COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (March 19, 2021) – For more than eighty years, The Navigators has championed knowing Christ, making Him known, and helping others do the same. NavPress is renewing its focus on the ministry’s mission of training and encouraging disciplemakers in all walks of life. David Zimmerman has been appointed as the new publisher to direct NavPress in support of that mission.
“Book publishing is its most energizing when it is done in service to a movement,” Zimmerman said. “When well-crafted books call us into something more and greater and then help us along the way, they are achieving their higher potential for changing the world.”
Zimmerman is in his 28th year in the Christian publishing industry, serving most recently with NavPress as senior acquisitions editor since 2014. He leads the team in acquiring and developing new NavPress resources and building on the strength of a robust backlist catalog, including the bestselling Message Bible.
“Over the past seven years Dave has been instrumental in building not only NavPress’s list of titles focused on helping people as followers of Jesus, but also its reputation in the publishing industry and the world of Christian ministry,” said The Navigators U.S. Director Doug Nuenke. “We are excited for this next season with NavPress in our ambitious vision of reasserting the Great Commission as a normal part of the Christian life.”
Disciplemaking is the missional lifeblood and organizing focus for NavPress publications. In its books, Bibles, Bible studies and ministry resources, NavPress seeks to serve its readers by facilitating growth toward spiritual maturity in the context of relationships.
“The team here at NavPress is nimble and creative, eager and enthusiastic,” says Zimmerman. “Our sense of mission really binds us to our authors, our audience, and our publishing partners. It’s a good time to be engaged in this vital work.”
Leaders of significant recent Christian movements have praised Zimmerman for his congeniality and commitment to excellence. “I have appreciated his unusual blend of professionalism (efficiency and a keen eye for detail) with personable warmth,” shared Pete Greig, cofounder of the 24/7 Prayer movement and author of How to Pray. Debra and Alan Hirsch, cofounders of the Forge International Missions Training Network, called Zimmerman “a clear-headed believer in the medium and the authors who take it seriously. We’ve come to trust his instincts and appreciate his output.”
