This book is a must read for anybody who communicates for a living, especially pastors. Andy Stanley literally goes through all of the principles he uses while constructing and preaching a sermon. This is every pastors dream book! The first half of the book is actually a story written by Lane Jones, one of Andy’s campus directors, about a pastor who connects with a communication mentor who runs him through some great communication principles. The second half of the book was written by Andy and consists of all of the practical things that communicators need to do before and during a speaking engagement.

I think the last paragraph sums up the importance of learning to be a great communicator:

“The church needs your voice and your insight. As does your community and the woorld. For that reason, never stop growing and developing as a communicator. Find what works. Find what works for you. And everytime you have an opportunity to communicate God’s Word, communicate for a change!”

Here were some of my key takeaways:

• You’ve got to care more for the people in the audience than the person on the platform. Then our presentations will take on real significance. Until we do, communication is really all about us.

• Determine your goal, pick a point, create a map, internalize the message, engage your audience, find your voice. start all over.

• Our goal as communicators should be life change.
  

• We need one point messages – the biggest challenge won’t be finding the one idea, but eliminating the other three

• You need to have your message internalized to the point where you could do a 5 minute version from memory
  

• The goal isn’t to cover everything in your notes, it is to take your audience on a journey with you

• Having too much to say has almost the same effect as saying nothing

• Presentation trumps information… Presentation matters. A lot.
  

• Your first responsibility is to pose a question your audience wants answered, create tension that needs resolved, or point to a mystery that they have been unable to solve.

• “Being who you are” is not an excuse for poor communication.

• Clarity will trump style every time

Final Grade: A+ (Must read)    Buy it here!

October is Pastor Appreciation month and I just want to recognize some pastors who have had a huge impact on my life!

Pastor Jeff Kistler - I attended Middletown Road Baptist Church when I got saved in middle school. This is when I figured out I was called to ministry! Pastor Kistler spent so much time pouring into me and loving me. He helped light my fire for Jesus as a teenager!

“Pastor” Judy Steidel - Ok, so she wasn’t exactly an ordained pastor, but this woman ran a bible study of 80+ teenagers every week in her house. Through her bible study I rededicated my life to God and started going to Victory Family Church. She took me under her wing as a son and showed me what it’s like when someone lives a passionate, sold out life to God. I still get fired up just thinking about her!

Pastor Larry Bettencourt - Ok… so without this man… I have no clue where I’d be! I interned under his leadership for 2 years. He taught me a ton about ministry, opened doors for me, and gave me my first opportunities to speak. I am so thankful for his leadership and now I am grateful for his friendship. He’s changed thousands of lives and he continues to do that through his ministry (Finishline).

Pastor Zack Blair – Sounds weird to call him Pastor because we’ve known each other since we were freshmen in college! It’s been awesome seeing Zack grow into his calling. He is now touching a generation of twenty somethings and he is constantly speaking into my life and taking me to new levels. I love this guy!

Pastor Craig DeBower - PC! I don’t even think I need to say anything else! This man is a walking Bible! He was a CEO and now he is a Pastor… the man has a ridiculous amount of wisdom on the inside of him. It’s a privilege to get to spend time with this guy!

Pastor Steve Moore - Over the past year I’ve gotten the opportunity to spend a lot of time with this guy! He took my leadership/ministry lid and blew it out of the water! My favorite line of his would be when something crazy would happen (pretty regularly) and he’d say to me, “Welcome to ministry!”

Pastor John Nuzzo - When I see everything happening at Victory… I just think to myself… What if Pastor John and Michelle weren’t obedient to God? Wow… thousands upon thousands of lives have been impacted forever as a result of their obedience. They are touching a generation. I can’t even put into words how grateful I am to sit under this mans teaching and leadership…what a privilege.

I would encourage you to think about the Pastors who’ve helped changed your life as a result of their obedience to God and write them a letter, buy them a gift, or simply tell them you appreciate them. Ministry really is a thankless job, you’d be surprised what just hearing “thank you” can do to encourage a pastors heart.