Father's Day is June 20, but Christian publishers, whose customers are primarily women, are keeping men in mind all year long. “Men and women often diverge in the way they intersect with their faith and each other,” says Andrea Doering, who speaks on behalf of Baker Books and is managing editor of Revell, both divisions of Baker Publishing Group. “We want to be aware of the diverse needs of our readers and offer the subjects they need in the language that will most help.”
For example, Baker Books is highlighting The Intentional Father: A Practical Guide to Raise Sons of Courage and Character (Aug.) by Jon Tyson. Tyson, pastor of Church of the City in New York City, walks dads (and granddads and mentors) through practical steps to mentor young men to know what they believe and who they are, and who will stand up for what they believe. Harvest House will offer 8 Great Dates for Dads & Daughters (Aug.) by Bob and Dannah Gresh, authors of numerous books and creators of the True Girl live events. They feature eight creative “dates” designed to help a dad spend quality time with his daughter and engage her in discussions about relationships, identity, and self-worth. And publishers such as Barbour and Bethany House have titles that could be Dad gifts out now.
A look at the titles geared to guys:
The Prayer Map for Dads
This book provides journaling space to record thoughts, ideas, and lists that create a “map” for dads to follow as they pray. Each “map” includes a spot to record the date so fathers can look back and see how God has worked in their lives and the lives of their children of all ages. (Barbour, out now)
Strength for the Challenge: 365 Devotions for Men
The book encourages men to seek daily strength from God through Jesus Christ. It features hundreds of contemporary devotions plus “classics” from figures such as D.L. Moody, Andrew Murray, Charles Spurgeon, and John Wesley.(Barbour, out now)
Kingdom Men Rising: A Call to Growth and Greater Influence
Author Tony Evans —founder of Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship, president of The Urban Alternative, and radio show host—challenges men to personal discipleship and to apply discipleship skills and a leadership mindset to all areas of life. The book (out now) offers insights, stories, and counsel from God’s Word to lead men to the lives they were called to live. A related devotional, Kingdom Men Rising Devotional, releases in November. (Bethany House)
Short Prayers of Wisdom for Men
This is a collection of short prayers and quotes from influential Christian voices such as Oswald Chambers, St. Augustine, and Charles Spurgeon. Prayers are divided into four areas of spiritual growth for men: illumination, direction, restoration, and legacy building. (Harvest House, Sept.)
The Dad Tired Guide to Basic Bible Study
Jerrad Lopes, host of the Dad Tired podcast and founder of the nonprofit ministry DadTired.com, introduces readers to the basics of reading the Bible and getting the most out of time with God. He encourages journaling to apply biblical truths, record important Bible verses, and write down how God works in a dad’s life. (Harvest House, Nov.)
