The Naked Gospel author Andrew Farley and Zondervan Launch Nationwide Songwriting and Performance Contest

Thousands of readers have embraced the challenge posed by Andrew Farley's new book The Naked Gospel: The Truth You May Never Hear in Church: to rethink everything they thought they knew about their faith. Now Farley, together with his publisher, Zondervan, offers another challenge: express this newfound freedom of “Jesus plus nothing” in song.

Through The Naked Gospel Project, a nationwide songwriting and performance contest, readers can create, record, and upload songs based on the book's themes. “This gives readers a way to express through music what I have expressed on the page,” says Farley. “People can visit the Project site throughout the year to hear all the new music that is being uploaded and vote for their favorites. It's a great way to acknowledge the giftedness of Christian musicians, worship leaders, songwriters, and singers around the country and end up with a lot of incredible music that celebrates what I call the message of 'Jesus plus nothing.'”

The contest officially begins November 1, 2009 and ends on September 1, 2010. The qualified winner of the contest will receive a $5,000.00 cash prize and be featured on The Naked Gospel album along with nine other qualifying top vote getters in the contest. In addition, there will be one “Author's Pick” on the album. Only songs that reflect the content of the book will be eligible to win and be part of the album. See official rules for details.

The Naked Gospel debuted as Zondervan's #1 bestseller on Amazon upon its September release. Andrew Farley's radical reflections on Christian freedom and new life have resonated with Christians seeking to live truly Jesus-centered lives.