Grand Rapids, Mich., Feb. 21, 2013. Baker Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group, has signed New York Times bestselling author Mark Batterson to a multi-book contract. Batterson is the pastor of National Community Church in Washington, D.C, and his most recent release, The Circle Maker and its associated products have sold more than a half million copies. The author is represented by the literary agency of Fedd & Company, Inc.

“We are overjoyed to partner with Mark,” Baker Books Editorial Director Chad Allen says. “His passion to help people embrace and experience the abundant, risky life Jesus promised is obvious in his work. And we’re thrilled to be part of that work.”

The first book of the agreement, slated to release in fall 2014, will explore the miracles of Jesus. Batterson will help readers see that these miracles aren’t just about what Jesus did in the past—they reveal what he can do in each person’s life today.

Also contracted are small group resources and a student edition. Batterson joins a long tradition of pastor-authors at Baker Books, who are influencing their local communities and the world.

Mark Batterson serves as lead pastor of National Community Church in Washington, D.C. One church with seven locations, NCC is focused on reaching emerging generations. The vision of NCC is to meet in movie theaters at metro stops throughout the DC area.

Batterson has two master’s degrees from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and a Doctor of Ministry from Regent University in Virginia Beach, Va.. He is the author of the bestselling books: The Circle Maker, In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day, Wild Goose Chase and Soulprint. He is married to Lora and they live on Capitol Hill with their three children: Parker, Summer and Josiah.

Baker Books has a vision for building up the body of Christ through books that are relevant, intelligent, and engaging. We publish titles for lay Christians on topics such as discipleship, spirituality, encouragement, relationships, marriage, parenting and the intersection of Christianity and culture. We also publish books and ministry resources for pastors and church leaders, concentrating on topics such as preaching, worship, pastoral ministries, counseling and leadership.

Baker Publishing Group publishes high-quality writings that represent historic Christianity and serve the diverse interests and concerns of evangelical readers. Founded in 1939, today Baker Publishing Group is composed of six divisions, each reflecting a unique segment of Christian publishing. These divisions are Bethany House Publishers, Revell, Baker Books, Baker Academic, Chosen Books and Brazos Press. Baker Publishing Group is also the exclusive publisher of GOD’S WORD® Translation. Based in Grand Rapids, Mich., Baker Publishing Group is one of the world’s largest publishers of Christian books. For more information, please visit www.bakerpublishinggroup.com.