Contact: Brian Burch, 616-233-0500

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., February 26 /Christian Newswire/ -- Nearly 2,000 pastors and ministry workers are gathering in San Diego, California for the National Pastors Convention (NPC) presented by Zondervan in partnership with InterVarsity Press. The NPC continues to grow in attendance and distinction for combining excellent speakers and programming with an intentional atmosphere of rest and rejuvenation.

Attendees at the four-day event that begins February 26 can choose from critical concern courses, seven general sessions, an educational track focusing on Hispanic ministry, and over 60 seminars featuring more than 50 speakers on a variety of relevant topics, including Charles Colson, Calvin Miller, N.T. Wright, and Krista Tippett, host of National Public Radio's "Speaking of Faith." Musical entertainment will be provided by The House of Blues Gospel Choir, Ken Medema, Sylvia St. James, and others.

Live blog updates on NPC activity will be at www.zondervan.com/blog.

"This year marks the 8th annual National Pastor Convention and we're excited to welcome returning attendees from previous years as well as new people experiencing the NPC for the first time," says Joe Sherman, vice president of pastor and church engagement, Zondervan. "These next few days are designed to meet the unique needs of those in ministry through nourishment, engagement, and connection."

During the convention one church will win an NPC Library for their church library: a $3,000 gift card to ChristianBook.com, sponsored by National Pastors Convention, Zondervan, InterVarsity Press, and Christian Book Distributors. It can be used to purchase books, small group materials, Sunday school curriculums, new pew Bibles, hymnals, or any other resources the winning church would like.

One church will also win 100 tickets for the movie The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian, in theaters May 16, along with copies of The Chronicles of Narnia from Zonderkidz. And Sony Electronics will be giving away four of its Ebook Reader Digital Book devices. Sony says the NIV Bible translation is at the top of its ebook store's bestseller list.

The 2008 conference is planned to be as environmentally friendly as possible, expecting to eliminate over 6,000 pounds of waste through reducing, reusing, and recycling materials.

About the National Pastors Convention

The National Pastors Convention (NPC) is the event division of Zondervan, a world leader in Christian communications and the leading Christian publishing brand. NPC is also the name of the annual national gathering for all people in ministry, the objective of which is to help attendees "nourish your soul, engage your mind, and connect in meaningful conversation." Whether through workshops, retreats, regional conferences, virtual seminars, or critical concern courses, NPC events bring together "doers of the Word" for replenishment, revitalization, and education. Learn more about NPC by calling 1-866-429-0828 or visiting www.NationalPastorsConvention.com