Last week, I received the following news from my publisher at Biblica:
InterVarsity Press has acquired Biblica.
This was an exciting update. While I knew Biblica was in discussion with another publisher, I did not know the company involved. You may check out some of the details from Andy Unedited at IVP HERE and the press release HERE.
While Biblica is exiting the Christian book publishing business, the company will remain in existence with a focus on Bibles and Bible distribution.
I felt that this matter should be brought to your attention for at least two reasons.
First, while I am presently under writing contracts with Baker Academic and Thomas Nelson, three of my books have been with Biblica. Missional House Churches, Discovering Church Planting, and Evangelism are now under the auspices of InterVarsity Press. I am very thankful for this new situation.
Also, many of you know that for sometime I have been promoting my next book, Strangers Next Door: Immigration, Migration, and Missions Opportunity. This work with Biblica was scheduled to be released in March 2012. You may read my last update on the book HERE. I know that conversations are presently taking place regarding the books that were in the Biblica pipeline to be released.
While I am excited about this recent purchase, it is an unexpected change. Strangers has been through the editing and cover design stages. So, I must add that it is an uncomfortable feeling when your airplane is roaring down the runway only to have the breaks applied just before take-off. Don’t get me wrong. No one has informed me that it will not be published. Therefore, I am expecting that the airplane will re-taxi and will soon be off the ground. I would appreciate your prayers regarding this matter. I will keep you informed.
The second reason I believe this change is worth bringing to your attention is that while InterVarsity has always given a high priority to missions (e.g., Urbana, numerous books on missions already), the acquisition of a large number of missions-related books from Biblica will continue to strengthen the company and their reputation for Great Commission literature. InterVarsity Press will obtain 170 books as well as almost 30 forthcoming titles.
Stay tuned. You’ll begin to see such changes with InterVarsity Press come January 2012. I am very thankful for the new owners and greatly looking forward to working with them in the future. They have been very helpful and encouraging since the acquisition.
Exciting times!
One last word. It has been a wonderful blessing to work with the people of Biblica. They have been very helpful, supportive, and encouraging over the years. They have always manifested a Christ-like spirit. I love their creativity and heart. I know the Lord will continue to do great things through them in the days to come.