Frequently Asked Questions

What does CSS mean?
CSS Publishing Company is the legal name of our company. The first product published by CSS was the Children's Sermon Service in October of 1968 — the original children's sermon service.

Can you give me a little background information about CSS Publishing? 
CSS traces its humble beginnings back to 1968, when a paint salesman convinced his pastor to distribute copies of the pastor’s weekly children's sermon so that other preachers could use them. The Children’s Sermon Service was the first product of CSS Publishing Company. The company has grown today into a nationally known publisher of Christian preaching and worship books, as well as other resources, used throughout a pastor’s ministry to the congregation meeting the practical ministry needs of clergy and church leaders. 

CSS has long been known as a publisher of preaching and worship resources that have passed the rigorous test of being used “in the field” by the authors who create them.

What is the vision of CSS Publishing?
To provide Christian pastors and their congregations with tried and tested printed and online books and other resources that will aid in spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ through global ministry.

What type of Christian publishing products does CSS Publishing provide?

  • Adult Bible Studies
  • Advent and Christmas Preaching and Worship Resources
  • Chancel Drama
  • Children's Sermons
  • Evangelism and Church Growth
  • Exegetical Resources
  • Faith Development
  • Inspirational Reading
  • Lectionary Sermons and Preaching Resources
  • Lectionary Stories
  • Lent and Easter Preaching and Worship Resources
  • Pastoral Resources
  • Prayers
  • Stewardship Resources
  • Worship Resources
  • Youth Resources

Does CSS Publishing specialize in products based upon the Revised Common Lectionary? 
Yes. CSS Publishing is the major distributor of lectionary preaching and worship resources and other lectionary products with more than 19 categories of books and electronic products.

What is SermonSuite?
SermonSuite is a collection of professionally written, edited, and published homiletical and sermon resources all in one convenient location! SermonSuite is comprised of:

  • the original Children's Sermon Service (CSS+),
  • Emphasis, A Preaching Journal,
  • The Immediate Word,
  • StoryShare,
  • The Village Shepherd,
  • Sermon Studio, and
  • Gospel Grams.

What is the mission of SermonSuite? 
SermonSuite’s mission is to provide professional homiletical resources, sermon preparation tools, sermon illustrations, and other sermon resources to help pastors deliver relevant, high-impact sermons and worship services. 

Why can’t I get into SermonSuite?
There may be several reasons. You may not have logged in properly, you may not be using the correct user information, you may not be a current/active subscriber, or the website may be experiencing technical difficulties. The site is also case sensitive so please check to see if you have your caps on or off. If you need help in any way, please contact the SermonSuite team. 

What if I can't remember my password or user ID?
If you cannot remember your password or user ID, just call the toll free number for CSS Publishing and we will provide that information to you. Please call 1-800-241-4056 and ask for Charles in our Customer Service Department.

Once my order has been placed, when will it arrive?
Once an order is placed with CSS Publishing, your order should arrive in five to seven working days.

What credit card does CSS Publishing accept for payment?
CSS accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover for payment. We also accept PayPal.

Is CSS associated with a denomination?
CSS is an ecumenical publishing house that serves all mainline, Protestant denominations. We are not funded by any denomination. Our founders are Lutheran pastors and our staff is made up of a diversity of religious backgrounds.

Who are your main customers? 
CSS Publishing has customers from all mainline, Protestant denominations including Lutheran, United Methodist, Presbyterian, United Church of Christ, Episcopal, Disciples of Christ, and other denominations.

Where is CSS Publishing located? 
CSS Publishing is located in Lima, Ohio. Lima is off Interstate 75 about half way between Dayton and Toledo.

Does CSS Publishing have a bookstore?
CSS does not have a physical bookstore. However, its products are available directly from the publisher or from a variety of electronic as well as “brick and mortar” retailers.

How do you ship your materials to customers?
We use UPS to deliver our products to pastors and their congregations. We also use the United States Postal Service and FedEx shipping when requested.

What are the hours that CSS Publishing Company is open?
CSS is open Monday through Friday every week from 8:00 to 5:00 EST.

What hours can I contact someone in Customer Service for assistance?
Our customer service is open Monday through Friday every week from 8:00 to 5:00 EST.

How do I place an order on the internet?
You can go to www.csspub.com and not only review our resources, but you can also find instructions on the website that will direct you in placing an online order.

Where else are CSS Publishing’s books sold?
CSS Publishing’s products are available throughout the United States, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and other countries around the world. Some of our main distributors are Amazon.com, Cokesbury, the United Methodist Publishing House, Spring Arbor Distributors, Family Christian Stores, Lifeway Stores, and many other Christian bookstores.

Can I return a book?
Generally a book may be returned to CSS Publishing within a 30-day period. The book must be unused and in saleable condition.

Can I make copies of a book?
The majority of our books are protected by copyright. If the copyright page states: “All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any manner whatsoever without the prior permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.” Then no copies may be made.

If there are copying privileges, it will be noted on the copyright page.