'The Purpose-Driven Life' Draws Critical Acclaim

The fact that books like these have won in consecutive years is a true testimony of the lasting impact a Christian book can have on one's life. -- ECPA President Doug Ross
By John Ma

The bestselling "Purpose-Driven Life," by Rick Warren, received the "Book of the Year" Award from the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association for the second consecutive year. Warren's publication was one among 20 recipients selected for the ECPA Gold Medallion. The awards were announced during an ECPA banquet in Atlanta on June 26, which celebrated the organization's 30th anniversary.

Serving as the pastor of the Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, Calif., Warren has continued to receive significant recognition for the book, which was on the best-seller's list of The New York Times for 70 weeks.

"The fact that books like these have won in consecutive years is a true testimony of the lasting impact a Christian book can have on one's life," ECPA President Doug Ross said. "These titles are mere examples of the power of God working through His people to convey the message of hope. I pray they continue to impact lives for Jesus Christ for many years, driving people to discover the many other resources our industry offers for growth and encouragement."

The staff at Saddleback has also followed Warren's footsteps to produce their own publications. "Foundations," a curriculum, developed by the Saddleback staff, which aims to research in developing a worldview of Christianity has been published by Zondervan. The "Foundations" curriculum has been used at Saddleback for the past 12 years.

"It was a big project, so we're taking a little breather," Holladay said. "Actually, Kay is focusing right now on a very significant calling of God in her life, working with AIDS victims throughout the United States and in Africa."

Winners in other various Gold Medallion categories include:

Bibles -- "Revolve: The Complete New Testament" (NCV), Thomas Nelson Publishers.

Reference Works/Commentaries -- "Philosophical Foundations For A Christian Worldview," by J.P. Moreland and William Lane Craig, InterVarsity Press.

Fiction -- "Thr3e" by Ted Dekker, WestBow Press.

Biography/Autobiography -- "In the Presence of My Enemies" by Gracia Burnham and Dean Merrill, Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.

Theology/Doctrine -- "Old Testament Theology" by John Goldingay, InterVarsity.

Devotional -- "Pierced By The Word" by John Piper, Multnomah Publishers, Inc.

Inspirational -- "Next Door Savior" by Max Lucado, W Publishing Group.

Christian Living -- "The Trouble With Jesus" by Joseph M. Stowell, Moody Publishers.

Christianity and Society -- "Being the Body" by Charles Colson and Ellen Vaughn, W Publishing Group.

Missions/Evangelism -- "Permission Evangelism" by Michael L. Simpson, NexGen, an Imprint of Cook Communications Ministries.

Christian Ministry -- "The Emotionally Healthy Church" by Peter Scazzero with Warren Bird, Zondervan.

Family and Parenting -- "Preparing Your Son for Every Man's Battle" by Stephen Arterburn and Fred Stoeker with Mike Yorkey, WaterBrook Press.

Gift Book/Poetry -- "Think About These Things" by Ric Ergenbright, Crossway.

Bible Study -- "Experiencing the Heart of Jesus" by Max Lucado, Thomas Nelson.

Spanish -- "El Cristiano en la Aldea Global" by Antonio Cruz, Vida Publishers.

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