Christian publishers worldwide collaborate to overcome challenges
By Jennifer Howard | September 2025
(COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado)—More than 20 of the world’s leaders in Christian publishing gathered in Colorado Springs last week for the Global Christian Publishing Symposium hosted by Magazine Training International.
This strategic forum brought together participants from diverse regions to strengthen the future of Christian publishing worldwide.
Sitting round-table style as peers, individuals from Brazil, France, Kenya, Mexico, Uganda, Côte d’Ivoire, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, and the United States shared their passion for equipping the body of Christ through the written word. From graphic novels, e-books, and Bibles to books, videos, and magazines, each of them shared the challenges and opportunities faced. Some ten more from India, South Korea, Pakistan, Hong Kong, Nigeria, and Malaysia were unable to attend but sent in ideas and questions.
The echo chamber was challenged as participants introduced fresh voices and regional perspectives, breaking familiar patterns and broadening the global publishing conversation.
“Christian books don’t have to be free; they are actually worth something,” says Peter Cerra, senior director of international publishing and sales at Tyndale House Publishers in the United States. Cerra emphasized that publishers must combat the old missionary model of giving away free books in Latin America or Africa. He said that in order for publishers to succeed, a durable business model must be implemented so that culturally relevant content is produced by skilled regional writers.
“I’m trying to think of the publishers that have made the leap, and then look back and see what the bridge was that got them there,” says Gathuku Kibunga, executive secretary of Africa Speaks from Kenya. “How do we help to expand the integration of the local publisher to grow and scale beyond their own region?”
Through presentations, discussions, and collaborative workshops, participants developed a shared understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing Christian publishers in their unique contexts, while identifying ways their ministries can complement and learn from one another.
“When the Bible is available in a heart language, there is an evangelical publisher there to partner with,” says Dr. Colin Macpherson, director of publisher development for Langham Partnership in the United Kingdom.
Together they explored innovative solutions to persistent obstacles, and discovered opportunities for resource-sharing and collaboration that support the health and strength of Christian publishing regionally and globally.
While the symposium highlighted the vast potential of Christian publishing worldwide, participants also spoke candidly about the pressing challenges that must be addressed and the practical steps needed to move forward. The spectrum of needs boiled down to the ability to overcome the challenges of sustainability, technological advances, distribution, donor education, quality, and access to training.
“When we talk about the desire to attain sustainability we need to acknowledge that that means different things in different countries,” says Jeremy Taylor, chief ministry officer at Tyndale House Foundation.
“Dogged determination is a deciding factor,” added Macpherson.
By the end of the symposium, participants left with expanded knowledge, fresh perspectives, and ideas for new partnerships to help their ministries thrive and to strengthen Christian communication worldwide.
“We have to partner with a local team,” says Dr. Muthoni Omukhango, national director of CLC Kenya, “so that our voice is relevant and our message can be heard.”
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Magazine Training International’s mission is to encourage, strengthen, and provide training and resources to Christian magazine publishers as they seek to build the church and reach their societies for Christ.
