popular.”

The Detroit Free Press

Finding hope in Hollywood: A filmmaker “who tells stories of redemption and faith,” Lee Stanley recounts his life in Hollywood in “Faith in the Land of Make-Believe.”

CNN


Baseball biographer on Pujols: Co-author Tim Ellsworth talks about “Pujols: More than the Game,” the biography of St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols.

The Benton Evening News

Major biblical manuscript collection: The Green family—owners of Hobby Lobby and Mardel Christian & Education--has amassed the world's largest collection of ancient biblical manuscripts and texts, including the 1782 Aitken Bible authorized by Congress.

USA Today

Industry Radar for the week of April 4, 2011.

From pizzas to publishing: Pizza franchise owner Ta’ Mara Hanscom and her husband started their own company to publish her Caselli Family Series of Christian novels.

The Sioux City Journal

The legacy of Lewis: With “the possible exception of Jesus and the apostle Paul,” no man's name appears more in popular evangelical nonfiction than C.S Lewis.

The Huffington Post

Faith-based fashion: Jesus Couture is a growing apparel company “that combines modern style with Christian quotes and imagery.”

Richmond BizSense

Mark Schultz goes instrumental: On his latest tour, Mark Schultz debuts several pieces from his instrumental project, "Renaissance," recorded in Italy this year.
The Charlotte Observer

Updated NIV print run: Demand for the updated New International Version prompted Zondervan to increase its original print run of 1.4 million copies to 1.9 million.

The New American

Rob Bell 'worn out': Rob Bell is 'a bit worn out by trying to reduce the complexities of his book and faith into tube-friendly sound bites.”

The Grand Rapids Press

Rob Bell, 'loose cannon': Rob Bell, “the megachurch hip Christian with the cool glasses, video portfolio and huge youth following is a dangerous loose cannon to many of his peers.”

USA Today

Francesca Battistelli, rising star: Francesca Battistelli is the best-selling new Christian music act to come along in the past eight years.

USA Today

New packaging for NIV: Zondervan hired an award-winning design firm to help package the updated New International Version, with shop-alongs with consumers and home interviews.

The Grand Rapids Press

Stryper covers rock classics: Christian metal pioneers Stryper didn't exactly make a deal with the devil for its latest album, “but it probably comes pretty close in some people's books.”

The Houston Chronicle

Jars of Clay's mission: Christian rock band Jars of Clay “is clear about its intentions when it comes to Blood:Water Mission in Africa.”

The San Gabriel Valley Tribune

Memorial run DVD release: A fall DVD release is planned for “My Run," the documentary about Terry Hitchcock's Twin Cities-Atlanta marathon in honor of his wife, who died of breast cancer.

The Evanston Review

Jeremy Camp's impact: Singer Jeremy Camp has funneled personal pain into songs like "I Still Believe" that have garnered him three gold albums and more than 3 million records sold.

The Corpus Christi Caller Times


Industry Radar for the week of March 23, 2011.

New Bibles for Lent: As many Christians begin observing Lent, American publishers release new translations of two of the most widely read English language Bibles.

The Washington Post

The Christian store challenge: The challenge facing Christian retailers is “that their existence relies on finding a way to balance their long-held principles with their customers' modern-day mores and desire for convenience.”

The Detroit News

Miracle DVD sells well: “Finger of God,” an independent Christian documentary about miracles, has sold more than 70,000 copies since it was released in 2007.

The Courier-News

Businessmen host faith movie: Christian businessmen in Dalton, Ga., host screenings of inspirational true-life drama, “The Way Home.”

The Daily Citizen

Rob Bell's Zondervan split: Rob Bell's split from Zondervan came in part over his controversial new book, “Love Wins.”

CNN

'Love Wins' release revised: HarperOne brings forward the release of Rob Bell's book, “Love Wins.”

Grand Rapids Press

CBD warehouse evacuated: A suspicious package prompts an evacuation at Christian Book Distributors.

The Boston Globe

Distributor's bomb squad alert: A UPS shipping error led to the evacuation of about 500 employees at Christian Book Distributors while a state police bomb squad investigated.

The Salem News

'Sleeper hit' profiled:  “Heaven Is for Real” has become a sleeper paperback hit of the winter.

The New York Times

Updated NIV's digital success: Zondervan's updated New International Version Bible just hit store shelves, but it is already a digital bestseller.

Grand Rapids Press

Charles Colson's 'ambitious effort': Author and Christian leader Charles Colson has launched “an ambitious effort... to replicate his spiritual DNA and ensure that his vision of Christianity doesn’t die when he does.”

The Washington Post

Theater visit for heaven author: “Heaven is for Real” co-author Todd Burpo followed a bookstore signing with a personal appearance to a full house at a local theater.

The McCook Daily Gazette

Rob Bell’s TV grilling: Interviewer Martin Bashir challenges Rob Bell on the claims of “Love Wins.”


'Jesus can handle controversy': Rob Bell says that “Jesus can handle” the debate sparked by his new book.

ABC

Mom-and-pops' champion: Harry Daud, owner of Majesty Bible & Gifts in Roseville, Calif., is convinced the “mom-n-pop” retail concept is still alive.

The Roseville Press Tribune

Industry Radar for the week of March 16, 2011.

Amy Grant shrugs fame: Amy Grant, owner of a Hollywood star and six Grammys, nicknamed the Queen of Christian Pop, “shrugs off fame like an uncomfortable coat.”

The Sun Chronicle

Rob Bell book anticipated: Christian bookstores are preparing for a rush of buyers eager to snap up Rob Bell’s newest release “Love Wins.” One store has ordered almost 500 copies to meet the expected demand.

The Grand Rapids Press

The legacy of Lewis: C. S. Lewis has “moved more hearts with a pen than others have with armies.”

The New York Times

Bell book challenges tradition: Rob Bell's new new book, challenging traditional Christian views of heaven, hell and eternal damnation, has “created an uproar among evangelical leaders.”

The New York Times

Political memoir 'pretty good': Governor Tim Pawlenty's political memoir, “Courage to Stand,” is “pretty good by the dismal standards of the genre.”

National Review

'Slave' book concerns some: John MacArthur's latest book,“Slave: The Hidden Truth About Your Identity in Christ,” is drawing mixed reactions among African-American Christians whose ancestors were slaves.

The Kansas City Star

Six billion KJV sales: Total sales of the King James Version of the Bible are an estimated six billion.

The Irish Independent

Recycling donated Christian literature: Sometimes nicknamed “God’s Recycler,” Steven Schmidt helps ship 20 tons of donated Christian literature a week overseas through Love Packages.

The State Journal-Register

Heavenly visit for anniversary: A McCook, Neb., bookstore marks its one-year anniversary with a visit from Todd Burpo, best-selling co-author of “Heaven is for Real.”

The McCook daily Gazette

'Feel good' faith books: Modern evangelicalism is “judge by many of its books and star preachers... mostly about bringing people to Christ and then, when they’ve arrived, making them feel good about the decision.”

The New York Review of Books

First Christian bookstore app: A Christian bookstore in Northern Ireland becomes the first in the world to launch its own iPhone app to sell books.

The Belfast Telegraph

'Soul Surfer' subject pleased: Bethany Hamilton says that she is happy with “Soul Surfer,” the inspirational biopic about her life starring Dennis Quaid, Helen Hunt and Carrie Underwood.

Florida Today

Author sees 'empty' value: Author Kathleen Norris believes that “we may be most available to God when we're empty.”

The Missourian

 

Industry Radar for the week of March 9, 2011.

Faith films 'crossing over': “The Grace Card” is “the latest in a series of faith-based films attempting to cross over to mainstream audiences, with limited theatrical releases across the country.”
The News & Observer

Former lawyer's case for faith: A one-time Brooklyn lawyer who happens to be an Orthodox Jew has discovered a new publishing niche: creating religious-themed children's books and bible trading cards—which sell like hotcakes in Christian bookstores.

Crain's New York Business

Synagogue becomes Christian bookstore: A 167-year-old former synagogue in downtown Massena, N.Y., will be resurrected this spring as a Christian-themed coffee shop and bookstore.

The Watertown Daily Times

Digital books grow for Baker: The digital migration to e-readers accounts for approximately 6% of monthly sales for Baker Publishing Group, which saw “steady increases” in 2010

USA Business Review

Pastor discusses new book: Pastor Frank G. Honeycutt discusses his latest book “The Truth Shall Make You Odd: Speaking with Pastoral Integrity in Awkward Situations.”
The State

Critic slams 'artless' movie: A critic argues that as “a sermon masquerading as a movie, 'The Grace Card' is simple, sincere and artless.”

The Boston Herald

Churches making more movies: More and more local churches say they are frustrated with the movies Hollywood has been putting out, so they are making their own.

PBS

'Christian film is growing': Just like Christian rock has been growing throughout the years and enjoys a scene paralleling mainstream rock, Christian film is growing as well.

The San Antonio Current

'Christian bookstores must change': If Christian bookstores want to stay around, “they’re going to have to become relevant to young people.”

Faith Forward

Rob Bell book 'firestorm': Rob Bell' latest book has “ignited a firestorm of controversy... weeks before it arrives in bookstores.”

CNN

Heaven book sells well: Family Christian Store in Fultondale, Ala., has sold out of “Heaven is For Real” several times.

WHNT TV

'Grace Card' 'startlingly good': “The Grace Card” is “a startlingly good first effort.”

The Huffington Post

Bell book prompts debate: Almost overnight, the “online evangelical community... erupted into a full-blown debate over doctrines” related to heaven, hell, religious pluralism, justice, mercy and atonement, prompted by comments about Rob Bell's forthcoming book.

The Washington Post

Christian musicians discuss drugs: Michael W. Smith and former Korn member Brian “Head” Welch shared the airwaves to talk about musicians overcoming drugs through a focus on religion.

The Tennessean

Industry Radar for the week of March 2, 2011.

'Blind Side' subject speaks: Michael Oher, whose life story was featured in best-selling movie, “The Blind Side,” tells his own version in “I Beat the Odds: From Homelessness to The Blind Side and Beyond.”

The Tennessean

'Grace Card' 'finds audience': "The Grace Card" is "finding an audience among folks who are interested in social-justice issues, no matter where they are on their faith journey.”

The Commercial Appeal

LifeWay drops reading caution: LifeWay Christian Stores drops its “read with discernment” advisory label carried on some books.

The Orlando Sentinel

Justin Bieber, faith market: The teen singer documentary, “Justin Bieber: Never Say Never,” has been screened for pastors across the country--”a page torn from the 'Passion of the Christ' marketing playbook.”

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Church film 'not shabby': Inspirational movie, “The Grace Card, “isn’t too shabby, especially when you consider that it was made on a bargain-basement budget by members of a Memphis church.”

The Kansas City Star

Novelist tackles divorce pain: Novelist Denise Hildreth Jones has “dipped a toe into the non-fiction world” with a “soul-searching book,” “Flying Solo: A Journey of Divorce, Healing and a Very Present God.”

The Tennessean

Andrew Peterson's biggest helper: Singer Andrew Peterson says that C.S. Lewis “more than any other person, has helped me love Jesus.”

The Kentucky Kernel

Near-death movie adaptation: There is talk of a movie of "Heaven is for Real,” which tells of 4-year-old Colton Burpo's account of visiting heaven.

KDVR TV

Comedian turns movie cop: Comedian Michael Joiner plays the lead in “The Grace Card,” a gritty cop drama that filmed last year in Memphis, Tenn.

The Examiner

'Big year for faith films': For movie fans, “this year looks to be a good one for faith-based films.”

National Catholic Register

Country star's inspirational role: Country singer Carrie Underwood has a starring role in “Soul Surfer,” a film about a teenage surfer who finds the courage to get back into the ocean after having her arm bitten off by a shark.

The Daily Mail

'Grace Card' thumbs-up: A reviewer's reaction to “The Grace Card” is n to “The Grace Card” is “one of pleasant surprise at its competence.”

The New York Times

Store closure saddens owner: Tearful Kathy Dunn talks about the closure of her The Door store in San Carlos, Calif.

San Carlos Patch

'Grace Card' feels 'churchy': Originally a church Passion play, “The Grace Card” “still feels like a church production.”

The Houston Chronicle

Jason Ingram, best songwriter: Jason Ingram earned Christian songwriter of the year honors at SESAC’s Christian Music Awards, in Nashville.

The Tennessean

'Grace Card' makers 'timid': The makers of “The Grace Card” are “too timid to play the cards they dealt themselves.”

The Tennessean


 

Industry Radar for the week of February 23, 2011.

Oscar winner support 'Genesis': New Christian movie, “The Genesis Code,” includes appearances by Academy Award winners Ernest Borgnine and Louise Fletcher.

The Peoria Star Journal

'Soul Surfer' content dispute: A dispute about overt Christian content in new surfer biopic, “Soul Surfer," “illuminates Hollywood's increasingly awkward dance with the faith-based community.”

Reuters

Pastor launches publishing house: After careers as a church pastor, businessman and Zondervan book marketer, Greg Smith has funneled his talents into the virtual publishing company Black Lake Press.

The Grand Rapids Press

God's techno 'Message': Inspirational film, "The Message," is a drama in which God uses technology to bring a lost soul back to faith.

The Tampa Tribune

Zondervan head 'didn't fit': President and CEO Moe Girkins’ leadership at Zondervan “apparently wasn’t a good fit.”

The Grand Rapids Press

Building 429 leader's confidence: Building 429 singer Jason Roy is “more confident than I have ever been in my life when it comes to my calling, when it comes to my brothers, when it comes to my band," 

The Herald

Honoring 2010's godly movies: The Movieguide Faith and Values Awards honored 2010 movies that promoted Judeo-Christian ethics, with top prizes going to “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader,” “Toy Story 3”  and “Secretariat.”

The Hollywood Reporter

The most 'Jesusy' films: Among “the most Jesus-y movies of the past year” was “ The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader.”

New York magazine

Store hosts immigration authors: Stepping Stones Christian Bookstore in Marshalltown, Iowa, hosts the authors of a book about how several immigrants overcome many obstacles on their way to getting settled in anew home and life.

The Times-Republican

Spiritual bookstores 'soldiering on': A number of “smaller, spiritual bookstores” in Santa Cruz, Calif., “are soldiering one, faithful companions to legions of readers.”

The Santa Cruz Sentinel

KJV anniversary's message: The 400th anniversary of the King James Bible “reminds us of the importance of the Scripture in the vernacular.”

The Winnipeg Free Press

'Job' hits big screen: Interlake Christian Films' first feature, “Where is my Father?,” based on the biblical story of Job, is available on DVD.

The Central Plains Herald-Leader

Brandon Heath's hope: Brandon Heath talks about finding hope in a troubled world.

The Wall Street Journal

Timothy Keller's new book: “The Reason for God” author Timothy Keller discusses his new book and why he waited so long to become a writer.

The Atlantic

Long-time store closes: The Rook Good Book Store, long-time fixture in downtown Hays, Kan., is going out of business.

The Hays Daily News

Grant and Smith reminisce: Out on tour together, Michael W. Smith and Amy Grant “reflect on their musical chemistry.”

The Tennessean

Industry Radar for the week of February 16, 2011.

Why Wal-Mart's a threat: Why Wal-Mart has “become a business threat to Christian booksellers.”

CNN

'Multi-faceted' store profile: Bonnie Hole has molded the Family Book Nook in Medicine Hat, Alberta, into “a multi-faceted retail outlet.”

Medicine Hat News

Over the Rhine's music: Over the Rhine is the musical partnership of husband and wife Linford Detweiler and Karin Bergquist.

NPR

Bieber's 'faith on display': Teen singing star Justin Bieber's “faith is on display” in the new 3-D concert film/documentary, “Justin Bieber: Never Say Never.”

USA Today

Pastor's marriage guidance book: Having performed more than 2,000 weddings, pastor James Lee Collins has written marriage guide, “Always a Wedding: Beginning, Renewing and Rescuing Marriage.”

Atlanta Constitution-Journal

Christian books 'pretty strong': Where the basic book publishing business in general has been hurting, “the Christian segment has been pretty strong.”

The San Fernando Valley Business Journal

Christian music's largest tour: With nearly a dozen acts, WinterJam has been called Christian music's largest tour.

The Tulsa World

Pope's breakfast book: Susan Vigilantes' book about breakfast with the Pope is for “people who get mad, who feel cheated, who are sick of being told it's all a blessing in the end--to know they're not alone.”

The Clarion Ledger

Simple Jesus: Best-selling author Lysa TerKeurst is “just 'a simple Jesus girl.'”

The Charlotte Observer

Looking at Bible trends: "The Rise and Fall of the Bible" explores the world of Bibles created for specific subcultures and needs: “the manly Metal Bible and Duct Tape Bible, kicky handbag/Bible combos and special editions geared toward teenagers, African-American women and so on.”
Salon

Father-son's cancer book: Children's author Jeff Yosick teamed with his father, Jim, for “Fear Not, For I Am With You," after the older man overcame kidney cancer.

The Mansfield News Journal

Christian/country song writer: Songwriter Don Poythress' work has been recorded by country stars like Trisha Yearwood, Blake Shelton and Jake Owen, and such Christian artists as Jaci Velasquez, Guy Penrod and former Backstreet Boy Brian Littrell.

American Songwriter

 

Industry Radar for the week of February 9, 2011.

Iowa store, 'God here': “God is here,” says the English translation of Liberia Yahwen Shama, or Bookstore Yahwen Shama, a Christian bookstore in West Liberty, Iowa.

West Liberty Index

Brandon Heath's online vice: Brandon Heath: “My vice is the news — I’m a news junkie — or I would maybe say the Internet. When anything is wrong, I don’t go to God, I go to Google.”

The Tennessean

Winter Jam tour: "There's not many tours that can compare to the sheer magnitude of Winter Jam," says James Mead, guitarist for Kutless.

The Augusta Chronicle

'Grizzly Adams' filmmaker dies: Charles Sellier, producer of Christian films and creator of the book and television series "The Life and Time of Grizzly Adams," has died, aged 67.

Associated Press

GMA founder dies: Gospel Music Association founder Don Butler has died at age 80.

The Tennessean

Winans on faith and family: Faith and family factor in heavily to the outlook and craft of siblings and gospel superstars BeBe and CeCe Winans

The Tennessean

Long-time store closes down: Long's Christian Bookstore in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., is closing its doors after 26 years.

The Contra Costa Times

Inspirational memoir recalls tragedy: Dorothy Lewis' inspirational memoir, 'Unbroken,' tells of her overcoming her rape, attempted murder and the killing of her two daughters.

The Orlando Sentinel

Christian author book signing: Christian author Susan Pohlman is invited to a Columbus ,Ohio bookstore that “doesn't book many Christian-themed authors... but thought Pohlman and her story would have popular appeal.”

The Columbus Dispatch

Book affirms marriage: Susan Pohlman hopes her book, “Halfway to Each Other,” gives readers “a renewed appreciation of family and marriage.”

The Dayton Daily News

Enhanced 'Purpose-Driven Life': Zondervan has announced an enhanced e-book version of its bestseller, “The Purpose Driven Life.”

The Grand Rapids Press

'Frustration' births pastor's book: Pastor Randy Dean's 'Radiance” (Destiny Image) “came out of a fair amount of frustration with American Christianity,”

The River Falls Journal

Conference on 'Christian slavery': Black and white churches gather to discuss the concept of Christian slavery discussed by author John McArthur in his new book.

Associated Press

Anti-porn pastor speaks: An interview with author, pastor and anti-porn campaigner Craig Gross.

Salon

Industry Radar for the week of February 2, 2011.

Joel Osteen returns: Best-selling Christian author and televangelist Joel Osteen has returned to the publisher with whom he scored blockbuster success with his first book.

The Tennessean

Author on 'gay divide': Author Andrew Marin says the Grand Canyon-sized divide between a handful of his openly gay friends, and the church, is what motivated him to write a book. 

News5 TV

Gospel music greats remembered: The late Johnny Cash and Dana Key remembered among those inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame.

The Tennessean

Family Christian outlet evacuated: Family Christian Store in Springfield, Ill., was one of three businesses evacuated when police were called in to examine a suspicious package left in the store.

The State Journal-Register

Store damaged by motorist: A woman with plans to purchase a Bible was cited by police after running her car through the windows of The Light Christian Bookstore in Greenville, N.C.

The Daily Reflector

U.K. celebrates KJV 400: More than 70 events are scheduled in Britain this year to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the King James Bible.

The Seattle Times

'Thoughtful' books' thumbs-up: A review of Mark Batterson's “thoughtful” new book, “Soulprint: Discovering Your Divine Destiny.”

The Morung Express

Former teacher starts store: Newly-opened His Inspirations Christian store in Fallon., Nev., is owned by former teacher Wendy Hucke Hook.

The Lahontan Valley News

Philip Yancey's gay 'heat': Author Philip Yancey has "taken an incredible amount of heat" for speaking at the conference of the Gay Christian Network.

The Vancouver Sun

Red rockers cross boundaries: Hard rock band Red can “cross boundaries that other Christian artists aren’t able to.”

The Tennessean


 

Industry Radar for the week of January 26, 2011.

Jay Bakker's 'grace' book: Jay Bakker discusses his new book, “Fall to Grace.”

The Huffington Post

Looking into Borders' troubles: An analysis of the troubled Borders bookstore chain.

The Washington Post

Band has Family signing: Local group The Nathan Sun band sign copies of their CD at a Family Christian Bookstore, with local radio broadcasting live.

The (Lafayette, La.) Advertiser

'Oasis of peace' store: George and Ruth O'Carroll's Body and Soul in Jamesburg, N.J., is “as much of an oasis of peace in their community as a retail outlet.”

The Courier Herald

Mardel supports fund-raising effort: At Mardel Christian bookstore artist Debra Scott used her voice to raise money to help a young man in need of a new heart.

KIII TV

Gunpoint robbery at store: Police in Yukon, Okla., are hunting a man who robbed Christian Connections Book Store at gunpoint.

News9 TV

Heretic or fresh voice?: To some, author and activist Brian McLaren “is a heretic... to others, he is a fresh and welcome voice...”

Winnipeg Free Press

Fasting book in NYT: Stovall Weems, pastor and author of “Awakening” and an avid weightlifter, “talks about fasting as if it were an extreme sport.”

The New York Times

Zondervan tests Bible 'novelization': Zondervan is running an eight-month test study for a project “taking one of the oldest books in the world and delivering like a novel.”

KAIT TV

Jay Bakker on 'dangerous' religion: Jay Bakker, author of “Fall to Grace, says that “religion can be a very dangerous thing.”

NPR

Son's Tammy Faye tribute: Jay Bakker dedicates his new book to his mother, Christian TV host Tammy Faye, who ho died in 2007.
The Charlotte Observer

 

Faith 'flag' film releases: Faith-based movie, “Flag of My Father,” starring William Devane, is due out on DVD soon.

The (Monroe, La.) News-Star

Oscar help for movie: Oscar-winning actor Louis Gossett Jr. has a guest role in “The Grace Card,” a new inspirational film coming to theaters. .

The Jackson Sun

'Perfect read' is recommended: Kurt Senske's new book, "The Calling: Live a Life of Significance," is “the perfect read for the new year.”

The Austin Statesman

Publisher supported MLK's mission: One of Nashville’s oldest publishing companies also played a supporting role in the life of Martin Luther King, Jr.

Nashville Public Radio

Hip-hop movie coming: An inspirational film set in the world of hip-hop get a preview screening at the Stellar Awards.

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Clothing Meets Ministry: C28 is a Christian clothing store and a ministry.

Scripps News

Industry Radar for the week of January 19, 2011.

Long-time store closes: A Pentecostal minister who's run Christian book stores for 35 years says he's shutting down because he can longer compete with the Internet and the big box retailers.

Fox 6 TV

'Leap of faith' opening: Opening Hallelujah House Café and bookstore in Lowville, N.Y., was “a true leap of faith.”

The Watertown Daily News

King James Version tribute: Without the King James Bible, “the culture of the English-speaking world would have been immeasurably impoverished.”

The Daily Sentinel

Co-author on actress' book: Darlene Schacht discusses co-writing “Reshaping It All” with former actor Candace Cameron Bure.

The Winnipeg Free Press

New store fills void: The new Christian Armory in Springfield, Ohio, fills a void that Logos Christian Bookstore left when it closed in 2007.

The Springfield News-Sun

Layoffs at Group Publishing: Group Publishing has laid off 26 employees, nearly 9% of the staff.

The (Loveland. Colo.) Reporter-Herald

Crowd for Pawlenty signing: Former Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty's first book signing event in his home state drew a crowd of supporters to a Christian bookstore in Woodbury.

KARE TV

Industry Radar for the week of January 6, 2011.

Five Iron Frenzy reflections: Former Five Iron Frenzy singer Reese Roper reflects on the band's time in the Christian music world.

Denver Westworld

Biographer discusses 'Bonhoeffer' book: Eric Metaxas discusses his acclaimed biography, “Bonhoeffer.”

Harper's

Christian worldview production company: Reload is a new production company that aims to make movies, television shows and mobile phone apps from a Christian worldview.

The Jackson Sun

Author's new 'Christmas classic': While she hasn't achieved Charles Dickens-like status yet, Denise George has “penned a Christmas classic.”

The Birmingham News

New comic book hero: Captain Salvation is the star of a new Christian comic book created by a one-time youth minister.

The News & Observer

Marking the KJV 400th: It's estimated that a billion copies of the King James Version of the Bible have been printed since the first volume rolled off the press in 1611.

The Washington Times

'Christian Retailing' publisher profiled: “Christian Retailing” owner and “Charisma” publisher Steve Strang profiled.

The Orlando Sentinel

Encouraging more Bible reading: With "Read the Bible for Life,” George Guthrie hopes to change the way people read the Bible.

The Jackson Sun

California store's new location: Otis and Penni Sanders have moved their Nu Revelations Christian bookstore in Hayward, Calif., to a new location after 23 years.

The Oakland Tribune

Author addresses Canadian conference: Paul Coughlin speaks at a Canadian conference about the message of his book, “No More Christian Nice Guy.”

The Calgary Herald

Pastor's family book project: What started as a fun family project for pastor Steve Rauch is now a published book, “"I Know An Old Fellow Who Swallowed a Cave.”

The Lancaster Eagle Gazette

Canadian musician changes tack: Award-winning Canadian musician Steve Bell has developed a new business model.

The Globe and Mail

Updated NIV goes digital: The North American publisher of the revised New International Version “is placing the Christmas story in a digital manger first.”

The Grand Rapids Press

Sex trafficking book challenge: Kimberly Smith hopes her book about combating sex trafficking, “helps give people the courage to risk finding out what God wants to do in their lives.”

The Birmingham News

 

 


Industry Radar for the week of Decemeber 29, 2010.

Fiction 'takes you forward': Novelist Penny McCowen says Christian fiction “takes you somewhere, and shows that God can meet you there and take you forward.”

The Glen Innes (Australia) Examiner

Ex-President's book signing: Former president George W. Bush and his wife, Laura Bush, make a book-signing stop at Ruth's Attic Bookstore at the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte, N.C.

Politics Daily

Industry 'soul searching': The Christian retail industry is “in a state of soul-searching.”

The Washington Post

Young Christians' consumer habits: Brett McCracken, author of “Hipster Christianity: When Church and Cool Collide,” reflects on how young Christians' gift-buying choices are changing.

The Washington Post

Why Francis Chan 'walked': Why pastor and author Francis Chan “walked away at the peak of his professional career.”

CNN

Industry Radar for the week of Decemeber 22, 2010.

Jars' filled with water: Jars of Clay has met its goal of providing clean water to 1,000 African communities through the organization it founded, Blood:Water Mission, and its 1,000 Wells Project.

The Tennessean

Another 'Blind Side' movie: Forthcoming movie, “One Heart,” tells how a family took in a troubled 16-year-old, similar to the story of “The Blind Side”. 

The Cross Timbers Gazette

Books A Million's foundations: The Books A Million chain started out as a Christian bookstore.

The Chicago Tribune

Focused on fair trade: The Book Parlor in Spokane, Wash., sells books, fair-trade gifts and local art.

The Spokesman-Review

Governor's 'courageous' book tour: Tim Pawlenty, the governor of Minnesota, plans a multistate tour to promote his book, “Courage to Stand,” to be released by Tyndale House Publishers in January.

The New York Times

C.S. Lewis Bible criticized: HarperOne's C.S. Lewis Bible comes under fire from some who criticize the choice of translation.

The Toledo Blade

Christian boutique debuts: One Wing Boutique, a Christian-themed store selling clothing, jewelry, books, journals and home décor, opens in Chandler, Ariz.

The Arizona Republic

'Sappy Christian art' slammed: A pastor and author believes that much Christian art is “stale, sappy and downright embarrassing.”

Wilson County News

'Religious Right' authors named: Several authors are among a list of the Top Ten New Faces of the Christian Right.

Newsweek

Mardel gift benefits university: Oral Roberts University is to receive $10 million from the owners of Hobby Lobby and Mardel Christian Book Store to be used for campus renovations and maintenance projects.

News On 6

Magi book's 'valuable message': Brent Landua's "Revelation of the Magi: The Lost Tale of the Wise Men's Journey to Bethlehem offers “a valuable message of tolerance.”

The Los Angeles Times

Christmas guide spotlights store: Marie’s Christian Book and Gift Center in Jacksonville, Fla., is highlighted in a local Christmas shoppers' guide.

Jacksonville Daily Progress

'Mega-selling' Christian author profiled: Naming the “mega-selling Christian and conservative novelist” who “isn't considered part of the Christian subculture at all.”

The American Spectator

'Right-wing children's books': The “Left Behind” and “Narnia” series are referenced in an article about “the rise of the right-wing children's book.”

The Boston Globe

'Ambitious' Bible history reviewed: Larry Stone's “The History of the Bible” is “ambitious, accessible and colorful, though simplistic.”

Winnipeg Free Press

Action Bible' sells well: Since its a few months ago, “The Action Bible” has sold an impressive 60,000 copies.

The (Colo Spgs, Colo.) Gazette

Religious card sales up: Despite the sour economy, religious card sakes are up.

Religion News Service

School hosts author day: Several local children's authors participated in the Author Extravaganza day at Mandarin Christian School's in Jacksonville, Fla.

The Florida Times-Union

C.S. Lewis remembered: An examination of the enduring appeal of C.S. Lewis' work.

CNN

'Bonhoeffer' biographer interviewed: An interview with Eric Metaxas, author of the “monumental” biography, “Bonhoeffer.”

National Review

Jamaica's patois New Testament:  A patois translation of the entire New Testament is expected in August 2012, to coincide with the 50th anniversary of Jamaica's independence.

The Washington Post

The legacy of Lewis: The man behind the latest “Narnia” movie on the legacy of author C.S. Lewis.

The Wall Street Journal

Industry Radar for the week of Decemeber 15, 2010.

'Narnia' movie's twin reach: The makers of “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawntreader” are trying to reach both Christian and secular audiences.

The Hollywood Reporter

'Dawntreader' 'story of grace': The third movie in the Narnia series is “a story of temptation, transformation, redemption and grace.”

The Orlando Sentinel

'Narnia' is ho-hum: Though “well-paced, well-performed and full of visual wows,” “The Voyage of the Dawn Treader “ stops “just short of committing to its grounding themes.”

Movieline

Point of Grace's Christmas: Point of Grace's “Home for the Holidays” Christmas album “blends longtime holidays favorites with some new material.”

The Tennessean

Heaven book sells well: “Heaven is for Real” is flying off the shelves in many locations, with a spot on the “New York Times” best seller list.

The Imperial Republican

Palin memoir sales 'disappointing': Sarah Palin's new memoir “has logged disappointing receipts since it officially went on sale/”

The Washington Post

'Narnia' hits troubled waters: “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader” is about a majestic ship sailing into uncertain waters and “the theme may as well apply to the franchise itself.”

USA Today

'Narnia' 'not much fun': Review: “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader” is “serviceable, but certainly not much fun.”

USA Today

Fans inspire musician's book: Michael W. Smith's next book, “A Simple Blessing; The Extraordinary Power of an Ordinary Prayer,” was inspired by fan response to a prayer he's been sharing at concerts.

The Tennessean

Documentary examines C.S. Lewis: Several authors feature in the Asbury University-produced documentary, “C.S. Lewis: Why He Matters Today.”

The (Lexington, Ky.) Herald-Leader

Library hosts Christian writer: A Dover, Ohio library hosts a reading group virtual visit by a Christian author.

The Times-Reporter

School wins 'Narnia' premiere: Students at Louisville Christian Academy won a hometown premiere of the latest “Narnia” movie in a competition run by Twentieth Century Fox and Walden Media, in association with Operation Christmas Child.

The (Lexington, Ky.) Herald-Leader

'Narnia' movie's religious controversy: The latest “Narnia” film has “stirred religious controversy.”

ABC News

'Narnia': 'Most uneven film': “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader” is the “most uneven film adaptation in the series.”

The Houston Chronicle

Author's 'presidential' tour: The promotional tour for Tim Pawlenty 's January release from Tyndale House Publishers, "Courage to Stand," has a “distinctly presidential flavor.”

The Atlantic

'Narnia' treads water: The latest “Narnia” movie “merely treads water” at the box office on its opening weekend.

USA Today

Industry Radar for the week of Decemeber 8, 2010.

Anne Rice's 'morality tale': Novelist Anne Rice's latest book, “Of Love and Evil,” is a “classic battle between good and evil, angels and devils... an unabashed morality tale.”

ABC News

Thomas Kinkade's new partners: “Painter of Light” Thomas Kinkade's business plans include building partnerships with companies like Disney and Warner Bros., and strengthening avenues that cater directly to consumers, like home shopping corporation QVC.

NPR

Cat devotional 'brings giggles': Anna Aquino's contributions to "Heavenly Humor for the Cat Lover's Soul" are intended to “bring the giggles that only cats can bring.”

The Marion Star

NewSong's greatest non-hit: While considered a Christian music band, NewSong's most-requested and most-performed song, "The Christmas Shoes," never was a major hit on Christian radio.

The Argus Leader

Faith-based 'Flag' film: Forthcoming faith-based film, "Flag of My Father," features renowned actors William Devane and John Schneider.

The (Monroe, la.) News Star

Promise Keeper founder's apology: Promise Keepers founder Bill McCartney apologizes for a past comment about gays.

The Daily Camera

'Profound appeal' of Amish fiction: Despite snarky media coverage of the popularity of Amish fiction, the books “hold a profound appeal.”

Newsweek

Hip Christians book reviewed: A book examines how “Christian hipsters” are “shifting the emphasis from God to consumption and image.”

The Washington Post

Newspaper offers Christmas list: A newspaper offers a list of ideas for Christmas gifts with a religious twist.

The Erie Times-News

'Bonhoeffer' and Glenn Beck: Glenn Beck interviews Eric Metaxas, author of "Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy.”

Fox News

Eclectic new store opens: The owner of the Mustard Seed in Aubrey, Texas, “isn’t sure if there is a term to describe his eclectic faith-based bookstore because it offers more than books...”

The Denton Record-Chronicle

Books marks store anniversary: Betty Burke has written “From Ashes to Healing,” the story of her turbulent past, to celebrate 30 years' running The Good News Shop in Leyton, England, with her husband, Tom.

The (Waltham Forest, England) Guardian

'Fireproof' stars honorary posting: Kirk Cameron is made an honorary firefighter for his role in “Fireproof.”

The Shelby County Reporter

'Narnia' sequel faces challenge: With the opening of “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader,” comes “a study in one of the most difficult challenges a studio can face: fixing a broken movie series.”

The New York Times

Google eBooks arrives: Newly launched Google eBooks is rolling out across the Web with hundreds of thousands of popular titles for sale and millions more free, to compete for a slice of the digital books business.

The Wall Street Journal

Industry Radar for the week of Decemeber 1, 2010.

Sixty-plus years over: Abilene Educational Supply and Christian Bookstores at Abilene Christian University will close its doors this May after 66 years of business.

The Optimist

Treasure House hunts help: Treasure House, a four-decade downtown fixture in Longview, Wash., will shut its doors by the end of the year if a buyer doesn't come to the rescue.

The Daily News

Church store tax fight: A South Nashville megachurch facing a $425,000 property tax bill is fighting the assessment on its gym, bookstore and cafe.

The Tennessean

'Courageous' rough cut done: Sherwood Baptist Church has finished the rough editing of latest movie, "Courageous," which will hit the big screen next year.

WALB TV

'Lost' star for 'Jazz': “Lost” star Tania Raymonde is part of the cast for the film version of Donald Miller's “Blue Like Jazz.”

The Whitworthian

Christian store burgled: The Christian Book Store in Mountain Home, Ark., was broken into.

The Baxter Bulletin

Musician's 'hard' Christmas: Michael W. Smith's annual Christmas shows are "probably the hardest that I work every year.”

The Tennessean

Mardel welcomes Sarah Palin: A line formed outside Mardel Christian & Education in Tulsa, Okla., 24 hours ahead of Sarah Palin's book signing visit.

KTUL TV

Hundreds wait for Palin: Hundreds waited outside Mardel Christian & Education in Tulsa, Okla., to meet Sarah Palin.

The Tulsa World

'Max' author's church visit: Emily Colson, daughter of former presidential counsel Chuck Colson, speaks at a church about her book, “Dancing with Max.”

The Post and Courier

Help for hurting store: Proceeds from the raffle of a guitar will go to help a financially strapped Christian bookstore in Plano, Texas.

The Valley Free Press


 

Industry Radar for the week of November 24, 2010.

Stephen Baldwin's new movie: Actor Stephen Baldwin premieres his latest movie, “Loving the Bad Man,” at a church in Spring Grove, Ill.

The Northwest Herald

Super heroes and spirituality: Adam Palmer sees spiritual truths in the life of a super hero, in his book, “The Soul of Spider-Man: Unexpected Spiritual Insights Found in the Legendary Super-Hero Series.”

The Chattanooga Times Free Press

Fiction writers joint tour: Five writers of Christian fiction and nonfiction--Vanessa Miller, Kendra-Norman-Bellamy, Shewanda Riley, Michelle Stimpson and Dwan Abrams--form Anointed Authors On Tour.

The Clarion Ledger

Store sued over rent: A Christian bookstore is among tenants being sued by a shopping center in Conroe, Ga., that alleges that they failed to make payments in accordance with lease agreements.

The Houston Chronicle

TobyMac takes film role: Stephen Baldwin and musician artist TobyMac are among the stars of “I’m in Love with a Church Girl,” a straight-to-DVD-to-BET movie, written by a drug dealer-turned-pastor.

The Christian Post

Store shoe box campaign: Amen Christian Bookstore in Marysville, Wash., expects to collect 3,000 shoe boxes in this year’s Operation Christmas Child effort.

The (Everett, Wash.) Herald

Amish research prompts changes: Researching her Amish book, “A Simple Amish Christmas,” reminded writer Vanetta Chapman that “I need to step away from the computer, spend some time with my families...”

The Killeen Daily Herald

'Radical' referenced by 'NYT': David Platt's “Radical” intrigues a “New York Times” columnist.

The New York Times

Oliver North draws a crowd: Hundreds lined up around the LifeWay Christian Store in Shreveport, La., to meet Fox News talent, Lt. Col. Oliver North.

KSLA TV

'Hero' meets visiting author: At a book signing, Lt. Col. Oliver North met up with a familiar face, veteran Robbie Doughty, who was quoted in North's first book, "American Heroes."

WPSD TV

Mardel welcomes Sarah Palin: Sarah Palin visits Mardel Christian and Education in Tulsa, Okla., as part of her “America By Heart: book tour.

The Daily Beast

Updated NIV 'appeasing' critics: Translators of the updated New International Version have made changes to appease critics of the gender-neutral Today's New International Version.

The Tennessean

Industry Radar for the week of November 17, 2010.

Michael W. Smith's success: Michael W. Smith is proud that “I've survived success, which I think is difficult these days."

Associated Press

'Religious publishing control broken': Tony Campolo believes that “the overwhelming control the Religious Right has had on which books Christians can read is being broken.”

The Huffington Post

Pastor's wife pens romances: Pastor's wife and author Shannon Taylor Vannatter has several book signings for the first of her three-book inspirational romance series set in Romance and Rose Bud, Ark.

The Sun-Times

LifeWay worker loves job: LifeWay Christian Stores assistant manager Robin Macanas talks about her love for her job.

The Fayeteville Observer

Tosca Lee's 'unsettling' books: Novelist Tosca Lee's “ability to make reading one of her books eerily like looking in the mirror.. . unsettles readers.”

The Lincoln Journal Star

Catholic store expands borders: After 18 years at its previous location, St. Joseph's Christian Supply in Visalia, Calif., has moved to larger premises.

The Visalia Times-Delta

Tim Tebow memoir coming: HarperCollins will publish college football star Tim Tebow's memoir, “Through My Eyes,” in April 2011.

The Huffington Post

Jay Bakker's next book: PTL founders' son, Jay Bakker, will see his second book, “Fall to Grace,” released in January.

New York Magazine

Ruth's 'mini department store': Ruth's Christian Bookstore in Stillwater, Okla., is '”like a mini Christian department store.”

The Daily O'Collegian

Apparel store follows traffic: Straight Up Faith Gear has relocated to a mall in New Bern. N.C., to get more customer traffic.

The New Bern. N.C.) Sun Journal

Inspirational vocalist honored: San Diego-bred singer-songwriter Mary James was honored as Female Vocalist of the Year at the Inspirational Country Music Awards.

The North Country Times

Oliver North's LifeWay visit: Retired Marine Lt. Col. Oliver North visits LifeWay Christian Stores in Shreveport, La.

The Shreveport Times

Author profiled in NYT: Author Priscilla Shirer is profiled in a major article on the debate about women's roles in the church and in the home.

The New York Times

Veteran jeweler offers discounts: Bob Siemon Designs offers discounts of up to 97% on its jewelry at its first-ever warehouse sale.

The Orange County Register

 

Industry Radar for the week of November 10, 2010.

Soldier's leap of faith: Former army drill sergeant Rich Farlet opens Leap Of Faith Christian bookstore opens in Cherry Creek, N.Y.

The Post-Journal

Seminarian stars in faith film: Youth pastor and seminarian John Risner won the lead role in the new inspirational movie, “The Free Ride,” about a washed-up bicycle racer who gets a chance to race again to save his son’s life.

The Blufton Icon

Reprint for heavenly account: Todd Burpo's “Heaven is for Real,” about his young son's near-death experience, is already in its third printing, soon after release.

The Imperial Republican

Zondervan releases 'twinkle': A blogger comments on two Zondervan releases that come “with a twinkle in the eye.”

The Huntsville Times

FBI store raid hunt: The FBI named the wanted “Thou Shalt Not Steal Bandit” after a break-in at a Christian bookstore.

The Arizona Republican

'Faith-filled' football book: University of Florida football book “Gators for God” tells “many rich, faith-filled stories in the history of the Florida Gators."

The North Florida Herald

Still 'Making a Difference': There was no “tour fatigue” for the last date in the 20-stop Making A Difference Tour.

The Fayetville Observer

'Mature' romance read: Beth Webb Hart's inspirational romance, “Love, Charleston,” “treats matters of faith maturely.”

The (Wilmington, N.C.) Star News

'Poor' pastor's prayer guide: Pastor Phil Reinders' “Seeking God's Face: Praying with the Bible Through the Year” was born out of “the poverty of my own prayer life.”

The Calgary Herald

Christian vampire fiction trend: A growing trend in the Christian fiction market resembles a trend in the general market—“vampires sell.”

The Jackson Sun

'Blue Like Jazz' lessons: The film version of “Blue Like Jazz,” in production, “illustrates a generation gap among evangelical churchgoers.”

The Tennessean

Winter Jam 2011 line-up: The popular Winter Jam tour hosted by NewSong returns in the New year with Newsboys, David Crowder Band, Kutless, Red, Francesca Battistelli, NewSong and emcee KJ-52.

The Tulsa World

Music festival's 20th year: Thousand Foot Krutch headlines the 20th annual Power of One Christian music festival in Appleton, Wisc.

The Appleton Post Crescent

'Smitty' film project coming: A film company founded by Christian artist Michael W. Smith and his son has secured funding for its first feature film “After,” slated for release by early fall next year.

The Tennessean

Store's flag stolen: A flag and its flagpole were stolen from in front of a Christian bookstore in Northern Virginia.

The Washington Post

Romantic light in the darkness: Romance writer Melanie Dickerson wants “good stories out there for people to read–especially teen girls... What’s out there now is really dark.”

The Andalusia Star News

Industry Radar for the week of November 3, 2010.

Pure fiction is popular: Romance fiction without sex “isn't limited to Amish fiction, or to Christian fiction.”

NPR

Christian business insights: Hobby Lobby founder David Green on the business' Christian foundations and principles.

Retail's Big Blog

Saving 'Blue Like Jazz': The effort to save the film version of “Blue Like Jazz.”

The Atlantic

Philip Yancy on faith: An essay by author Philip Yancey about “whether faith makes a positive difference.”

The Huffington Post

Third Day's 'Move': Third Day's latest release, “Move,” gets 2.5 stars.

USA Today

Second-chance movie debuts: New inspirational film, “What If,” is about a man who is given a second chance at getting his life right.

The Meridian Star

Faith-based viewers expand: Faith-based film fans used to be seen as a niche audience--”now, in Hollywood, they’re just seen as the audience.”

The Star-Ledger

Skillet's Christian rock roots: Though Skillet tours with major mainstream bands, founder and frontman John Cooper says it is important the group “stay true to our Christian roots and we don’t try to hide the fact that we have been in the Christian music industry for a long time.”

The Maryville Daily Forum

Bible publishing debate: Publishers, scholars and others discuss how many different Bible translations and editions are really needed.

The Oklahoman

Gungor's 'odd' sound: Band founder and frontman Michael Gungor says of the group bearing his last name, “musically, it’s kind of odd.”

The Newberg Graphic

Book may be filmed: Author Nancy Moser's novel, “Time Lottery,” is being considered for a film or television series.

The Louisburg Herald

New Assisi biography out: Children's author Robert West has written “Saint Francis,” a biography of Francis of Assisi, for Thomas Nelson's Christian Encounters series.

The Ventura County Star

Discount Christian stores open: Two seasonal discount Christian bookstores selling titles for $5 or less have opened in the Twin Cities area.

The (Minneapolis/St. Paul) Star-Tribune

Devotional details God's names: Ava Pennington's “One Year Alone with God” invites readers to “revitalize their devotional life with an intimate journey through the names of God.”

TC Palm

$5 stores offer 'encouragement': $5 Christian Book Sale stores in the Twin Cities area have been “a source of encouragement for people in the community.”

The Chanhassen Villager

'Sluggish economy' impacts sales: Todd Van Ryn, owner of central Wisconsin's 5 Loaves & 2 Fish chain, attributes slower sales in recent years “to apathy and a sluggish economy.”

The Wasau Daily Herald

Store's Tim Tebow fundraiser: A Christian bookstore helps auction a jersey belonging to college football star Tim Tebow to raise money for missions.

The Canon City Daily Record

Library adds inspirational fiction: With increased local demand for “gentle fiction,” a Michigan library has expanded its selection of inspirational romance.

The Gaylord Herald Times


 

Industry Radar for the week of October 27, 2010.

Missionary supports Store Day: Haiti missionary Amelia Johnson speaks of her experiences in the country at The Rock Good Book Store in Hays, Kan., as part of Christian Store Day.

The Hays Daily News

Author's hometown murder mysteries: Lynette Eason has set most of her “suspense with a twist” Christian murder mysteries in her home town of Spartanburg, S.C.

The Spartanburg Journal

'Soul-searching' sports book: Chad Gibbs' “God & Football: “Faith and Fanaticism in the SEC” is “a soul-searching, gently humorous look at how his love of football has sometimes rivaled his devotion to Christianity.”

The Press-Register

Canadian writers celebrate: Authors Rudy Wiebe and Sigmund Brouwer spoke at the 30th anniversary conference of the Alberta-based Inscribe Christian Writers Fellowship.

The Edmonton Journal

Store backs Lucado campaign: New Life Christian Bookstore in Murray, Ky., is supporting author Max Lucado's efforts to raise child sponsorships for World Vision.

The Murray Ledger & Times

Blind writer's 'gift' ministry: Before he lost his sight, “The Ultimate Gift” author Jim Stovall was not a reader, and had no inclination to be a writer.

The Tulsa World

Writers win publishing contract: Canadian writers Sara Davison and Robert White won a Christian book-writing contest that will see their works printed, marketed and distributed by Winnipeg-based Word Alive Press.

The Guelph Mercury

'Blue Like Jazz' saved: The movie version of Donald Miller's “Blue Like Jazz,” scrapped because of a lack of cash, is being saved by a group of fans.

Nashville Business Journal

College store joins promotion: Central Christian College of the Bible Bookstore in Moberley, Mo., participates in Christian Store Day.

The Moberley Monitor

Cathedral bankruptcy hits suppliers: As the famed Crystal Cathedral in Los Angeles files for bankruptcy, many of the creditors

are “small Christian-themed publishing houses and gift manufacturers facing their own struggles as churches across the country see their donations decline.”

The Wall Street Journal

Outlet for local artist: Kolas Christian Bookstore in Highland, Ind., carries Christian comic books created by a local resident.

The (Northwest Indiana) Times

'Blind Side' wins accolade: “The Blind Side” is named Inspirational Movie of the Year.

ABC News

Hunger author's faith challenge: David Beckmann, author of "Exodus from Hunger: We Are Called to Change the Politics of Hunger,” says “you don't have to be Mother Teresa; you only have to have faith the size of a mustard seed to move mountains.”

The Huffington Post

'90 Minutes' launches ministry: Don Piper's book about glimpsing eternal life after a terrible car crash “launched a ministry that has reached millions.”

The Traverse City Record Eagle

Store Day in Ohio: Stores in Newark, Ohio support Christian Store Day.

The Newark Advocate

Store Day in Pennsylvania: Stores in Erie, Pa., support Christian Store Day.

The Erie-Times News

Tour gathers 'heavy hitters': The Make A Difference Tour 2010 features “some of the heavy hitters in contemporary Christian music.”

The Arizona Republic

'Very funny' football book: Chad Gibbs' study of sports fans watching games resulted in “a very funny book,” "God & Football: Faith and Fanaticism in the SEC.

The Tampa Tribune

Make a Difference Tour: When you combine a best-selling author with some of the top names in Christian music, you get Make a Difference Tour 2010.

The Appleton Post-Crescent

Industry Radar for the week of October 20, 2010.

Second serial killer book: An inmate who knew serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer in prison has written a book about their discussions about faith, "Serial Killer's Soul," released last month. 
The Chicago Tribune

Ten Commandments movie released: Inspirational movie, "I AM", created by parishioners of Mariners Church in Irvine, Calif., documents the journeys of 10 people as they struggle with the effects of failing to follow the 10 commandments.
The Orange County Register

30-year store closes: After 30 years operating Kingdom Come Books and Gifts in Carmel, Calif., Sue Creel has decided "it's time to do something else"--at age 80.
The Herald

Kingsbury fans travel far: Some Karen Kingsbury fans traveled for several hours to attend a signing in Thousand Oaks, Calif., to promote the release of the movie version of her novel, "Like Dandelion Dust."
The Ventura County Star

Church's 'conversational' film-making: One of the latest churches to get into movie making says the aim is to "start conversations... We're not trying to convert anybody to anything."
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Diamond Jubilee store shuttered: After almost 60 years, Bible Book Center in Gary, Ind., is closing down.
The Post-Tribune

Movie studios target Christians: Movie producers are tailoring their products to Christian audiences "in their latest bid to maintain box office revenues."
The (London, U.K.) Telegraph

'Queen of clean comedy': As the "queen of clean comedy," Chonda Pierce has "brought the laughs to churches nationwide."
The Odessa American

All-star 'Difference' tour: The all-star Christian music line-up for the Make a Difference tour has "a pragmatic reason: the economy."
The (Long Beach, Calif.) Press-Telegram

Coach Bowden 'even busier': At 80, retired football coach Booby Bowden is busier than ever, promoting his recent book, "Called To Coach: Reflections on Life, Faith and Football."
TC Palm

Store moves, doubles size: St. Joseph's Christian Supply in Visalia, Calif., is relocating in a move that will more than double its space.
The Visalia Time-Delta

From missions to manuscripts: A former missionary to Zimbabwe, Valerie Massey Goree has turned to writing Christian fiction.
The Bandera County Courier

'Quirky' Mercy Me album: The subject of Mercy Me's latest, concept album, "The Generous Mr. Lovewell," is "kind of like (The Beatles') Sgt. Pepper, but he's quirky."
The Courier News

Banker-author addresses faith: Top banker and author of "God at Work: Living Every Day with a Purpose," Ken Costa, is touring the U.S., speaking about faith in the financial world.
The Wall Street Journal

Faith-based films grow: "The demand for quality faith-based (movie) content is just continuing to grow."
Fox News

New store's prayer offer: The new PTL+ Bookstore in Big Bear lake, Calif., also offers healing and prayer rooms in connection with the local International House of Prayer.
Big Bear Grizzly

Inspirational faith film debuts: The star power of "The Way Home," coupled with the film's faith-based message, "garnered a sellout premiere."
The Times-Georgian

Christian author a media 'fixture': Christianity and the popular culture is a favorite topic for author Eric Metaxas, who is "a fixture on national talk shows and blogs."
The (Lynchburg, Va.) News & Advance

LifeWay stores break-in: Thieves broke into the LifeWay Christian Store in Charlotte, N.C.
WSOC TV


Industry Radar for the week of October 13, 2010.

Soap star's faith role: MacKenzie Mauzy, known to fans of soap opera “The Bold and the Beautiful” for her role of “Phoebe Forrester,” is one of the stars of the faith-based “Fishers of Men,” currently filming.

The Post-Searchlight

International film contest winners: The winners have been announced from the first annual Phoenix International Christian Film Festival, hosted by Maricopa-based XPmedia in Tempe, Ariz.

The Maricopa Monitor

Kirk Cameron discusses ministry: Actor Kirk Cameron "never set out to start a ministry," but “I'm at a wonderful place in my life.”

The Mansfield News-Journal

'Hip Christian' author's commentary: Author Brett McCracken on “the curious case of the Christian hipster.”

CNN

Historian Peter Marshall remembered: Author and historian Peter Marshall is remembered.

The Washington Post

Travis Tritt's new role: Country artist Travis Tritt has scored a role as the character Eddie Waters in the upcoming Christian movie, “Fishers of Men.”

Country weekly

Back-to-life book: Cardiologist Chauncey Crandall IV's “Raising the Dead” tells the story of a patient that came back to life after being prayed for.

Palm Beach Daily News-Journal

'Secretariat' sold to Christians: Horse racing movie, “Secretariat,” is being promoted to the "faith-based audience.” in the style of the surprise hit, “The Blind Side.”

The Hollywood Reporter

'Offensive' bookstore's ad ban: The owner of a Christian book store in Kittanning, Pa., has been denied advertising on a restaurant menu because, he was told, the name “Christian” is offensive.

The Kittanning Paper

Kirk Cameron films documentary: Kirk Cameron has recently finished filming "Monumental," a documentary that tracks God's influence on the formation of America.
The News & Observer

Author's homeless ministry research: For her latest novel, “Almost Forever,” about a woman who volunteers at a homeless shelter, author Deborah Raney decided to volunteer herself—an experience that “touched her life.”

The Newton Kansan

Comedy tour supports counseling: Comedian Chonda Pierce's latest tour is helping raise money for Branches Recovery Center, the ministry she founded to help others facing depression as she has in the past.

The Houston Chronicle

Retired teacher's debut novel: “Annie’s Creek” by retired teacher Sandra Michael Park, follows a college professor’s journey as he reads an ancestor’s journal covering Texas’ fight for statehood.

The Courier


Industry Radar for the week of October 6, 2010.

Karen Kingsbury on 'Dandelion': Karen Kingsbury talks about the movie version of her book, "Like Dandelion Dust."
CBN

Sherwood Pictures, pace setter: The new face of church ministry is making movies "and no church is more successful at it than Sherwood Baptist, now making movies under the title Sherwood Pictures."
Fox News

Pastor's marriage advice series: Pastor Ed Doerner's relationship teaching and counseling has led to the book and DVD series, "Building Healthy Marriages."
The Saginaw News

Max Lucado's multi-millions: Max Lucado has sold more than 100 million print products since he wrote his first book more than 25 years ago.
The San Antonio Business Journal

Iowa store hosts authors: Stepping Stones Christian bookstore in downtown Marshalltown, Iowa, hosts a book signing for two local authors.
The Times-Republican

Authors speak at summit: Musician Derek Webb and author Shane Claiborne among the speakers at ACU Summit 2010, at Abilene Christian University, Texas.
The Abilene Reporter-News

Resurrection movie deal agreed: Faith-based multimedia company 33 Hope has signed a co-production and distribution deal for a feature film being produced in Israel about the time after Christ's death and resurrection.
The Tampa Bay Business Journal

Berenstain Bears go iPad: Three of Zondervan's faith-based Berenstain Bears kids books are being released for the iPad.
Xconomy

Writer's football marathon: To research "God & Football: Faith and Fanaticism in the SEC," writer Chad Gibbs traveled to every SEC school, one per weekend during the 2009 season.
The Montgomery Advertiser

Best-selling author's keynote: Best-selling author Cecil Murphey will be keynoting the Southeastern Christian Writers Conference in Cleveland.
The Cleveland Daily Banner

'Jabez' author addresses convocation: Author Bruce Wilkinson, best known for his book "The Prayer of Jabez," speaks at Liberty University's convocation.
Liberty News

Group urges book boycott: A Christian group has urged a boycott of the latest book by GP Taylor, a former vicar who wrote the bestselling "Shadowmancer,' for encouraging interest in the occult.
The (York, England) Press

Matthew West, 'hit maker': Since he made the leap from successful songwriter to recording artist with his 2003 debut, Matthew West has become "one of the Christian genre's most consistent hit makers."
The U.S. Daily

Superchick's 'new, old sound': Superchick's current Reinvention Tour says its name from the band's latest album, which "took old songs and made them sound new."
The Press-Enterprise


 

Industry Radar for the week of September 29, 2010.

'Dandelion' gathers awards: "Like Dandelion Dust" may just now be entering theaters, but the film version of Karen Kingsbury's story has been making the rounds at national and international film festivals since January 2009, garnering more than 35 awards.
The California Chronicle

Romance writer's other life: Karen Witemeyer, romance author of "Head in the Clouds" and "A Tailor-Made Bride," is university testing center coordinator at Abilene Christian University, Texas.
The (Abilene, Texas) Optimist

Pneumafest draws top acts: Local bands join top acts like Stellar Kart and Rush of Fools at the seventh annual Pneumafest in Williamson, W.V.
The Williamson Daily News

CBD 'fully into' ebooks: Christian Book Distributors is "fully into the e-book market."
The Salem News

Filmmaking brothers' long journey: The opening in theaters of "Like Dandelion Dust" marks the end of a six-year journey for movie producer brothers Kevin and Bobby Downes.
The Visalia Times-Delta

'Dandelion' backers' support: A couple that backed the making of "Like Dandelion Dust" talk about their involvement with the film.
The Ventura County Star

Author helps other victims: Author Mary DeMuth writes about the pain of child abuse and the Web site she runs to give others a place to share their hurts.
The Washington Post

Home preview for 'Dandelion': Karen Kingsbury previewed the movie adaptation of her book, "Like Dandelion Dust," for friends and family in her Vancouver home theater.
The Columbian

Church sponsors movie premiere: A church in  Wauseon, Ohio is sponsoring the local premiere of "Like Dandelion Dust."
The Toledo Blade

Jeremy Camp's 'balanced' music: Jeremy Camp's recordings have "a balance of passionate and powerful songs. Many of those tracks are poignant, and they all are reverent."
The Courier News

Francine Rivers' 'statement of faith': Author Francine Rivers has called her best-selling novel, "Redeeming Love," her "statement of faith."
The Knoxville News Sentinel

'Hip Christian' author's view: Brett McCracken's "Hipster Christianity: When Church and Cool Collide," "looks critically at the recent trend of young Christians who have blurred the lines between secular culture and the church."
The Austin Statesman

Industry Radar for the week of September 22, 2010.

'Potential' movie follows cyclist: Liberty University alumni Scotty Curlee's family-friendly movie, “The Potential Inside,” tells the life story of a professional mountain biker and coach.
Liberty News

'Hercules' asks 'What If?': Dallas Jenkins, director of the new inspirational movie, “What If,” admits that “I don’t usually like Christian films.”
The (Colorado Springs, Colo.) Gazette

Store burgled second time: A Christian bookstore in Springfield, Mo., has been burgled twice in less than two weeks.

KY3 TV

Amish novels selling well: Novels about life and love in Amish country are “flying off the shelves.”

The Lancaster New Era

'Dandelion Dust' makes an impact: Filming the screen adaptation of Karen Kingsbury's “Like Dandelion Dust” had “a marked effect” on actress Mira Sorvino.

CNN

Store offers tasty treats: Brenda Stone Browder's new Rolling Pen Book Cafe in Springfield, Ohio, features Christian books—including her own—and homemade pies.

The Yellow Springs News

Author's second book award: Christopher H.K. Persaud has won his second national award, this one for "The DaVinci Code Revisited: A Conclusive Refutation of the Widespread, Sinister Lie."

The Record

Musicians' backstage chat: Aaron Shust and Big Daddy Weave singer Mike Weaver discuss life on the road.

The Bakersfield Californian

Festival features top acts: The seventh annual Uprise Festival in Shippensburg, Pa., will feature some of the biggest names in Christian music as well as some homegrown bands.

Chambersburg Public Opinion

Bethany author addresses festival: Bethany House novelist Karen Witemeyer is a panelist-speaker at the West Texas Book & Music Festival.

The (Abilene, Texas) Reporter-News

Ricky Skaggs' gospel album: Award-winning country musician Ricky Skaggs talks about the spiritual theme of his new album, “Mosaic.”

The Tennessean

Christian movie festival: The Projecting Hope festival in Pittsburgh spotlights Christian movies, including Dallas Jenkins' new “What If?” starring Kevin Sorbo.

The Charlotte Observer

 

 

Industry Radar for the week of September 15, 2010.

Greeting card giveaway spotlighted: Family Christian Stores' free greeting card giveaway gets the thumbs-up from a budget shopping guide.
The (Newport News, Va.) Daily Press

Christian fiction writer noted: Novelist Beth Webb Hart's signature themes of love, hope, and faith have made her popular in the Christian fiction genre, but "her well-written descriptions of Lowcountry life have broadened her audience beyond the church-going crowd."
Charleston City paper

Football couple's memoir highlighted: In their book, "Without a Word: How a Boy's Unspoken Love Changed Everything," Jim and Jill Kelly tell how "God worked through their son to keep them together and to show them what really matters."
The (Rochester, N.Y.) Democrat & Chronicle

Singers launch concert books: Sandy Blackburn's "Time Spent With God," a collection of devotionals, has been chosen by gospel singing group The Hoppers as the first in the Hopper Heritage Series, which will be sold at concerts.
The (Lexington, N.C.) Dispatch

School's football gesture recalled: David Thomas' forthcoming book, "Remember Why You Play," tells the story of the Faith Christian Lions of Grapevine, Texas, who made headlines when they hosted a visiting team from a maximum security facility for teens.
Forth Worth Star-Telegram

Movie promotes suicide awareness: A church in Slidell, La., hosts a free screening of teen drama, "To Save a Life," as part of National Suicide Prevention Week.
The St. Tammany News

Special 400th KJV title: As part of its 400th anniversary celebration campaign for the King James Bible, Thomas Nelson Publishers is releasing "The Story of the Bible," a visually-enhanced history covering the writing and transmission of the Bible through the ages.
The Sun Herald

'Black Christian culture industry': A professor of religion examines 'a veritable black Christian culture industry, complete with countless commodities and commercial opportunities."
CNN

'Riven' for big screen: Filming the movie version of Jerry Jenkins' "Riven" starts soon, with the author's son, Dallas, directing.
The (Colorado Springs, Colo.) Gazette

Singer on 'Counting Stars': Musician and author Andrew Peterson discusses his latest album, "Counting Stars/"
The Oklahoman

Touching children's 'sacred imagination': Children's author Andrew Peterson believes "there's something really sacred about the imagination of an 8-year-old boy or girl."
The Topeka Capital-Journal

Bicycle racing faith film: Inspirational movie, "The Free Ride," tells the story of former world-class road racing bicycle champion Colter Reese, banned from professional racing and given a chance of redemption.
The (Bucyrus, Ohio) Telegraph Forum

 

Industry Radar for the week of September 8, 2010.

Home sale kits boom: Sales of the "St. Joseph the Worker Home Sellers Kit" have gone up at Queen of Angels Catholic Store in Mandarin, Fla., since the slump in the housing market.
The Florida Times-Union

Music drama cameras roll: Inspirational drama, "Life Fine Tuned," about a spoiled young pop star who gains a better perspective about life, is being filmed in Culpeper, Va.
The Richmond Times-Dispatch

Stage 'Screwtape' introduction: Actor Max McLean's off-Broadway adaptation of C.S. Lewis' "The Screwtape Letters" is "a really good introduction to the book.""
CNN

Church film picked up: "The Grace Card," a faith-based film made by Calvary Church of the Nazarene in Cordova Tenn., has been picked up for national distribution by the "Fireproof" distributors.
The (Memphis, Tenn.) Commercial Appeal

Agents seek Hollywood interest: Glass Roads Public Relations and The Sam Hill group are hoping to generate more Hollywood attention for Christian authors by combining their author management experience and motion picture industry knowledge.
Nashville Business Journal

Store supports jobs ministry: Vine and Branches Inspirational Gifts in Bolingbrook, Ill., helps supports the ministry of the Power Connection, which operates a food bank and provides jobs training.
The Bolingbrook Sun

Debut author's teen series: Melanie Dickerson's debut novel, "The Healer's Apprentice," is the first in a three-part series based loosely on fairy tales, written for teens and adults.
The Huntsville Times-Dispatch

'Mockingbird' classic offers lessons: Matt Litton, author of "The Mockingbird Parables," says that Harper Lee's classic, "To Kill a Mockingbird," "challenges us to remember that our faith should impact our actions today."
CNN

Purity author's porn pal: "Eyes of Integrity" author Craig Gross writes about his friendship with porn star Ron Jeremy.
CNN

First-timer's publishing hit: A 64-year-old first-time author from Wales is finding international interest in his Christian fantasy series.
BBC News

LifeWay's Northwestern expansion: LifeWay Christian Stores, one of the major Christian bookstore chains in the United States, is moving into the Twin Cities after acquiring five Northwestern Book Stores in the area.
Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal

Stores' overseas resource campaign: Christian bookstores and businesses in East Peoria, Ill., are partnering to send Christian reading materials around the world.
The Pekin Times

 

Industry Radar for the week of September 1, 2010.

Used book programs appreciated: Used book programs at two Christian stores in Knoxville, Tenn., get the thumbs-up.
The Knoxville News Sentinel

Veggies' 'young Walt Disney': VeggieTales' co-creator Mike Nawrocki is like "a young Walt Disney."
The Tennessean

Country singer's childhood memoir: Country singer Jimmy Wayne is working with co-author Travis Thrasher on "Paper Angels," a fictionalized version of his painful past as a foster child, for Howard Books.
The Tennessean

'Earthy' theologian's memoir: A one-time bricklayer, Stanley Hauerwas, author of an acclaimed new memoir, "doesn't cuss as much as he once did, but for a world-class theologian he's still earthy."
The Dallas Morning News

Modern-day 'Pilgrim's Progress': In inspirational movie, "The Wylds," the classic "The Pilgrim's Progress" has been turned into "an action-adventure flick packed with classic kid-friendly elements."
The Daily Inter Lake

Store births local concert: The idea for a local open-air Christian concert was born at Gemma Osborne's Christian bookstore, Divine Oasis, in Lewiston, Maine.
The Sun Journal

Central Florida as 'Holywood': The movies already have a Hollywood and a Bollywood, "but some local filmmakers see Central Florida staking its claim as 'Holywood.'"
The Orlando Sentinel

Christian bookseller remembered: Bob Scheffler is remembered for his Christian bookstore minustry-including leaving copies of the Bible in public phone booths for people to find.
The Kitsap Sunday

Store features local author: Local author James Meyer's first book is featured at the Christian Book and Gift Shop in Rochester, Minn.
The Post-Bulletin


Industry Radar for the week of August 25, 2010.

Attorney-author profiled: Robert Whitlow has "paired his love of God with 31 years of legal practice and produced a string of 10 novels set in the South."
The (Raleigh, N.C.) News & Observer

Teen sailor's book: Abby Sunderland, the teenager whose solo attempt to sail around the world ended unsuccessfully, has hired Sarah Palin's "Going Rogue" collaborator, Lynn Vincent, to co-write her story.
The San Diego Union-Tribune

'Weak economy' closes store: His Bible & Book House in Brighton, Mich., is closing after 31 years, due to a weak economy and growing online book sales.
The Livingston County Daily Press & Argus

Star defends teen drama: One of the stars of the Christian teen drama, "To Save a Life," defends the "corny at times" movie from liberal critics.
Fox News

Lessons from a classic: High school English teacher has marked the 50th anniversary of publication of "To Kill a Mockingbird," with "The Mockingbird Chronicles," looking at the spiritual lessons in the classic book.
CNN

Cut-price Jeremy Camp: Jeremy Camp's new album, "Jesus Saves," was offered to 5,000 lucky fans for just $5 each as part of his appearance at the Colorado Rockies' Faith day event.
The Denver Post

'Silenced' author still speaks: Pastor Lyle Kath may have lost his voice to cancer but that hasn't stopped him speaking for God...as an author.
WCCO TV

Multi-author book signing: Six new Christian authors met with fans and signed books at Truth Christian Store & Event Center in Plant City, Fla.
The Tampa Tribune

Rebecca's new worship CD: Rebecca St. James is working on a worship- oriented album that will combine new music and established praise hits that she anticipates will put a "fresh modern feel" on worship.
The Lexington Herald-Leader

Genesis movie finds commonality: Minister Jerry Zandstra's new $5 million movie, "The Genesis Code," argues that the book of Genesis and the findings of science "agree just fine."
The Grand Rapids Press

'M*A*S*H' star's faith film: Filming has begun on Christian movie "Heading Home," starring Emmy winner Gary Burghoff of "M*A*S*H" fame.
The Orlando Sentinel

Industry Radar for the week of August 18, 2010.

Tony Dungy book signing: NBC sports anchor and former NFL coach Tony Dungy signs copies of his latest book at a LifeWay Christian Store in Orlando, Fla.

WESH TV

 

Amish author book tour: Award-winning, bestselling Amish author Beverly Lewis will make 30 stops almost exclusively in Pennsylvania in promotion of “The Thorn,” the premiere release in her new series, “The Rose Trilogy.”

The Daily American

 

Store's 'blessing in disguise': The storm that damaged Christian Book & Gift Shop in Rochester, Minn., was “a blessing in disguise.”

The (Rochester, Minn.) Post-Bulletin


Evangelist launches Twitter Bible: In his Twitter Bible, British evangelist Chris Juby plans to summarize the Scriptures in a series of 1,190 brief posts on the social media network.

The (London, England) Guardian


Memoirist's hometown visit: Rebecca Nichols Alonzo signs copies of her memoir, “The Devil in Pew Number Seven,” at The Salt Shaker in Wilmington, N.C., close to where the headline-making events about which she writes took place.

The (Wilmington, N.C.)Star News


Joel Osteen 'lines shelves': Pastor and author Joel Osteen's “smiling face lines shelves at every bookstore.”

The Virginian-Pilot


 

Industry Radar for the week of August 11, 2010.

Gospel great's unlikely pairing: Gospel great Mavis Staples has formed an unlikely creative partnership with alt-country musician Jeff Tweedy.

USA Today

Fiction finalist's new titles: American Christian Fiction Writers award nominee Mae Nunn's upcoming releases will be "A Season for Family" in November 2010 and "Her Love Next Door" set for April 2011.

The (Newnan, Ga.)Times-Herald

'Unpreachy' Christian kids film: Unlike some Christian films distributed for general theatrical release, "Ryann Watters and the King's Sword," based on a children's book and currently being filmed, “is not preachy.”

The Daily Commercial

Memoir of 'terror saga': Rebecca Nichols Alonzo's memoir, “The Devil in Pew Number Seven,” tells of “a bloody climax to a saga of terror.”

The (Wilmington, N.C.) Star News

Amish fiction growth highlighted: It is “plain and simple: The Amish inspirational is one of the fastest-growing genres in romance publishing.”

USA Today

Tony Dungy's hat-trick: With his third book in three years, “The Mentor Leader,” Tony Dungy “is becoming known more as an author than as a coach.”

News Channel 15

Long-time editor noted: Robert Delancy worked with writers such as Corrie ten Boom during more than 40 years as book editor for Christian Literature Crusade.

The Lancaster New Era

 

 

Industry Radar for the week of August 4 , 2010.

Doves fly from Nashville: Moving the Gospel Music Association's annual Dove Awards to Atlanta for 2011 has disappointed people in long-time host city Nashville.
The Tennessean

Doves move 'ruffles feathers': There are some "ruffled feathers and hurt feelings" following the announcement of the Dove Awards' 2011 move from Nashville to Atlanta.
The Tennessean

' A big fat doubter': Author Jason Boyett confesses he is "a big fat doubter."
The Washington Post

From Christys to Carols: 2010 Christy Award winner Jill Williamson has been named a finalist for the American Christian Fiction Writers' Carol Awards.
Blue Mountain Eagle

Heaven Fest draws crowds: Casting Crowns is among the bands appearing at Heaven Fest Christian music festival in Boulder, Colo., expected to draw as many as 50,000 people.
The Daily Camera

Hillsong returns to America: With more than 11 million records sold, Hillsong is one of the most popular worship groups in the world, but hadn't been to the United States in nearly a decade until the current tour.
CNN

Anne Rice 'quits' Christianity: Best known for her gothic novels, but having renewed her faith in recent years, novelist Anne Rice has announced she is no longer "a Christian."
USA Today

Faith book 'builds slowly': In Peter Hitchens' "The Case Against God.," the case for faith "is built slowly and rationally."
The New York Times

Store hosts candidates' debate: A batch of Republican candidates for office descended upon Gifts of Grace Christian bookstore and cafe in Gladbrook, Iowa, to discuss everything from budget woes to illegal immigration in a public forum.
The Waterloo daily Courier

Music festival's new sound: The music acts at the Heaven Fest Christian music festival in Boulder, Colo., are not "your grandma's church choir (although there are some grandmas who showed up to rock out)."
The Daily Camera

Discussing Anne Rice's announcement: Emergent church writer Brian McLaren discusses Anne Rice's decision to "quit being a Christian."
CNN

Meatloaf reads Christian novel: Singer and actor Meatloaf endorses a Christian novel.
The Winnipeg Free Press

 

Industry Radar for the week of July 28, 2010.

'Thanks and goodbye': An 11th anniversary sale at Susan Moon's Free Spirit Christian bookstore in Waynesboro, Pa., is to be followed by a going-out-of-business sale—a victim of the economy.

Public Opinion

Comic book leader 'stunned': Pastor and Kingstone Media CEO Art Ayris said he is "stunned" by the international response to his company's inspirational comic books.

Baptist Press

YA title's movie deal: The Christian youth-action adventure book, “Ryann Watters and the King’s Sword,” is being filmed for a summer 2011 release.

The (Bowling Green, Ky.) Daily News

Crossover kids author's mission: A late-in-life convert to Christ, veteran children's author Mike Thaler says, “I just want to transmit the joy of loving God.”

The (Colorado Springs, Colo.) Gazett

Jerry Jenkins, tough teacher: As a writing coach, best-selling author Jerry Jenkins is soft spoken and genial, “but he doesn’t mince words in his critiques.”

The (Colorado Springs, Colo.) Gazette

33 Hope project launches: Multimedia project 33 Hope joins other Christian ventures such as "The Purpose Driven Life" and "The Love Dare" that incorporate books, film, music and small groups.

The Tampa Bay Tribune

Top preachers link up: Two of the world's best-known TV ministers and authors got together in Houston for an event that was literally the first of its kind at Lakewood Church.

KTRK TV

Evolution author's middle way: “You don't have to choose between loving and following Jesus and believing in evolution," says Rachel Held Evans, author of the new memoir, “Evolving in Monkey Town.”

USA Today

Christian magazines face challenges: Specialization is the name of the game — and sometimes the key to survival--for Christian magazines, experts say

Religion News Service

Sign ban impacts store: A ban on sandwich-board signs has led to a slump in business at Marvin Marlett's Christian Designs Bible Bookstore in Santa Maria, Calif.

The Santa Maria Times

Missing boy movie releases: “The Way Home,” based on producer Randy Simpkins' experience of his young son going missing, releases on DVD, to Christian stores on Oct. 6.

The Times-Georgian

Closing store 'fulfilled mission': Though their Living Water Christian Bookstore and Cafe in Ottawa, Ohio, is closing after 20 months, owners Matt and Beth Naylor say the business' spiritual mission was fulfilled.

Putnam County Sentinel

'Blind Side' couple speak: ”The Blind Side” couple, Sean and Leigh Anne Tuohy, talk about their new book, "In a Heartbeat: Sharing the Power of Cheerful Giving.”

Fox News


 

Industry Radar for the week of July 22, 2010.

Son of Sam's 'makeover': David Berkowitz, the “Son of Sam” killer turned Christian prisoner, has undergone an “:image makeover.”

The New York Times


'Stained glass movies' trend: Michael Catt, senior pastor of Sherwood Baptist Church, makers of “Facing the Giants” and “Fireproof,” says: "Movies are the stained-glass windows of the 21st century, the place to tell the Gospel story to people who may not read a Bible.”

USA Today

 

Christian-themed football film: As an actor, Big Spence has appeared in TV's "Californication" and "Ghost Whisperer," but as a producer of independent films he is to shoot a Christian football, "The American Dream," in Grand Rapids, Mich.

The Grand Rapids Press

 

Sarah Palin title delayed: Christian book publisher Zondervan is delaying publication of a Sarah Palin biography for young readers.

Associated Press

Bookstore robbed at knife point: A man robbed Nephi's Books, a Christian bookstore in Richland County, Wis., at knife point.

WIS TV


Author's Ohio book tour: Kim Vogel Sawyer will make 13 stops on her Ohio book-signing tour promoting her latest release, “In Every Heartbeat.”

The Chillicothe Gazette


Spider-Man's spirituality explored: Authors Adam Palmer and Jeff Dunn embarked on a mission to weave together spiritual messages from the three Spider-Man movies in “The Soul of Spider-Man.” Read more

Religion News Service

 

 

Authors back leader training: Two Christian authors are among the founders of Veritas Riff, which aims to help equip “Christian thought leaders" who "can speak in a culturally influential manner to a broad audience.

The Wall Street Journal

 

'Amen' book movie planned: Author ReShonda Tate Billingsley's second and highly popular novel, "Let the Church Say Amen," is being adapted for the big screen.

The Detroit News

 

'Humbled' by CBA award: Steve and Marie Prickett, owners of Logos Christian Bookstore in Alexandria, Ky., were “humbled” to receive the 2010 Spirit of Excellence for Customer Experience from CBA.

The Cincinnati Inquirer

 

Doctor's faith health message: Doctor and author Francisco Contrareras is”convinced that there is no substitute for a firm grounding in Christ for people managing disease.”

The Washington Post

'Survivor' contestant's book success: “Survivor” contestant Austin Carty’s book, “High Points and Lows: Life, Faith and Figuring It All Out,” has proved popular with teens and retirees alike.

The (Burlington, N.C.) Times-News

 

Publisher back controversial professor: A Christian publishing company has no plans to pull titles written by a Baptist seminary president recently demoted for making "factual statements that are self-contradictory" in sermons and speeches.

Associated Baptist Press

 

'Blue Like Jazz' profile: “Blue Like Jazz” author Donald Miller recalls “the greatest sermon I ever heard.”

CCN

 

Debut author sets sail: With her debut Tyndale House Publishers novel, "Crossing Oceans," doing well, Gina Holmes is giving up her nursing career to pursue writing full time.

The Star-Ledger


 

Industry Radar for the week of July 13, 2010.

Korn guitarist's Christian gig: Former Korn guitarist Brian 'Head" Welch says his new Christian music career is a lot like his time with the mainstream band, "only the crowds are smaller."

The Charleston Gazette

Store marks 16 years: In the light of the economy, Carretta McLean feels "blessed" to be celebrating the 16th anniversary of her business, Your Christian Book Store, in Gastonia, N.C.

The Gaston Gazette

Turning to Christian fiction: After a general market career with more than 30 novels, Karen Young has entered the Christian fiction arena with "Blood Bayou" and "Missing Max."

The (Mobile, Ala.) Press-Register

Bible museum planned: A Christian bookstore and a museum displaying rare antique Bibles and documents related to church history is planned for Lynchburg, Va.

The (Lynchburg, Va.) News & Advance

Live leader's new direction: Former Live frontman Ed Kowalczyk talks about the spiritual journey that has seen him rediscover his Christian faith and release a solo album on Sony/Provident/

CNN

Festival's 'party with purpose': Lifefest Christian music festival, the "party with a purpose," finished with a service featuring evangelist and author Luis Palau, rock band Kutless and singer/songwriter and speaker Peder Eide.

The (Appleton, Wisc.) Post-Crescent

Urban music film coming: Due out next year, urban Christian movie, "Stand," focuses on three young hip-hop gospel artists struggling in the industry who refuse to trade their beliefs for fame.

The Item

Winning store likes 'loitering': Lorraine Valk's award-winning Christian bookstore in St. Joseph, Mich., encourages "loitering."

The Herald-Palladium

Christian festival stays strong: Despite a downturn in sales for other events, attendance at KingsFest in Doswall, Va., remained strong this year, organizers said, because of the strong Christian message and the family-oriented experience.

The Richmond Times-Dispatch

Pets in heaven debate: New books have been debating the issue of whether loved pets will be in heaven.

Religion News Service

Agent's take on ICRS: Christian literary agent Chip MacGregor "has a lot to say" about the International Christian Retail Show.

The Joplin Globe

Palin bio avoids pregnancy: Zonderkidz' young readers biography of Sarah Palin, Speaking Up," will make no mention of her daughter Bristol Palin's unplanned teenage pregnancy.

The New York Times

Singer Walter Hawkins remembered: Walter Hawkins, who has died aged 61, "put a powerful stamp on contemporary gospel music" during a career that spanned 40 years.

USA Today

Book challenges 'one' belief: Challenging popular belief, Stephen Prothero's new book, "God is Not One," contends that all religions do not lead to the same eternal outcome.

The Tennessean


Industry Radar for the week of July 7, 2010.

Christian music festival grows: Attendance at the Big Ticket Festival in Gaylord, Mich., featuring Leeland, was expected to surpass 10,000.

The Gaylord

Christian book bloggers spotlighted: Christian readers are among the "vibrant" book blogging community that is catching the attention of publishers.

The Los Angeles Times

'Anger' over Eldredge book: John Eldredge has expressed "sorrow and anger" that his best-selling men's book, "Wild at Heart," has become required reading for members of a notorious Mexican drug cartel.

The (Colorado Springs, Colo.) Gazette

Series asks tough questions: The "Where's the Faith"series of books poses questions on topics like sex and race to a wide variety of religious, agnostic, social justice and other leaders and thinkers.

The Pueblo Chieftain

Author's past under scrutiny: Questions surround the validity of claims by author Ergun Caner about his Muslim past. The Washington Post

Baptist dead let go: A Baptist minister who toured the country to talk about his conversion from Islam to Christianity is no longer the dean of Liberty University's theological seminary following allegations he fabricated or embellished facts about his past.

The Washington Post

Prolific writer is profiled: Nearly 20 years after a car accident led to her pursuing a career in writing, Bonnie Leon is a "prolific" inspirational author.

The (Douglas County, Ore.) News-Review

YA Palin biography: Expected in bookstores this fall, "Speaking Up: The Sarah Palin Story," is part of the Zonderkidz biography series for young adults.

The Christian Science Monitor

Jim Wallis festival flap: A Christian radio station is canceling its sponsorship of a large Christian music festival in Wisconsin because of the inclusion of author Jim Wallis among the speakers.

The Milwaukee-Wisconsin Journal Sentinel

Christian movie ratings welcomed: Christian retailers "really want there to be a rating system to help them serve their customers," says Bobby Downes, producer of "Like Dandelion Dust."

The Oklahoman

Faith-based apps arrive: Christian publishers have begun producing smart-phone applications to further the faith.

The New York Times

Ex-Zondervan group initiative: Five former Zondervan executives have launched a new company to help authors "make a tech-savvy world work to their publishing advantage."

Michigan Business Review

'Wild at Heart' 'hijacked': John Eldredge has a change of heart about a Mexican drug cartel's making reading of his "Wild at Heart" mandatory for members.

Religion News Service

Christian music festival highlighted: Lifest in Oshkosh, Wisc., features the music of "Christian music's hottest acts with faith-filled messages."

The Appleton Post-Crescent

Pastor opens bookstore: Michael Cutler, pastor of Believers Christian Fellowship in Washburn, Ore., has opened New Believers Christian Bookstore in South Salem, Ore.

The Statesman Journal


Industry Radar for the week of June 30, 2010.

Clean comedian's 'devilish' humor: A “clean comedian with a bit of an edge,” Christian entertainer Tim Hawkins “does not shy away from an often devilish sense of humor.”

The Abilene Reporter-News

Brothers' coffee bar boost: Brothers Joshua and Josiah Williams' Book Brew Coffee business aims to “encourage customers to linger a little longer” at Christian bookstores.

The Enumclaw Courier-Herald

Artist challenges drink charge: “Painter of Light” Thomas Kinkade has pleaded not guilty to a misdemeanor charge of driving under the influence stemming from a traffic stop in Carmel, Calif.

The San Jose Mercury News

'Reluctant Christian' publishes memoir: A “celebrated” Christian ethicist, named "best theologian in America," Stanley Hauerwas is “a reluctant Christian” whose memoir, “Hannah's Child,” has just been released.

The (Raleigh, N.C.) News Observer

Christian Yatitles 'empowering': Young-adult novels from Christian publishers are “offering a surprisingly empowering guide to adolescence.”

Slate

Creation festival returns: Creation, the country's largest Christian music festival, returns to Mount Union, Pa., with “another lineup of the best Christian artists and speakers.”

Public Opinion


Industry Radar for the week of June 23, 2010.

Thomas Nelson takeover details: The acquisition of Thomas Nelson by private equity firm Kohlberg & Co., eliminates the majority of the company's long-term debt, which was acquired under its previous majority owner.

The Tennessean

Buyout 'excites' Nelson head: Thomas Nelson CEO Michael Hyatt is “very excited” about the company's purchase and “what this means for (its) future in the rapidly evolving publishing industry.”

The Nashville Post

More on Nelson purchase: InterMedia Partners LP has sold part of its stake in Thomas Nelson Inc., to Kohlberg & Co.

The Wall Street Journal

'Well-crafted' Christian movie: Inspirational movie,“The Secrets of Jonathan Sperry,” is “well crafted and  shows that there is hope for the Christian movie genre.”

Bahama Islands Info

Religious toys under spotlight: Nikki Bado, an associate professor and director of religious studies at Iowa State University, discusses the proliferation of religious toys.

WOWT TV

Canadian writer honored: Shane Joseph’s “dystopian novel of hope,” “After the Flood” won in the Futuristic/Fantasy category at The Word Guild Canadian Christian Writing Awards.

Northumberland View

'Influential' Sherwood Pictures: Sherwood Pictures has produced “some of the most influential and popular Christian movies in the last decade.”

Catholic Online

'Faith' movies 'will morph': A “Variety” writer says that “the definition of faith movies will morph a bit – they'll become edgier and darker and more complex.”

The (London) Guardian

Writer challenges atheist brother: Though “they are not exactly Cain and Abel, theologically and philosophically” Christopher and Peter Hitchens—author of “The Rage Against God: How Atheism Led Me to Faith”--are “just as divided as the brothers of the Old Testament.”

Fox News

Artist's brush with law: Authorities say "Painter of Light" inspirational artist Thomas Kinkade spent a night in jail after being arrested on suspicion of drunken driving.

USA Today

Christian writers 'making waves': Christian writers in Northumberland, Ontario, are “starting to make waves on the national literary scene” in Canada.

The St. Thomas Times-Journal

Missouri LifeWay's grand opening: A grand opening is scheduled July 10 for the new LifeWay Christian Store in Cape Girardeau, Mo.

The Southeast Missourian'

Family Christian Store robbed: Police are seeking a man who stole money from Family Christian Store in Brandon, Fla., after threatening staff in a note he handed over the counter.

Fox News


Industry Radar for the week of June 16, 2010.

'Fireproof' follow-up 'personal': “Fireproof” makers Sherwood Pictures' fourth film, “Courageous,” is “personal” for many of the actors.

Christian Post

Coach Wooden 'greatest teacher': Coach John Wooden's death at 99 means the loss “of the great American men of the last century—one of our greatest teachers.”

Religion Dispatches

Author celebrates ark discovery: The author and producer of books and movies about the search for Noah’s ark said a recent discovery could “turn things upside down.”

The (Loveland, Colo.) Reporter-Herald

Book on 'Christian mantra': A documentary feature film and companion book from HarperOne out next year, “Mysteries of the Jesus Prayer,” will introduce the ancient “perfect meditation” that is “like a Christian mantra.”

The Huffington Post

Witness music festival returns: Superchick, John Waller, Building 429 and Natalie Grant were among the artists when free music festival Witness returned to Quarryville, Pa., after a year's absence.

The Lancaster New Era

Mardel family's Bible mission: The Christian business family whose interests include Mardel Christian Education & Supply “has been spending heavily to amass a collection (of ancient Bible texts) that has set dealers buzzing in the staid world of rare books.”

The New York Times

 

Industry Radar for the week of June 9, 2010.

Church opens discount store: Amazing Grace Christian Books in Pontiac, Ill., offering discounted titles, has been opened by Grace Episcopal Church.
The (Bloomington, Ill.) Pantagraph

Author-leader's future uncertain: Author Ergun Caner's future as President of Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary "may depend on which version of his past is closer to the truth."
Associated Press

Collapse impacts Christian store: A building collapse in Beaver Dam, Ky., blocks access to other local businesses--including Wanda Saling's The Christian Bookstore.
WBKO TV

'Courageous' movie update: Sherwood Pictures is filming "Courageous," its follow-up to the hit, "Fireproof," in just 35 days.
WALB TV

 

Industry Radar for the week of June 2, 2010.

'Preachy' Berenstain Bears series: A reviewer says Zondervan's faith-based Berenstain Bears series can be preachy, but "they don't beat you over the head with Jesus messages or anything."

The San Francisco Chronicle

Bluetree's brush with danger: Members of "God of this City" group Bluetree tell of a perilous ministry trip into Myanmar.

CNN

Jennifer Knapp's coming out: Jennifer Knapp writes about how embracing her gay identity impacted her life in Christian music.

CNN

'Stuff' writer on satire: Blogger and "Stuff Christians Like" author, Jon Acuff, discuss explains "why he believes satire is the new truth."

CNN

Catholic store profiled: Opened in 1993, Holy Family Supply, a Catholic bookstore, is profiled as a non-profit business.

The (Salem. Ore.) Statesman Journal

Sheila Walsh's 'prison' message: Author and singer Sheila Walsh: “Sometimes God will take you to a prison to set you free.”

The Bangor Daily News

Armed robber hits LifeWay: Police are looking for an armed robber who got away with cash after threatening a female clerk at the LifeWay Christian Store in Chattanooga, Tenn.

The Chattanoogan

 

Author's new TV initiative: Author Robert A. Schuller is co-leader of new Christian broadcast company ComStar Media, which plans to combine TV, radio and Web strategies in an initiative to launch this fall.

The Dallas Morning News

Church documentary 'fast-paced': Dan Merchant's documentary, “Lord, Save Us From Your Followers,” just released on DVD, is 'a witty, fast-paced film.”

The Toledo Blade

 


 

Industry Radar for the week of May 26, 2010.

A new-style store: Ed Weske has opened Common Ground, a discount Christian bookstore, in the location where he used to work for Kregel Parable Christian Stores, closed last year.

The Grand Rapids Press

Missionary debuts jungle fiction: Missionary Jonathan Williams' first novel, "Jungle Sunrise," is based on his experiences in the jungles of Peru.

The Dallas Morning News

The 'American Idol' factor: "American Idol" has been the launching pad for several Christian singers' careers because of the TV show's strong church connection.

The Los Angeles Times

Author reflects on 'Lost': As popular TV show 'Lost" ends, pastor Chris Seay, author of "The Gospel According to Lost," reflects on the spiritual value of the series.

The Miami Herald

Church bookstore plan rejected: A zoning board in North Scranton, N.J., has denied a pastor permission to open a bookstore at a former church site.

The (Scranton, N.J.) Times-Tribune

Booksigning features games: A Texas booksigning for Karen Witemeyer's historical romance, "A Tailor-Made Bride,” features games for children from the 1800s, the period in which the book is set.

The Abilene Reporter-News

Christian publisher's military presence: An article about faith-based programs at Fort Hood describes publisher The Navigators as "one of the largest and most influential of the fundamentalist Christian para-church military ministries currently ingrained in and operating unrestricted throughout the military."

The Huffington Post

Glo Bible's iPhone app: Immersion Digital's "Glo Bible" will soon be available on iPhones and iPads.

The Orlando Sentinel

Store features iconography exhibits: Diane Duncan Biebe's iconography is on display at Logos Bookstore in Kent, Ohio.

The Akron Beacon Journal

Author 'tackles tough issues': Author Keith Clemons "tackles tough issues in his Christian novels."
The Aiken Standard

West Coast music festival: Top names in Christian music perform at the Spirit West Coast festival in Del Mar, Calif., which includes sporting events and a film series.

The Del Mar Times

Jennifer Knapp's radio verdict: The effect singer Jennifer Knapp's coming out as gay will have "comes down to how radio and retail respond to the news."

Fox News

Evolution book builds bridges: Marine biologist Joel “Jody” Martin's “The Prism and the Rainbow: A Christian Explains Why Evolution is Not a Threat,” aims to "bridge the gap between science and culture and faith."

The (Agoura Hills, Calif.) Acorn

Romance features pastors' sermons: Catherine Stedway's debut Christian romance, "The Will to Wait," features sermons from local pastors.

The (Cookeville, Tenn.) Herald-Citizen

Knapp expected sales pass: Jennifer Knapp says that she knew her new release, "Letting Go," "isn't one that's going to be sold at Christian bookstores."

The Huffington Post

 

Industry Radar for the week of May 19, 2010.

Co-authors' Family visit: Local resident Greta Emling and co-author Phyllis K. Rumble Klenk sign copies of their book, “Wounded, Trapped, and Voiceless .. All things are Possible,” at Family Christian Book Store in Saginaw Township, Mich.

The Saginaw News

Bookkeeper's embezzlement charges: The former bookkeeper at a Christian bookstore in Athens, Ga., has been arrested on charges of embezzlement of around $40,000.

WSB TV

Publisher changes 'industry sign': The resignation of top officials for the Review and Herald Publishing Association of the Seventh-day Adventist Church is "a sign of the greater weakness in the religious publishing industry."

The Washington Times

Store expands Christian category: The new owner of Ageless Book Shoppe in Panama City, Fla., is expanding the long-time store's Christian section.

The News Herald

Sarah Palin's new book: Lynn Vincent, the co-author of Sarah Palin’s “Going Rogue,” which has sold more than 2 million copies, will not be involved in the new book from the former Vice Presidential candidate, “America By Heart: Reflections on Family, Faith and Flag."

The San Diego Union-Tribune

Author's past under scrutiny: Minister and author Ergun Caner, who has "made a career as a go-to authority on Islam for the evangelical world" is at the center of allegations that he fabricated or embellished his past.

The San Jose Mercury News

Zondervan's iPad kids focus: Children’s books will be a big focus of titles Zondervan releases for iPads.

The Grand Rapids Press

Bill Gaither's 'towering influence': Bill Gaither is "a towering influence in Christian music as an artist and... a pretty good talent scout."

The Lexington Herald-Leader

Keith Green biopic planned: The widow of singer Keith Green is working to make a movie version of her book about his life and ministry, "No Compromise."

The Daily News

Muslim testimony prompts 'firestorm': Author Ergun Caner's testimony of his Muslim background has "ignited a firestorm of controversy."

The Tennessean

 

Industry Radar for the week of May 12, 2010.

Musician 'opens for Jesus': John Michael Talbot "used to open for Janis Joplin. Now he opens for Jesus Christ, leading his fans in prayer and meditation through music."

The (Somerville, N.J.) Courier News

Burglar hits Christian store: Molly Hicklins, who runs Paxon Christian Book Store in Orfange Park, Fla., is praying for the burglar who targeted her store.

WXJT TV

Prize author's faith profiled: Award-winning Christian author Gina Ochsner's works, like "The Russian Dreambook of Color and Flight," come from "a life based in faith."

The Oregonan

Pastor-author 'culturally relevant': Pastor and author Craig Groeschel "delivers sermons on your typical Christian topics, but does so with a fresh and culturally relevant spin."

The Toledo Blade

Karen Kingsbury, mom-writer: Best-selling author Karen Kingsbury "likes to think of herself as a mom first, who just happens to have written more than 40 books."

The Birmingham News

Book helps globe's poor: Christian Book of the Year, "The Hole in Our Gospel," by Richard Stearns, "has inspired many Christians to re-evaluate their lives and help the poor around the world."

The Staten Island Advance

Ministry launches bookstore: Strong Tower Ministries in Emporia, Kansas, has opened a bookstore to help support the ministry and provide books to the public.

The Emporia Gazette

Industry Radar for the week of May 5, 2010.

Casting Crowns, fan favorites: Casting Crowns won the biggest of this year's Dove awards, the fan-voted artist of the year title.

Associated Press

Store's 'community mission': Truth Christian Store & Event Center in Plant City, Fla., is "kind of an area community mission site."

The Tampa Bay Tribune

Faith-based business guide: A guide for businesses looking to appeal to faith-based consumers warns that "they're going to look askance at a company that seems boastful."

Adweek

Christian music on the rise: More Christian music acts cracked Billboard's Top 25 last year than ever.

The Tennessean

Kate Gosselin's latest book: Kate Gosselin's new book "isn't exactly flying off the shelves," having reportedly sold just over 10,000 copies in the first two weeks.

US magazine

Author addresses 'Christian atheism': In his new book, Craig Groeschel describes "Christian atheism" as a "fast-spreading spiritual pandemic which can poison, sicken and even kill eternally.”

The Oklahoman

Stephen Baldwin's 'rescue fund': Actor and author Stephen Baldwin discusses a campaign to help him overcome financial challenges attributed in part to his bold stand in Hollywood for his Christian faith.

Pop Eater


Industry Radar for the week of April 28, 2010.

Campus shooting pastor's answers: Virginia Tech campus shooting pastor Jim Pace's "Should We Fire God?" addresses tough questions of faith in the light of tragedy.

WDJB TV

'Dukes' star plays 'Doonby': John Schneider, the Christian actor who made Bo Duke a TV staple during the early 1980s, will play a modern George Bailey in the forthcoming inspirational film, "Doonby."
The Hollywood Reporter

New ecumenical bookstore: Mary Jane Marks is owner of Christ Church Gift and Book Shop in Greenwich, Conn., an ecumenical store that serves Christians, Jews and Muslims.

Greenwich Time

Churches host speaker-authors: California churches looking for ways to draw visitors and give members fresh and often inspiring perspectives on faith, are turning to well-known names--including authors and artists--for help.

The Sacramento Bee

'Madea' maker 'knows audience': The key to the success of Tyler Perry, whose "Madea" and other movies have faith themes, is that "he understands his audience."

The Kansas City Star

Store celebrates new location: Brighter Life Bookshoppe Ltd. celebrates the first anniversary of its new downtown location in Galesburg, Ill., with a free lunch.

The (Galesburg, Ill.) Register-Mail

LifeWay fraud effort probed: Police in Sherman, Texas, are investigating an attempted forgery at the city's Lifeway Christian Store, where someone tried to pay with a fake $100 traveler's check.

KXII TV

Pastor's book 'labor of love': Pastor John Goyette's Destiny Image release, "The Power of Return," is "a labor of love and the culmination of over 30 years of ministry and study."

The Bennington (Vt.) Banner

Magazine for thinking Christians: "Books and Culture," a sister magazine to "Christianity Today," serves "in part, as a salutary source of affirmative action for Christian intellectuals."

The New York Times

Christians movies, 'unexpected pleasures': A critic believes that sometimes, Christian films "rise above the expected sentimentality to become unexpected pleasures."

The Mormon Times

Jennifer Knapp 'still believes': Former Christian recording artist Jennifer Knapp, who recently announced she is gay, tells Larry King she is "still a person of faith."

CNN

Christian film niche 'busy': The Christian film niche market is busy, "with dozens of active production companies bringing forth a stream of product."

Beck/Smith Hollywood

Author says utopianism 'evil': Author Os Guinness tells students that “utopianism is the greatest evil of all."

The Oklahoma Daily

John Ashcroft, film fan: Former Attorney General John Ashcroft sings the praises of "Letters to God."

Big Hollywood

Hollywood pursues 'Christian demographic': Major Hollywood studios have started to "tap into the Christian demographic."

Variety

Integrity's good Dove night: Integrity Music had a good night at the Gospel Music Association’s 41st annual Dove Awards, as artists associated with the Mobile-based company claimed eight trophies.

The Mobile Press-Register

 

Industry Radar for the week of April 21, 2010.

Zondervan layoffs in consolidation: Zondervan laid off 30 employees as part of a consolidation move.

The Grand Rapids Press

Author's 'easy' advice spotlighted: Judith Rolfs has authored more than a dozen books—most with "a practical, easy-to-understand, Christian focus on marriage and f a m i l y"—based on her experience as a wife, mother and counselor.

The Janesville Gazette

Larry Norman documentary debuts: A documentary about pioneer Christian rock singer Larry Norman, "Fallen Angel: the Outlaw Larry Norman," is screened after a year of legal delays, in the singer's family tried to block its release.

The Tennessean

Author's 50-city tour: Young adult author Bryan Davis is making a 50-city book tour in support of his new title, "Starlighter."

The Pensecola News Journal

Theater run movie appeal: "Letters to God" director has appealed for help in keeping the inspirational movie in theaters.

The Underground

Kathy Macias' busy year: In addition to five new books releasing this year, author Kathy Macias is also launching a radio show with a fellow artist, going on book tours, keeping up a blog, and continuing a weekly devotional.

The Valley Chronicle

Oak Ridge Boys honored: The Oak Ridge Boys are honored by the Southern Gospel Music Guild.

The Tennessean

 

Industry Radar for the week of April 14, 2010.

 

'God films' make money: "God" films like "Letters to God" help "bring in the almighty dollar."

Fox News

End-times movies applauded: End-times films from the 1970s like "A Thief in the Night," spotlighted in a screening series in Chicago, "clearly fulfill the evangelical goals of the filmmakers, they also stand up as taut, extremely well-crafted entertainment."

Time Out Chicago

Legacy of 'The Passion': Mel Gibson's successful "The Passion of The Christ" has "spawned a small new genre called the 'Christian Movie'."

Eclipse

'Shack' success 'a God thing': The success of 'The Shack'--with more than 12 million copies sold to date--is "absolutely a God thing," says author William P. Young.

The Toledo Blade

Born-again 'Napoleon Dynamite': David A.R. White's forthcoming “Holyman Undercover” is "the Napoleon Dynamite of Christian movies."

The Paragould Daily Press

Letters' movie is non-Hollywood: “Letters to God” is "a serious film... that would never be made by a traditional Hollywood studio."

The (Troy, N.Y.) Record

Canadian writers conference: Bonnie Grove, whose novel, "Time and Time Again," releases from David C. Cook Publishing later this year, is one of the presenters at a conference hosted by the Saskatoon Christian writers' group, His Imprint.

The Star Phoenix

Joyce Meyer, rock star?: Joyce Meyer, "as close as it gets to being a Christian rock star," releases her 80th title.

ABC News

Jennifer Knapp's gay revelation: After several years silence, Jennifer Knapp returns to music and reveals she is gay.

The Washington Post

 

Industry Radar for the week of April 7, 2010.

Christian pop culture explored: Daniel Radosh's "Rapture Ready!" is "not only the smartest exploration of Christian pop culture that I've ever come across; it's one of the wisest explorations of American pop culture in general."

NPR

Christian movie tie-ins: The makers of the new movie, “Letters to God,” supported by a range of tie-in resources, hope that it "will offer hope and encouragement to individuals and families who face these heartbreaking struggles."

The Underground

Anne Graham Lotz: Christian writer Anne Graham Lotz's "many books stress that a personal relationship with Jesus is the only way to eternal life."

USA Today

Inspirational fiction award finalist: Historical fiction writer Julie Klassen's Bethany House title, "The Silent Governess,” is a finalist for the annual Minnesota Book Award.

The Shoreview Press

Author on 'Jesus question': In an Easter week commentary, author of "The Jesus Question," Brian McLaren, asks whether "Christians (have) gained any new understandings of Christ crucified and Christ risen?"

The Washington Post

Christian 'stuff' writer's 'honesty': In his satirical book, "Stuff Christians Like," Jonathon Acuff, "speaks in an honest and whimsical tone. His writing is refreshing and engaging in its humility and self-deprecation."

The (St. Louis, Mo.) Post-Dispatch

Second store's 'faith step': As Mindy Uitermarkt opens her Christian bookstore, Stepping Stones, in Marshalltown, Iowa, she sees it "not as the opening of a business, but a step in her journey of faith."

The (Marshalltown, Iowa) Times-Republican

Zondervan's iPad titles: Zondervan, the country's largest Christian-book publisher, is releasing more than 1,000 titles for the new iPad, from a translation of the Bible to "The Purpose Driven Life.”

The Grand Rapids Press

Store hosts piano studio: Kings Christian Bookstore in Des Moines, Iowa hosts Diana Helmer's piano lesson studio.

The Des Moines Register

Amy Grant's new music: "Somewhere Down The Road" is Amy Grant's first album of (mostly) new music in more than half a decade.

The Tennessean

Movie 'raises the bar': Based on a true story, "Letters to God" is attempting to "raise the bar" in the standard of Christian movies.

Big Hollywood

 

Family grief inspires film: New inspirational movie "Letters to God" began with co-writer and co-director Patrick Doughtie trying to channel his grief over son Tyler's death from brain cancer at the age of nine.

The Orlando Sentinel

 


 

 

Industry Radar for the week of March 31, 2010.

Faith and the environment: A new generation of evangelicals, including several authors, is "making a spirited effort to show that their religious beliefs and their environmental concerns are not only compatible but inextricably linked."

Christian Science Monitor

Kingsbury movie premiere: The 18th annual Merrimack Valley Christian Film Festival this year includes the premiere of "Like Dandelion Dust," based on the Karen Kingsbury novel.

The (North Andover, Mass.) Eagle-Tribune

CBA's new leader: CBA has announced it is moving from a president and CEO model to an executive director model and that Curtis Riskey has been appointed to the position.

Trade Show Week

Writers on the Sabbath: A number of Christian writers "are exploring practices that might honor Sunday as sacred time."

Slate

'Amish Grace' lessons: The authors of "Amish Grace," made into a TV movie, discuss their book and the lessons from "a community that valued forgiveness and reconciliation so highly."

The Washington Post

Bereaved family's book signing: The family of the late Billy Joe Daugherty held a signing for his last book, "360° Life: Ten Ways you Can Live More Richly, Deeply, Fully," at Mardel Christian and Education in Tulsa, Ok., where he was a minister.

KOTV

Debating who Jesus is: Author Brian McLaren is at the center of "something of a dust-up among evangelicals over core beliefs about who Jesus was and whether he is the only way to salvation."

NPR

Owner opens second store: Fran Cantwell, owner of a Christian bookstore in Johnstown, N.J., has opened a second location, in Newark, N.J., with the help of daughter-in-law, Amanda Cantwell.

The Newark Advocate

Annual writers conference: Speaker, writer, publicist and former Christian bookstore owner Twila Belk is director of the 7th annual Quad-City Christian Writers' Conference, set for April 9-10 in Eldridge, Iowa.

The Quad City Times

Long-time store owner dies: Manager and later owner of the former Gospel Bible Book Store in San Diego, Calif., for more than 40 years, Harlan Linscheid has died, aged 87.

The San Diego Union-Tribune

Hollywood and God: "X-men" and other film producer Ralph Winter: "I don’t think it’s any different in Hollywood to be a Christian than it is to be an investment banker on Wall Street... we all face the same struggles.”

The Herald Bulletin

'Extreme music' book releases: As "extreme Christian music" moves "from the dusty back bins of the Christian bookstores to the front racks at super retailers," a new book, "Metal Missionaries" looks at the bands that are combining faith with a fierce sound.

Blabbermouth.net

Artist unveils resurrection mural: Award-winning artist Ron DiCianni is offering a preview of his huge new mural of the resurrection—commissioned for the Museum of Biblical Art in Dallas—at his studio in Temecula, Calif.

The Valley News


 

Industry Radar for the week of March 24, 2010.

'Donuts' premiere supports theater: The premiere of Christian movie, "Angels Love Donuts," will help support an historic theater and two student scholarship funds.

The Dallas Morning News

3-D Genesis movie planned: "In the Beginning," an "eye-popping" 3-D movie retelling of the world’s creation as depicted in the Bible, is to be directed by David Cunningham, son of Youth With A Mission founder Loren Cunningham.

New York Magazine

James Dobson' an entrepreneur': Author and broadcaster James Dobson "should also be known as a successful entrepreneur."

The (Colorado Springs, Colo.) Gazette

Parental forgiveness inspires book: A couple's forgiveness of their son's killer inspires a pastore to write a book about "Six Stages of Forgiving Others."

The Herald-Palladium

'Picture Bible' developer dies: Dr. C. Elvan Olmstead, who developed "The Picture Bible" during the early 1950s while working at David C. Cook, has died aged 95.

The (Elgin, Ill.) Courier-News

Drew Brees' Tyndale memoir: New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees talks about his forthcoming Tyndale House Publishers book, "Coming Back Stronger: Unleashing the Hidden Power of Adversity."

The Daily Comet

G.K. Chesterton rediscovered: There is revived interest in G.K. Chesterton’s works, "especially among Christians, with study groups cropping up around the country."

The (Worcester, Mass.) Telegram

Logo 'fair use' debated: Retailers have differing opinions about whether using a company's logo to express a Christian sentiment would be considered "fair use."

The Naperville Sun

Philip Jenkins' new book: Religious studies scholar Philip Jenkins' latest book, "Jesus Wars: How Four Patriarchs, Three Queens, and Two Emperors Decided What Christians Would Believe for the Next 1,500 Years," documents "the history of how powerful religious and state leaders feuded over the church's position on Christ's human nature."

Penn State Live

'Feel good' book coming: New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Bree' forthcoming “Coming Back Stronger: Unleashing the Hidden Power of Adversity” (Tyndale House Publishers) "may turn out to be the feel-good story of the year."

The Norwich Bulletin

Writing pair discusses book: Mother-and-daughter writing team Cheri Fuller and Alison Plum discuss their Multnomah book, "Mother-Daughter Duet: Getting to the Relationship You Want With Your Adult Daughter.”

The Oklahoman

Store soup gets praise: Covenant Books and Coffee, a Christian bookstore in Honolulu, Hawaii, gets a thumbs-up for its "ever-changing" soup of the day.

The Honolulu Weekly

Supplier adjusts gift prices: Gift company P. Graham Dunn has adjusted its price points to weather the economic downturn.

The Akron Beacon Journal

Movie on Colombia ministry: Brent Green, son of Mardel founder Mart Green, has made a movie, "In Your Hands," about church leaders in Colombia threatened by gang leaders.

The Oklahoman


Industry Radar for the week of March 17, 2010.

Tyndale artist's 'expressive' work: Tyndale House Publishers graphic designer Tim Bott describes his art as "expressive calligraphy. In other words, he uses his talents to express the meaning of words."

Suburban Life

Beer book meets resistance: Stephen Mansfield's Thomas Nelson book, "The Search for God and Guinness: A Biography of the Beer that Changed the World," has "met some resistance from Christian retailers."

The Tennessean

Store hosts school planning: Arrowhead Parable Christian Bookstore in Johnson City, N.Y., hosts a meeting for a proposed classical Christian school.

The Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin

Ex-Muslim book signing: Former Muslim Brotherhood member Kamal Saleem is to sign copies of his "Blood of Lambs" (Simon & Schuster) at The Salt Shaker in Wilmington, N.C.

The Wilmington Star News

Store sponsors Palin speech: Local Christian bookstore Garden of Read'n' is helping sponsor a visit and speech by Sarah Palin to raise money for Teen Challenge Montana, in Missoula, Mont.

The Missoulian

Bethany author's home office: Bethany House author Patti Hill tells about her "garden" office.

The (Grand Junction, Colo.) Daily Sentinel

Music leader on changing market: Former Word music label head Jim Van Hook discusses the changing music market.

The (Memphis) Daily News

Big Daddy Weave's message: The members of Big Daddy Weave came together in college "to serve a higher purpose and share a message through music."

The Marietta Times

Floating Christian bookstore: Currently in the Bahamas, the Christian-manned Logos Hope is the largest floating bookstore at sea.

The Tribune

'Biblical themes' in movies: Though "apocalyptic angels and satanic shadows are creeping back on to cinema screens," the trend is not surprising because "biblical themes have only ever been one global crisis away."

The (London) Guardian

Muslim outreach debate: Author and former Muslim Ergun Caner is at the center of a row over the "Camel" method of sharing the gospel with followers of Islam.

The New York Times

Romance 'wrestles' love, faith: Deborah Brodie describes her first Christian romance novel, “In His Love," as "a romance wrestling between love and religion."

The Walton Sun

New store's family neighbor: Mike Robeck's Disciple's Corner Christian bookstore in Rapid City, Iowa, will open soon next door to his wife's fashion boutique.

The Rapid City Journal


Industry Radar for the week of March 10, 2010.

Hamas memoir 'refreshing': Mosab Hassan Youseff's "Son of Hamas" memoir (Tyndale House Publishers), about being groomed to take over leadership of the Palestinian group, offers "a refreshing change from the sound bites and vitriol heard over and over for generations."

The Washington Post

Devotional author's book signings: Devotional author Joanna Pollack Shumaker of Wilkes-Barre, Pa., signs her new book, "Renewing Your Spirit," at two local Christian bookstores.

The Abington Journal

Hamas author acknowledges 'doubts: "Son of Hamas" author Mosab Hassan Youseff acknowledges "some people will doubt" his account of spying for Israel while a member of the Palestinian organization.

Associated Press

'Blind Side' is best: "The Blind Side" has been named most spiritual film of the year by a group of online readers.

The East Valley Tribune

New LifeWay in Missouri: LifeWay Christian Stores opens an outlet in Cape Girardeau, Mo.

The Southeast Missourian

Hamas story 'shock, intrigue': The "startling journey" of the eldest son of a Hamas leader, a Christian convert, and former Israeli spy, detailed in "Son of Hamas," has "shocked, angered, and intrigued."

BBC

Mormon books 'sea change': A Mormon columnist finds "a sea change of sorts" in evangelical books about the Latter Day Saints, noting they take "a more elevated tone."

The Mormon Times

Book's 'Middle East ripples': Former Hamas member Mosab Hassan Yousef's story of becoming a Christian and spying for Israel, told in "Son of Hamas," has "sent ripples through the Middle East."

The Wall Street Journal

Digital publishing's 'double business': Developing digital editions of books is "like running two businesses," says Paul Mikos of LifeWay Christian Resources' B&H Publishing Group.

The Tennessean

Faith-based film focus: Movies like "The Secrets of Jonathan Sperry" present "an opportunity for Christians to vote with their feet, showing theater owners there is a marketable audience for faith-based films."

The California Chronicle

Joel Osteen profiled: Megachurch pastor and author Joel Osteen is "the new face of Christianity."

The (London) Guardian

Chick tract criticized: California-based Chick Publications' "The Death Cookie" tract has been criticized for being anti-Catholic.

The Knoxville News Sentinel

Inspirational films' 'difficult subjects': "Letters to God" is one of the latest movies "marketed to and finding acceptance from Christian audiences despite difficult subject matters."

The California Chronicle

Veteran musician Nancy Honeytree: After more than 35 years, singer Nancy Honeytree "remains on the cutting edge of contemporary Christian music."

(Hendersonville, N.C.) Times-News

 

Industry Radar for the week of March 3, 2010.

LifeWay donates prison Bibles: Lifeway Christian Bookstore in Meridian, Miss., has donated more than 150 Bibles for inmates at a local jail. The copies have all been purchased by customers as part of a special campaign.

WTOK TV

Attorney author's forgiveness message: Prominent Dallas attorney James David Jordan has earned his place as writer with the release of three B&H Publishing suspense novels that address the issue of forgiveness.

The Telegraph

Tyndale House's Hamas memoir: In his Tyndale House Publishers memoir, "Son of Hamas," the son of one of the organization's founders says he served as a top informant for Israel for more than a decade.

The Washington Post

Start-up gifts success: Though Hold That Thought inspirational gift company founder Kim Humphries recognizes she probably could not have started a new business in a worse economic climate, she is pleased with how things are going.

The Decatur Daily

Christian movies see success: The Christian movie industry–a sizable niche market–"has seen recent box-office success with low-budget family dramas."

The (Toronto) Globe and Mail

Author Shane Claiborne's sincerity: Author and speaker Shane Claiborne "attempts to approach his audiences with sincerity and cut straight to the point."

The Lariat Online

'Biggest Loser' contestant's faith: "The Biggest Loser" Season 4 runner-up Julie Hadden tells how participating in the reality TV show strengthened her Christian walk in "Fat Chance: Losing the Weight, Gaining My Worth" (GuidepostsBooks).

Scientist's faith riles colleagues: National Institutes of Health Director Francis Collins is again riling some scientists by publicly sharing his religious beliefs in a new book, "Belief: Readings on the Reason for Faith" (HarperCollins).

Science

Dr. Dobson says farewell: A listening audience of an 200 million was expected for author and Focus on the family founder James Dobson's final turn as host of the “Focus on the Family” radio show.

The Gazette

Actor-author marriage conferences: Actor Kirk Cameron and musician Warren Barfield have teamed up to present Love Worth Fighting For marriage conferences.

The (Lexington, Ky.) Herald-Leader

Bookstore worker's faith research: A Christian bookstore worker helps the Cancer Research Center of the University of South Carolina investigate the role of faith in healing sick or injured people.

The State

'Thriving on criticism': A commentator observes that "no one is better at criticizing Christians than Christians themselves. The Christian publishing industry thrives on it."

The (St. Louis, Mo.) Post-Dispatch



Industry Radar for the week of February 24, 2010.

'Finest Christian bookstore': Author William R. Forstchen speaks at the Salt Shaker in Wilmington, N.C., "one of the area’s finest Christian bookstores."

The Wilmington Star News

Controversy over store signing: The Catholic Information Center in Washington, D.C., has been criticized for hosting a book signing for TV commentator Cokie Roberts, "a notorious dissenter against Catholic moral teaching on abortion, birth control and homosexuality."

The Washington Times

'Senseless' Winter Jam tour: NewSong's popular Winter Jam tour—this year including Newsboys and Third Day in the line-up—is "one of those things that makes no sense financially."

The Tennessean

Store opening 'absolutely nuts': When Aaron Walters and a friend decided to open a Christian bookstore in Knoxville, Tenn., in the middle of the recession, "most people looked at us like we were absolutely nuts."

WVLT TV

 

Bookstore rezoning appeal heard: Mansfield City Council is considering rezoning to permit a woman to open a religious bookstore on a residential street in the Ohio town.

The Mansfield News Journal

'Best movie since "Fireproof"': "Preacher's Kid," a contemporary retelling of the story of the Prodigal Son, "is easily the best Christian drama since 'Fireproof.'"

The (Louisville, Ky.) Courier-Journal

Dove awards 'celebrate others': Christian music's annual Dove awards are "less about competition and more about celebrating each other's work," says 2009 Vocalist of the Year Brandon Heath.

The Tennessean

Music of Foolish grace: For rock band Rush of Fools, "grace is what it's all about."

The Marion Star

Consumers 'turning to faith': Susan Johnson, owner of The Mustard Seed Catholic Store in Rapid City, S.D., says that "people are really turning toward something to hold on to. People are turning toward their faith."

The Rapid City Journal

Store offers Hebrew classes: Christian radio station WPFR, in partnership with The Open Door Christian Book Store in Terre Haute, Ind., has linked with local Senior Education Ministries Inc. and Christian radio station WPFR to offer Biblical Hebrew for Beginners classes.

The (Terre Haute, Ind.) Tribune

Empty-nesters' 'helpful tome': Janice Hanna and Kathleen Y'Barbo, authors of "The House is Quiet, Now What?" (Barbour Publishing), know that territory and have written "a helpful tome to orient moms just embarking on the empty-nest years."

The Daily Journal

'No Greater Love' tops: According to Amazon.COM, Christian ro­mance, 'No Greater Love,' has claimed the No. 1 Hot New DVD best-seller position in both its Re­ligious and Family Life drama categories.

The Montgomery Advertiser

Hugging Beth Moore: Many of the hundreds who turned out at Family Christian Store in Fultondale, Ala., for a book signing by Beth Moore "received not only a signature, but a hug from the author."

The North Jefferson News

Industry Radar for the week of February 17, 2010.

'Christian movies are hardest': The maker of the new animated Christian DVD, "At Jesus' Side," says that "Christian film is the hardest of all. There are so many issues with dogma."

Arizona Daily Star

Kate Gosselin's new book: Kate Gosselin's forthcoming "I Just Want You to Know," scheduled for release in April by Zondervan, will feature excerpts, prayers and memories from her journal during the three years her family went from obscurity to fame on TLC's "Jon & Kate Plus 8."

The Minneapolis Star Tribune

More on Kate Gosselin: Six months after Zondervan put on hold TV reality star Kate Gosselin's planned cookbook, following the announcement of her divorce, the publisher says it will release her latest book, "I Just Want You to Know."

The Grand Rapids Press

Store supports community outreach: The Mustard Seed, a new Christian bookstore and nondenominational outreach center in Aubrey, Texas, offers new and used books, greeting cards, framed art, gifts and other items for sale to support the second component of the project—community outreach.

The Denton Record-Chronicle

Parable head consolidates business: Parable Group chief executive Steve Potratz is consolidating his own operations by moving from two downtown locations in San Luis Obispo and Atascadero, Calif., to a single shop.

The (San Luis Obispo, Calif.) Tribune

Store back business drive: The Christian Bookstore in Roanoke Rapids, N.C., is supporting a "Spend $20 on the 20th" campaign to boost the local economy by encouraging local shoppers to spend that much extra on the day at area businesses.

The (Roanoke Rapids, N.C.) Daily Herald

Harvest House founder dies: Harvest House Publishers founder Bob Hawkins Sr., who has died aged 87, owned and ran two Christian bookstores before going into publishing.

The (Eugene, Ore.) Register-Guard

DC Talk reunion 'possible': TobyMac says of his former dcTalk trio that "some kind of a reunion tour... is absolutely possible."

Reuters

Berenstain Bears' Haiti help: Michael Berenstain, creator of Zondervan's new faith-based series featuring the popular Berenstain Bears characters, autographs copies of the books to raise money for Haiti relief projects.

The (Phildelphia) Intelligencer

Store supports arson help: Non-profit Christian book store The Scroll in Tyler, Texas, is helping with an effort to provide replacement books for pastors whose churches have been burned in a string of arson attacks.

KSBW TV


Industry Radar for the week of February 10, 2010.

No 'cheesy Christian movie': Teen drama "To Save a Life" is not another "cheesy Christian movie."

The (Fairbanks, Alaska) Daily News-Miner

Store owner's bis business: Brett Smith, co-owner of Living Word Parable Christian Store franchise serving southwest Wisconsin, is also head of U.S. operations for major international power sports supplier.

Dealer News

Anti-faith film bias: The main reason faith-friendly films are generally overlooked is "plain lack of interest on the part of (mainly left-wing, liberal) executives, writers, film-makers and actors who would rather not go there."

Screen Daily

'The Shack' a 'miracle': In today's book market, "some might behold the huge success of William Paul Young's evangelical Christian novel, 'The Shack', as something of a miracle."

The Chronicle of Higher Education

Gilbert Morris, the author-nator: Author Gilbert Morris has written 224 books in 18 years.

The (Mobile, Ala.) Press-Register

Christian films break ground: Two new Christian-themed movies "establish new standards for frankness in a genre maligned for whitewashing reality."

The Orlando Sentinel

Emergent author's views: Brian McLaren, best known for his "A New Kind of Christian" book trilogy, believes that "every branch of Christianity has something to teach the other branches."

The North County Times

Beth Moore's cultural concerns: Bible teacher Beth Moore, whose latest book is "So Long, Insecurity," laments that "we became an image-driven society."

The Birmingham News

 

Industry Radar for the week of February 4, 2010.

 'Christian films getting better': They're not setting the world on fire yet, "but Christian-themed films produced by churches are getting better."

The Omaha World-Herald

Free digital Christian books: Zondervan has been giving readers the opportunity to download two of Christian thriller writer Terri Blackstock's books free to the Kindle or to Kindle apps on their iPhone.

The New York Times

Unity 'key to survival': The head of Bible Society in the U.K. says Christians need to work on improving their relationships with one another "if the Christian publishing industry is to survive."

Christian Today

'Secrets' movie an encouragement: Rich Christiano, maker of the movie, "The Secrets of Jonathan Sperry," believes that it can "encourage a lot of people during difficult times."

The Garner Citizen

Damaged store to re-open: The Christian Book and Gift Shop in Rochester, Minn., hopes to reopen soon, after a roof collapse damaged thousands of dollars of inventory.

KAAL TV

'Facebook church' author profiled: In his David C. Cook book "The Church of Facebook," Jesse Rice writes about the impact of social media "in an engaging voice and with a sense of humor."

The Oregonian

Bookstore, hate crime target: A Christian bookstore in Snoqualmie, Wash., was one of several buildings including a church targeted during a month-long hate crime spree.

The Seattle Post-Intelligencer

Horse author's store signing: Larry Killam has a book signing for his "Horse Tales" children's series at Words of Life Christian Books and Gifts.

The (Canon City, Colo.) Daily Record

Gayle Haggard discusses book: Gayle Haggard, author of "Why I Stayed," discusses the new life she has with husband Ted, the disgraced former president of the National Association of Evangelicals.

The Gazette

E-book reader choice 'good': Having a wide range of e-book readers is "nothing but good news," according to Michael Hyatt, the CEO of Thomas Nelson.

NPR

Ten-gallon customer service: Customer service at The Greatest Gift and Scripture Supply in Pueblo, Calif., means offering imprinting on "everything from Bibles to 10-gallon hats."

The Pueblo Chieftain

'Effective' faith-based film: "To Save a Life" is "especially effective as a faith-based story, because it shows Christians are not perfect."

The Athens Banner Herald

Movie quality is rising: There has been "a steady rise in the quality of Christian filmmaking over the last few years."

The Toledo Blade

'No average teen movie': "To Save A Life" is "not your average teen movie."

The Prattville Progress

Bookstore owner's faith remembered: Heart transplant patient and Christian bookstore owner Tim Nichols is remembered for his faith.

The (Rochester, Minn.) Post-Bulletin


Industry Radar for the week of January 27, 2010.

Teen drama's positive message: Christian teen drama "To Save a Life" offers "a far more positive message for kids than even those teen comedies that end with a moral."

MTV

A message of forgiveness: Gayle Haggard's new book, "Why I Stayed," explains that she chose to forgive her husband—former National Association of Evangelicals president Ted Haggard, who stepped down after admitting immorality--"because that's what Christians do."

NPR

Haggard memoir's early sale: Gayle Haggard's Tyndale House memoir, "Why I Stayed," has gone on sale ahead of its official release date.

The Denver Post

'In His Steps' updated: Retired journalist David Heeren has updated Charles Sheldon's 1896 classic, "In His Steps," as "In His Steps Again," setting the story in 21st century Florida.

The Orlando Sentinel

Musician's 'Christian culture' concern: Seabird co-founder Ryan Morgan is uncomfortable with "the 'Christian' culture, with Christian bookstores and Christian music."

The Daily Times

'Smug-free' film applauded: The "one real strength" of “To Save A Life” is that "it doesn’t portray its Christian characters as smugly having all the answers."

The Capital Times

Bookstore owner harassed: A man has been arrested for making harassing phone calls to the owner of a Christian bookstore in Lewisburg, Pa.

The Daily Item

Film's 'message for generations': "To Save a Life" is "a message for generations, not just for teens."

The (New Lenox, Ill.) Patriot

Faith-based movie trend: The story behind "the latest in a trend of faith-based films--small-budget, independently financed and produced films marketed almost exclusively to Christian audiences."

The Patriot-News

Popular children's author profiled: "Little Visits With Jesus" author Mary Manz Simon has sold more than 3 million books and has more than 40 titles in print to her name.

The Capital

Christian bookstore roof collapse: The Christian Book and Gift Shop in Rochester, Minn., was evacuated after a section of the roof collapsed over the gift section.

The (Rochester, Minn.) News-Bulletin

Cave-in damages inventory: Four employees at a Christian bookstore in Rochester, Minn., escaped uninjured when the ceiling collapsed, causing thousands of dollars of damage to merchandise.

KAAL TV

Bad weather hurts store: A build-up of snow and water caused trusses to break, bringing down the roof at a Christian bookstore in Rochester, Minn.

KAAL TV

New movie's Christian 'buzz': New movie out "To Save a Life" is "getting a lot of buzz in the Christian community."

KOSA TV

Big discounts 'threaten stores': Christian retailers believe that extreme discounts by big-box stores are illegal and could drive them out of business.

The Tennessean

'Much better' Christian movie: "To Save a Life" is "heads and shoulders above" most faith-based films.

The Orlando Sentinel


 

Industry Radar for the week of January 20, 2010.

Christian bookstore rezoning denied: Linda Price has been denied permission to rezone her home as a Christian bookstore by the local planning commission in Mansfield, Ohio.

WMFD TV

CBD keeps additional space: Christian Book Distributors will continue to rent additional warehouse space in Peabody, Mass., despite the building's $8 million sale.

The Salem News

Movie breaks the mold: Christian films are "sometimes like eating your vegetables--they’re good for you but not too tasty. But 'To Save a Life' is breaking that stereotype."

The Cadillac News

No B-type movie: "To Save A Life" is "not your typical B type Christian movie."

The Clovis News Journal

'Revelation Song' surprise: Phillips, Craig and Dean's “Revelation Song,” was not only the trio's biggest hit to date, but one of the biggest hits on Christian radio in all of 2009 that "took a lot of people by surprise."

The Springfield News-Sun

U.K. move strengthens industry: John Ritchie Ltd.'s purchase of IBS-STL distributors in the U.K. "will ultimately support and strengthen the Christian book trade" there.

The Kilmarnock Standard

Pastor's comic book campaign: A Central Florida pastor has teamed up with former Marvel and DC Comics artists and writers to create comic books with themes from the Bible.

The Orlando Sentinel

'Better-made Christian films': With the success of “Fireproof” and “Facing the Giants,” "increasingly better-made Christian films have carved a larger niche in the movie market, especially when released directly to DVD and sold in Christian bookstores."

The Courier News

Movie character's real faith: A new book, "Against All Odds," tells the true story of the Christian faith of the FBI mole portrayed by Matt Damon in "The Informant!"

The (Decatur, Ill.) Herald-Review

James Dobson's 'extradordinary' move: Focus on the Family founder and best-selling author James Dobson's decision to start a new radio broadcast with his son, Ryan, is "extraordinary."

The New York Times

Non-profit move saves: Turning into a non-profit has helped Living Water, a Christian bookstore in Bay City, Mich., for more than 30 years, stay in business.

The Bay City Times

Film addresses teen issues: The independent Christian movie, "To Save a Life," opening in hundreds of theaters nationwide on Friday, addresses real-life issues teens face.

The Toledo Blade

Jesus is no add-on': Casting Crowns leader Mark Hall says that "Jesus isn’t just life enhancement, he is life."

The Norwich Bulletin

Good thoughts' drama debuts: "To Save a Life" star Randy Wayne says viewers will not be able to "leave the theater without thinking good thoughts.”

The Oklahoman

 

Industry Radar for the week of January 13, 2010.

Bible thefts increase: Thefts of Bibles have increased at Noah's Ark Christian Bookstore in San Antonio, reports manager Maria Obregon.

WOAI TV

Classic reprint avoids offense: Conservative Netherlands-based Christian publisher WordBridge Publishing, has reprinted a Joseph Conrad classic book as "The N-word of the Narcissus," in order to "protect the public’s delicate sensibilities."

Quill & Quire

Publisher axes retirement plan: Falling book sales are part of the reason for the Minneapolis-based publishing house of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's decision to end a traditional retirement plan for current employees and retirees.

The Twin Cities Pioneer Press

Threatened U.K. stores safe?: There are hopes that some of the 26 Wesley Owen bookstores in the U.K. not bought in last month's sell-off by IBS-STL UK may yet find new owners.

The Bookseller

Frontliner nominated for care: Kristi Kitzmiller works at Brookhaven Christian Bookstore in London, where she "routinely helps those down on their luck," is one of 12 nominees for the annual Tri-County Woman of the Year award.

The (Corbin, Ky.) Times-Tribune

City center store closes: The last remaining city center Christian bookstore in Nottingham, England, is closed following IBS-STL UK's decision to sell off its Wesley Owen chain.

This Is Nottingham (England)

 

 

Industry Radar for the week of January 6, 2010.

The 'Knowing God' story: Theologian and author J.I. Packer on the motivation for his best-selling 1973 title, "Knowing God."

The Washington Post

Assessing religious video games: Video games with heavy religious content "are usually fringe projects, independently created and oftentimes sporting dodgy production values, because publishers wisely don't want to risk boycotts from legions of the faithful."

Ars Technica

Religious games' 'big business': Religious toys and games "may be a niche market, but it’s big business nonetheless: MarketResearch estimated a $6 billion-plus market for religious publishing and products in the U.S."

Religion News Service

'Bible finance' books critiqued: A critic of some Bible-based financial guides believes there is a danger that Scripture's "greatness can be diminished if it comes to be viewed as a sort of financial fix-it book for helping people manage personal finances."

The Tennessean

Olive Branch to close: Barry and Connie Colyer are to close The Olive Branch in Corning, N.Y., after almost 30 years.

The (Corning, N.Y.) Reader

Movies as missions: Christian movies as a missionary strategy were on the agenda at the tri-annual Urbana student missions conference.

The California Chronicle

Vicki Courtney's 'magabooks': At a time when the publishing industry has been struggling, Vicki Courtney has created popular magazine-book hybrids called magabooks and other material geared toward teenage Christian girls.

The (Austin) Statesman

Pittsburgh's Christian fiction: Though "Pittsburgh has rarely played the Muse to the literary imagination," the area has inspired a number of recent books—including three Christian titles.

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Janet Paschal, anti-superstar: Singer and author Janet Paschal "hates the idea of being a superstar... she'd much rather be a friend."

The (Fort Myers, Fla.) News-Press

The Letter Black's background: Upcoming Christian rock band The Letter Black started out as a praise and worship group at a local church.

The Pittsburg Morning Sun

'Resurrected' store update: The resurrection of Hoerr’s Berean Bookstore in Decatur, Ill., was achieved six months ago, but the owners say it’s taking a while to spread the good news.

The (Decatur, Ill.) Herald-Review

Author Donald Miller's 'brokenness': Part of 'Blue Like Jazz' author Donald Miller’s appeal—and what has made the book so successful—is his “brokenness,” says a friend and theology professor.

Religion News Service

Future 'Narnia' movie doubts: Considering "some of the weird remarks uttered by directors and producers of the first two films--'The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe' in 2005 and 'Prince Caspian' in 2008--one wonders whether the will and determination exist to finish the seven-part Narnia series."

The Washington Times

From punk to Jesus: German punk pioneer and "scandal queen" Nina Hagen is writing a book about Jesus, "Confessions: My Path to God," to be released in March.

Agence France-Presse

 

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