Outreach Magazine named four InterVarsity Press titles among its 2013 Outreach Resources of the Year. Nearly 160 resources published between November 1, 2011, and October 31, 2012, were submitted to Outreach for consideration. Outreach editors narrowed the field to 111 and placed them in categories. The magazine then asked an expert panelist in each category to evaluate the resources and choose what they considered to be "the best" and whether to include any honorable mentions as "also recommended" resources.

Telling the Gospel Through Story: Evangelism That Keeps Hearers Wanting More by Christine Dillon was the Outreach Resource of the Year in the Evangelism category. Paul Cedar, chairman and CEO of the Mission America Coalition, selected the resources for this category. "This wonderful 'how to' book is not merely a brief introduction to storytelling, but is an in-depth biblical and practical study of this important subject," Cedar wrote. "Regardless of your present approach to evangelism, you will find this book to be a significant help as you have the opportunity to introduce others to Jesus Christ."

The Future of the Global Church: History, Trends and Possibilities by Patrick Johnstone was chosen for the Global Outreach category by Robert L. Gallagher, director of the Master of Arts program in intercultural studies at Wheaton College Graduate School in Wheaton, Illinois. Gallagher wrote: "After six editions of Operation World and 30 years of statistically analyzing the progress of global Christianity, Patrick Johnstone has now meticulously assembled a database of information in The Future of the Global Church that will propel the reader into new and exciting realms of prayer, giving and mission."

Gallagher also recommended Short-Term Mission: An Ethnography of Christian Travel Narrative and Experience by Brian M. Howell. Gallagher wrote: "Brian Howell's book challenges evangelicals to a new self-awareness of cross-cultural sensitivity and compassionate involvement in short-term missions."

Church for the Fatherless: A Ministry Model for Society’s Most Pressing Problem by Mark E. Strong was a recommended resource in the Compassion & Justice category. Mae Elise Cannon, senior director of advocacy and outreach—Middle East for World Vision USA, was the expert panelist in this category. "Mark E. Strong boldly identifies the crisis of fatherlessness," wrote Cannon, "and provides practical actions the church can take to equip, mentor and respond to the needs of children without a father's presence in their life."

InterVarsity Press publisher Bob Fryling said, "We are delighted to receive these book awards as they reflect InterVarsity's core commitment to outreach in all aspects of Christian influence and witness. The global church is rapidly expanding through all ethnicities and social structures, and IVP is pleased to call attention to these remarkable works of God through these significant books."