The Publishing Story: How to Pioneer

Chris Backert, the national director of Fresh Expressions US, wanted to publish David Male’s book as a Fresh Expressions resource. The book was written about starting new kids of faith communities. Chris didn’t have a solution for editing, design, and printing.

So he approached us to help him with those tasks.

Specific Services We Provided

We helped him with:

• Total project management
• Proofreading
• Cover design
• Interior design and typesetting
• eBook formatting
• An off-set, medium-sized print run

During the cover design process, we also helped Chris by creating on the front cover the branding element “A Fresh Expressions Book.”

For the medium-sized, offset print run, we garnered competitive quotes for them. Since the trim size was unusual (4 x 7 inchs)—we used our creative energies to work with printers to make sure the book would print as expected.

We finished our work in December of 2019, and Fresh Expressions released this book in 2020, when they received their shipment of books. We also brokered an overseas shipment of books for them to Europe so they could sell books from their print run on another continent.

We enjoyed the challenge of creating a unique cover. We also appreciated the simple, down-to-earth message of this book that was written in order to connect with the people who are doing the work of starting fresh faith communities.

And we’re grateful for Chris’s kind endorsement: “YouPublish has been a tremendous partner over the last several years. Their professionalism, creativity, and attention to detail have accelerated the ministry of Fresh Expressions.”

More About the Book

From the back cover.

Is God Calling You to Pioneer Something New, But You Don’t Know Where to Start?

Full of wisdom and practical advice, How to Pioneer will help you take the first steps in this exciting partnership with God. In this book you’ll discover the simple-yet-powerful approach of “Love-Relate-Create” that has undergirded the growing movement of fresh expressions of church around the world.

“Starting something new can be overwhelming! This step-by-step guide will assist your holy discontent in living out the Great Commission and Great Commandment in an ever-changing landscape.”

—Rev. Heather M. Jallad, Cultivator, Fresh Expressions North Georgia Conference UMC

“Dave Male has unparalleled insight into the process of starting new forms of church. Grab a copy and go start something new!”

—Luke Edwards, Associate Director of Church Development, Western NC Conference UMC

“The most practical resource I’ve seen . . . for the most impressive people I know . . . from the most experienced Pioneer trainer in the world.”

—Travis Collins, Senior Pastor, First Baptist Huntsville, Author of Steeple to the Street

David Male is Director of Evangelism & Discipleship for the Church of England. Previously, he helped start Net Church, a network of Fresh Expressions of Church in Huddersfield, England, and served as National Advisor for Pioneer Development for the Church of England.