A lead fund-raiser for the Baptist World Alliance is stepping down after seven months on the job to become a vice president in a Christian publishing firm.
HarperCollins Christian Publishing announced Nov. 1 the hiring of Philip Nation as vice president and publisher for Thomas Nelson Bibles. Starting Dec. 2, he will oversee acquisitions, author and title development, and product innovation for the King James Version, New King James Version, New English Translation and International Children’s Bible.
Philip Nation
Nation, director of advancement and Global Impact Churches for the BWA since April, called it an “unexpected and exciting opportunity.”
Nation, who has worked over the years as a pastor, church planter and professor, worked as director of content development at LifeWay Christian Resources, the Southern Baptist Convention’s publishing arm, between 2008 and 2016.
“We are thankful for Philip’s investment of time, talent, and gifts at the BWA and anticipate more fruit coming to bear in the season ahead as a result of his ministry with us,” said BWA General Secretary Elijah Brown.
The Global Impact Church program, launched in anticipation of the Southern Baptist Convention’s withdrawal from the global Baptist network in 2004, allows individual churches to support the BWA financially and connect with conventions, unions, churches and other Baptist entities around the world.
Based in Nashville, Tennessee, HarperCollins Christian Publishing Inc. includes both Thomas Nelson and the Zondervan publishing groups. With additional offices in the United States in Mexico, it lays claim as the world’s leading Christian publisher.
Nation said it has “been an honor to meet leaders from around the world who faithfully make disciples, plant churches, endure persecution, and keep pressing forward for the sake of the Gospel.”
“I will continue to advocate for unity and collaboration among the global Baptist family so that the Good News of Jesus Christ can be shown in both word and deed,” said Nation, a graduate of Samford University’s Beeson Divinity School with a D.Min. in missional leadership from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.
“Philip brings a rare mix of publishing experience, theological training, pastoral ministry, and strong communication skills as a speaker and an author,” said John Kramp, senior vice president for Bibles and Spanish Group publisher for HarperCollins. “We’re excited for Philip to lead our Thomas Nelson Bibles team in its next phase of growth.”