Christian Publishing has existed since the inception of the church. From the earliest days, church members have communicated with one another in written form with faithful exposition of scripture and encouragement to one another. Publishing this work is a way to aid the full body of Christ in the present and into the future. The Apostle Paul reminds us that “the church of the living God” is solely given the title “the pillar and ground of the truth” (1 Timothy 3:15, NKJV). In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul wrote of God’s purpose is through the church “that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 3:10, NKJV). Therefore, those working in Christian publishing are blessed to stand ever ready as helpers to promote and propagate the message that God shares through the church to all people.
Why Christian Publishing Matters
- Transmission of The Faith – Bible publishing and Christian publications are used by God to communicate His self-revelation to all people, in all languages, in all places, and throughout all time.
- The Great Commission – Publications allow more people to encounter the claims of scripture and specifically of Jesus Christ that He is calling all people to become His disciples.
- Equipping Christians – Publications pass along Christian teaching that explains the scripture and equips believers for how they are to believe and behave.
- Preserving truth across time – Publications preserve the teaching of the church from centuries past to the present to centuries future so that we can learn from all faithful believers throughout the history of the church and protect against persistently present heresies.
- Cultural engagement and missiology – Publications give the church and believers the lessons learned from previous generations on how to biblically engage cultural issues in ways that encourage the church to fulfill the mission of God.
- Encouragement to future generations – Publications carry encouragement from one generation to another so that courage and hope are stirred up in one another.
- Intellectual legacy – Publications preserve the intellectual work done by believers throughout history in our study of the depths of the Bible and Christian doctrine.
- A record of God’s faithfulness – Publications tell the story of God’s work among the church and the world throughout history so that we might have more reasons to worship Him and trust Him in our day.
“Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen, and called its name Ebenezer, saying, ‘Thus far the Lord has helped us.’” 1 Samuel 7:12, NKJV
Philip Nation
Philip Nation is a Vice-President for HarperCollins Christian Publishing where he leads Thomas Nelson Bibles. He is a prominent theologian, publisher, and pastor with a Doctor of Ministry. Philip has also held roles as a pastor, church planter, and professor, currently as a University Fellow for Arizona Christian University. He is a frequent speaker at churches and conferences, focusing on spiritual growth and leadership. He has authored, contributed to, and edited numerous books and Bible studies, including Habits for Our Holiness, Transformational Discipleship, Pursuing Holiness: Studies in James.
