Jeff Crosby

"Music is the language of the spirit," wrote Kahlil Gibran, author of The Prophet. "It opens the secret of life bringing peace, abolishing strife." Music has the power to change lives. The power to bring peace and comfort. The power to help us make sense of our emotions and feelings, both the bitter and the sweet. The power to push back against strife and division in our lives and our world. The power to suggest answers to the questions we ask, and to guide our spirits. In Spirit in the Sky: Pop, Rock, R&B, and the Search for the Transcendent, a life-long student of recorded music - what the author calls his "language of the soul" - explores a mosaic of influential artists as he constructs a spirituality of pop, rock, soul, and R&B music and guides readers to be attentive to their souls, their hopes, their questions by listening to music past and present with an ear for the voice of God. Along the way, readers will be introduced to (or reminded of) a host of artists who have pointed the way forward through a diverse range of styles and approaches: Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan, Aretha Franklin, Bruce Springsteen, U2, The Staple Singers, The Indigo Girls, Janice Ian, Carly Simon, Marvin Gaye, Yusuf Islam (formerly known as Cat Stevens), The Beatles, Van Morrison, and others. Equal parts memoir, popular musicology, and spiritual exploration, The Spirit in the Sky is a book borne of a pursuit of the spiritual life, formed in large part through paying attention to the content of popular music and the questions it has prompted.

World of Wonders: The Transformative Power of Reading as a Spiritual DisciplineWhy should we read? It's a question Jeff Crosby both poses and beautifully answers through engaging personal stories, literary reflections, and spiritual insights, within this rich, thought-provoking book. World of Wonders is a heartfelt tribute to the power of books and reading's ability to unfurl the glory of God, transform our lives, open windows to the world, inspire our imaginations, and help us be more faithful Christ followers. Crosby explores how reading bridges differences, fosters understanding, and brings healing in a fractured world. Whether you're a lifelong reader or just beginning to explore the joy of books, this compelling work reveals reading as a sacred practice--a means to encounter God, navigate life's seasons, and cultivate a more meaningful faith. Discover: How reading shapes our spiritual journey--with wisdom from C. S. Lewis, Dostoyevsky, Maya Angelou, and other great thinkersCurated book recommendations at the end of each chapter to expand your literary and faith horizonsStories that inspire, challenge, and uplift--reminding us that books are not just entertainment but a form of divine companionshipPraise for World of Wonders: "World of Wonders is itself a wonder. Jeff Crosby illuminates how books deepen our spiritual lives, even when we don't realize it." -- J. Brent Bill, author of Holy Silence "More than a guide, this book is an invitation to embark on a lifelong journey of wonder, faith, and connection." -- J. Dana Trent, author of Between Two Trailers"This book will rekindle your love for reading and remind you that every page turned is a step toward God." -- Wendy Murray, author of The Franciscan Way Perfect for book lovers, spiritual seekers, and anyone looking to rediscover the joy of reading, World of Wondersis an essential companion for those who long to see God's presence revealed through the written word. A must-read for: Christian readers Lovers of faith-based literature Those seeking healing and inspiration through books Spiritual growth enthusiasts Anyone curious about the deeper meaning of reading

A Daughter's Lament, a Father's LegacyThis is the story of a simple man with passionate faith and the daughter who grieves him. Laura Fox crafts this vulnerable lament using vivid imagery and storytelling-introducing readers to "the Missing." Both a void and a presence, the Missing is the thread with which Fox weaves together memories of her unique upbringing and more recent realities. With contemplative care, she bears witness to her father's life and death. She dives into the depths of homesickness and the intensity of motherhood rubbed raw by grief. Making no space for platitudes, Fox rather gives a wide breadth for questions and wonder. Those who feel deeply will appreciate the poetic lens through which she describes the progression and nuances of grief. With honest emotion, this book might just deliver the reassurance a grieving reader is longing for-you are not alone.

A Daughter's Lament, a Father's LegacyThis is the story of a simple man with passionate faith and the daughter who grieves him. Laura Fox crafts this vulnerable lament using vivid imagery and storytelling-introducing readers to "the Missing." Both a void and a presence, the Missing is the thread with which Fox weaves together memories of her unique upbringing and more recent realities. With contemplative care, she bears witness to her father's life and death. She dives into the depths of homesickness and the intensity of motherhood rubbed raw by grief. Making no space for platitudes, Fox rather gives a wide breadth for questions and wonder. Those who feel deeply will appreciate the poetic lens through which she describes the progression and nuances of grief. With honest emotion, this book might just deliver the reassurance a grieving reader is longing for-you are not alone.

"Some publishers tell you what to believe. Other publishers tell you what you already believe. But InterVarsity Press helps you believe." J. I. Packer The history of evangelicalism cannot be understood apart from the authors and books that shaped it. Over the past century, leading figures such as pastor-scholar John Stott, apologist James W. Sire, evangelist Rebecca Manley Pippert and spiritual formation writer Eugene Peterson helped generations of readers to think more biblically and engage the world around them. For many who take their Christianity seriously, books that equip them for a life of faith have frequently come from one influential publisher: InterVarsity Press. Andy Le Peau and Linda Doll provide a narrative history of InterVarsity Press, from its origins as the literature division of a campus ministry to its place as a prominent Christian publishing house. Here is a behind-the-scenes look at the stories, people, and events that made IVP what it is today. Recording good times and bad, celebrations and challenges, they place IVP in its historical context and demonstrate its contribution to the academy, church and world. In honor of IVP's seventy-fifth anniversary, senior editor Al Hsu has updated this edition with new content, bringing the story up to 2022 and including stories about contemporary authors such as Esau McCaulley and Tish Harrison Warren. As IVP continues to adapt to changes in publishing and the global context, the mission of publishing thoughtful Christian books has not changed. IVP stands as a model of integrative Christianity for the whole person—heart, soul, mind and strength.

Over 400,000 Copies in Print "In the beginning was the song of love." In this timeless classic, Calvin Miller retells the story of Jesus through an allegorical poem about a Singer whose song could not be silenced. Since it was first published in 1975, The Singer has left an indelible impression on Christian literature and offered believers and seekers the world over a deeply personal encounter with the gospel. With a new foreword by IVP Publisher Jeffrey Crosby and an updated interior design, The Singer is now available as part of the IVP Signature Collection, which features special editions of iconic books in celebration of the seventy-fifth anniversary of InterVarsity Press. Now there's also a companion Bible study guide available with eight sessions exploring the characters in the text.