Following its announcement in October that it would “cease current operations” and lay off all 60 employees as of December 1, Nazarene Publishing House (NPH) says it is not closing down the 102-year-old publishing arm of the Church of the Nazarene, but is restructuring. “The go-forward plan, developed by NPH management and approved by the Board of Directors, will enable NPH to meet the literature needs of local Nazarene churches and Wesleyan partners,” read a statement.
Clarifying previous statements, NPH emphasized the Beacon Hill Press imprint has not been folded; plans are to continue publishing theological books and selling both front and backlist titles as Beacon Hill Press books. A key project will be the New Beacon Bible Commentary series and accompanying textbooks. Bob Brower, chairman of the NPH board, also stated that the production and distribution of “essential literature”-- including Sunday School curriculum for adults and children—is ongoing.
A smaller number of the laid-off employees was rehired and began work December 2. Mark Brown, interim CEO of NPH, stated, “Churches and individual customers saw no interruption to service as the business model changed December 2, 2014,” adding, “It’s true that we have faced significant challenges, but NPH will continue to bring a strong and robust Wesleyan voice to the evangelical world. We expect to continue servicing with excellence our authors, partners, and buyers both domestic and international.”
Said Brown, “Nazarene Publishing House is open for business. God is helping us imagine a new future, and we gladly anticipate serving our customers.”
