Speaking on behalf of the Board of General Superintendents (BGS), Chairman David W. Graves made it official that there would be major changes at Nazarene Publishing House (NPH) effective immediately. 

"Working with Interim CEO Jim Van Hook, the NPH board has approved an initial restructuring of the publishing ministry of the Church of the Nazarene to address the financial crisis facing the 102-year-old company," Dr. Graves stated. "The BGS supports the changes being implemented."   

On July 28, 2014, in consultation with the NPH Board, the BGS declared vacant the office of NPH president by removing Gerald Smith from that position effective July 31, 2014. A search committee has been formed, and plans are being made for the securing of new leadership for NPH.

Additionally, in an effort to control operational losses, NPH has reduced its workforce by approximately 35 percent. Substantial personnel cuts are being made across the board in all departments of the company.  

On Friday, August 1, 2014, the employees met with Jim Van Hook, and it was explained that NPH was going to begin the process of selling Lillenas Publishing Company and reducing staff companywide.

"A thorough review of all financial, operational, and product development aspects of NPH are currently in process," Van Hook added.

As of Monday, August 4, with the exception of some offsite staff, all employees will be working at the Troost location.  

Please join us in prayer for these employees and their families during this difficult time.
--Board of General Superintendents

Related: "A Call to Prayer for Nazarene Publishing House"