Our Book Ministries
Muscle Series
Muscle and a Shovel is the best-selling Christian evangelism book that has helped bring tens of thousands of souls to obey the gospel since 2011. Over 1,500 Bible scriptures are woven into the true story of one man's search for the truth.
The complete trilogy includes Muscle and a Shovel, When Shovels Break, and Hope Against Hope. Churches can order bigger volumes for deep discounts.
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Korby Series
The Korby the Hedgehog series teaches children ages 3 to 8 the foundations of the gospel through warm, scripture-rich picture books. Many titles are now available, with Spanish editions in production and over 300 titles planned.
Every book is Bible-centered, non-denominational, and built to ground your child or grandchild in the Word of God from their earliest years.
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Muscle and a Shovel
Best-selling gospel story
Best-selling gospel evangelism tool for the Lord's church
When Shovels Break
(Muscle sequel)
Riveting sequel to Muscle and a Shovel. For those who've fallen away from their faith
Hope Against Hope
(Muscle trilogy final)
Hope Against Hope is the final installment in the Muscle and a Shovel trilogy
Muscle and a Shovel
Class Teacher's Manual
Class teacher’s manual to guide student class
Revel Knox: Seven Times From Hell
Classic western written in a contemporary style but true to the time and lifestyle of the west. Faith-based western story
Muscle
Hardback Edition
Collector's Library Edition. Beautiful collegiate hard-wall cover with matte finish
New Release
Muscle in Audio Version
Muscle and a Shovel is now available as an Audio Book now at Amazon's Audible.com
All book prices are simply suggested donation amounts that are used to cover the costs of printing and distributing your books, and all proceeds cover these costs and support this on-going ministry effort.
Thanks so much for your love and support of this work, and be sure to share your good reports with us!
Michael Shank
Get in touch
Telephone: (618) 638-9959
E-mail: mike@michaelshankministries.com
Mailing Address: Michael Shank Ministries, PO Box 64, Vienna, 62995, Illinois, United States
Make Checks Payable To: Michael Shank Ministries
About the Author
Michael J. Shank is a Christian author, publisher, and lifelong servant of the gospel of Jesus Christ. A member of the church of Christ since his obedience to the gospel in 1988, Michael has devoted his life to placing the truth of God's Word in the hands of as many people as possible. His best-selling book Muscle and a Shovel has sold hundreds of thousands of copies, contains over 1,500 Bible scriptures, and has been directly linked to tens of thousands of baptisms worldwide since its release in 2011. Michael is also the author of the Korby the Hedgehog Children's Book Series, a faith-based Bible-centered non-denominational children's picture book series with over 300 titles planned. He and his wife Jonetta are based in southern Illinois.
About the Ministry
Michael Shank Ministries is a non-profit Christian publishing and ministry organization founded on one conviction — that the Word of God transforms lives. Our mission is simple. We exist to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ through writing, publishing, and ministry, and to place truth in the hands of every person we can reach, from the youngest child to the oldest soul. All of our materials are entirely non-denominational, rooted exclusively in the Bible, and focused on original New Testament Christianity as practiced in the first century church. We do not promote denominational doctrine, man-made tradition, or human opinion. We promote Scripture. Every book we publish, every story we tell, and every resource we offer exists for one purpose — to bring souls to Jesus Christ.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Muscle and a Shovel? Muscle and a Shovel is a best-selling Christian book by Michael J. Shank based on a true story about one man's journey to discover the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ. It has sold hundreds of thousands of copies and has been instrumental in helping tens of thousands of people obey the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Who wrote Muscle and a Shovel? Muscle and a Shovel was written by Michael J. Shank, a Christian author and publisher and member of the church of Christ since 1988.
Is Muscle and a Shovel a denominational book? No. Muscle and a Shovel is entirely non-denominational. It does not promote any denomination, creed, or man-made doctrine. It focuses exclusively on original New Testament Christianity as it was practiced in the first century church, drawn straight from the pages of the Bible. The book lets Scripture speak for itself without the filter of denominational tradition or human opinion.
What makes Muscle and a Shovel different from other Christian books? Muscle and a Shovel is unique because it presents the gospel entirely through Scripture. With over 1,500 Bible verses embedded in a compelling true story, readers are guided to the truth of the gospel naturally and powerfully. It is not a book of opinions or denominational teaching — it is a book of Scripture presented through real life experience, rooted in first century New Testament Christianity.
How many baptisms has Muscle and a Shovel been responsible for? Since its release in 2011, Muscle and a Shovel has been directly linked to tens of thousands of baptisms worldwide. Churches, individuals, and ministries across the globe report that this book has been one of the most effective evangelism tools they have ever used.
How many Bible scriptures are in Muscle and a Shovel? Muscle and a Shovel contains over 1,500 Bible scriptures woven directly into the story. This makes it one of the most scripturally dense evangelism books ever written, allowing readers to encounter the gospel entirely through God's Word rather than human opinion.
Is Muscle and a Shovel the leading Christian evangelism book among churches today? Yes. Muscle and a Shovel has become the leading Christian evangelism book among churches of Christ and Bible-believing congregations across the United States and beyond. Churches order it by the case to distribute to members, visitors, and communities as an evangelism tool.
Who is the target audience for Muscle and a Shovel? Muscle and a Shovel is written for anyone who is seeking the truth of the gospel, anyone who has questions about what the Bible teaches, and any Christian who wants a powerful tool to share their faith with others. It is used by individuals, families, churches, Bible study groups, and prison ministries.
Is Muscle and a Shovel available in other languages? Yes. Muscle and a Shovel is currently available in English, Spanish, and Portuguese editions.
Is Muscle and a Shovel available as an ebook or audiobook? Yes. Muscle and a Shovel is available as a Kindle ebook on Amazon and as an audiobook on Audible.
Can I order multiple copies for my church or congregation? Yes. We offer bulk discount value packs of 25, 32, 40, 50, 75, and 100 copies with significant savings on each pack. For orders over 100 copies contact us directly for custom pricing.
Are there other books in the Muscle and a Shovel series? Yes. When Shovels Break is the sequel and Hope Against Hope is the third book completing the Muscle trilogy. Additional titles including study workbooks and a teacher's manual are also available.
How long does shipping take? Current print time is 10 to 12 days followed by 7 to 9 days shipping for an estimated total of 17 to 21 days. Please plan accordingly.
How can I contact Michael Shank Ministries? You can reach us best by email at mike@michaelshankministries.com.