wfn.org | ELCA Publisher Introduces 'The Christian Handbook'

[<NEWS@ELCA.ORG>]

ELCA NEWS SERVICE

November 16, 2005

ELCA Publisher Introduces 'The Christian Handbook'
05-223-JB

     CHICAGO (ELCA) -- Augsburg Fortress, publishing ministry of
the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), recently
introduced "The Christian Handbook" to the marketplace, following
its highly successful introduction this year of "The Lutheran
Handbook."
     Some 36,000 copies of The Christian Handbook were sold in
advance of the book's appearance on the market last month,
primarily to a variety of Christian retailers.	It is a "brand
extension" of Augsburg Fortress' The Lutheran Handbook, part of
the "Here We Stand" confirmation series.  The Lutheran Handbook
has sold about 100,000 copies since it was introduced in April,
according to an Augsburg Fortress news release.
     "The Christian Handbook is a natural outgrowth of our
incredibly successful book, The Lutheran Handbook," said Beth A.
Lewis, president and chief executive officer, Augsburg Fortress.
     "While Augsburg Fortress is the ministry of publishing
within the ELCA, we serve congregations and individuals from a
wide range of Christian traditions.  The Christian Handbook
allows us to reach these ecumenical partners and people who are
interested in learning about Christianity beyond the Lutheran
tradition.  In many ways, The Christian Handbook is a marvelous
outreach and evangelism tool for Augsburg Fortress and the ELCA
because of the broader reach," she said.
     Like The Lutheran Handbook, The Christian Handbook combines
practical tips and humor for serious Christians, new believers or
any reader exploring the faith, affectionately poking fun at the
customs and culture of churchgoing, the publisher's news release
said.
     Augsburg Fortress is hoping the new nondenominational
version, with an initial printing of 75,000, will reach an even
broader audience. The Christian Handbook offers a refresher
course on a variety of subjects:
 + How to Stay Alert in Church;
 + What to Bring to a Church Potluck (By Region);
 + Ten Ways to Live Your Faith All Week Long;
 + How to Memorize a Bible Verse;
 + How to Survive an Old Testament Plague;
 + The Seven Funniest Bible Stories.
     The Christian Handbook also contains maps, charts, and other
resources in three user-friendly sections: "Church Stuff,"
"Everyday Stuff" and "Bible Stuff."
     The Rev. Kristofer A. Skrade, new brand development editor,
Augsburg Fortress, said The Christian Handbook's dry humor is
meant to be refreshing.
     "It's an approach that lets us laugh at the idiosyncrasies
of American Christianity while celebrating our faith," Skrade
said.
     The Christian Handbook is the lead title in a planned series
of user-friendly faith guides that Augsburg Fortress will launch
in response to the popularity of their denominational guide, The
Lutheran Handbook, the news release said.  In addition, Augsburg
Fortress plans to introduce "The Lutheran Handbook for Pastors"
and "The Lutheran Handbook on Marriage" in April 2006; later in
the year it plans to introduce "The Lutheran Course on Marriage."
It will also introduce "The Christian Handbook for Pastors" and
"The Christian Handbook on Marriage" next April.
---
     Information about Augsburg Fortress is available at
http://www.augsburgfortress.org on the Web.

For information contact:
John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or news@elca.org
http://www.elca.org/news