IVP - Behind the Books

Picture This: The Reformation Commentary on Scripture

Thanks to Brannon Ellis, project editor for the Reformation Commentary on Scripture, for writing this post.

What’s it like to read the Reformation Commentary on Scripture? How does it feel? I think one way to get a good handle on the character of the series is the metaphor of a conference or seminar.

In my own mind, I picture a room full of leading lights from the Reformation era (along with influential peripheral figures). The Volume Editor is the moderator or chair of the conference, and the reader has been invited to eavesdrop on the proceedings. So, in the case of Galatians, Ephesians, we might picture that Gerald Bray (volume editor) begins the current meeting by projecting a Powerpoint slide of, say, Galatians 2:15-21:

We ourselves are Jews by birth and not Gentile sinners; yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ …

After shushing the attendees — this is a fairly rowdy bunch, after all — Bray offers a few opening comments setting the scene, before opening the discussion to all.

Martin Luther stands up first, as usual, and points out that it’s crucial to recognize that for Paul both Jews and Gentiles are equally worthy of judgment in God’s sight, because they’ve both rebelled against him—one side against his explicit commands, and the other side against what they implicitly know to be right and good. Both must realize they are sinners, in order that both may realize their need of Christ. Just about everyone in the room claps or says “Amen!”

Johannes Brenz waits for Brother Martin to finish, before offering quite a lengthy explanation of why it’s so important to continually emphasize the doctrine of justification by faith, since we naturally kick against it, either in self-righteous legalism, or in distrust or despair of the wholly free mercy of God. Again, most in the room express their hearty agreement (although a few grumble quietly about reminding people of the importance of good works, too).

And so it goes, under the careful direction of the moderator, the participants usually on the same page (though not always), leading the listener deeper into a theological engagement with and understanding of the meaning of the biblical text, the rich history of its interpretation, and its myriad pastoral implications and applications.

I’d love to sit in on a conference like this, wouldn’t you? What’s remarkable is that, in reality, nothing quite like this ever happened. The RCS, I believe, is the closest we’ve ever gotten to being in such a room, experiencing the excitement of Luther battling it out with Zwingli, or the surprise when the Reformed and Reform-minded Catholics draw similar exegetical conclusions, or the epiphany that the Anabaptists may have had something worthwhile to say about the Bible after all. Gathering together so many fruitful Reformation-era thinkers, wrestling with scripture in one place with a unified purpose would have been just a thought experiment—until now.

Join our RCS program to save over 40% on each volume and receive the 1st volume for just $9.99 and Reading Scripture with the Reformers free: LEARN MORE. And don’t forget, the newest volume on Genesis 1-11 will release in August 2012!

Praxis: Equipping Leaders for Ministry

IVP is proud to introduce Praxis, our new line of books specifically for ministry leaders. What does this mean for you? We're glad you asked.

God has called us to ministry. But it's not enough to have a vision for ministry if you don't have the practical skills for it. Nor is it enough to do the work of ministry if what you do is headed in the wrong direction. We need both vision and expertise for effective ministry. We need praxis.

Praxis puts theory into practice. It brings cutting-edge ministry expertise from visionary practitioners. You'll find sound biblical and theological foundations for ministry in the real world, with concrete examples of effective action and pastoral ministry. Praxis books are more than the "how to" —they're also the "why to."

We recognize that your ministry is not just what you do, but who you are, and Praxis will equip both your ministry and your soul.

IVP is excited to give you a sneak peek at the Praxis line-up this summer/fall:

Protégé
by Steve Saccone

How can today's leaders deepen and intensify the growing leadership skills of the next generation? With over a decade of experience, Steve Saccone provides a concrete vision for a protégé ministry where churches create a culture for young leaders to mature and develop in relational ministry skills. Available July 2012.

Community is Messy
by Heather Zempel

Community is messy, and discipleship is hard. But by drawing from her background in engineering and her role as pastor of discipleship, Heather Zempel challenges you to look at community like a laboratory for experiments. By seeing the "mess" as raw material, you can begin creating something beautiful. Available September 2012.

Creating a Missional Culture
by J.R. Woodward

The burden of Christian leadership is becoming more demanding, and burn-out is on the rise. J.R. Woodward calls for a radical revisioning of our churches, from leadership structure to equipping the laity. The result is not a church chasing the wind, but one entering the world and making disciples of Jesus. Available September 2012.

Stay current with Praxis at our website: www.ivpress.com/praxis.

A Lenten Blog Tour

On February 22nd, we enter into the season of Lent. Many may misunderstand this time or feel indifferent to it, but this is a transformative period. Kimberlee Conway Ireton, in her book, The Circle of Seasons, describes it this way:

Lent has begun, and I need—we all need—to live in this space, this dark place between the ashes and the bread and wine, between the declaration of our mortality and the declaration of Christ’s redeeming work on our behalf. That is what Lent is, a time to reckon with the reality of darkness and death. We do so with hope, because this season of darkness ends in Easter, in resurrection, in new life. But we can be raised to new life only if we have first died to the old one. That is the challenge—and the gift—of Lent.

We hope to accept this challenge and feel gratitude for this gift throughout the coming months. To help us, we’ve invited several IVP authors to contribute their thoughts and devotions to a Lenten blog tour.

Every Monday until Easter, a Lenten reflection by one of our authors will be posted on his or her own personal blog. A variety of authors have volunteered, and we are excited to share the different perspectives of each during this holy season.

Follow the tour—

February 20th (Available now!): Rachel Stone, forthcoming author

February 27th: Margot Starbuck, author of Girl in the Orange Dress, Unsqueezed and Small Things with Great Love

March 5th: J. Brent Bill, co-author of Awaken Your Senses

March 12th: Logan Mehl-Laituri, forthcoming author of Reborn on the 4th of July

March 19th: Andrew Byers, author of Faith Without Illusions

March 26th: Valerie Hess, author of Spiritual Disciplines Devotional

April 2nd: Beth Booram, co-author of Awaken Your Senses

Good Friday, April 6th: Chad Young, author of Authenticity

Share this schedule and follow with us as we explore this sacred season of Lent.

If you’re interested in other Lenten resources, two new books from IVP can help you in your own reflections throughout the season—

On the Way to the Cross: Edited by Thomas C. Oden and Joel C. Elowsky; Compiled by Cindy Crosby

A 40-day guide featuring Scripture readings, reflections from the Church fathers and a closing prayer each day.

Shaped By the Cross: by Ken Gire

Seven meditations on the suffering of Jesus from reflections on Michelangelo’s majestic Pieta, in which Mary gathers the suffering Jesus into her arms.

New Faces at IVP

Over the last several months, IVP has welcomed new employees and redefined the roles of current employees to better serve our customers, authors and each other. It always helps to put a face with a name, so meet some of the new members of the IVP family and find out how they’re working to serve you better!

Caitie Johnston, Assistant Marketing Manager

Caitie was recently promoted within the Sales & Marketing department to reflect her new responsibilities and the tremendous effort she puts into every aspect of her work. It’s up to Caitie to get each catalog, advertisement, brochure or flyer printed and mailed so you can be sure to find the book you’re looking for. Caitie also guides our authors through the sales and marketing process by gathering their information, creating marketing pieces for them, and connecting them to their audiences.

Caitie loves working with the other employees at IVP and likes keeping up with the new books we publish. She always has a book recommendation ready for practically everyone in her life.

Fun Fact: One summer, Caitie’s family took a trip to Phuket, Thailand and decided to spend one day at the beach. At the age of 10, Caitie learned what timeshares were all about when she and her sister unknowingly agreed to listen to a four-hour presentation. Needless to say, they never made it to the beach.

Annie Michaels, Sales Representative

Annie started at IVP in November, immediately adding to the sales team with fresh ideas and vigor for her work. She finds a good home for our books by determining who would enjoy them and find them useful. Annie specifically works with bookstores at Christian colleges and seminaries to be sure students and professors have the resources they need. She also serves various ministries and denominations.

Annie came to faith as a college student through InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, and then continued on as an IVCF staff worker. Her history with InterVarsity made this role a natural fit, and she is thrilled to be working with the books that shaped her and helped her in her ministry to other students.

Fun fact: Annie spent four summers working at an eco-science museum dressing up as “Phoebe the Giant Water Flea.” She was a big hit with the kids.

Brannon Ellis, Associate Editor for Academic and Reference

Brannon started just last month as an associate editor, and he is currently the project editor for the Reformation Commentary on Scripture series. As an editor, he does a lot more than reading. Brannon works with potential authors to acquire books that will fit with IVP’s mission as well as our readers. He then edits these acquisitions by helping authors shepherd and shape their work from a great idea into a great book. Brannon is the author’s first link from the world of writing to the world of publishing, guiding them with the goal of providing our readers with the most informative, challenging, encouraging and enjoyable books we can offer.

Brannon knew he would enjoy working with the books themselves, but in his short time here, he is thankful for the thoughtfulness, passion and truly godly character of his coworkers.

Fun Fact: Brannon is ready to finally settle into this job after living in 10 different homes on two continents over the past 12 years. When he is not reading, moving or spending time with his family, he also enjoys traditional archery.

Rachel Neftzer Snavely, Academic Marketing Manager

Rachel started at IVP as an intern in the sales and marketing department and was hired into the editorial department soon after as an editorial assistant. Now, as the Academic Marketing Manager, she rejoins the sales and marketing team. Rachel manages all the print and online advertising for IVP’s Academic and Formatio line books, getting the word out about our books to those who will benefit most.

Rachel is excited to promote the same books to professors and students that she loved so well during her academic career. In this short time in her new role, she already loves the people. Between coworkers, authors and other industry professionals, she can’t think of a better group of people to know and work with.

Fun Fact: Rachel was part of the Guinness Book of World Records’ largest simultaneous whoopee cushion sit at the Catalyst Conference in Atlanta, Georgia in 2005. There were 5,983 participants.

Liz Klassen, Sales Manager for Academic Markets

It’s up to Liz to find those people who want and need our Academic books and then to find a way to get these books into their hands. She handles all the top sales customers like seminaries, distributors and bookstores, and connects with academic libraries. Liz works with professors to facilitate textbook adoption in the classroom and organizes and attends the major academic conferences.

Liz most enjoys working with professors, developing relationships with people from all backgrounds with the same interests in mission and theology. She also looks forward to discussing ideas of potential authors’ and working with them to shape their ideas into engaging books.

Fun Fact: Liz took voice lessons for ten years and for the last six has been studying songwriting and guitar at the Old Town School of Folk Music in Chicago.

Rebecca Carhart, Editorial Assistant

As a part-time editorial assistant, Rebecca supports the editorial department through projects that vary by the day. Her main responsibilities are proofreading sales and marketing pieces and revising preliminary manuscripts with an author’s corrections.

Rebecca loves getting an inside look at the multifaceted world of publishing and is encouraged to know that the books she helps create will serve the Church around the world.

Fun Fact: Rebecca grew up in rural Nebraska in a town of about 1,000. She was a Girl Scout for a full 12 years, though she wasn’t too crazy about selling cookies.

Seeing, Tasting, Smelling, Hearing and Touching the Wonders of God

Thank you to Jeff Crosby, Associate Publisher and Director of Sales & Marketing for this post.

The Advent season we have just journeyed through is one in which our senses are often heightened beyond the norm: The fragrance of lit candles and the sound of Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker Suite; the taste of eggnog and the brilliance of multi-colored lights trimming homes and trees; the warm touch of friends and family who have gathered with us.

In spite of the oft-times hectic pace of the cultural trappings of the Advent season, it is one in which we are often more aware of the senses, more in tune with the wonder of Immanuel, God with us.

But what about the rest of the year?

If I'm honest, I realize that I'm very much like the people my friends Beth A. Booram and J. Brent Bill are writing to in their just-released book Awaken Your Senses when they say:

"Since we live so much out of our thinking, we often become divorced from our souls and our bodies. We lose a sense of place, of rootedness in life. Using our senses helps us live in present time." (emphasis added)

And we need to live in that present time. After all, it's the only time that we have. But how do we cultivate the disciplined use of our senses in seasons, unlike Advent, during which the world is experienced in gray rather than vivid color? When we hear the cacophony of suburban traffic more often and more loudly than the beautiful sound of the Wood Thrush? When friends and family are not near, but quite far from us and distant from our physical touch?

In a recent conversation about his reason for writing Awaken Your Senses, Brent Bill, whom I first met nearly a quarter century ago and whose written work I've followed and appreciated throughout the intervening years, explained it this way:

One reason the senses are so important is because we neglect to use them. Even though St. Paul tells us to 'present your bodies as a living sacrifice' to God, we rarely do so. We offer our minds and souls, but rarely think of how our bodies were also God-made and can be God-honoring. Our bodies open us in fresh ways -- through sight, smell, touch, taste, and sound -- to experiencing God present with us in tangible ways.

And that is exactly what Awaken Your Senses does: Open readers up to experiencing God present with us. Immanuel, throughout the year.

I've known Beth Booram, the book's co-author, for a much shorter period of time than Brent. But she, too, has become a friend and a trusted guide. We share a love of classical music, the outdoors, and family. We also share an appreciation for well-crafted - and kindly-spoken - words.

In a section of the book titled "Tasting Words," Beth writes powerfully and metaphorically about the ability to "taste" words, whether those that are life-affirming, sweet and appetizing (words like loving, kind, honest, beautiful, sincere, valiant) or words that are bitter and distasteful (cruel, vile, worthless, ugly, ungrateful). She leads readers through a very poignant spiritual exercise she calls "tasting forgiveness" (see video link below) that is one we all should be mindful of in any season. But as the calendar turns from Advent and Christmastide to Lent and Eastertide in the weeks ahead, her message on the taste of forgiveness is all the more penetrating, and all the more timely. (Drawing on the right by Marcy Jean Stacey; one of several "sense" pictures in the book)

Awaken Your Senses was written for people like me - and, maybe, like you - who need wise and helpful guides on the journey of exploring the wonder of God in any and all seasons: Advent and Christmastide; Lent and Eastertide. And beyond.

Immanuel, God with us.
Throughout the year. Throughout the seasons.
Joy to the world.
Thanks be to God.

More information can be found at the book's Facebook page. Check there on Monday, February 6 to enter a contest based on each of the five senses. Win a gift certificate or a free copy of Awaken Your Senses.

IVP's Top Ten of 2011

Before 2011 becomes too distant of a memory, we thought it would be fun to take a look back at the most memorable IVP happenings of 2011. All in all it was an eventful year, and we look forward with anticipation to what 2012 has in store.

1) Snowpocalypse!

We started out the year with over two feet of snow falling in the Chicago area on February 1. IVP's offices were closed for a day while we let the snow plows dig us out. It wasn't fun to drive in, but when the sun finally came out it sure was pretty. Check out some other pictures of Chicago during the blizzard.

2) WildGoose Festival

In June IVP's Likewise Books sponsored the first Wild Goose Festival in Shakori Hills, NC. Likewise authors like Shane Claiborne, Mark Scandrette, Julie Clawson, Sean Gladding and Margot Starbuck were on hand for a festival of justice, spirituality, music and art. Missed it this year? Check out the video for some highlights, and don't forget to register for Wild Goose 2012 today to save your spot!

3) Release of the Reformation Commentary on Scripture

In July we released the highly anticipated new series, the Reformation Commentary on Scripture to critical acclaim. Mark Noll called it a "major publishing event" and Richard Mouw said it was "a godsend." Find out more about the series and learn how you can save 40% when you sign up today!

4) Remembering John Stott

On July 27, 2011 the world lost a true saint when John Stott passed into the presence of the Lord at the age of 90. His life and legacy were remembered at services around the world. He will be greatly missed.

5) Richard Foster eBook Sales Take Off

One week in August the ebook edition of Richard Foster's new Sanctuary of the Soul sold more copies on Amazon.com than the print edition! It's the first time an IVP ebook overtook the print edition, and we believe it's an exciting indication of things to come in 2012.

6) Andy Root's Popular Post

In September professor and author Andy Root wrote a post on our Online Pulpit blog postulating that "all pastoral ministry has gone the way of youth ministry." The post generated multiple thoughtful and enthusiastic comments on the importance of bringing theology back into ministry. We hope you will continue this conversation in 2012.

7) Award-Winning Covers

   

In October the 60th Annual Chicago Book Clinic Book and Media Show presented InterVarsity Press with four book design awards. Congratulations to our stellar designer Cindy Kiple for her beautiful cover and interior designs and to Jim Erhart for excellence in the manufacturing process. Covers honored included Clouds of Witnesses, Opening to God, Contemplative Vision and Defending Constantine.

8) Anti-Trafficking Tour with Daniel Walker

In October Daniel Walker, author of God in Brothel, partnered with Compassion International and Hagar International to tour the country and shed new light on the grim realities of enforced prostitution and the status of rescue efforts around the globe. Sharing from his own experience as an undercover investigator who has rescued hundreds of women and children from the sex industry, Daniel touched the hearts and opened the eyes of hundreds of attendees.

As a result of the tour:

• Nearly 100 vulnerable children were sponsored through Compassion to prevent future human trafficking
• Hagar collected hundreds of emails from attendees who were interested in joining the fight against human trafficking
• Daniel received important media coverage to advance the awareness of this grave worldwide injustice

9) IVP Wins Recycling Award

In November IVP received the Commercial Recycling Award from the Village of Westmont for its successful commitment to improving the environment by recycling. It was an honor to be recognized at the November 7 Westmont Village Board Meeting as "the best and most improved big business recycler."

We've taken specific steps to institute an environmental stewardship program by educating and informing our team on how to be responsible with natural resources. In 2010, we recycled twelve thousand pounds of paper, and we allow the public to drop off paper in recycling dumpsters in our parking lot.

"We are committed to protecting the environment and to the responsible use of natural resources. Our employees are to be commended for their diligence," says Anne Gerth, IVP's director of production and fulfillment.

10) Biblica Acquisition

In December we acquired Biblica Books, the book-publishing arm of Biblica Worldwide and obtained 170 current and nearly 30 new Biblica Books titles. This includes Operation World, the definitive global prayer guide that's now in its seventh edition. "With this acquisition, IVP becomes an even stronger publisher for biblical and missions-oriented resources. We are grateful for this expansion opportunity," says IVP Publisher Bob Fryling.

You can browse all the Biblica books available on the new tab on our website.

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What about you? As you look back on the year, what were the big life-shaping events you won't forget? And what are you looking forward to in 2012?