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Action Bible Creators David C. Cook and Sergio Cariello speak

E

Innovative Christian Products

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Inside Zondervan

16

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Learn from the bible software giants at Logos how to really engage others for Christ.

38 The Passion student ministry is profiled.

32

I

Editors FEED t’s so important that we shop

Christian. This can be something as simple as supporting your

Three reasons I can think of for

church’s gift shop, to something

you to shop Christian this month:

as complex as buying bible software like the ones we discuss on page 38. There’s only two product types. The ones that build and the ones that destroy. Those that honor Christian values and those that don’t! Yes, even in the market place, there is no neutral ground.

Companies are also citizens. Their decisions impact the masses more readily than we do as individuals.

That’s why Hobby Lobby’s decision to not support abortion lit up the internet! Because it’s a Christian co, it argued that what people do is their right, however, we also have a right to not finance it on the grounds of our faith. They won!

Do you think buying Christian products is important? Share your thoughts with our creative class here.

Companies live longer than we do. That means, that Chick-fil-a, was probably here before you were born, and will likely be here after it.

It will still be Christian, and, influencing the culture with its values long after we’re gone.

Christian companies act as think tanks for you and me. That means innovation, what we here at Faith FEED believe is the number one thing needed in the body of Christ. Christian companies have to do the research and development necessary to craft offers that Christians want and need. Think of Mark Burnett’s latest hit, ‘The Bible’ and how that’s had a ripple effect. He knew, Christians wanted a video story update of their cornerstone book, and, developed a product to meet the need.

As a result, we all grew spiritually!

This month we sit down with Action Bible authors, David Cook and Sergio Cariello to discuss the meaning of their content [p8]]. We also look inside the Logos Bible Software Giant to peer at how innovation and bible study can meet at last [p38].

Christian organizations are really think tanks for believers Would you join us this month? In supporting, whatever local Christian shop, black, white, brown or yellow that you can find?

-Linda

Jesus H

Action Packed

A look at The Action Bible series of books

aving trouble falling

Sergio has developed a

to sleep while reading the

library of comic book bibles,

Word? Then fear no more,

all of which, he follows this

The Action Bible is here!

process to develop.

DC and Marvel Comics

“Whether its statues or

artist Sergio Cariello has

props, I have to get the real

seen to that. How does he

thing. I just need it for

do it? “I get real artifacts

reference.” He says while

like a jawbone for

explaining how he

Samson’s story or a sword

illustrates the drawings.

for king David, and it guides me!”

How Action Bible Creators David C. Cook and Sergio Cariello bring Gods Word to life.

I guess that makes since.

Its said, “A picture is worth a thousand words” That The Action Bible hosts 215 fast-paced narratives of graphic imagery, all in chronological order.

would mean Sergio’s work is technically better than what we know today as the bible. Given it adds art to the words, you won’t bump into the issues many advanced bible readers

One of many booklets, the Easter version focuses solely on the life, death and resurrection of Christ.

have, namely that, it’s difficult to picture all of this.

“The bible doesn’t necessarily get into the details of how Jesus wept.

It just states that he did” says one Action Bible reader. “However, in The

Written in English Standard, the study version breaks the stories down into lessons, quizzes and other features that enhance learning.

Action Bible, you get details, illustrations and visual aid to reference.”

Who reads the bible if you

picture is already showing.

have to do all of the

One picture by Sergio can

imagining on your own? A

cover a few chapters in

very few people, that’s who.

scripture. So he’s left only

Instead, author David C.

to give details where the

Cook keeps the text honest

words are needed. Cook

and blunt. Seeing his

simply gives the pictures a

purpose as briefly

written story line better

expounding upon what the

etching them together in

Focuses on the period before time began, Gods creation and how He redeems it back to His purpose.

Themes and songs from Rend Collective, Israel Houghton, and Planet Shakers that correspond with stories from the book.

the readers imagination. So there is a verbal and visual

Enabling the reader to

dependency that makes it

empathize with and feel

work.

what the bible characters

But his work isn’t quite done there. Having a narrative is just the beginning, each character is given a life, in much the same way your favorite stars are in film.

felt, is a part of the Actions Bible’s rich experience.

Forget having to imagine it, you see it for yourself! And coming from a Dc and Marvel illustrator, we’re double sure you get the picture.

Sergio Cariello drawing Samson.”I brought in real artifacts of that day to guide and inspire me”. .

But it’s the narrative that is

but compelling narratives

most ingenious! “Cook

too. The storification of

gives the feel of an actual

what we deem the bible to

screenplay” says Odith, a

be is more than needed.

reader living in Sweden. “Its

Yes, Jesus is a great story

not a mere word for word

to remember, but, what of

scripting of the bible. That

those who’ve followed God

would be too boring”. The

in other places of scripture

creators of the Action bible

that often go untold? The

feel that today, more than

Action Bible brings them to

at any time, the bible needs

the forefront creatively.

to be innovated upon, not just with creative illustration

Jesus is depicted as the obvious hero, who encounters setbacks that allow readers to identify with his humanity.

Paul goes from putting Christians in jail to serving jail time for being Christianity’s most outspoken believer!

Depicted as history’s most disruptive social leader, Moses brings 1,000,000 Israelites from captivity into Gods best

Though it’s often classified as a “Children’s book” because of its rich illustrational content, this label is very misguided. The Action Bible is an illustrated version of the bible, the fact that kids enjoy merely

Its impact on young men is especially noted, as they lag in interest regarding the Christian faith, and especially church.

You’ll find that most of its readers are young teenage boys ages 10-17 though many adults have a copy too.

points out its genius in

The Action Bible is just what’s

simplifying the ancient text!

needed on our Christian book shelves. The title alone hints

at what should be paired with our knowledge of God’s Word.

Far too much, the bible is viewed as the thing you sit your drink on top of on the living room table, a useless fixture in many Christian homes. Any attempt to showcase its message beyond that is considered somehow heretic or sinful, when in reality that’s just this sort of tinkering that’s needed for believers to grow.

That’s why the Action Bibles’ product line has gone beyond books altogether, acknowledging the part active learning plays in the development of Christians. This means toys, games and challenges such as puzzles and contests.

All in all, The Action Bible brand has proven that we can surpass a mere 66 books of words, and leverage bible teaching via visual, active and other products and services. That way, the next time you’re dozing off reading a favorite passage before bed, you can switch to something that adds a bit more action to the script!

Zondervan has published over 1,000,000,000 bibles in both digital and hardcopy. But in interviewing their company, we learned, they’re just getting started.

Inside

Zondervan Where is the world’s largest bible publisher taking us?

I

t’s not every day that

you look into the world’s largest provider of biblical

the planet’s leading bible publishing medium, that now, is beginning to expand its offer line into the digital age. In short, they’re doubling down on

publishing-tech products, that

Zondervan was founded in 1933 by bothers Peter and Bernard. Its first book was, ‘Women of the Old Testament’

by Abrham Kuyper

In the 1950’s, Zondervan began partnering with more established Christian organization to produce versions of the bible.

publishing. Simply put, you wouldn’t recognize them at your local Barnes and Nobles or Lifeway store. But if you’re vigilant, you will notice, way yonder in the Christian books area, a bible baring their name.

It’s none other than Zondervan,

enable Gods Word to be competitive in a world of so many voices. Case and point: Olive Tree. The mere bible study site, now boasts its interactive

app download that offers an

every device, it’s there just like I

integrated bible reading

left it!” says one user, referring

experience, [serenading

to its ability to stream your highlights, notes and references across platforms. Zondervan’s Olive Tree app empowers

Zondervan stakes its claim in online bible reading as well, founding the Olive Tree’s website.

Olive Tree’s app imbeds multi-media, such as videos and infographics, into the bible reading experience.

study tools such as its encyclopedia, daily reading plans and devotions] will now sync into all of your devices, with a single sign up. “I don’t have to have it downloaded on

you to customize your bible reading, in much the same way you’re already doing the big book at home anyway.

Former president, Benjamin Franklin, said it best, “Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.” Is Zondervan going to

interact with the ancient ruins of Babylon or view a reenactment of David’s’ battle with the Amalekites clipped from a feature film, change occurs!”

Interaction is the new standard for bible publication change the world’s bible learning curve? We sure hope

Zondervan’s working to enable users to connect with other

so! “Interaction is how we

readers around the passages,

develop experiences, not

and related content, a social

hearing and watching” says Professor Ledburg, Winsworth bible college in Atlanta, Georgia. “When we’re able to

media of sorts you might say.

“Can you imagine being able to minister to someone going through a divorce, while they’re

reading a passage like Proverbs

Imagine being able to see the

18:10?” too add to Professor

passages your friends are

Ledburgs’ statement, we’d

reading the most or partaking of

include, being able to sync your

discussions they are having

notes to your computer for

around key scriptures online? It Instead, its tools enable readers to interact with the contents of scripture bringing it to life

Zondervan is leading the bible publishing community away from static hardcopies

encouragement at work.

means pastors can interject into conversations members

The internet of things isn’t as

are having in forums, or, an

super tech as you think. It just

imbedded Twitter feed within

means your stuff talks to your

the bible app. Everything’s

stuff and keeps you in the know.

connected. Everything better’s.

Zondervan wants to bring the

We’re just waiting for

bible into that realm!

Zondervan Community

Zondervan to push the button.

And they will! At least that’s what they did with the biggest

Zondervan has a host of online networks allowing believers to interact with Christian authors, bloggers and publishers about their issues.

online bible in the world, which they own as well, - Bible Gateway. It’s taken key steps to allow visitors to search with more accuracy and sensitivity to what they’re looking for.

Zondervan however isn’t just into the bible, but, it’s released a host of books for its audience of Christian inquisitors. And though that

More than just books

doesn’t exclude eBooks, they still have, for instance, their best-selling, ‘Dad’s Devotional

Bible’ as a core product around Father’s Day. They’ve also released, ‘Believe’ a bible devotion and study companion with Randy Frazee encouraging others

to think, be, and act like Jesus.

Another book, ‘Sacred Marriage’, by Gary Thomas, and still another, ‘Gifted Hands’

by Ben Carson, was released under its brand this year.

So what say ye? Can the bible jump the curve of multi-media book publishing, and deliver a content rich experience for readers that’s akin to what they’re used to experiencing online? If you look beyond the publishing name on your bible, and into the actual organization called Zondervan, the answer to that is obvious.

Who cares?

That’s what most would say if you asked them to buy Christian products.

Why Shop Christian

?

S

he learned it from that

d@%n music she’s always listening to” says Diane, mother of 15 year old Carol Hunt.

“Whenever her grades drop, I take that IPhone away from her” she continues, in a rant about how today’s technology

And while we don’t necessarily believe that tech is bad, Diane has a point about the influence of secularism in today’s music and more broadly, global marketplace. Simply put, we need creative Christian alternatives now! And let’s get

influences kids for the worst.

77% Made it clear that they would only buy from a company if the product was good, Christian or not.

Of Christians we surveyed said they would buy from a company solely because it’s “Christian”

33%

this straight, we’re not just talking about a Christian product here and there, but our

Christian Branding The Christians we surveyed want faith based brands, not mere products here and there.

studies show that Christians, the world’s biggest religious group, want Christian brands, not mere products. They’re looking for organizations that represent their values in the global marketplace as a whole

Believers are looking for companies that are committed to their values all of the time, not merely when selling.

not just in business. “That would look like supporting Christian causes with a dollar of each purchase” says Nancy Valmour

do” she sighs. “They look at all the other stuff more” and all the other stuff she explains to our journalist is, “Your life!” Does that drive it home yet? It should!

Believers want to know that beneath the surface, there is a culture of substance, values and depth that is coherent with their beliefs. So do sweat the

small stuff is a good bit of Nancy Valmour hates blatant faith images in her custom designs. She focuses on giving a percentage of sales to Christian causes

advice for company’s desiring to

instead. She then promotes the effort reach Chrsitians.” But it doesn’t within her marketing and has found that Christian buyers that beneath the surface, end there, if anything, that isthere responding more is a culture of substance, values positively. just the beginning. Christians

and depth that is coherent with

want brands that allow them to their beliefs. So do sweat the

a local fashion designer in

be a part of something way small stuff is a good bit of

Manhattan New York. “I hate

biggeradvice than the purchasedesiring of anyto for company’s

just slabbing a cross or Jesus

reach Chrsitians.

But it doesn’t one product, and instead, want

face on my designs. That’s over

to feel supporting the Butgood it doesn’t

compensating for not doing the

company in general. So that

real stuff. Christians want you to

teaching young women the demands social involvement in

power of abstinence.” Nancy

their causes at the executive,

continues. It all adds to the

supplier and overall corporate

authenticity of the product, that

level as well. “I know for me, I

it, in fact, is made by real

want to see the founder of a

Christians.

company I buy from at church,

A

Does the organization adhere to Christian values beyond when it’s just selling?

If it’s a brand that’s true to the name of Christ, its role in the kingdom is far more vital than you think?

B Does the company’s leadership appear to be forward thinking?

Believers today know the world they are living in is becoming more and more secular, so, if

If you’re a Christian

you’re going to be a Christian

shopper, you should

brand, they want to see you be

check with faith

more and more Jesus.

brands first, to play

C Does their core product or service add real value to your life?

your part

D If you answered “yes” to A-C, you are duty bound as a Christian to support this company.

What better way to influence the

backs. So, it will likely be

culture than to buy from the

business that creates the

world’s most influential thing- a

opportunity for us to change the

business! Its businesses that

world for Christ through those

put music on the air, films on

very same mediums. That’s why

the screen and clothes on our

believers, in our surveys, are

How Christian are you? In today’s transparent world, its more than what you sell that has to be Christian.

You do too!

shopping Christian. In so many

secular music isn’t doing it, we

words, they want to change the

can’t say today’s “Christian”

world with their values. But will

products are either. “There isn’t

brands help?

any fun Christian music to listen too.” Carol honestly proclaims.

Good Products

“And when it is, it’s not nearly enough” she goes on to tell us

People like Diane are looking to buy things that help mature their children in the faith, and, nurture them to being well rounded adults. And while

how the Christian alternatives are never “share worthy” which is why so many young people

Church tech was the top Christian product purchased by pastors and ministry leaders.

buy anything in the first place.

“You’re in the ‘it’ crowd when you have the new stuff and share it first!”

Twisted Fate But if kids like Carol only have secular music to share, well, you can imagine what our future will hold. If there are only none Christian brands out there, and a few positive Christian products we won’t see a future

Clothing was the number one Christian products those surveyed said they like to buy where Gods Word is honored and His values acknowledged.

If there is one reason to shop Christian, it’s a last ditch effort to support the things that support your faith.

Spiritually Awakened Generation They’ve brawled viciously to not be seen as a “conference” but rather a movement of Christ amongst Christian students.

And it was a battle well fought.

W

hen does a student

ministry movement matter to people outside the body of Christ? When they give $14,000,000 to worthy causes around the globe! The movement? It’s called, “The Passion” a generation of young people who’ve decided to seek God with fervor and conviction.

And boy have they done it! But if you insist on a more classical introduction, The Passion movement was founded by Louie and Shelley Giglio. Louie, a Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas, was asked to deliver the benediction at the

second inauguration for President Barack Obama [namely for his work against human trafficking]. But accolades aside, he and his wife have more intently focused on the Passion Conferences, inviting some of the body of Christs’ greatest movers and shakers for the kingdom. “I learn so much when I go there.

For me its not the music, which is what everyone seems to like.

It’s the people I meet. The sermons and the music”Shelby, S

Beth Moore told a very riveting

that you can completely change

story about her life struggles,

your mind? It is one of the rights

particularly overcoming sinful

you have as the children of

desires. “So many times we get

God.” she speaks lowly, in a

it in our head that real change is

‘come hither’ tone to the likes of

not possible. I want you to know

22,000 students.

Musician Christy Nockels is a passion movement leader, using her music to sweep audiences into the presence of God

Passion band member, David Crowder was cited as, “Thoughtful, progressive and exciting” by the New York Times.

Founder Louie Giglio leads the movement uniting hundreds of thousands of students annually.

Passion focuses on student’s ages 18-24 meeting in cities such as Miami, Atlanta and DC.

Not a dry eye in the room, Beth Moore shares with Passion how she was abused as a child.

“Before I was saved, I defined myself by what type of clothes I could buy, what type of cars I could drive or the women I dated. But none of that made me significant. My significance, comes from God alone.” Says

Once 7:22 worship leader, Kristian Stanfill now Passion musician is also known for his album, ‘Mountains Move’

rapper Lacrae to the tens of

thousands of star struck listeners at this year’s meeting.

And it won’t stop! Passion’s leadership is claiming to have next year’s lineup already prepared. But that’s not before it finishes its tour for the remainder of 2015,

Charting cities such as Philadelphia and VA amongst its path.

Logos Bible Software Logos bible software has taken the bible digital and added a wad load of imagery, concept illustration, visual aid and multimedia to back it up!

If you could go inside the world’s BIGGEST Christian software firm, how would that feel? In the coming pages, you’ll accomplish that and more!

Allows users to apply theological strategy to day to day issues via its mutlti media tools.

These include devotions, videos and application devices.

W

Using Hebrew, Greek and English sources, the Logos Scholars Edition allows for a more in depth biblical study. Its digital tools consist of its prayer log and reading plan with ecalendar reminders.

hat if instead of

Acts as a research assistant for bible instructors, pulling up relevant content on any given scripture. It also includes leadership study material from Christianity Today amongst others.

it engaged them upon a quest

searching for a particular

that changed the world!

passage in your bible, you

“Using Logos is like having 5

could actually experience it?

bibles next to you, a

That’s what the few

concordance, a bible

programmers who started

dictionary, Greek or Hebrew

Logos bible software in their

definitions, and many more

basement had in mind. Their

aids. All on one bible page

mission? Equip others to

you have all these

effectively study the bible.

resources. What used to take

Simple. But boy has

hours to study can now be done

with their bible study. Life is just

in seconds and minutes.” says

so crazy in the 21st century and

Charles Jemeyson, exclaiming

technology is supposed to make

how their bible tools have

it easier.” says Logos staff.

shortened his reading time.

They are thriving with their tools

Innovation of this sort is key to

for Windows and Mac assuring

Logos’ growth. It released its

that “2,000 years of biblical

Christian eBook store and

material allows people to go

eReader app called Vyrso for

where they couldn’t go without

every day believers in 2011,

it” he continues

and still managed to

combination-punch with its ‘Proclaim’ church presentation Software in 2012. “People are frustrated

making it clear that they don’t

goes to show that they are a

just build a product that they

part of something far bigger

throw out to the public, but that

than selling another device,

they engage a community of

rather, it’s a movement that

people who are passionate

better engages people with

about bible study. “When I get

God! And a price can’t be

off of the phone with someone,

placed on that. As Logos grows

before I’m done they will say,

however, their aim spans

“Hey can I pray for you.” A

beyond the U.S. to making their

Logos sales rep tells us. It just

work available in countries across the globe.

Christians Who Code The company was founded in 1992 by former Microsoft employees Bob Pritchett and Kiernon Reiniger, along with Bob’s father, Dale Pritchett.

Which may explain the software’s’ rich compatibility with world class computer systems.

The future seen by them? It’s one where the bible is felt, seen, and overall experienced, not just read. Furthermore, the founders work to assure their software makes bible navigation, research and study

Programmer and President Bob Pritchett cofounded Logos after leaving a career at Microsoft.

myriad times easier. “I use it to lead a neighborhood bible study” says Mark Townsend of Jacksonville, Florida. “It cost a lot but it’s paid off.” Speaking of the company’s biggest, yet seemingly only criticism,-its cost.” But I’d be a fool to say it’s not worth it” Mark continues.

Vice President Dan Pritchett brings his background in marketing to Logos.

“Because it sounds greedy, small businesses in particular do not generally talk about profit. Instead they focus on their secondary purposes” says founder Bob Pritchett,

Dale Pritchet is Senior Vice President having founded his own computer company after getting a degree in theology.

sharing how the product you provide isn’t why you start a Logos has nearly 100 different products all focused on some aspect of enhanced bible study

business, it’s the profit too! A healthy turn from what most of us expect from a Christian business leader. For some reason everyone thinks to be Christian is to be poor and humble. And Christian products,

A mobile education course was founded

by Logos enabling members to complete theological studies under their brand.

like the Logos series, are no exception. “Profit enables all the other goals and missions” Bob continues. “Pick a profit target and consider it as sacred as payroll” he says.

Their latest product, Logos 6 boasts a plethora of interactive media to aid your bible studies.

Not Just Study Tools Logos has branched off into other, parallel fields, having founded ‘BibleScreens’ a company focusing on bible presentation for television and the big screen. And it’s mobile

Logos reader Heather Walters says, “Ultimately the book of Jonah is about passion” based on her experience with the software.

Steve Smither applauds Logos for structuring the bible in such a way that it simply makes more sense.

education site, Logos Mobile Ed, are all intertwined within its family of products. “I feel the company is positioned for growth. Growth of its people. Growth of its customers and most of all, growth of Gods kingdom” one of its reps explained. And if the bibles values needing to be communicated creatively is any indicator, we’d say the same.

Don Bell credits Logos with allowing him to put bible stories and passages in their proper context.

Christian College Grants Scholarship to AME Church Family

I

an act of terrorism! n the evening of June 17,

2015, 21 year old white supremacist Dylann Roof murdered 9 black elderly people in the historic Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina, because he feared that they were “ … taking over our country. And … have to go.” in his own words.

An event most people are calling an act of terrorism.

However, prestigious Christian college, Southern Wesleyan University is doing their part, as a responsible Christian organization. “Right now, more than anything, we want DePayne’s children to know we love them. We want to honor DePayne’s service to SWU and her belief in Christian higher education as an important

element in Gracyn, Kaylin, Hali and Czana’s future success.” says the schools Vice President Chad Peters , regarding the children of the victimized parent, DePayne Middleton Doctor’s children, if they wish to attend. The names of doctor’s children are Gracyn, Kaylin, Hali, and Czana.

Middleton, having given them full scholarships to the school, if they choose to attend. Doctor Depayne was an

admissions coordinator at the university’s learning center and received her master’s degree in management there in 1994.

“We realize the scholarships won’t ease the pain of loss that the children are dealing with now and in the future; however, it is our desire as a community for each of them to know we care about them.” says the schools president.

If you still doubt Kingdom Co’s can have an impact…

In 2011,Sen Mike Huakabee initiated a Chick-fil-A appreciation day to counter secularists boycotts of the Christian restaurant

“Those who have the audacity to define what marriage is about are inviting God's judgment on our nation"

Chick-fil-A withstood

More than 600,000 people showed their support bumping the stores average sales up by 30%

Christian companies are depending on our support to maintain Christ’s place in the culture.

an onslaught of political attacks due to its stand on biblical values

S. Truett Cathy, Founder