The founders of Livingstone, Bruce Barton, Dave Veerman, and James Galvin, worked in executive positions in Youth for Christ.
In the early 1980s, challenged to begin a publishing enterprise within YFC’s ministry, they began the creative process of developing several books (including Parents & Teenagers, Victor Books; Practical Christianity, Tyndale House) and numerous guides and meeting plans for youth group leaders. Then began the biggest project of all. In a partnership between YFC and Tyndale House, Bruce, Dave, and Jim, and Ron Beers (now of Tyndale House) created a study Bible that would go with the Living Bible text. After several years and thousands of hours of hard work, the Life Application Study Bible was published in 1988 and, at the same time, Livingstone was born.
That was twenty years ago. Since then, Livingstone has grown to 17 employees, and has completed over 150 specialty Bibles and more than 400 trade books, devotionals, gift books, and curriculum products.
Livingstone’s products have won 11 Gold Medallion awards and have been finalists over 30 times. In 1995 they added typesetting services; in 2000, graphic arts services; in 2008, branding and marketing communications services.
Livingstone is named after the famous explorer, David Livingstone. The founders believed he captured the heart and essence of their personal vision—to mark new territory, explore new vistas and serve people, while advancing the Good News of Jesus Christ. This founding vision is still central to Livingstone’s DNA and culture today.