LifeWay Christian Resources (LCR) is positioned well to confront the "challenges in the turbulent economic waters," LifeWay executives have told trustees.

"While we continue to seek growth in (existing-market) 'red oceans,' we are also moving into several new ministry opportunities often called 'blue oceans,'" LifeWay President Thom Rainer said during the company's semiannual meeting at LifeWay's home offices in Nashville, held Feb. 14-15, Baptist Press (BP) reported.

LCR will produce resources tied to Courageous—the widely anticipated follow-up from the makers of the hit movie Fireproof—which will release in theaters nationwide Sept. 30.

A plot device in Fireproof, The Love Dare (B&H Books/B&H Publishing Group)—published in 2008 in paperback and in imitation leather in 2009—and The Love Dare Day by Day devotional and wedding edition have sold more than 4 million copies internationally. B&H is the publishing arm of LifeWay.

LCR will also offer "Secret Church" simulcasts with David Platt, senior pastor of the Church at Brook Hills in Birmingham, Ala., and author of the best-seller Radical (Multnomah Books).

A subsidiary of LCR, LifeWay Christian Stores (LCS) marked its 85th anniversary during the meeting, BP reported. Started in 1925 with the purchase of Baptist Book Concern in Louisville, Ky., LCS now has more than 160 locations in 27 states.

Chain President Mark Scott said that stores were off to a "solid start" in the 2011 fiscal year, despite the challenges of the economy and an unusually harsh winter. "We continue to operate prudently and continue to grow," he said.

LCR recorded $473 million in revenues during the 2010 fiscal year ending Sept. 30, Rainer said. He added that the Holman Christian Standard Bible continued its steady growth, with a 4%-5% market share, BP reported.

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