ECPA C-Suite Symposium: Carrying the Mission Forward Amidst Pressure & Change
The 2026 ECPA C-Suite Symposium, held September 13-15 in Asheville, North Carolina, brought Christian publishing leaders together for a timely conversation about change, disruption, global mission, and the enduring power of books. Across the sessions, one message came through clearly: the industry is facing real pressure, but also a meaningful opportunity to lead with clarity, courage, and renewed conviction.
From global partnerships and AI-driven disruption to shifting reader habits and the future of bookstores, speakers challenged the executives in attendance to see change not simply as a threat, but as a moment to rediscover what makes Christian publishing distinct and necessary.
Leading people, not just organizations, through change
Tom Clegg’s (founder of Clegg Consulting Group) session emphasized that successful leadership in 2026 will require more than strategy. Leaders must also understand the human side of transition—the resistance, uncertainty, and grief that often come with organizational change—and help teams move towards a new normal with clarity and trust.
Publishing with global and generational impact
Drs. Wahid and Laila Wahba (Egyptian publishers and founders of Middle East Leadership Training Institute) reminded attendees that publishing can shape faith across generations, especially in places where discipleship resources are scarce. Their story of building Arabic Christian publishing from modest beginnings highlighted the lasting spiritual impact of making biblical resources available in people’s own language and context.
Building stronger partnerships across cultures
In the conversation on oneness-in-diversity, Matt Lucas (CEO, Our Daily Bread Ministries) and Chriscynethia Floyd (Chief Curriculum Officer, Cook Media Global) explored how Revelations 7:9 (“… behold a great multitude that no one could number, from every nations, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne…”) informs Our Daily Bread on how they should be staffing to meet the needs of their customers.
Reclaiming the unique value of the book
Joel J. Miller (author and Chief Content Officer, Full Focus) challenged publishers to resist thinking of books as mere containers for content. In an age of AI and rapid technological change, he argued that the book remains a powerful technology in its own right—one especially meaningful for Christians, whose tradition has long been shaped by the written word.
Learning from disruption in other industries
Greg Bays (founder & CEO, Honest Measure, LLC) drew parallels between publishing and the reinvention of the music business, encouraging leaders to think creatively about revenue models, distribution, streaming platforms, and emerging technologies. His session invited Christian publishers to consider how digital disruption can open new avenues for sharing the Good News around the world.
Renewing confidence in bookstores and communities
The symposium culminated in James Daunt’s (CEO, Barnes & Noble) discussion of Barnes & Noble’s revival, offering a hopeful view of physical book retail. With renewed attention on bookstores and community-centered discovery, Christian publishers have an opportunity to strengthen partnerships that connect readers with meaningful books in trusted spaces.
A clear view of priorities
Taken together, the symposium highlighted four priorities for Christian publishing leaders:
- Adapt boldly amid technological and industry disruption.
- Collaborate globally to serve diverse audiences and advance the mission.
- Protect the distinctive value of authors, books, and thoughtful publishing.
- Serve readers with resources that inspire faith and carry the mission forward.