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-eight years ago. Livingstone eventually grew to 17 employees, and completed over 220 specialty Bibles and more than 600 trade books, devotionals, gift books, and curriculum products. Bruce and Dave continue to guide the company in meeting the goal of helping publishers get their ideas to the marketplace.

Livingstone’s products have won 15 Gold Medallion and Christian Book awards and have been finalists over 35 times. In 1995 they added typesetting services; in 2000, graphic arts 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.