Christian Retailing

2010-2011 Radar Archives Print Email

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