(Nashville, Tenn) – This week, Thomas Nelson, Inc.’s Bible Group has officially launched a new Bible translation, The Voice™, with the release of The Voice™ New Testament. This is the first completely new Bible translation available to readers in several years.

The Voice™ translation captures the different writing styles of the New Testament authors, revealing their unique voices to readers instead of homogenizing the text. About 40 different authors are believed to have been inspired by God to write the Scriptures. The Voice™ is distinctive in that it retains the perspective, the voice, of the human writers. Most English translations attempt to even out the styles of the different authors in sentence structure and vocabulary. Instead, The Voice™ distinguishes the uniqueness of each author. The heart of the project is retelling the story of the Bible in a form as fluid as modern literary works while remaining true to the original Greek and Hebrew manuscripts.

The lively translation represents a collaboration of historians, poets, storytellers, and songwriters which celebrates the beautiful narrative of Scripture while providing a true interpretation of the traditional Bible text with historical and cultural expansions of the story and background on setting and characters. The project’s screenplay-like format is ideal for a unique individual read as well as group studies and dramatizations. Devotional commentary further helps readers understand the context of the biblical story.
Featured writers, scholars, artists, and musicians contributing to The Voice™ include: the president of Ecclesia Bible Society and internationally acclaimed speaker and pastor Chris Seay (project founder); professor of Greek and New Testament Studies at Houston Baptist University David B. Capes Ph.D.; internationally known speaker and author of over 12 highly acclaimed books Brian McLaren; theologian, author, and futurist Leonard Sweet; and nationally renowned author Lauren Winner. The translation and literary style of The Voice™ have been checked extensively by biblical reviewers, theological scholars, and a biblical archeologist, among others.

The Thomas Nelson scholar/author team, which includes Blue Like Jazz author Donald Miller, is currently working on the Old Testament books which, when finished, will comprise The Voice™ Bible in its entirety.

For more information on The Voice™ New Testament and The Voice™ translation, visit www.hearthevoice.com. Thomas Nelson, Inc. is a leading provider of Bibles, products, and live events emphasizing Christian, inspirational, and family value themes. For more information on the company and titles, visit www.thomasnelson.com.

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High-resolution images of The Voice™ New Testament are available upon request.
The Voice™ New Testament Product Details:
Paperback ISBN: 978-14185-3439-4 / $19.99 US
Flexible Fabric Cover with Leather ISBN: 978-1-4185-3448-6 / $34.99 US
Both Available Now Through Thomas Nelson Inc.

Editorial note:
According to the Barna Group’s top religious trends research, 20 million Americans are seeking an alternative to the traditional church, and there is an increasing influence of young leaders communicating within today’s culture. Designed with this audience in mind, anyone searching for new ways to explore the Bible will also find The Voice™ translation text to be an easy-to-read, refreshing, and captivating experience.

Contact:    Brenda Smotherman
Publicist
tel:    (615) 902-2231
fax:    (615) 902-1132
email: bsmotherman@thomasnelson.com

(Nashville, Tenn.) Thomas Nelson, Inc. announced today that it has launched a revolutionary new program mobilizing bloggers around the world to share reviews of the company’s latest products. The program, Thomas Nelson Book Review Bloggers, is the first program of its kind from a leading publisher.

“My hope is that we can elevate the online presence of Thomas Nelson’s key titles,” said Michael Hyatt, President and CEO of Thomas Nelson. “Good or bad, we want people online talking about our books.”

Any blogger can register to be a Thomas Nelson Book Review Blogger at http://brb.thomasnelson.com. The Book Review Bloggers will receive free copies of select Thomas Nelson titles in exchange for committing to read the book, to write a 200-word review, and to post it on their blog and on a consumer retail website.

“The idea to create Thomas Nelson Book Review Bloggers originally came from heightened interest on my blog, around two of our recent releases, Stephen Mansfield’s The Faith of Barack Obama and Lynne Spears’ Through the Storm,” continued Michael Hyatt. “My readers, many of whom are active bloggers themselves, wanted to engage in the conversation about these products.”

In August, Hyatt posted “Why Obama’s Faith Matters” and offered free copies of The Faith of Barack Obama to the first two hundred responders. The blog campaign has generated over a hundred online reviews, a vast majority of which were positive. In September, Hyatt used his blog as a forum for bloggers to sign-up to review another controversial title, Through the Storm. Again, the response was tremendous.

“My goal is to have a rich database of bloggers who are actively selecting Thomas Nelson products that they are interested in to read and review,” concluded Hyatt. “The positive reviews will be a priceless word-of-mouth marketing vehicle and the negative reviews will be a useful tool in understanding why a product might not have sold at retail.”

For more information on how to register to be a Thomas Nelson Book Review Blogger, visit http://brb.thomasnelson.com.

Contact:
Lindsey Nobles
Director of Corporate Communications
Tel: (615) 902-1109    

Fax: (615) 902-1110
E-mail: lnobles@thomasnelson.com

(Nashville, TN) — Pastor and author Max Lucado has sold more than four million units worldwide branded with 3:16—The Numbers of Hope, including one million units of the cornerstone book of the same title (released in September 2007).  Thomas Nelson and an unprecedented group of licensed partners have created and distributed a wide variety of 3:16 branded products, including booklets, greeting cards, wearable items, video resources, church musicals, and evangelistic products to name a few.  The unprecedented rate of sales for the 3:16 brand makes it the fastest-selling product in the history of Lucado’s 23-year publishing career.

“3:16 is more than a book,” explains Lucado’s long-time publisher and Senior Vice President of Non-Fiction Trade Books at Thomas Nelson, David Moberg.  “It is a mission of global proportions that invites Christians around the world to unite around the central message of our faith – embodied in the words of John 3:16.”  Worldwide product and ministry partners for the 3:16 brand include Dayspring/Hallmark, Bob Siemon Designs, SermonCentral.com, Indelible Creative Group, LifeWay Church Resources, Outreach, Lionsgate, Kerusso, LifeWay Worship, UpWords, and Ambassador Advertising.

3:16 has been featured by many prominent media outlets in 2007 and 2008.  It will be promoted heavily this fall and for Easter 2009 both in stores and via key media interviews by Max Lucado.  An Easter television special is planned for 2009 and the paperback version of 3:16 will be available in stores June 2009.

Max Lucado has more than 65 million books in print and a publishing career that has spanned nearly 25 years.  His books have been on many national bestseller lists including The New York Times, Publishers Weekly and USA Today.  He and his wife Denalyn live in San Antonio where he serves as Minister of Writing and Preaching at Oak Hills Church.

Contact:     Dave Schroeder
Director of Marketing
Tel: (615) 902-2127
Fax: (615) 902-2219
E-mail: dschroeder@thomasnelson.com

In addition to 40 prayers, one for each day leading up to the election, If My People includes prayers from past presidents that guided America through some of its most challenging days.  Regardless of political leaning, believers will find If My People inspiring and effective as they pray for America.   The If My People Campaign was the first campaign where Thomas Nelson Church Development opened up to Christian Retail what had traditionally been an exclusive direct-to-church campaign.

“We are thrilled with the response we have received from retail and from the churches across the country knowing that over 14,000,000 prayers will be prayed on behalf of our country,” said Gary Davidson, Senior Vice President, Christian Retail Sales andMinistry Development Group.

“We were amazed at the response of both churches and individuals to the If My People prayer guides,” commented Chuck Wallington, President of Christian Supply Inc. “We sold over 20,000 units and it helped position us once again as a resource provider to the local church for materials that bless and inspire their congregations.  They were so well done, and the non-partisan approach allowed churches to freely give them out, encouraging people of all political persuasions to pray as we enter this election season.  We are totally convinced that the sales of these guides will impact the elections this Fall.”

“We look forward to future opportunities to partner with Christian Retail in serving the church market,” concluded Beth Ryan, Vice President of Christian Retail Sales and Church Development. “The If My People Campaign revealed how working together magnifies the results for everyone and impacts many more lives.”

To learn more about If My People and the One Million People Prayer Challenge, please call 1-800-251-4000 ext. 2039 or visit www.ifmypeoplecampaign.com.

Contact:    Lindsey Nobles
Director of Corporate Communications
tel:    (615) 902-1109
fax:  (615) 902-1110
cell:  (615) 476-5984
e-mail:  lnobles@thomasnelson.com

The company is offering a prayer booklet entitled If My People, A 40-Day Prayer Guide for the Nation to help lead believers in prayer for the country. In addition to 40 prayers, one for each day leading up to the election, the booklet includes prayers from past presidents that guided America through some of its most challenging days. Regardless of political leaning, believers will find If My People inspiring and effective as they pray for the country.

“Since our nation’s very first days, God’s greatest movements in our midst have been fashioned and sustained by prayer, from the signing of our earliest documents to our triumphs over days of darkness, to the spiritual awakenings that have sustained our faith and resolve over the centuries,” said Jack Countryman, author of If My People. “We stand in the midst of significant decisions that will affect the future of this great country. As believers, we must follow God’s Word in 2nd Chronicles 7:14 and join in the footsteps of believers who went before us seeking the Lord’s protection, strength, courage and favor on this great land called America.”

“It will be difficult to imagine the impact of a million people praying for the upcoming election in a coordinated effort. I’m certain this has never happened before,” said Chuck Wallington, president of Covenant Group and Christian Supply, Inc. in Spartanburg, South Carolina. “We are excited about and thrilled to be a small part of the distribution of the If My People booklets that will serve as a catalyst for this movement this fall. May God richly bless and use this powerful little booklet in the hands of countless thousands who commit to pray for our country and these elections in November.”

“As we near the election of a new American President the greatest voice the body of Christ has is the voice of prayer. Prayer moves men and men move nations, concluded Richard Lee, founder of First Redeemer Church in Atlanta, Georgia and There’s Hope America. “It’s my personal belief that If My People, A 40-Day Prayer Guide is a God given instrument for this critical election season. I urge you to join in this mighty movement of prayer for our nation!”

To learn more about the One Million People Prayer Challenge, please call 1-800-251-4000 ext. 2039 or visit www.ifmypeoplecampaign.com.

Contact: Lindsey Nobles
Director of Corporate Communications
tel: (615) 902-1109
fax: (615) 902-1110
cell: (615) 476-5984
e-mail: lnobles@thomasnelson.com

(Nashville, Tenn.) Thomas Nelson Publishers proudly announces that Robin McGraw’s Inside My Heart and Donald Miller’s Blue Like Jazz have each reached the impressive publishing milestone of more than one million copies sold.

“The success of both Inside My Heart and Blue Like Jazz lies in the powerful messages within each title as well as the unique and interesting perspectives that each author offers,” said Brian Hampton, senior vice president and publisher for Thomas Nelson’s corporate brands division. “We are thrilled with the success of these books, and fully expect them to continue to resonate with multitudes of readers and enjoy considerable sales for many years to come.”

Inside My Heart, Choosing to Live with Passion and Purpose by Robin McGraw, wife of best-selling author and television talk show host Dr. Phil McGraw, released in hardcover in September of 2006. Since that time, unabridged CD and paperback versions of the book have released, as well as a companion guided journal. Most recent sales figures for Inside My Heart have topped an impressive 1,100,000.

In Inside My Heart, McGraw speaks directly to the heart of every woman, challenging the reader to recognize and develop her unique role to lead her to satisfaction with herself, her profession, her family, and anything she strives after. Within the pages of Inside My Heart, women find a fresh answer to the question of how to be a Christian woman in today’s culture.

Married for more than thirty years to Dr. Phil, Robin McGraw has made her marriage and raising their two sons, Jay (29) and Jordan (21), her priority in life. A constant presence on the Dr. Phil show since the very first episode, viewers worldwide have embraced Robin—whether she is discussing her experiences as a mother and wife or dealing with issues that women face in the many phases of their lives.

Blue Like Jazz, Nonreligious Thoughts on Christian Spirituality by Donald Miller has grown from a young author’s sophomore offering to a full-fledged underground phenomenon. With the original paperback release of Blue Like Jazz in July of 2003, the eventual success of the book was not immediately obvious. However, over a short period of time, buzz about Jazz grew—primarily among young adults—until it became an all-out roar. Sales of this remarkable volume have currently reached 1,034,000 copies.

In Blue Like Jazz, Donald Miller explains that in his early years, he was vaguely familiar with a distant God. But when he came to know Jesus Christ, he pursued the Christian life with great zeal. Within a few years he had a successful ministry that ultimately left him feeling empty, burned out, and, once again, far away from God. In this intimate, soul-searching account, Miller describes his remarkable journey back to a culturally relevant, infinitely loving God.

Miller has also penned Searching for God Knows What, Through Painted Deserts, and To Own a Dragon in addition to articles written for numerous magazines. He is a frequent speaker on issues concerning the relevancy of Christ to the human experience.

Contact: Heather Adams
Director of Publicity
tel: (615) 902-2224
cell: (404) 423-8411
email: hadams@thomasnelson.com

(Nashville, TN) Outreach Magazine announced in its May/June 2008 issue that the 3:16 family of products (Thomas Nelson) has been named Outreach Resource of the Year for 2007. Outreach Magazine noted “With an unprecedented number of entities promoting the 3:16 campaign, inspired by Max Lucado’s book 3:16 The Numbers of Hope, it should be no surprise that we found it to be the 2007 resource with the biggest impact on evangelism and outreach in America-and the greatest potential to continue that impact.” Outreach Magazine, published by Outreach Marketing, presents annual awards for the best Christian evangelism resources in a number of categories along with one Resource of the Year. Outreach Marketing is one of the licensing partners of 3:16 product, creating banners, note cards, and many other resources.

Outreach Magazine’s readership is comprised of pastors, lay leaders, para-church leaders, and others. It is these readers who vote on the resources that receive the annual Outreach awards. Church leaders, who make up 80% of Outreach’s demographic, are constantly seeking the most relevant and helpful resources to reach out to their community. In addition to receiving the Resource of the Year award, 3:16 resources earned accolades in the following categories as well:

• LifeWay’s 3:16 The Church Experience won the award for Small Group Outreach. This product included several elements: Travis Cottrell’s 3:16 musical CD, the 3:16 Trade Book, the 3:16 Promise evangelistic booklet, and 3:16 The Code for Your Life, which is a children’s puzzle, game and activity book featuring the entire Gospel of John.

• 3:16 The Numbers of Hope trade book won the award for Personal Evangelism.

Author Max Lucado responded to the awards with a longing for more outreach opportunities. “My prayer would be that 3:16, the verse, would become a cause. It offers the greatest gift we can give to non-Christians: hope.”

All 3:16 products are based upon the bestselling book by Max Lucado, 3:16—The Numbers of Hope, which released from Thomas Nelson on September 11, 2007. Since that time, Thomas Nelson Inc. has released several more 3:16 branded products including a Spanish edition of the trade book, a DVD curriculum, an evangelistic booklet, group study resources, Bible products, and children’s and youth book releases. Additional 3:16 products have been created and marketed by 3:16 licensees which include Outreach Marketing, Kerusso, Indelible Creative Group, Lionsgate, LifeWay Church Resources, LifeWay Worship, Hallmark/Dayspring, Good News Publishers, Bob Siemon Designs, and others. To see a full listing of 3:16 resources visit www.ThreeSixteen.net.

Chris Thomason, President and CEO of Indelible Creative Group, which created the 3:16 musical CD, notes: “Indelible is honored to be a part of the 3:16 initiative. These products have become and continue to be tools that reach people with the life-changing message of John 3:16 and encourage all of us in our daily lives. We see continued momentum as churches, ministries, and individuals use these products to share their faith.”

Bret Robbe, Director of Leadership and Adult Publishing at LifeWay Church Resources, commented: “LifeWay’s partnership with Thomas Nelson and Max Lucado continues to touch millions of people. Now Outreach Magazine joins a chorus lifting up the most famous verse in the most famous Book, John 3:16. Most importantly, Jesus Christ is being lifted up (John 3:14) and now we pray all people will be drawn to Him.”

With more than 50 million books in print, Max Lucado’s titles are read worldwide in more than 20 languages. Christianity Today magazine dubbed Lucado “America’s Pastor,” and Publishers Weekly, the general market publication for books and bookselling, recently proclaimed “there aren’t many authors bigger than Lucado.” In 2005, Reader’s Digest recently called him “America’s Best Preacher.”.” His books are regular fixtures on national bestseller lists including The New York Times, USA Today and Publishers Weekly. Lucado has been featured in a wide range of media, including USA Today, “Fox & Friends”, “Larry King Live” and “NBC Nightly News,” and has spoken at the National Prayer Breakfast before the President of the United States. For more information on 3:16 The Numbers of Hope or Max Lucado, visit www.ThreeSixteen.net or www.MaxLucado.com.

Contact: Dave Schroeder
Director of Marketing
tel: (615) 902-2127
fax: (615) 902-2746
web: www.thomasnelson.com
e-mail: dschroeder@thomasnelson.com

“Joe has been a valued member of the Thomas Nelson leadership team for almost forty years,” said Hyatt. “He was instrumental in helping Sam Moore build Thomas Nelson into the world’s largest Christian publishing company. He is an astute businessman, a wise mentor, and a dear friend. He will be greatly missed.”

A special retirement reception will be held in honor of Powers upon the conclusion Thomas Nelson’s All Employee Meeting at The Donelson Fellowship on Wednesday, May 14, 2008. During the reception, the entire Thomas Nelson team will have the opportunity acknowledge and celebrate Power’s almost forty years of dedicated service to the company.

“I am proud to have been a part of Thomas Nelson’s rich history and am so thankful to the Company’s customers, authors, vendors and especially to the employees, both past and present, who have made this both a rewarding and wonderful adventure,” said Powers. “I have great confidence in the entire executive leadership team and their ability to build on Thomas Nelson’s remarkable success.”

Contact: Lindsey Nobles
Director of Corporate Communications
tel: (615) 902-1109
fax: (615) 902-1110
web: www.thomasnelson.com
e-mail: lnobles@thomasnelson.com

“I ran the Country Music Half Marathon last year with about sixty-five employees and it was an awesome experience,” said Hyatt. “I was so proud of what we accomplished during the race. Also, I witnessed extraordinary personal and professional growth in each of the runners. The experience left them with an amazing sense of empowerment. As soon as I crossed the finish line, I began planning how we could recruit more Thomas Nelson team members – this was an experience I wanted to share.”

The offer Thomas Nelson made to employees interested in running the half marathon is hard to refuse. All employees to sign up and register with the Thomas Nelson team will receive a free t-shirt to wear during the race. Upon completion, runners will be reimbursed their registration fee and given $100 VISA gift card. Also, employees will be officially recognized and celebrated for their accomplishment in front of the whole company. Employees’ spouses who participate will also receive a free t-shirt and reimbursement for registration fees upon completion.

“I am really looking forward to the running the races this year, in spite of the fact that I am struggling with a common runner’s injury, plantar fasciitis. The thought of running with so many co-workers and friends is truly inspiring,” Hyatt continued. “I know this experience will continue to transform Thomas Nelson and encourage other companies to join us.”

Contact:
Lindsey Nobles
Director of Corporate Communications
tel: (615) 902-1109
fax: (615) 902-1110
cell: (615) 476-5984
e-mail: lnobles@thomasnelson.com

(Nashville, TN) More than 2 million branded products from the 3:16–The Numbers of Hope line have been sold as of January 31, 2008. All products are based upon the bestselling book by Max Lucado, 3:16–The Numbers of Hope, which released from Thomas Nelson on September 11, 2007.

“3:16 has repeatedly exceeded expectations and is continuing to grow in 2008,” says David Moberg, Senior Vice President and Group Publisher at Thomas Nelson. “The level of excitement from Nelson and its exceptional partners is unprecedented. 3:16-the movement-is just starting.”

Since September 2007, Thomas Nelson Inc. has sold more than 1.5 million units of its own branded 3:16 product including the hard cover book, evangelistic booklet, group study resources, Bible products, and children’s and youth book releases. And another half-million 3:16 products have been sold by 3:16 licensees including Kerusso, Indelible Creative Group, LifeWay Church Resources, LifeWay Worship, Hallmark/Dayspring, Good News Publishers, Bob Siemon Designs, Outreach Marketing and others. Additionally, churches both in the United States and worldwide are adopting the 3:16 message through significant direct to church sales and ministry initiatives.

3:16–The Numbers of Hope is currently licensed in 18 languages with more languages expected to add in 2008. Larry Downs, Vice President and Publisher of Grupo Nelson, the Spanish division of Thomas Nelson noted: “The message of 3:16 reaches out to all peoples. We’ve been particularly pleased with the response from Spanish speaking communities worldwide.”

On Friday, February 8, more than 13,000 people attended a special “3:16 Live” event at the Alamo Dome in San Antonio, Texas. Max Lucado spoke on the message of 3:16. The event featured artists including Michael W. Smith, Travis Cottrell, Mandisa, Sandi Patty, and Anthony Evans as well as dramatist Nicole Johnson. After the event, hundreds of attendees waited for hours for Lucado to personally sign books.

Max Lucado’s 3:16 message has been featured in a wide variety of media including “Fox & Friends,” “ABC News,” “The Hour of Power,” USA Radio Network, Texas Monthly magazine, Guideposts magazine, HomeLife magazine, and Christianity Today magazine.

For more information on 3:16 or Max Lucado, visit, www.ThreeSixteen.net or www.MaxLucado.com. With more than 50 million books in print, Max Lucado’s titles are read worldwide in more than 20 languages. Christianity Today magazine dubbed Lucado “America’s Pastor,” and Publishers Weekly, the general market publication for books and bookselling, recently proclaimed “there aren’t many authors bigger than Lucado.” In 2005, Reader’s Digest recently called him “America’s Best Preacher.” His books are regular fixtures on national bestseller lists including The New York Times, USA Today and Publishers Weekly. Lucado has been featured in a wide range of media, including USA Today, “Fox & Friends”, “Larry King Live” and “NBC Nightly News,” and has spoken at the National Prayer Breakfast before the President of the United States.