Book Review: Branded

 Synopsis:
SEATTLE-The church has been commissioned to go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. To that end, the church spends $1.5 million for every one new follower of Jesus. Yet Apple can sell 26 iPads every minute. In Branded: Sharing Jesus with a Consumer Culture (Kregel Books, June 2011, ISBN 9780825438943), radio personality Tim Sinclair shares his first hand observations about what makes Apple so exciting and Jesus so boring. In a word: marketing. Jesus is a life-changing product with lousy sales-people who are intimidated and embarrassed by the word "evangelism" and who show more enthusiasm for their gadgets than their God.

What would life look like if we stopped mass-marketing Jesus and started marketing our faith like Nike and Apple market their products--sharing relationally, from person to person? Using examples from these and other successful companies, author Tim Sinclair challenges Christians to throw out their casual attitudes toward faith and sign on for a marketing campaign for the Savior, to begin to see the benefits of relationship-building. Knowledge and information, void of relationship, don't sell many cars anymore--and they don't convert many non-Christians either. This book is an encouragement to allow your story, your experiences, and your gifts to reach those around you, rather than follow a generic three-step process for leading a stranger to Christ.

Written with the wit and wisdom of an experienced marketer, Branded peels away feelings of fear and encourages readers to share their faith in ways that are honest, authentic, and, most importantly, effective.

My Review:

This book is a small but powerful book. Less than 150 pages yet the author uses his humor and convictions to urge Christians to get serious about their faith. Tim Sinclair shows how to use the same techniques used by Apple, Nike and other well know brands; to share your faith. I really enjoyed this book. I found it enjoyable and convicting both at the same time. I recommend that every Christian to read this book to help encourage them them to share their faith in this social media age. 

The Author

Tim Sinclair is a radio personality on one of the top Christian morning shows in the country, Mornings with Tim and Pam. For over a decade, he has been helping radio stations and various other businesses creatively and effectively market themselves. His award-winning productions have been heard on more than 2,000 radio stations worldwide and recent clients include McDonald's, Word Records, Moody Press, and the country's most-listened to Christian nonprofit radio station KSBJ/Houston. Tim has written for CCM Magazine and the Huntsville Times.