During a plenary session this week at LifeWay Ridgecrest Conference Center in Ridgecrest, N.C., LCR President Thom Rainer told the trustee board that "tremendous expense control" was the key reason, Baptist Press (BP) reported.

Additionally, the unexpected success from The Love Dare (B&H Publishing Group, LifeWay's publishing arm)--a focal point of the surprise hit movie Fireproof--also contributed to a successful 2009. The Love Dare recently became the all-time best-seller for B&H Publishing Group, surpassing the late golfer Payne Stewart's biography, BP reported.

"The business side of this success excites me, but the ministry side does even more," Rainer said. "It is phenomenal to see marriages healed, strengthened and renewed through The Love Dare. The Lord is using it in a mighty way."

B&H Publishing Group Vice President Brad Waggoner said besides spending 52 weeks at the No. 2 spot on The New York Times Paperback Advice best-seller list, The Love Dare has resulted in countless saved marriages.

Waggoner also highlighted the continued popularity of the Holman Christian Standard Bible, while spotlighting the release this fall of the Holman Christian Standard Bible Study Bible.

LifeWay Christian Stores Vice President Mark Scott told trustees that the 152-store chain has responded strategically to the recession. First, the stores have emphasized Christian resources that address people's felt needs. Second, the chain has responded to tighter consumer and church spending with strong offers that create value for customers. Third, the stores are offering strong and frequent promotional events, Scott said.

"LifeWay Christian Stores continue to support our partners in ministry through the Minister's Discount," Scott said. "By God's grace and the hard work of our team members, we've seen wonderful ministry results in 2009."

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