GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., March 13, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Zondervan announced today that The Story, an abridged, chronological version of the Bible, has sold more than one million copies. Condensed into 31 accessible chapters, The Story takes readers through the unfolding progression of the Bible from Genesis to Revelation. Using the clear, accurate, and easy-to-understand text of the NIV translation, The Story presents the Bible – God's story – in the format of a novel. 

Zondervan created a church campaign kit to accompany The Story, which is a customized curriculum for churches to use as a teaching resource within their congregations. The Story campaign can be completed within small groups, Bible studies, Sunday Schools or as part of the main sermon. The 31-week curriculum takes participants on a deep dive into one chapter of The Story each week. More than 3,100 churches and hundreds of thousands of people have participated in The Story campaign since it first launched in 2010.

"It is quite an accomplishment when any title crosses the one million units sales milestone, but seeing The Story do so in just 20 months is gratifying because it shows that people still love the greatest story ever told," said Chip Brown, senior vice president and publisher at Harper Collins Christian Publishing and Zondervan.  "It is especially rewarding to have provided churches with a Bible engagement resource that has helped them see significant increases in both attendance and engagement." 

Zondervan is celebrating this milestone by giving away 20 free copies of The Story signed by authors Max Lucado and Randy Frazee. The contest, which starts tomorrow, March 14, will run through The Story's Facebook page: facebook.com/SpeakTheStory

With specific curriculum kits designed for adults, teens and children, The Story is a campaign that the whole church can get involved in.  Churches interested in participating in The Story campaign can get more information at www.thestory.com  

About Zondervan  
Zondervan, part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, is a world leading Bible publisher and provider of Christian communications. For more than 80 years, Zondervan has delivered transformational Christian experiences through its bestselling Bibles, books, curriculum, academic resources and digital products. The company's products are sold in multiple formats, worldwide in more than 60 countries, translated into nearly 200 languages. Zondervan offices are located in Grand Rapids, MI. For additional information, please visit www.zondervan.com.

SOURCE Zondervan