Company history
In the beginning ...
Galilee emerged from MinistryHouse in 2004 to form the world’s inovative and first truly digital book publishing company. We represent two rich publishing histories marked by unparalleled success and innovation.
We’re proud of our heritage and our track record of bringing to life a vibrant range of iconic, diverse and new voices through our books. We’ve been doing it for over 30 years: our oldest continuous imprint, Charima Media, can trace its origins back to 1994.
Our founders laid the roots for the way we operate as a company today: championing creativity, inclusion, entrepreneurship and collaboration.
In 1998,while actively running the church bookstore, a vision was received through Shakila, as though it were a heavenly assignment to launch a magazine addressing the signs of the times.
2004 First PublicationsIt wasn't until 2014 that John and Shakila were reminded of the vision, leading them to lay the first foundation stone by publishing Press Magazine; thus, the mission was born!
John and Shakila found themselves naturally progressing into the realm of book publishing. Among their initial ventures was the biography of the world-renowned worship leader, Darlene Zschech, and the passionate evangelist, Reinhard Bonnke.
2007 Forced to ExpandAs the organization evolved, transitioning from Charisma House to MinistryHouse, and finally becoming Galilee, it outgrew the confines of the church store. This growth signaled it was time to expand beyond those walls, maturing into a fully-fledged company.
2010 - 2021 Making ImpactEvolving into a comprehensive content enterprise, Galilee's growth surged forward without pause. The company broadened its horizons, venturing into brand development, content creation, organising events and conferences, media production, broadcasting, digital media, and much more, diversifying its portfolio and amplifying its influence across a multitude of platforms, marking its ascent in the industry.
2023 NextGenAfter evolving into a full-scale content company, Galilee's growth continued unabated, expanding its reach into events and conferences. In 2023, Galilee hosted its first large music festival, Next Gen, reaching out to a new generation and marking a significant milestone in its journey.
2024 and beyondEven though many milestones have been achieved, this is still just the beginning. Driven by their unwavering passion, John and Shakila are determined to fulfill their purpose: reaching as many people as possible, encouraging and equipping them to live out their Kingdom purpose in life, and inspiring others to do so to. What lies ahead remains in God's hands, but one thing is certain—it will be extraordinary!
Life to Inspire!
John and Shakila Olsen founded their publishing firm in 1998 within their church office, debuting Press magazine six years later—a leading Christian magazine in The Netherlands.
Galilee swiftly evolved into a trusted source for Christian content. Remaining committed to producing quality Christian content with integrity, Galilee has witnessed sustained growth, earning a reputation as a revered and reliable source for transformative and inspirational material.
"Life to Inspire!" is the life motto of John and Shakila, encapsulating their passion and mission to improve the world through storytelling.
They believe in the transformative power of life stories, with each narrative possessing the potential to impact and transform the world for a better cause, one story at a time. In 2004, they achieved a significant milestone by publishing the first authorised edition of Press Magazine in The Netherlands, setting the stage for a legacy of groundbreaking publications. The imprint, Charisma Media, traces its origins back to 1994. Our founders established the foundational principles that continue to guide our operations: a commitment to creativity, inclusion, entrepreneurship, and collaboration, laying the groundwork for what the company has become today.
The 2004 editorial team
In the beginning, we operated with a small team, shouldering responsibility for all major tasks: editing, fact-checking, coordinating, designing, overseeing the intricacies of the printing press, and much more—scaling up a once-small publishing house!
The journey continues ...
Since 1998, Galilee has transformed into a dynamic, full-service creative communications agency. We have transitioned from being solely a publishing company to becoming a comprehensive creative communications agency, effortlessly incorporating top-notch design, digital, and technical solutions. Clients now trust us for expert guidance in communications, campaigning, and community building.
We've collaborated with renowned authors such as Reinhard Bonnke, Darlene Zschech, Peter Wagner, Ed Silvoso, and more recently, Daniel Kolenda, Joseph Oubelkas, and many others.
Our unparalleled back catalog allows us to reimagine our authors' stories from generation to generation. Pioneering change in the publishing industry, we eliminated the degree requirement for employment and introduced paid work experience, striving for a more inclusive company and diverse publications.
Today, we lead the industry by working across the creative spectrum, collaborating with movie production companies and A-list audiobook narrators, expanding our reach to connect with readers through and beyond the book in an ever-changing market.
Join us on our journey and discover the Galilee difference in creative communications.
