The Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) has named 70 finalists for the 2025 Christian Book Award program. The finalists represent the year’s best in Christian publishing among 12 book and Bible categories.

The Christian Book Award finalists represent the work of 29 Christian publishers and imprints. Scores were close with ties announced in eight of the twelve categories in Audio, Children, Christian Living, Devotion & Gift, Faith & Culture, Ministry Resources, New Author, and Young People’s Literature.

Christian book awards

The winner in each category along with the 2025 Christian Book of the Year®, will be announced at the ECPA Awards Celebration, held April 29 in Nashville during the ECPA Leadership Summit, to an audience of Christian publishing executives, managers, and industry guests.

The evening will be hosted by Dr. Carolyn Weber (Surprised by Oxford), and include special honors for the contributions of authors Josh McDowell and Kay Arthur, the milestone anniversaries of NavPress and Paraclete Press, and more. The 2025 Christian Book of the Year® will be named and virtually announced by last year’s recipient and New York Times bestselling author Beth Moore (ALL MY KNOTTED-UP LIFE, Tyndale Momentum).

“It’s always a joy to recognize excellence in Christian publishing as we reveal the finalists for these prestigious awards,” said ECPA President Jeff Crosby. “I extend my sincere congratulations to all authors and publishers who have been recognized, and look forward to our celebration together in Nashville.”

The finalists of the 2025 Christian Book Award program are:

AUDIO

How Great Is Our God, Chris Tomlin; narrated by Mark Smeby, produced by ONE Audiobooks, book published by K-Love Books, B0CWPRPL9S

I Want to Trust You, But I Don’t, written and narrated by Lysa TerKeurst, produced by Sydney Mathieu, Harper Audio, book published by Thomas Nelson, B0CZ4LP8B6

Mostly What God Does, written and narrated by Savannah Guthrie, produced by Sydney Mathieu, Harper Audio, book published by Thomas Nelson, B0CK9S123W

My Story Your Glory, written and narrated by Matthew West, produced by ONE Audiobooks, book published by K-Love Books, B0CX352ZCP

My Utmost for His Highest-Modern Classic Edition, Oswald Chambers; narrated by Mark Smeby, produced by ONE Audiobooks, book published by Our Daily Bread, B0D1M2ZVN4

Parenting Teens with Love and Logic, Foster Cline and Jim Fay; narrated by Chris Fabry, produced by ONE Audiobooks, book published by NavPress, B0D68R1LBD

BIBLES

CSB Men’s Daily Bible, Robert Wolgemuth and CSB Bibles by Holman, Editors; B&H Publishing Group, 9781430094111

CSB Oswald Chambers Bible, CSB Bibles by Holman, B&H Publishing Group, 9798384509240

NET Timeless Truths Bible, Thomas Nelson, 9780785290124

NLT Every Woman’s Bible, Naomi Cramer Overton, General Editor; Misty Arterburn, Assoc. Editor; Stephen Arterburn, Consultant Editor, Tyndale House Publishers, 9781496452993

NLT Go Bible for Kids, Tyndale House Publishers, 9781496455710

BIBLE REFERENCE WORKS

40 Questions About Pentecostalism, Jonathan Black, Kregel Academic, 9780825448249

Dictionary of the New Testament Use of the Old Testament, G. K. Beale, D.A. Carson, Benjamin L. Gladd, and Andrew David Naselli, Baker Academic/ Baker Publishing Group, 9781540960047

Habakkuk: The Christian Standard Commentary, Susan Maxwell Booth, Holman Reference, B&H Publishing Group, 9781535941204

Mere Christian Hermeneutics, Kevin J. Vanhoozer, Zondervan Academic, 9780310234388

The NIV Application Commentary on the Bible: One-Volume Edition, Christopher A. Beetham and Nancy L. Erickson, General Editors, Zondervan Reflective, 9780310530800

BIBLE STUDY

Ephesians: A Study of Faith and Practice, Jackie Hill Perry, Jasmine Holmes, and Melissa Kruger, Lifeway Christian Resources, 9781087790312

The Epic of Eden: Deborah Bible Study Guide plus Streaming Video, Sandra L. Richter, PhD, HarperChristian Resources, 9780310166498

Experiencing the Heart of Jesus for 52 Weeks, Revised and Updated, Max Lucado, HarperChristian Resources, 9780310161707

God’s Goodness for the Chosen: An Interactive Bible Study Season 4, Amanda Jenkins, Dallas Jenkins, Dr. Douglas S. Huffman, David C Cook, 9780830784585

Luke in the Land: Walking with Jesus in His First-Century World, Kristi McLelland, Lifeway Christian Resources, 9781087788944

BIOGRAPHY & MEMOIR

27 Summers, Ronald Olivier with Craig Borlase, Thomas Nelson, 9781400239122

Ghosted: An American Story, Nancy French, Zondervan, 9780310367444

The Shape of My Eyes, Dave Gibbons, Worthy Books/ Hachette Nashville, 9781546003236

Well Lived, Sally Clarkson, Harvest House Publishers, 9780736985475

You Are Safe Now, Tricia Lott Williford and Jana Richardson, NavPress, 9781641582803

CHILDREN

All Creation Waits: Children’s Edition, Gayle Boss; illustrated by Sharon Spitz, Paraclete Press, 9781640608283

Build, written and illustrated by Emily Lex, Harvest Kids, 9780736987424

God’s Big Picture Bible Storybook, N.T. Wright; illustrated by Helena Perez Garcia, Tommy Nelson, 9781400246878

Indescribable Atlas Adventures, Louie Giglio; illustrated by Nicola Anderson and Lynsey Wilson, Tommy Nelson, 9781400246137

Up Toward the Light, Granger Smith; illustrated by Laura Watkins, Tommy Nelson, 9781400241668

When God Makes Scribbles Beautiful, Kate Rietema; illustrated by Jennie Poh, B&H Publishing Group, 9781087787664

CHRISTIAN LIVING

The Mary We Forgot, Jennifer Powell McNutt, Brazos Press/ Baker Publishing Group, 9781587436178

Practicing the Way, John Mark Comer, WaterBrook, an imprint of Penguin Random House Christian Publishing Group, 9780593193822

Praying Personalities, Janet McHenry, Kregel Publications, 9780825448188

The Scandal of the Kingdom, Dallas Willard, Zondervan, 9780310367949

Untangle Your Emotions, Jennie Allen, WaterBrook, an imprint of Penguin Random House Christian Publishing Group, 9780593193419

Waiting Isn’t a Waste, Mark Vroegop, Crossway, 9781433590979

What Happens Next, Max Lucado, Thomas Nelson, 9781400260003

The Wood Between the Worlds, Brian Zahnd, InterVarsity Press, 9781514005620

DEVOTION & GIFT

Feel, Anjuli Paschall, Bethany House/ Baker Publishing Group, 9780764238536

House Rules, Myquillyn Smith, Revell/ Baker Publishing Group, 9780800744748

Letters to Grief, Kate Motaung, Christian Art Gifts, 9781639524648

Live It Out, Dan Scott, Orange Publishing, 9781635702347

Women Who Followed Jesus, Dandi Daley Mackall, Paraclete Press, 9781640608511

Word before World, Gretchen Saffles, Tyndale House Publishers, 9781496446350

FAITH & CULTURE

Brown Faces, White Spaces, Latasha Morrison, WaterBrook, an imprint of Penguin Random House Christian Publishing Group, 9780593444825

Exiles, Preston Sprinkle, David C Cook, 9780830785780

How to Tell the Truth, Preston Perry, Tyndale House Publishers, 9781496466891

Jesus and the Powers, N. T. Wright and Michael F. Bird, Zondervan Reflective and SPCK Publishing, 9780310162247

Kingdom of Rage, Elizabeth Neumann, Worthy Books/ Hachette Nashville, 9781546002055

The Spirit of Justice, Jemar Tisby, Zondervan Reflective, 9780310144854

MINISTRY RESOURCES

Fighting Shadows, Jon Tyson and Jefferson Bethke, Thomas Nelson, 9781400243303

Forming Faith, Matt Markins, Mike Handler and Sam Luce, Moody Publishers, 9780802433381

How Not to Waste a Crisis, Tod Bolsinger, InterVarsity Press, 9781514008669

Proclaiming the Word, David J. Jackman, Crossway, 9781433592102

Scripture Hymnal, Randall Goodgame, Rabbit Room Press, 9781951872250

You’re Not Crazy, Ray Ortlund and Sam Allberry, Crossway, 9781433590573

NEW AUTHOR

Advent for Exiles, Caroline Cobb, B&H Publishing Group, 9781430095842

The Brain Change Program, Dr. Alan Weissenbacher, BroadStreet Publishing Group, 9781424566624

Church Girl, Sarita T. Lyons, WaterBrook, an imprint of Penguin Random House Christian Publishing Group, 9780593601167

Even If He Doesn’t, Kristen LaValley, Tyndale House Publishers, 9781496478528

How to Tell the Truth, Preston Perry, Tyndale House Publishers, 9781496466891

Priests of History, Sarah Irving-Stonebraker, Zondervan Reflective, 9780310160908

YOUNG PEOPLE’S LITERATURE

The Action Bible: Faith in Action Edition, Sergio Cariello, David C Cook, 9780830787005

Get Your Hopes Up, Carlos Whittaker, Tommy Nelson, 9781400247141

Integrity Music is thrilled to announce the signing of Holly Brand to the roster. An NBC The Voice semifinalist (Season 23), Brand blends her classic country melodies with her love for worship music to create a beautiful and diverse style in the genre. Now living in Nashville full-time with her husband, she has been cultivating songs for her upcoming debut project, partnering with many of the industry’s influential writers and playing live shows.

“Our team is very excited to be partnering with Holly; from our first meeting we were impressed with her maturity, vocal talent, and strong work ethic,” shares Blaine Barcus, President of Integrity Music. “Beyond all these great qualities is her sincere walk with Jesus and unwavering commitment to tell others about Him through her music.”

Hailing from a small town in Mississippi, Brand wants her music to share powerful stories and point the audience to Jesus. Growing up as a music minister’s daughter, Brand felt called to Christian music at the young age of 14. It took many years for the Lord to show her how to blend the love of singing and music to honor the Lord.

Holly Brand adds, “When moving to Nashville, I prayed fervently that the Lord would surround me with the right team who understood the vision I have for my music, help pave the path I hope to create and carry out the dream He has placed in my heart. I am truly so honored and excited that Integrity Music is that team. I will never take for granted the blessing it is to be believed in and supported by the best group of kingdom-minded individuals.”

Brand recently joined the Platform Artist team for booking as well and will be announcing exciting new music and touring on the horizon.

LAVON MUSIC is proud to announce the signing of Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) artist Britt Dené to their growing roster. This exciting partnership marks a new chapter for Britt Dené, who is thrilled to join the LAVON MUSIC family.

Britt Dené, known for her soulful voice and powerful lyrics, has been a rising star in the CCM community. Her latest single, All I Need, was released on April 1st and is already receiving early praise. The song, written by Britt’s good friend Seth Brasher, beautifully captures themes of faith, trust, and God’s unwavering provision.

“I am beyond excited to join the LAVON MUSIC family,” said Britt Dené. “Lavon Coleman and her team have created an incredible platform for artists like myself, and I am honored to partner with them to share music that glorifies God and connects with listeners on a deep level. ‘All I Need’ holds a special place in my heart, and I’m grateful to Seth for his collaboration on this song.”

Lavon Coleman, Owner and CEO of LAVON MUSIC, expressed her enthusiasm for the new signing: “I am thrilled to welcome Britt Dené to our roster. Her talent, heart for ministry, and unique sound make her a perfect fit for LAVON MUSIC. I can’t wait to see what the future holds as we work together to bring her music to even greater audiences.”

The collaboration comes at a pivotal moment in Britt Dené’s career, as she continues to expand her reach and deepen her impact on the CCM industry. Fans can look forward to new music and exciting projects from Britt Dené including her new EP titled, ALL I NEED, set to release on May 2nd.

Breanna Nix and Rylie O’Neill covered a Brandon Lake classic as a duet for the American Idol head to head round. Nix moved on to the next round, while O’Neill’s time on the show came to an end, after hearing their cover of “Gratitude.” Jelly Roll, the artist in residence for this season, shared the performance live with Lake, who he then brought out to speak virtually with Nix and O’Neill.

American Idol airs on ABC Sundays and Mondays at 8pm ET.

BMI celebrated the best in Gospel music today at the 2025 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards held at Flourish in Atlanta, GA. Gospel music pioneer and pastor John P. Kee was honored as a Trailblazer of Gospel Music in recognition of his artistry and inspiring influence on the genre throughout his prolific career spanning over 40 years. 

BMI’s Gospel Song of the Year, Songwriter of the Year, Publisher of the Year and the most-performed Gospel songs of the previous year were also announced at the private ceremony hosted by BMI’s President & CEO, Mike O’Neill and Vice President, Creative, Atlanta, Catherine Brewton.

As a Trailblazer of Gospel Music, John P. Kee was honored for his signature blend of traditional and contemporary Gospel music that continues to resonate with fans around the world across generations and genres. O’Neill presented Kee with the ceremony’s top honor, saluting his “extraordinary contributions that have greatly influenced the Gospel genre and deeply touched the community.”

The musical tributes to Kee kicked off with Lena Byrd Miles giving her moving interpretation of “Yes Lord,” followed by Chrystal Rucker’s performance of “The Anointing.” The tributes continued with Kelontae Gavin singing “Never Shall Forget” and Jekalyn Carr giving a passionate performance of “Standing in the Need,” both of which brought the audience to their feet.

Lisa Knowles-Smith and her children KJ and Ndia paid homage to Kee with their amazing renditions of “Lily in the Valley” and “He’ll Welcome Me.” Vanessa Bell Armstrong followed with “Wave It Away,” featuring Donald Lawrence and The Company, and Zacardi Cortez ended the tributes with an uplifting performance of “Jesus is Real.”

Upon receiving the honor, Kee, known as the “Prince of Gospel,” thanked his family and friends, many of whom were in the room, for their love and support. While humbled by their affirmations of the tremendous impact he’s made on them through his mentorship and guidance, he shared, “Every time you win an award, I win an award… I’m just a proud Uncle John.”

He went on to say that he was going to “flip the moment” by presenting BMI’s Brewton with a Lifetime Achievement Award for her “vision and determination that have paved the way for future generations of women in business.”

The ceremony concluded with Kee singing the opening line to his hit, “New Life” and he was joined with an impromptu celebration from many of the Gospel greats in the room, including Isaac Carree, Zacardi Cortez, Eric Dawkins, Kirk Franklin, Jonathan McReynolds, Tasha Page-Lockhart, Lisa Page Brooks and Marvin Sapp.

Throughout the afternoon, BMI saluted the 25 most-performed Gospel songs of the previous year, leading up to the highly anticipated BMI Gospel Song of the Year award, which went to “Goodness of God” written by Ed Cash, Ben Fielding (APRA) and Jason Ingram. Performed by CeCe Winans, the hit single reached #1 on the Billboard Gospel Airplay chart, #15 on US Hot Christian Songs and peaked at #2 on Hot Gospel Songs. It also spent an incredible 118 weeks at #1 on Billboard’s Gospel Digital Songs Sales.

Kirk Franklin and Charles Jenkins tied for BMI’s Gospel Songwriter of the Year for each writing two of the most performed Gospel songs of the previous year.  Franklin was honored for “All Things” and “Try Love,” securing his fourth Songwriter of the Year award, which now includes three for Gospel and one for Christian. Jenkins was recognized for his hit songs, “God Be Praised” and “Look at God,”marking the first time he’s received this coveted title and bringing his total to eight BMI Awards garnered over his successful career.

BMI’s Gospel Publisher of the Year went to Capitol CMG for having the highest publisher share percentage of the top 25 songs, including BMI’s Gospel Song of the Year, “Goodness of God.”

GRAMMY-Award winning singer/songwriter Brandon Lake shares further news surrounding his next project with tour dates in 2025 and 2026 to support the release. The King Of Hearts Tour will feature Franni Cash for the 2025 dates as a supporting artist. The tour will make stops in 48 cities across Fall of 2025 and Spring of 2026. A public pre-sale kicks off on April 23!

Earlier this week, Lake announced his new album, titled King Of Hearts, is slated to arrive on June 13. “It’s not for the seemingly put together, but for those honest about their brokenness, longing to connect with their Creator,” Lake said when speaking about what inspired his new record. “He is King of the universe, nations, creation—but most of all, King of hearts.”

Brandon Lake Announces ‘King Of Hearts’ 2025-2026 Tour

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2025

• OCT 02 – SUNRISE, FL
• OCT 03 – ORLANDO, FL
• OCT 04 – ATLANTA, GA
• OCT 09 – DES MOINES, IA
• OCT 10 – MILWAUKEE, WI
• OCT 11 – GRAND RAPIDS, MI
• OCT 12 – COLUMBUS, OH
• OCT 16 – KNOXVILLE, TN
• OCT 17 – GREENSBORO, NC
• OCT 18 – JACKSONVILLE, FL
• OCT 19 – COLUMBIA, SC
• NOV 06 – BIRMINGHAM, AL
• NOV 07 – SOUTHAVEN, MS
• NOV 08 – TULSA, OK
• NOV 09 – KANSAS CITY, MO
• NOV 13 – SALT LAKE CITY, UT
• NOV 14 – HENDERSON, NV
• NOV 15 – SACRAMENTO, CA
• NOV 16 – SAN JOSE, CA
• NOV 20 – BOISE, ID
• NOV 21 – PORTLAND, OR
• NOV 22 – SEATTLE, WA
• NOV 23 – SPOKANE, WA

2026

• MAR 05 – FORT WAYNE, IN
• MAR 06 – CLEVELAND, OH
• MAR 07 – CHARLESTON, WV
• MAR 08 – DETROIT, MI
• MAR 12 – PHILADELPHIA, PA
• MAR 13 – BOSTON, MA
• MAR 14 – BRIDGEPORT, CT
• MAR 15 – ELMONT, NY
• MAR 19 – INDIANAPOLIS, IN
• MAR 20 – STATE COLLEGE, PA
• MAR 21 – BALTIMORE, MD
• MAR 22 – RALEIGH, NC
• APR 09 – SAN ANTONIO, TX
• APR 10 – OKLAHOMA CITY, OK
• APR 11 – OMAHA, NE
• APR 12 – ST. LOUIS, MO
• APR 16 – LITTLE ROCK, AR
• APR 17 – TUPELO, MS
• APR 18 – PENSACOLA, FL
• APR 19 – CHARLOTTE, NC
• APR 23 – GREENVILLE, SC
• APR 24 – LOUISVILLE, KY
• APR 25 – MOLINE, IL
• APR 26 – ST. PAUL, MN
• MAY 01 – CHARLESTON, SC

4X GRAMMY Award-winning artist / Reach Records co-founder Lecrae is back with a powerful new episode of his podcast series “The Deep End With Lecrae,” featuring GRAMMY Award-winning artist, actor and multifaceted entertainer Will Smith.

The episode offers viewers a rare, introspective look into Will Smith’s personal journey, diving deep into his coveted career, and quest for authenticity and genuine connection. Smith openly discusses his relationship with spirituality and religion, stepping away from materialism, and confronting personal struggles beyond Hollywood’s spotlight.

He candidly pulls back the curtain on his 20-year hiatus from music, his upcoming album, meaningful relationships, and how faith has guided him through some of life’s darkest moments. This episode stands out as a powerful exploration of vulnerability, growth, and artistic evolution – offering a side of Will Smith that fans have yet to experience.

Lecrae Returns With A Powerful New Episode Of Popular Podcast Series “THE DEEP END WITH LECRAE”

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‘The Deep End’ series debuted on November 8, 2023 and has since featured guests Angela “Blac Chyna” White, Tori Kelly, Zaytoven, Emmanuel Acho, Dr. Terrence Lester, Tim Ross, Jackie Hill Perry, The Professor, Megan Ashley, Montell Jordan, Dharius Daniels, Matt Chandler, Crystal Renee Hayslett and Priscilla Shirer.

This week it was announced that American Idol will be airing an Easter Sunday Special. On April 20, the theme for the three-hour episode is ‘songs of faith.’ Guest performances will include Gospel music icon CeCe Winans, GRAMMY-Award winning singer/songwriter Brandon Lake, Season 22’s contestant Roman Collins, this season’s artist in residence Jelly Roll, and The Brown Four. Judges Lionel Richie, Carrie Underwood, and Luke Bryan will also perform.

American Idol airs on ABC Sundays and Mondays at 8pm ET. Streams next day on Hulu.

APRIL MARKS FIRST ANNUAL CHRISTIAN MUSIC MONTH

Industry Joins Together To Shine Spotlight On Christian and Gospel Music Leading Up To Easter

The Recording Academy + Gospel Music Association Launches Christian Music Month Focused ‘Positive Vibes Only’ Performances 

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (April 1, 2025) – Gospel Music Association (GMA) is proud to announce that industry leaders and organizations across Christian and Gospel music are coming together for the month of April to celebrate the first annual Christian Music Month (CMM), a movement designed to encourage fans everywhere to listen, engage, and share the power of Christian music.

Easter marks the biggest day of the year for Christian music consumption. Dedicating an entire month to Christian music will build on that momentum to shine a spotlight on the music and message that transforms lives.

In honor of Christian Music Month, GMA is partnering with The Recording Academy, the organization behind the annual GRAMMY Awards, to launch four exclusive performances of their Positive Vibes Only series, which celebrates gospel and Contemporary Christian music. Featuring Tauren Wells, Josiah Queen, Jekalyn Carr, and Adrienne Bailon ft. New Breed, each video will premiere on GRAMMY.com and the Recording Academy YouTube Channel throughout April:

April 7th – Tauren Wells

April 14th – Josiah Queen

April 21st – Jekalyn Carr

April 28th – Adrienne Bailon ft. New Breed

Christian Music Month has been fully embraced across the industry, with Amazon Music, Apple Music, Pandora, Spotify, and TBN+ all creating official destinations on their platforms to highlight CMM. Christian Radio support is being led by Christian Music Broadcasters (CMB), while event participation is happening through partnerships with Awakening Events and TPR, featuring CMM branding on major tours like Forrest Frank, MercyMe, Winter Jam and more. 

This is a historic moment for Christian music. The GMA is encouraging industry members and fans alike to support Christian Music Month this April.

ABOUT THE GOSPEL MUSIC ASSOCIATION & FOUNDATION

Since 1964, the Gospel Music Association’s mission has been to expose, promote and celebrate the Gospel through music. The GMA serves the richly diverse creatives and professionals within the Christian and Gospel music industry by preserving the legacies of those who’ve gone before us and celebrating the work of today’s artists through events like the GMA Dove Awards, GMA Easter Celebration, and GMA Christmas Celebration – which reaches millions of people around the world annually.

ABOUT THE RECORDING ACADEMY 

The Recording Academy represents the voices of performers, songwriters, producers, engineers, and all music professionals.

Dedicated to ensuring the recording arts remain a thriving part of our shared cultural heritage, the Academy honors music’s history while investing in its future through the GRAMMY Museum®, advocates on behalf of music creators, supports music people in times of need through MusiCares, and celebrates artistic excellence through the GRAMMY Awards — music’s only peer-recognized accolade and highest achievement.

As the world’s leading society of music professionals, we work year-round to foster a more inspiring world for creators.

Gospel music fans, we have some exciting news! The dates for the 40th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards have officially been set – and we get the feeling you won’t want to miss it.

This year’s awards will be held August 14-16, 2025 in Nashville, TN. 

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