NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Lifeway Christian Resources is implementing measures to better serve churches as the business deals with shipping and raw material logistical issues.
According to a news release from the organization, 40 percent of products such as quarterly Bible study materials have been impacted. Brian Daniel, director and publisher on Lifeway’s adult discipleship team, said “pandemic-induced volatility” and an increased amount of time required for reprinting has created challenges. Additionally, an unexpected increase in demand after slower sales during the pandemic has created “stock issues.”
Devin Maddox, director and publisher of B&H books, said they have backed up their production schedule by one month to give their partners more time to fulfill orders and meet customers’ needs.
Andy McLean, director of Bibles and reference at Lifeway, added they are also building in additional time into their schedules and working on additional solutions to offset increased costs in manufacturing and shipping.
“Our team has worked incredibly hard at tracking the situation in real time, executing earlier reprints and absorbing additional costs so we could have inventory for our customers,” McLean said. “We’re incredibly grateful to be in an inventory position where we can provide God’s written Word to churches and individuals across the globe.”
The company said customers who have ongoing curriculum backorders will receive a redemption code for a free 30-day access to digital versions of the curriculum, during which leaders can download needed material for the next three months.
“If the digital solution doesn’t work for their context, we’ll help find a solution that will,” said Ken Braddy, manager of adult ongoing Bible studies at Lifeway. Customers will not be charged for printed material until they are shipped, he noted.
For those having placed orders for materials that are currently unavailable or seeking to place a fall order now, Daniel said customer service representatives will help to direct them to potential alternative solutions, including eBooks, a Ministry Grid subscription for digital curriculum or print products from another line of ongoing curriculum.
In an attempt to prevent such issues in the future, Lifeway is implementing a recurring order option for churches. Participating churches are assured to receive their materials early and will save up to 5 percent. The order will be automatically repeated, but adjustments can be made as needed each quarter.
To ensure materials needed for winter arrive on time, churches should enroll in the recurring order program or place their orders no later than the due date printed on their order form.
Based on Lifeway press release.
Churches needing additional information should contact the Lifeway customer service team at 1-800-458-2772 or customerservice@lifeway.com.
