Can you tell us something of the history of Moody Publishers? Many of the people who read the magazine will know of Moody Publishers but not its history and that of DL Moody.
Paul: Around the time Moody Bible Institute was founded, D. L. Moody conducted a series of evangelistic meetings in Madison, Wisconsin, USA. Afterwards, he visited a local bookstore, looking for reading material for the new converts to help them mature in their faith – something inexpensive, yet attractive and substantive. Such resources simply didn’t exist, so he founded the Bible Institute Colportage Association (BICA) in 1894 to distribute inexpensive books, booklets, Scriptures, and tracts. The books were sold in stores, through the mail via a “book-of-the-month club,” and by colporteurs travelling the country in horse-drawn carriages. The first book published was All of Grace, by C. H. Spurgeon, and it is still in print today from Moody Publishers.
By 1900, over four million books had been distributed, and by 1940, over 1,000 people were serving as colporteurs, including students who paid their way through Moody Bible Institute by selling books throughout the USA.
In the early 1940s, the BICA became part of The Moody Bible Institute, and had two primary focuses – Moody Press, and Moody Literature Mission (MLM). From the outset, proceeds from the sale and distribution of Moody Press books (now Moody Publishers) were either reinvested in getting more books to those who had no access or means (MLM), or invested into the ministry of The Moody Bible Institute. This remains true today – each year, all profits are invested in sponsoring students through the school.
What connection does Moody Publishers have to Moody Bible Institute?
Paul: The Moody Bible Institute is comprised of three primary ministries – education, radio, and publishing. The central offices of all three are on Moody’s main campus in Chicago. All proceeds above expenses from Moody Radio and Moody Publishers are reinvested in the school to help offset all tuition costs for its students.
Apart from Moody Publishers you also have the imprint of Northfield; can you explain the difference between the two?
Paul: We have two primary imprints – Moody Publishers (MP) and Northfield. While our mission and editorial philosophy are the same for both imprints, we presume different readers. MP titles assume a reader with a churched, biblically informed background. Northfield titles don’t assume any religious or churched background. Both imprints address similar themes, but in ways that are uniquely suited to serving the reader. For example 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman published under Northfield is based upon Biblical principles and teaching but does not have any Scriptural references.
Who are Moody Publishers’ bestselling authors and are there any books that have been in print from the beginning?
Randall: A few of Moody Publishers bestselling authors include Gary Chapman, Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth, John MacArthur, Erwin Lutzer, Tony Evans, and A.W. Tozer and of course Charles Spurgeon our first author – among many others! We also publish the Ryrie Study Bible, J. Oswald Sanders (e.g. Spiritual Leadership; The Incomparable Christ).
Are there any Moody Publisher authors that would sell well in the UK?
Randall: In addition to the above, there are many authors worth keeping an eye on! Hannah Anderson (Humble Roots and All That’s Good), Heather Holleman (Seated with Christ), Dustin Willis (The Simplest Way to Change the World), Paul Angone (101
Secrets for Your Twenties), Trillia Newbell (Fear and Faith) Kathy Koch (Start with the Heart and Screens and Teens), and Mark Sayers (Disappearing Church)… just to name a few. We also have quite a robust line of in-depth Bible studies: http://moodypublisherswomen. com/bible-studies/
Can you share your personal thoughts on the state of Christian publishing in the US?
Randall: Christian publishing stands at the threshold of some wonderful opportunities here in the US. People read more than ever before and people still love books – the challenge, and opportunity, is to produce the best material that honours the reader’s time while challenging and fostering spiritual growth. Reading habits are changing away from lengthy books. But the value of a great book in the hands of a willing reader cannot be overstated. Paul: While reading remains strong, “discovery” of what is available continues to evolve. Instore browsing remains high on the list but other channels are becoming increasingly important such as social media, word of mouth, author platforms, “also read” lists and events. Audiobooks are seeing double-digit growth,
while ebooks have settled down and found their niche. Spiritual interest remains high. According to AAP stats, the “Religion” category has been tracking higher than all others in the general trade, and human relationships remain a constant opportunity to serve the reader.
How do you see the future of Moody Publishers, both domestically in the USA and internationally?
Randall: We see a bright future. Our growth has been fuelled by bestsellers, long-term strong performers, and new releases. Our goal is to resource the church’s work. We do this by helping readers with their spiritual growth, marriages, family lives, church
health, and Bible study. There are so many opportunities for our books (and others’ books as well) to reach across borders and boundaries. We do what we do for our readers’ lives to be changed and their relationship with God to be strengthened.
Paul: Just as we partner with Moody Bible Institute in equipping students to serve the local and global church, we also serve the church of Christ, locally and globally. It’s enjoyable to pray for the Lord’s blessing on our work when our energies are focused on glorifying Him, exalting Jesus Christ, edifying the church, and reaching those who don’t yet know Christ personally. We ask God every day to multiply our reach for His glory. The fields are white unto harvest, and we see our books as labourers going out to the harvest.
Together Magazine
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