ATLANTA—The Evangelical Christian Publishers Association announced the 2004 Gold Medallion Book winners Saturday, June 26, at the 27th Annual Awards Banquet.

The awards are part of a continuing tradition of "recognizing quality, encouraging excellence," according to the ECPA. The winners were chosen from 471 books from 58 publishers that were submitted this year.

As many as 66 titles competed for a Gold Medallion in just one of the 20 categories recognized by ECPA. Five finalists were selected in each category by a panel comprised primarily of Christian retailers. The finalists then went through a second round of judging by selected Christian industry leaders, including editors, book reviewers, theologians, and Christian bookstore leaders.

ECPA President Doug Ross said the judging was based on excellence and quality, as well as a book's merits for discipleship.

"Judging these books is difficult," Ross said. "Having arrived at this point they are the best of the best. These books are exciting winners Ã¢â‚¬â€ and they provide just what readers are looking for as they seek information that will help them grow in Christ!"

The 2004 ECPA Gold Medallion Book Award winners by category are:

Bibles: "Revolve: The Complete New Testament" (NCV), Nelson Bibles, Transit Books, Thomas Nelson Publishers Ã¢â‚¬â€ Laurie Whaley and Kate Etue, editors.

Reference Works/Commentaries: "Philosophical Foundations For A Christian Worldview," InterVarsity Press — J.P. Moreland and William Lane Craig

Fiction: "Thr3e," WestBow Press Ã¢â‚¬â€ Ted Dekker

Biography/Autobiography: "In the Presence of My Enemies," Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. — Gracia Burnham and Dean Merrill

Theology/Doctrine: "Old Testament Theology," InterVarsity Press Ã¢â‚¬â€ John Goldingay

Devotional: "Pierced By The Word," Multnomah Publishers, Inc. Ã¢â‚¬â€ John Piper

Inspirational: "Next Door Savior," W Publishing Group Ã¢â‚¬â€ Max Lucado

Christian Living: "The Trouble With Jesus," Moody Publishers Ã¢â‚¬â€ Joseph M. Stowell

Christianity and Society: "Being the Body," W Publishing Group Ã¢â‚¬â€ Charles Colson and Ellen Vaughn

Missions/Evangelism: "Permission Evangelism," NexGen, an Imprint of Cook Communications Ministries Ã¢â‚¬â€ Michael L. Simpson

Christian Ministry: "The Emotionally Healthy Church," Zondervan Ã¢â‚¬â€ Peter Scazzero, with Warren Bird

Christian Education: "Foundations," Zondervan Ã¢â‚¬â€ Kay Warren and Tom Holladay

Preschool Children: "The Mess Detectives: The Slobfather," Zonderkidz-children's group at Zondervan Big Idea Books

Elementary Children: "Hymns for a Kid's Heart," Crossway Ã¢â‚¬â€ Joni Eareckson Tada and Bobbie Wolgemuth

Youth: "Boom: A Guy's Guide to Growing Up," Focus on the Family/Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. Ã¢â‚¬â€ Michael Ross

Marriage: "Covenant Marriage," Broadman & Holman Publishers Ã¢â‚¬â€ Gary Chapman

Family and Parenting: "Preparing Your Son for Every Man's Battle," WaterBrook Press Ã¢â‚¬â€ Stephen Arterburn, and Fred Stoeker, with Mike Yorkey

Gift Book/Poetry: "Think About These Things," Crossway Ã¢â‚¬â€ Ric Ergenbright

Bible Study: "Experiencing the Heart of Jesus," Nelson Reference & Electronic, Thomas Nelson Publishers Ã¢â‚¬â€ Max Lucado

Spanish: "El Cristiano en la Aldea Global," Vida Publishers Ã¢â‚¬â€ Dr. Antonio Cruz