Contact: Jessica Secord, 616-698-3331

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., Jan. 20 /Standard Newswire/ -- More than 2,000 pastors and ministry workers will gather in San Diego in February for a week of education, fellowship and replenishment at The National Pastors Convention (NPC). NPC, presented by Zondervan in partnership with InterVarsity Press, begins Feb. 10, 2009.

Attendees at the four-day event can choose from over 70 sessions featuring more than 50 speakers on a variety of critical topics affecting the world today. Speakers include: Rob Bell, Shane Claiborne, Andy Crouch, Cathleen Falsani, Margaret Feinberg, Randy Frazee, Bill Hybels, Gabe Lyons, Scot McKnight, Brian McLaren, Larry Osborne, Mark Riddle, Efrem Smith, Will Willimon, Christopher Wright and many others.

NPC will also feature critical-concern courses, six general sessions discussing faith and today's ever-changing culture, panel discussions, book signings, interactive seminars and more. Worship will be led by Ashmont Hill and Tommy Walker, and entertainment will be provided by Ken Medema, Kendall Payne, Joe Castillo, Sons of Korah and comedians Michael Jr., Nazareth and Taylor Mason.

NPC activity will be blogged live at www.zondervan.com/blog

In addition to the panels, sessions and book signings, there are several new additions in 2009 to NPC:

• William Paul Young, author of The Shack, will be on hand discussing the background and inspiration for writing this controversial bestseller.
   
• There will be a special screening of As We Forgive, a documentary detailing the release of 40,000 prisoners involved in the Rwanda Genocide, which depicts how a country so devastated is experiencing a wave of radical forgiveness. The screening will be followed by a special panel with Catherine Claire Larson, Emmanuel Katongole and Don Golden, moderated by Andy Crouch.
   
• Keeping with new technological advances, NPC will feature a technology panel on blogging, podcasting, the latest in social networking and interactive website creation.
   
• Bible Across America will be making a stop at NPC, offering the chance for attendees and speakers to write a verse and be part of this historic handwritten NIV bible. (www.BibleAcrossAmerica.com)  

"This year marks the 9th annual National Pastors Convention, and we're excited about the remarkable event that has come together," says Joe Sherman, vice president of church engagement for Zondervan. "We're looking forward to a dynamic and diverse group of speakers and providing a sneak peek into many exciting books and products releasing in the coming year."

During the convention attendees will be offered 50% off all Zondervan and InterVarsity Press resources in the newly-expanded NPC bookstore. Pastors and ministry workers will also receive countless giveaways during general sessions, lunch 'n learns, and as a part of the resource gallery filled with special new products, services, and strategic ideas tailored to ministry.

"We're encouraged by the continual positive response to this event, and the way it's reaching so many people," Sherman added. "The blending of speakers and content with the inevitable sharing and community that occurs creates a truly dynamic and rewarding experience."

About the National Pastors Convention
The National Pastors Convention (NPC) is the event division of Zondervan, a world leader in Christian communications and the leading Christian publishing brand.

The annual national gathering for all people in ministry, NPC's mission is to help attendees "nourish your soul, engage your mind, and connect in meaningful conversation." Whether through workshops, retreats, regional conferences, virtual seminars, or critical-concern courses, NPC events bring together "doers of the Word" for replenishment, revitalization, and education.

Learn more about NPC by calling 1-866-429-0828 or visiting www.NationalPastorsConvention.com

Online News room:
www.zondervan.com/Cultures/en-US/NationalConvention/NPC+News+Room.htm