Does Randy plan on writing more books?

Yes. He is currently working on several projects.

Has Randy co-authored any books?

Randy co-authored the Courageous novel and The Resolution for Men with Alex and Stephen Kendrick. The novel, which was based on the Courageous movie screenplay by the Kendrick brothers, tells the story of law enforcement officers Adam Mitchell, Nathan Hayes, and their partners as they face a challenge that none of them are truly prepared to tackle: fatherhood. The Resolution for Men challenges men of all ages to become as bold and intentional about embracing their responsibilities as leaders of their homes, marriages, and children.

He also co-authored Help For Women Under Stress with his wife Nanci, and wrote The Ishbane Conspiracy with his daughters Karina and Angela the summer before both of them got married.

Randy has this to ...

How did Randy get started writing?

Randy attended Multnomah School of the Bible (now Multnomah University) in the master’s program in the late 1970s. His theology teacher, Dr. Joseph Wong, wrote a note on one of his papers. “You should consider being a writer,” he said. He took it to heart.

As a pastor in the 1980s, Randy was burdened by the number of Christians he saw devastated by sexual immorality. He started writing a book addressing this huge problem. In 1985 his first book, Christians in the Wake of the Sexual Revolution, was published by Multnomah Press, then the college’s publishing arm.

How many books has Randy written?

Randy has authored over 40 books.

Of the books Randy has written, which are his favorites?

Randy writes: "Of my novels, though in some ways I think Deception is the most fun and maybe the best written, I'd have to say Safely Home. The number of lives I've been told about that have changed through reading that novel amazes me.

"Of my nonfiction, it's a tough call, so I'll cheat and say The Grace and Truth Paradox and Heaven. The Heaven book has been a real surprise, with 400,000 in print just two-and-a-half years after it was released. We get an amazing number of letters from people who say they now look forward to Heaven and are excited about the New Earth, and that they've received great joy and comfort ...

What books would Randy recommend?

Randy writes, "A. W. Tozer's The Knowledge of the Holy, J. I. Packer's Knowing God, John Piper's Desiring God, Francis Schaeffer's He is There and He is Not Silent, C. S. Lewis's Mere Christianity. For fiction, Lewis's Narnia and space trilogy, and The Atonement Child, by Francine Rivers. Oh, were you just asking for one book?" For a more complete list, see Randy's Favorite Books.

What happens to the royalties from Randy's books?

Prior to 2001, 10% of the royalties from Randy's books were used by EPM for its expenses, and 90% were given to worthy ministries, particularly global missions. Since 2001 we have been able to donate 100% of all book royalties—and sometimes more—for ministry purposes, most of those to other ministries, and some to help facilitate the giving away of our books to people all over the world. Since the inception of Eternal Perspective Ministries in 1990 through 2012, EPM has given over six million dollars in book royalties to ministries around the world. We're grateful to the Lord for his provision. Learn more about EPM's finances. See also Why doesn't Randy use some of ...

Why does Randy use the word Elyon in his books?

I’m often asked why I use the term “Elyon” in reference to God in my novel Deadline (and again in Dominion). Though I am comfortable making up names for men and angels for the purposes of fiction, I would not presume to make up a name for God. That’s why I chose a name that, while unfamiliar to many people, is specifically revealed in Scripture.

The Hebrew “Elyon” occurs thirty-one times in the Old Testament. The equivalent Aramaic word (“Hilay”) occurs ten times, all in the book of Daniel.

Elyon is always translated “Most High.” When preceded by “El,” the Hebrew word for God, it is translated “God Most High.” In the New Testament the Greek equivalent to ...