What do you think?
Rate this book
Influence: Building a Platform that Elevates Jesus
"Your platform isn't big enough."
If you're a writer, speaker, or ministry leader, perhaps these five words have squelched your desire to share the message burning within. In today's digital world, speakers and writers are expected to grow their own following---or platform of influence---before gaining access to a microphone or book contract. But as a Christian, is there a way to gather followers and still follow Jesus? Is it possible to both build up your stats and take up your cross? How can you reconcile promoting yourself when you're called to humble yourself, or elevating your name when you're commissioned to elevate Christ's?
Authors Kate Motaung and Shannon Popkin know what it's like to wrestle with these questions. In Influence: Building a Platform that Elevates Jesus (Not Me), you're invited to a platform-building coaching session with the carpenter from Nazareth. Join Shannon and Kate in this challenge to acknowledge the tension, set aside fears, examine hidden motives, and embrace the high calling of serving Christ. By utilizing the practical tools, exercises, and discussion questions provided, you'll emerge with new confidence, awareness, and decision-making clarity--ready to step out and shine the light of Jesus from the platform God has strategically placed beneath your feet.
If you're a writer, speaker, or ministry leader, perhaps these five words have squelched your desire to share the message burning within. In today's digital world, speakers and writers are expected to grow their own following---or platform of influence---before gaining access to a microphone or book contract. But as a Christian, is there a way to gather followers and still follow Jesus? Is it possible to both build up your stats and take up your cross? How can you reconcile promoting yourself when you're called to humble yourself, or elevating your name when you're commissioned to elevate Christ's?
Authors Kate Motaung and Shannon Popkin know what it's like to wrestle with these questions. In Influence: Building a Platform that Elevates Jesus (Not Me), you're invited to a platform-building coaching session with the carpenter from Nazareth. Join Shannon and Kate in this challenge to acknowledge the tension, set aside fears, examine hidden motives, and embrace the high calling of serving Christ. By utilizing the practical tools, exercises, and discussion questions provided, you'll emerge with new confidence, awareness, and decision-making clarity--ready to step out and shine the light of Jesus from the platform God has strategically placed beneath your feet.
167 pages, Paperback
Published November 27, 2018
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
February 18, 2019
What a fantastic volume for those who are writers/speakers and struggling with this whole concept of "platform." This isn't a how-to guidebook, but instead looks at the heart issues, motivations, possible pitfalls and opportunities that come along with building platform. I so appreciate this biblical perspective, and the authenticity of the authors who poured themselves into this book.
December 16, 2018
A.W. Tozer wisely wrote: “Promoting self under the guise of promoting Christ is currently so common as to excite little notice.” He wrote this in the 1940s, way before a self-centered culture ushered in by the arrival of digital media would become the new normal. He didn’t foretell the perils of social media, although we know that self-promotion is nothing new. However, the distinction made in Kate Motaung’s and Shannon Popkin’s new book, Influence: Building a Platform That Elevates Jesus (Not Me), warns believers to not fall into the trap of seeking adulation from the world at the cost of their purpose in life: to glorify God.
Social media is engineered to operate on the fuel of emotion, whether it be toxic (outrage, anxiety, comparison, anguish, tribalism), or for the purpose of flattery. It’s not always an edifying exercise to check-in on social media. There are enough blog posts, personal essays, and books that confirm the perniciousness of social media on the lives of those who claim Christ.
For the believer, one of the most insidious aspects of connecting with social media is that it stultifies us to the true horrors of our culture, our politics, and our humanity. Because our web usage is automatic, the advent of social media appears to have reduced us to automatons whose sensibilities become measured with hits of dopamine triggered by notifications—a like, a new follower, a new comment, or a starred review—entering our digital portals.
Rooted in the thesis of Influence, I sensed a certain shame about my motives on social media—not concerning my art of writing mind you, but the conduit by which my writing is shared: Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, link-ups, Instagram. I don’t think it was a coincidence that I read this book when I did because it arrived shortly after I refrained from checking social media for some time. When I began to let go of the impulse to keep up with the news feed, I realized that social media had been an indulgence—like chocolate, like binge-watching a television series. I found I was justifying my usage of social media by claiming it was necessary for my profile as a writer.
Influence covers a broader truth that deserves commentary: we need to place an onus on the approval addicted among us, or the puffed-up influencers that own the conversations we follow closely.
Perhaps, as the book states, we ought to heed how we listen more than how we influence with our words. Maybe we ought to listen to the quiet influencers in our midst, those who lead by example and demonstrate with life application how to live for God, quietly. Theirs is a unique class of its own, built organically, uncontrived—Spirit led indeed. Motaung and Popkin impart the message that believers are not exempt from the trappings of pride:
“If you choose a seat of honor and them someone more distinguished shows up, your host will ask you to move, which will be humiliating. But if you choose a humble seat, your host might insist that you move to a better spot, which would be an honor.”
We must pause to think about this for a moment. Can we reflect on the power that humility has when we refrain from insisting on taking the stage to be seen by others? In lieu of agonizing over the favor of man, we can serve the One whose favor matters most. We are wise to sit in the back, observe, and listen, really listen, while pursuing humility.
Influence admonishes believers to never fear what others think, to focus on the task the Lord has for us. Motaung and Popkin remind us:
“We shouldn’t be wringing our hands, worried about what people think, or obsessing over statistics and where it’s all headed. Instead, our role is simple. We get to be lamps, lit with understanding. We get to step onto our platforms, strategically shine, then leave the multiplying results to God.”
Motaung and Popkin are not advocating for believers to jettison their online presence or disconnect from social media. Far from it. They distinguish social media as a capable tool to further the message of the gospel—a gateway into accomplishing the great commission. They encourage you to set aside the desire to pursue self-interest and invite you to examine your hidden motives in platform building as a believer in Christ. You may likely, after reading Influence, reflect a bit more deeply on the impetus for pursuing a platform at all. Because we can never evade the tentacles of social media (although I know a few Luddites who, somehow, have remained unobstructed by the digital snare), we can strategically use our influence to bless others, meet new friends, encourage others, spread hope, and ultimately, glorify God.
“One day we will die, and all our social media accounts, websites, and speaking schedules will get swept into the sea. Even before that, it’s entirely possible that one day we’ll wake up and discover that our Twitter account has been hacked, our website has been compromised, our identity has been stolen. With a single crash, we could lose it all. The only grains left will be those with eternal significance—namely, any spiritual impact that our work for the Lord has had on readers and listeners.”
Influence is filled with encouraging advice just as it is robust with gentle rebukes, Motaung and Popkin examine how we serve the Lord in our art. They explain personal anecdotes that reveal profound truths in the life of a writer who seeks to serve the Lord in all she does but fights against the urge to look at the numbers in the ranks of book sales, followers, and other likes.
To read the complete review, go here.
Social media is engineered to operate on the fuel of emotion, whether it be toxic (outrage, anxiety, comparison, anguish, tribalism), or for the purpose of flattery. It’s not always an edifying exercise to check-in on social media. There are enough blog posts, personal essays, and books that confirm the perniciousness of social media on the lives of those who claim Christ.
For the believer, one of the most insidious aspects of connecting with social media is that it stultifies us to the true horrors of our culture, our politics, and our humanity. Because our web usage is automatic, the advent of social media appears to have reduced us to automatons whose sensibilities become measured with hits of dopamine triggered by notifications—a like, a new follower, a new comment, or a starred review—entering our digital portals.
Rooted in the thesis of Influence, I sensed a certain shame about my motives on social media—not concerning my art of writing mind you, but the conduit by which my writing is shared: Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, link-ups, Instagram. I don’t think it was a coincidence that I read this book when I did because it arrived shortly after I refrained from checking social media for some time. When I began to let go of the impulse to keep up with the news feed, I realized that social media had been an indulgence—like chocolate, like binge-watching a television series. I found I was justifying my usage of social media by claiming it was necessary for my profile as a writer.
Influence covers a broader truth that deserves commentary: we need to place an onus on the approval addicted among us, or the puffed-up influencers that own the conversations we follow closely.
Perhaps, as the book states, we ought to heed how we listen more than how we influence with our words. Maybe we ought to listen to the quiet influencers in our midst, those who lead by example and demonstrate with life application how to live for God, quietly. Theirs is a unique class of its own, built organically, uncontrived—Spirit led indeed. Motaung and Popkin impart the message that believers are not exempt from the trappings of pride:
“If you choose a seat of honor and them someone more distinguished shows up, your host will ask you to move, which will be humiliating. But if you choose a humble seat, your host might insist that you move to a better spot, which would be an honor.”
We must pause to think about this for a moment. Can we reflect on the power that humility has when we refrain from insisting on taking the stage to be seen by others? In lieu of agonizing over the favor of man, we can serve the One whose favor matters most. We are wise to sit in the back, observe, and listen, really listen, while pursuing humility.
Influence admonishes believers to never fear what others think, to focus on the task the Lord has for us. Motaung and Popkin remind us:
“We shouldn’t be wringing our hands, worried about what people think, or obsessing over statistics and where it’s all headed. Instead, our role is simple. We get to be lamps, lit with understanding. We get to step onto our platforms, strategically shine, then leave the multiplying results to God.”
Motaung and Popkin are not advocating for believers to jettison their online presence or disconnect from social media. Far from it. They distinguish social media as a capable tool to further the message of the gospel—a gateway into accomplishing the great commission. They encourage you to set aside the desire to pursue self-interest and invite you to examine your hidden motives in platform building as a believer in Christ. You may likely, after reading Influence, reflect a bit more deeply on the impetus for pursuing a platform at all. Because we can never evade the tentacles of social media (although I know a few Luddites who, somehow, have remained unobstructed by the digital snare), we can strategically use our influence to bless others, meet new friends, encourage others, spread hope, and ultimately, glorify God.
“One day we will die, and all our social media accounts, websites, and speaking schedules will get swept into the sea. Even before that, it’s entirely possible that one day we’ll wake up and discover that our Twitter account has been hacked, our website has been compromised, our identity has been stolen. With a single crash, we could lose it all. The only grains left will be those with eternal significance—namely, any spiritual impact that our work for the Lord has had on readers and listeners.”
Influence is filled with encouraging advice just as it is robust with gentle rebukes, Motaung and Popkin examine how we serve the Lord in our art. They explain personal anecdotes that reveal profound truths in the life of a writer who seeks to serve the Lord in all she does but fights against the urge to look at the numbers in the ranks of book sales, followers, and other likes.
To read the complete review, go here.
December 29, 2018
Practical help grounded in God’s Word for Christian influencers
As a blogger, self-published author, and soon-to-be traditionally published author, I am constantly looking for sound advice from authors further down the road from me. I found a treasure trove in these pages!
I enjoy both Kate and Shannon being so honest with their highs and lows. Not many authors are willing to share so much from behind the scenes. I learned a great deal from their personal stories.
They also helped me see valuable truths from familiar scriptures that until now, I did not know applied to my platform-building efforts. I made many highlights and will reread this book to build a writing plan for the new year.
As a blogger, self-published author, and soon-to-be traditionally published author, I am constantly looking for sound advice from authors further down the road from me. I found a treasure trove in these pages!
I enjoy both Kate and Shannon being so honest with their highs and lows. Not many authors are willing to share so much from behind the scenes. I learned a great deal from their personal stories.
They also helped me see valuable truths from familiar scriptures that until now, I did not know applied to my platform-building efforts. I made many highlights and will reread this book to build a writing plan for the new year.
March 20, 2020
As a writer looking for a publisher for her debut book, I found this to be a wonderful resource that reminds the reader who it's all about (hint: It's not ourselves!). Lots of practical examples are included. This is an inspiring read.
December 23, 2018
Influence is one of the greatest books for Christian communicators and influencers. In a noisy world of platform building and marketing, the successful authors keep the reader focused on Christ.
February 24, 2019
One of the main things I got from this book was that it's good to struggle over the tension between "getting yourself out there" and lifting up Christ. There is no once-and-done solution. Instead, there is an ongoing struggle in which we are refined.
Authors Kate and Shannon speak directly to whatever fears are keeping you back from fulfilling your purpose for Christ. I've personally avoided diving into platform building more seriously because I'm afraid I'll get a puffed up head. This quote from p.135 is my favorite: "Don't worry. In His grace and mercy, God will provide every thorn, difficulty, and setback necessary to empty you of yourself, that you might be filled with Him."
The authors’ message is both comforting and sobering. Whether I fall prey to under or over-confidence, if God wants me to be on a platform, it's ok to be there. He'll help me remember it’s a platform from which to serve.
Authors Kate and Shannon speak directly to whatever fears are keeping you back from fulfilling your purpose for Christ. I've personally avoided diving into platform building more seriously because I'm afraid I'll get a puffed up head. This quote from p.135 is my favorite: "Don't worry. In His grace and mercy, God will provide every thorn, difficulty, and setback necessary to empty you of yourself, that you might be filled with Him."
The authors’ message is both comforting and sobering. Whether I fall prey to under or over-confidence, if God wants me to be on a platform, it's ok to be there. He'll help me remember it’s a platform from which to serve.
January 14, 2019
As a writer and speaker, I am constantly aware of the need to succeed in this competitive world. But as a Christian writer and speaker, I struggle with how to honor God while working to promote my words.
Today, the book, Influence: Building a Platform that Elevates Jesus (Not Me) by Kate Motaung and Shannon Popkin is available. I knew immediately this book was going to be different when I read how the focus of the book encourages platform with a purpose. I no longer need to fight the internal battle between gaining larger numbers for my platform with what would God say about this.
Instead, the reader will learn how to use his/her gifts from God while making a name for Jesus rather than putting him/herself first. I highly recommend this book for all who yearn to share their words in a way that puts God first.
Today, the book, Influence: Building a Platform that Elevates Jesus (Not Me) by Kate Motaung and Shannon Popkin is available. I knew immediately this book was going to be different when I read how the focus of the book encourages platform with a purpose. I no longer need to fight the internal battle between gaining larger numbers for my platform with what would God say about this.
Instead, the reader will learn how to use his/her gifts from God while making a name for Jesus rather than putting him/herself first. I highly recommend this book for all who yearn to share their words in a way that puts God first.
January 29, 2023
A really helpful look at the role of the Christian influencer, and how to use social media to serve others and exalt Christ. I loved this!
January 12, 2023
This wasn't what I expected. I was hoping for more practicality on how to build a platform that elevates Jesus, maybe kinds of posts or frequency of posts or something. But this is 12 chapters of pretty much the same thing: mindset about humility and reminders that God will bring your audience anyway. The very Calvinistic tendency overshadowed the message and left me with the questions I brought into it about how to handle a platform. The discussion questions at the end of the book were the most helpful part, in my opinion. But they really forced me to come up with my own answers, something I could have done without the book anyway.
I would recommend this book for a very small and specific audience -- for beginning Christian writers and speakers who have already honed in on a specific message that they want to convey but haven't really started building their platforms yet.
Since I have been trying to build a platform for 6 years now, this wasn't super helpful to me, although a good reminder (but I didn't need 12 chapters to remind me -- a blog post or an email would have been a more preferable format).
I would recommend this book for a very small and specific audience -- for beginning Christian writers and speakers who have already honed in on a specific message that they want to convey but haven't really started building their platforms yet.
Since I have been trying to build a platform for 6 years now, this wasn't super helpful to me, although a good reminder (but I didn't need 12 chapters to remind me -- a blog post or an email would have been a more preferable format).
February 21, 2019
With godly wisdom and keen insight, Kate and Shannon encourage their readers to view writing, speaking, and ministry as a calling from God. Because of this, they challenge readers to build a platform based on scripture and godly values. This book caused me to look at my own motives when engaging on social media and gave me a lot to think about going forward. I'm so glad I read this!
February 21, 2019
This is an excellent book on platform. Not the tips and tricks, but the heart behind it. It deals with both sides of the scale - whether you’re too obsessed with numbers and influence or on the other side if you struggle with imposter syndrome. A short, excellent read.
December 19, 2019
In an age of influencers, Kate Motaung and Shannon Popkin consider what true influence is and how to steward it.
They begin by considering whether it can even be Christian to try to increase your platform in light of Christ who calls us to serve. They ask, “Is there a way to gather followers and still follow Jesus? Is there a way to both take up our cross and build up our stats? Is it possible to raise our Google rank and still elevate Christ?”
The key, they say, is to have a heart set on elevating Jesus, not ourselves. As soon as our message strays from pointing to Christ, we have strayed from our calling as followers of Jesus. As Robert Murray M’Cheyne said, “For every look at yourself, take ten looks at Christ.
With that in mind, it is actually our call to faithfully steward the relationships and gifts that Christ has given us.
And yet, when you lean into building a platform, there becomes a danger of keeping score, of measuring your worth and success by clicks. It is so easy to allow our platform to become our measure of our worth, “You long to get affirmation, to gain recognition, and to receive positive feedback—and you can easily become devastated, discouraged, or deflated when you don’t.”
What is devastating about linking your worth to your platform is that even if you are successful, you are still likely to struggle. The reality of imposter syndrome is more real than ever. If we inappropriately emotionally and spiritually invest in our following, then either way we are likely to struggle with feelings of inadequacy.
And yet, that doesn’t mean that we should shun our call to use our gifts for the exaltation of Christ. Motaung and Popkin remind us, “You are an ambassador of the Most High, and you are on His mission. Your job is to be faithful to the tasks God has prepared in advance for you to do, to be obedient to His Word and calling on your life, and to release your “good words,” and trust the Lord to do His work.” Be confident in your calling and know what Christ has called you to.
And yet, we must be careful to protect our hearts from yearning for praise and affirmation. “Even though it sure feels nice in the moment, praise never fully satisfies. It always leaves us hungry for more. John Piper points out that praise from others “is like a drug. It gives a buzz and then it is gone. You have got to have another fix. You are always insecure. You are always needy of other people’s praise in order for you to be happy or to feel secure. You are never satisfied.”As the character Jenny Lind sings in the 2017 film, The Greatest Showman, a thousand spotlights—even the whole world—will never be enough” They remind us that, “Too many platform builders are so concerned about building their brand that they are making their own image an idol. None of us are exempt from this pull.”
Instead, “Let’s focus on serving our readers and listeners and pointing them to Jesus. As we do, others will invite their friends because Jesus—when we see Him in all His goodness—is incredibly hard not to fall in love with. Let’s not forget how attractive and amazing He really is.”
This is in contrast to our natural tendency to be like those who built Babel, “Let us make a name for ourselves. Isn’t that exactly what we’re doing when we attempt to build a platform? Aren’t we trying to make a name for ourselves? How are we any different?”
Ann Voskamp reminds us that, “The moment you stop caring what other people think most about you is most likely when you start doing what God wants most.”
In short, “We cannot serve both the praise of man and the praise of God. As Christians, we’ve got to pick a side. We’ve got to decide. Are we committed to elevating Christ or elevating ourselves?”
Motaung and Popkin’s Influence is well worth the read for anyone navigating the tricky world of platforms we live in and to be able to navigate the difficult path of doing the hard heart-work of evaluating one’s motives but also not retreating from the opportunities God has set in front of us. I commend it to you.
For more reviews see www.thebeehive.live.
They begin by considering whether it can even be Christian to try to increase your platform in light of Christ who calls us to serve. They ask, “Is there a way to gather followers and still follow Jesus? Is there a way to both take up our cross and build up our stats? Is it possible to raise our Google rank and still elevate Christ?”
The key, they say, is to have a heart set on elevating Jesus, not ourselves. As soon as our message strays from pointing to Christ, we have strayed from our calling as followers of Jesus. As Robert Murray M’Cheyne said, “For every look at yourself, take ten looks at Christ.
With that in mind, it is actually our call to faithfully steward the relationships and gifts that Christ has given us.
And yet, when you lean into building a platform, there becomes a danger of keeping score, of measuring your worth and success by clicks. It is so easy to allow our platform to become our measure of our worth, “You long to get affirmation, to gain recognition, and to receive positive feedback—and you can easily become devastated, discouraged, or deflated when you don’t.”
What is devastating about linking your worth to your platform is that even if you are successful, you are still likely to struggle. The reality of imposter syndrome is more real than ever. If we inappropriately emotionally and spiritually invest in our following, then either way we are likely to struggle with feelings of inadequacy.
And yet, that doesn’t mean that we should shun our call to use our gifts for the exaltation of Christ. Motaung and Popkin remind us, “You are an ambassador of the Most High, and you are on His mission. Your job is to be faithful to the tasks God has prepared in advance for you to do, to be obedient to His Word and calling on your life, and to release your “good words,” and trust the Lord to do His work.” Be confident in your calling and know what Christ has called you to.
And yet, we must be careful to protect our hearts from yearning for praise and affirmation. “Even though it sure feels nice in the moment, praise never fully satisfies. It always leaves us hungry for more. John Piper points out that praise from others “is like a drug. It gives a buzz and then it is gone. You have got to have another fix. You are always insecure. You are always needy of other people’s praise in order for you to be happy or to feel secure. You are never satisfied.”As the character Jenny Lind sings in the 2017 film, The Greatest Showman, a thousand spotlights—even the whole world—will never be enough” They remind us that, “Too many platform builders are so concerned about building their brand that they are making their own image an idol. None of us are exempt from this pull.”
Instead, “Let’s focus on serving our readers and listeners and pointing them to Jesus. As we do, others will invite their friends because Jesus—when we see Him in all His goodness—is incredibly hard not to fall in love with. Let’s not forget how attractive and amazing He really is.”
This is in contrast to our natural tendency to be like those who built Babel, “Let us make a name for ourselves. Isn’t that exactly what we’re doing when we attempt to build a platform? Aren’t we trying to make a name for ourselves? How are we any different?”
Ann Voskamp reminds us that, “The moment you stop caring what other people think most about you is most likely when you start doing what God wants most.”
In short, “We cannot serve both the praise of man and the praise of God. As Christians, we’ve got to pick a side. We’ve got to decide. Are we committed to elevating Christ or elevating ourselves?”
Motaung and Popkin’s Influence is well worth the read for anyone navigating the tricky world of platforms we live in and to be able to navigate the difficult path of doing the hard heart-work of evaluating one’s motives but also not retreating from the opportunities God has set in front of us. I commend it to you.
For more reviews see www.thebeehive.live.
May 20, 2019
As far as reading style this book is clear and valuable to the reader. It is well thought out and wonderfully put together. The authors Kate Motaung and Shannon Popkin share their wisdom concerning the why, what and how to stay humble even though you are building a platform where you know you are putting your "name / writing / speaking" out into the world. They are amazing coaches to get you through things like (Tension, Calling, Strategy, Pride, Serving, Networking) the list goes on! This book was and still is invaluable to me! I will keep it on my special bookshelf where only the best books go...the ones that keep on giving. The ones that you go back to...time after time. It is a keeper. A reminder. A guide to help direct your steps in staying focused on what the Holy Spirit is leading you to do. To stay focused on what really matters! I highly recommend this book.
May 21, 2019
Although I was looking for more practical advice in how to navigate and build my platform to honor the Lord, this book helps us logically and simply understand how to put Christ’s rather than the world’s stamp of approval on who we are as writers. With plenty of practical examples by both authors, fleshing out what it means to elevate Jesus and not ourselves, the reader comes away with the confidence of knowing He will use our writing for His glory and in His timing!
March 13, 2019
There is a balance between trusting God to promote your writings and self promoting. This book helps you find the balance, gives scripture and encouragement.
March 11, 2019
Well-written, this easy read is packed full of sound biblical advice. I'll be recommending it to all my Christian author clients!
Read
March 17, 2020A wonderful book for Christian writers and speakers! Kate and Shannon do a great job of laying a foundation and shining a new light on several things that writers hate: self-promotion, networking, and the like. This book was something I needed desperately and I know I will revisit it often. Onward to making Jesus big!
January 27, 2019
For all those that experience the tension of platform building and faith, this is a must-read. Backed by real-life examples, as well as Scripture readers are encouraged to pursue their calling while being a follower of Christ. Readers learn how to elevate Jesus and others while still sharing their own work. There are great discussion group questions for each chapter as well. A beautiful encouragement to all who seek to live into their work with integrity.
May 28, 2019
This book is an easy read and packed with great insight on how to keep your eyes focused on God while using your gifts to honor Him. The co-authors give great examples from their own lives that are relatable and based in Scripture. This is a must read from anyone who is wanting to share on any platform, no matter if it's for a large audience or an Audience of One! Thanks, Kate and Shannon for this gift! From a grateful member of the Five Minute Friday writing community.
February 7, 2020
Writers. Speakers. Leaders.
Navigating marketing and media in ministry can be tricky. If you want to discover the balance of promoting the message God has placed on your heart and remaining humble,
This book is for you!
"Influence" truly delivers what the subtitle states, "Building a platform that elevates Jesus (not me)"
Navigating marketing and media in ministry can be tricky. If you want to discover the balance of promoting the message God has placed on your heart and remaining humble,
This book is for you!
"Influence" truly delivers what the subtitle states, "Building a platform that elevates Jesus (not me)"
June 18, 2019
Many writers are reluctant to promote their own writing. This book helps you work thought that thinking, and shares a "strategic way to be a blessing to others, to meet new friends, to help and encourage people, to spread hope, and ultimately to glorify God with the gifts I've been given." Relationships, even online ones, are so important.
January 23, 2022
This was sooo good! It's one that I plan on reading once a year to remind myself that Jesus is the one who should be lifted, not myself.
June 23, 2023
Influence: Building a Platform that Elevates Jesus (Not Me) is an incredibly encouraging book by Kate Motaung and Shannon Popkin. I had seen this book highly recommended by Christian writers multiple times and had to grab a copy. Influence is a helpful read for Christians navigating building a platform online. The book covers topics ranging from comparison to networking from a biblical perspective. I purchased the book hoping to find godly guidance as I grow my following online.
Although I don’t hope to attain a certain number of followers, I do hope to be faithful with the audience God has given me. My aim is to steward it for His glory and the book was very helpful in encouraging me to remain faithful in doing so. As I read, I felt like I was learning from friends who understand the pull to gain a great following and use social media selfishly but remain anchored in Jesus. Two of my favorite encouragements from the book are on page 82 and they are “Before we influence others, let’s be influenced by Him!” and “Let’s gather followers the way Jesus would, by laying our lives down, rather than lifting ourselves up.”
The authors address various issues that arise as Christians seek to grow their online audiences in a way that honors the Lord. This is a unique book in that there aren’t many that address the idea of being an influencer from a Christian perspective. I hope this paves the way for more Christian voices to add to the conversation in the future.
I was so blessed upon reading Influence and highly recommend it for any Christian navigating what it looks like to build a following online.
Although I don’t hope to attain a certain number of followers, I do hope to be faithful with the audience God has given me. My aim is to steward it for His glory and the book was very helpful in encouraging me to remain faithful in doing so. As I read, I felt like I was learning from friends who understand the pull to gain a great following and use social media selfishly but remain anchored in Jesus. Two of my favorite encouragements from the book are on page 82 and they are “Before we influence others, let’s be influenced by Him!” and “Let’s gather followers the way Jesus would, by laying our lives down, rather than lifting ourselves up.”
The authors address various issues that arise as Christians seek to grow their online audiences in a way that honors the Lord. This is a unique book in that there aren’t many that address the idea of being an influencer from a Christian perspective. I hope this paves the way for more Christian voices to add to the conversation in the future.
I was so blessed upon reading Influence and highly recommend it for any Christian navigating what it looks like to build a following online.
August 17, 2019
I think I should have examined this book more thoroughly before I bought it. I expected the authors to offer practical advice about creating a platform to showcase my brand. The idea was to do so with God's purposes and authority in mind.
"Influence" is certainly inspiring with its scripture references to God's work in our lives. The stories they tell provide lessons we can pay attention to because God speaks to us through our experiences.
I was disappointed, however. There were no concrete steps, advice, tips, or resources given for starting and maintaining a professional writing platform that is not only effective, but honors God. "Influence" could have been written more boldly. Being a professional writer is hard work and we need to learn exactly what we can do to draw attention to our work while showcasing God. Unfortunately, the advice was given in generalizations.
I have to admit to skimming it. As a book to get me excited through the author's cheer leading methods it's fine. As a tool meant to aid me in my professional writing career, I found it lacking.
"Influence" is certainly inspiring with its scripture references to God's work in our lives. The stories they tell provide lessons we can pay attention to because God speaks to us through our experiences.
I was disappointed, however. There were no concrete steps, advice, tips, or resources given for starting and maintaining a professional writing platform that is not only effective, but honors God. "Influence" could have been written more boldly. Being a professional writer is hard work and we need to learn exactly what we can do to draw attention to our work while showcasing God. Unfortunately, the advice was given in generalizations.
I have to admit to skimming it. As a book to get me excited through the author's cheer leading methods it's fine. As a tool meant to aid me in my professional writing career, I found it lacking.
April 6, 2020
I first heard about this book after hearing one of the authors (Shannon Popkin) speak at a Writer's Conference. As a ministry leader, writer and speaker I've often struggled with the idea of "promoting myself" and building a "platform" so this book was SO HELPFUL at helping me understand and navigate that world in a way that honors God's calling for my life-- not my perceived calling following my own plans and goals. Both authors share their experiences at doing so with stories and advice-- excellent.
I'll be reading it again soon, slowly and with a high lighter and I'm sure I'll be keeping this one within arms reach to reference whenever I'm doing ministry planning.
Thank you Shannon and Kate for writing this.
I'll be reading it again soon, slowly and with a high lighter and I'm sure I'll be keeping this one within arms reach to reference whenever I'm doing ministry planning.
Thank you Shannon and Kate for writing this.
June 27, 2020
What a beautiful surprise
I'll be honest. I took this book just because I liked the other 2 Shannon Popkin's titles (Control girl and Comparison girl). But oh what a delightful surprise I have. I felt they where digging my mind and heart. I feel so much peace after reading this. I truly enjoy this team effort to write. I recommend every person in ministry to read it (with social media or not, a public position or not, everything listed in this book is helpful). I'm so thankful about their honesty talking about their doubts, struggles and temptations. I'm thankful older and wiser ladies already spoke about this. I'm sure it's going to be a very powerful tool in the years to come. I can't wait to quote it and share about it with others.
I'll be honest. I took this book just because I liked the other 2 Shannon Popkin's titles (Control girl and Comparison girl). But oh what a delightful surprise I have. I felt they where digging my mind and heart. I feel so much peace after reading this. I truly enjoy this team effort to write. I recommend every person in ministry to read it (with social media or not, a public position or not, everything listed in this book is helpful). I'm so thankful about their honesty talking about their doubts, struggles and temptations. I'm thankful older and wiser ladies already spoke about this. I'm sure it's going to be a very powerful tool in the years to come. I can't wait to quote it and share about it with others.
February 4, 2021
New Christian writers can be dismayed at the thought of having to build a sizeable platform in order to get published traditionally. It seems antithetical to promote ourselves when the Bible encourages humility rather than self-promotion. But Kate Motaung and Shannon Popkin share that we can have a platform that elevates Christ and and serves others, not self. They discuss pride, humility, calling, heart attitudes, and do much more. This was very helpful, and I probably need to read it yearly. My full review is here: https://barbaraleeharper.com/2021/02/....
May 2, 2019
Just what I needed, just when I needed it
What a blessing and encouragement this book was. I have been struggling with self promotion and platform building. I want to do it God's way but what is that? This book answered a lot of questions for me and confirmed what I feel the Spirit has been telling me. I'm sure I'll be referring back to it when I do future heart checks.
What a blessing and encouragement this book was. I have been struggling with self promotion and platform building. I want to do it God's way but what is that? This book answered a lot of questions for me and confirmed what I feel the Spirit has been telling me. I'm sure I'll be referring back to it when I do future heart checks.
May 14, 2020
Great resource for Christian writers!
I choose this book from recommendations in my writing group. I am glad I read this book to help gain perspective on how to get your message to an audience and still remain faithful to God's purpose. The writers share their experiences and it let's you know that they understand you. It was enjoyable and informative read.
I choose this book from recommendations in my writing group. I am glad I read this book to help gain perspective on how to get your message to an audience and still remain faithful to God's purpose. The writers share their experiences and it let's you know that they understand you. It was enjoyable and informative read.
June 27, 2020
I absolutely LOVED this book.
If you are a Christian writer or speaker, or feel called to a ministry of words, this book is for you. Please get it, read it, and let it sit deeply with you. It's thought provoking, practical, and so biblically sound. It's light in tone, feels like a conversation with a friend over coffee. A very wise friend ;)
If you are a Christian writer or speaker, or feel called to a ministry of words, this book is for you. Please get it, read it, and let it sit deeply with you. It's thought provoking, practical, and so biblically sound. It's light in tone, feels like a conversation with a friend over coffee. A very wise friend ;)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews