December 16, 2010

@stickyJesus review

"It's jaw dropping: People now spend over 110 billion minutes a month on social networks like Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter. Some are ranting. Some are raving. Almost all are revealing their hearts and minds as never before. This historic social shift is a dream come true for big brand marketers, political parties, and just about anyone who has something to say. So how do you-a Christ follower-navigate the noise, dodge the danger, talk the tech, and speak life and hope into the online space? You get sticky." via @stickyJesus

So, did your jaw drop? Despite being actively involved in ministry, both online and offline for two decades, mine did.

"The numbers don’t lie. More people will log on to blogs, Facebook, and Twitter this Sunday than will go to church. More people will meet the person they are going to marry online than will meet at the church barbecue. And more people will share their joys, heartbreak, and revelations via status updates than those who will seek the help of a counselor or a pastor this year. As a Christ follower, it’s your responsibility to influence the online conversation and to tell a clicking, texting, searching generation that they can’t Google their eternal life. To do this, you must master the tools needed to communicate the gospel to the world." via @stickyJesus

In the book @stickyJesus authors Tami Heim and Toni Birdsong have merged their expertise regarding media and marketing with their passion for Christ. The result is an exceptional manual for believers who desire to "master the tools" needed to impact the world for Jesus via the internet.

Not only does @stickyJesus wipe away any trace of doubt regarding the validity of online ministry it proves how vital our presence on the various social networks is "for such a time as this." It also presents valuable information that will benefit both novice and technically savvy people in their quest to become "digital scribes."

The book is comprised of 15 chapters referred to as files:

00-Introduction: what's sticky got to do with it?
01-you: born for such a time as this
02-Jesus: the stickiest story ever told
03-Jesus: Author of relationships
04-Jesus: Master of the buzz
05-Jesus: King of content
06-Holy Spirit: the Power Source
07-Christ followers: the game changers
08-warning: danger zones
09-quiet: humility zone
10-cost: everything
11-demystifying: Facebook
12-demystifying: Twitter
13-demystifying: blogging
14-demystifying: content gathering
15-you: a witness

Each chapter closes with a download section which provides a punch list of highlights for review; as well as an upload section in the form of a prayer.

A part of the book which really stood out to me was the "let's go there" sections. There is such an anointing upon the writers as they reflect on Jesus' earthly ministry. My heart was deeply touched.

Another point of interest was the "upload" sections at the end of each chapter. The authors present prayers that allow for full surrender to God. My spirit was moved by each and every word. I believe other readers will experience something similiar. The final download and upload, at the end of the book, has the power to be life-changing as well.

@stickyJesus is all about relationships, the most important of all being our relationship with Christ, and it is very helpful in reprioritizing the amount of time we spend with people.

In order for Christ's message to brilliantly shine in us He must increase and we must decrease. This takes an investment of time spent at the Master's feet. I've been reminded, while reading, just how vital giving Christ first priority is. He is our Power Source for living and interacting with others in a Christ-like manner.

It's easy to get sucked in to the online world and very important that checks and balances become a part of our daily lives in order to protect us spiritually, physically, and emotionally. You'll find valuable information in the book on how to live a balanced Christian life along with excellent tools for beefing up your defenses.

In the words of the authors "Of all the messages the world has ever heard, the gospel is still the stickiest. The good news is that God's message is your message, which makes your presence and voice online wholly (and holy) indispensable!" I couldn't agree more.

I highly recommend that you read this book and apply the wealth of wisdom within both offline and online. Your relationship with Christ will be challenged and changed and you'll also find yourself far better equipped spiritually and technically to leave a lasting mark for Christ on the world, at your fingertips, one keystroke at a time.

To interact more with @stickyJesus or to become a digital scribe click here.

To download the first chapter of the book @stickyJesus or to order your copy click here.

You can also connect with @stickyJesus via Facebook here or on Twitter here.

Here is the book trailer:


Following the King in the Land of Shiny Things from stickyJesus on Vimeo.

5 comments:

Toni Birdsong said...

Melinda,

This is probably the most thorough review of the book so far. No doubt, if anyone wasn't sure about the message, heart, and significance of the book, your review will certainly clear any doubt of that.

Thanks for "getting it." It's why we took a year off to write the book. It's that important to communicate this message to us.

That you would pick this book out of the ocean of books available to read and then write about it, is such an honor.

Your words and thoughts are appreciated. I hope they reach future digital scribes and shake things up!

Anonymous said...

Looks like a good book. Thanks for this review.

Tami Heim said...

Thanks Melinda - I know you have a revelation of what is possible in this time and space. YOU are a digital scribe for such a time as this. Linked together we cause His Light to shine brighter.

"We're not keeping this quiet, not on your life. Just like the psalmist who wrote, "I believed, so I said it." we say what we believe." II Corinthians 4:13

Susie - Walking Butterfly said...

This really looks like an interesting book!

Melinda Lancaster said...

It's an outstanding book!

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