Happy book birthday to Faith Simplified

One year (and a couple of days) ago, my most recent book, Faith Simplified, was released. This book introduces new Christians and those curious about what we believe a look into the truths at the heart of our faith. This book isn’t a systematic theology textbook or an apologetics handbook. It’s an invitation to explore what we believe alongside someone who knows what it’s like to be new to the faith.¹ To know what we believe and why it matters so much.

Releasing a book is never easy

Releasing a book is never easy. And this one hit in the middle of a tumultuous time in our home (the details of which are not really mine to share, despite it all affecting me—but if y’all can be praying for our household, I’d appreciate it). But the Lord was kind, and gave me the time and energy I needed to focus on doing what I could. There are a number of things that didn’t go the way that I expected, or, frankly, hoped. And, realistically, the sales have not been what any of us hoped, which is disappointing, but also the difficulty we face in publishing today.²

The response is encouraging

But, like I said, the Lord has been kind through it all. Sales aside, the response to the book from readers confirmed that it is a needed resource, especially for those new to the faith or curious about about what Christians believe:

• Several people have described it as being accessible and down-to-earth, yet meaty.
• They find its stories engaging and love that it’s exploring these big truths in a way that anyone can understand.
• One even described it as feeling like “the wisdom of a big brother.”

But it’s not just individuals who are reading this book. I know of at least two churches that are using it in their ministries—one as part of their youth ministry, and another as a churchwide summer reading program. I’ve also personally led two online discussion groups around the book. And this is exactly what I’d hoped would happen.

May their tribe increase in the year ahead.

Thank you for supporting this book—and my hope for its future

I am so grateful to the team at Harvest House Publishers for believing in this book enough to give it a chance. I’m also grateful to Jenaye Merida, who has served as my literary agent for the last several years, for her efforts and encouragement in finding creative ways to put this book in the hands of people.

Thank you to each of you who has supported this book by purchasing a copy, sharing it with others, and leaving reviews. I know that subscribers (and social followers) probably get a little tired of authors talking about how important this is, but still. Truly, it means more than you know.

As this book enters its second year, I’m excited to see how the Lord will continue to use Faith Simplified. My hope is that even more people will explore the truths at the heart of our faith through this book. That more churches will introduce this resource to their communities. And as they do, I pray what they read will fuel their love for God and others.

And if you haven’t gotten your copy yet, I hope you will be one of them.

1. And it’s great for longtime believers looking to take a fresh look at these truths as well. ↩︎
2. Remember, 90% of books sell fewer than 2,000 copies over their lifetime. As someone who has worked in publishing for a decade now, I have many thoughts as to why that might be, as you can imagine. ↩︎