Authentic Influencer: The Barnabas Way of Shaping Lives for Jesus

by Jonathan Murphy, Mike Huckabee (Foreword)

You may feel like an ordinary believer, but God has a knack of using ordinary people to accomplish His extraordinary purposes. Authentic Influencer encourages you to walk with Barnabas, learn from God, and shape the world for Jesus Christ— one life at a time. God's approach to influencing the world is through His people. People shape people. And yet, many of God's people spectate from the sidelines unsure of what to do. Authentic Influencer is rooted in principles emerging from the life of God's choice example in the Scriptures—a man called Barnabas—rather than recycled quotes from corporate leadership works. Every follower of Jesus can be inspired, instructed, and mobilized to influence the world from right where they are. In fact, it is everyday believers—not just "professional" Christians such as pastors, church leaders, authors, and others—who are specifically tasked by Jesus Himself to bring godly influence to the world. We are all His agents of change, be it shaping one person or a thousand. Authentic Influencer is a Christian leadership book By studying the life of Barnabas, we see how he influenced the world for Jesus Christ in practical and doable ways. Become encouraged to shape our world for Jesus— beginning with whoever happens to be close by.

Genres: Christian Living, Christian, Leadership, Religion, Nonfiction, Faith, Christian Non Fiction

224 pages, Paperback

Published March 28, 2023

Reviews

[Brandi Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting read! Jonathan Murphy breaks down 15 key principles of being a godly influencer—things like standing for truth, having a meaningful presence, and detecting potential in others—using the life of Barnabas as a template. He walks through the verses in the New Testament book of Acts showing us who Barnabas was, how he behaved, and why it was important (in its context)—all with the aim of helping us to see what we can learn from him as we seek to be disciples that make disciples. It’s worth checking out if you want to read a book with a fresh take on growing in godly influence!

[Neil R. Coulter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Authentic Influencer is a great title for a book about Barnabas. In these chapters, Jonathan Murphy suggests fifteen lessons we can learn about everyday influence and leadership from the life of Barnabas. What I appreciated most was gaining a new appreciation for how insightful Barnabas was in every situation in which we see him in Acts. He really was more of a key player in the development of the early church than I had considered before. Murphy’s comparison of Barnabas to Sam Gamgee (98–100) very appropriate and instantly gave me a clearer idea of how to think about the early church leader.

The story Murphy tells in the conclusion (171–173) is one of the most incredible “small world” stories I’ve ever heard. I couldn’t believe the seemingly random connection on the phone with a repairman that ended up taking Murphy back to his childhood in another country. It makes a powerful coda on the importance of legacy.

The writing all throughout is very pastoral and gentle, which is a good match with the book’s subject. It’s a light read, but encouraging and practical. Even without the reflection questions at the end of each chapter, this could be a good book for a small-group Bible study or Sunday school class. I’m thinking of recommending it to my own group as a good discussion-starter.

Here are the fifteen lessons (multiple lessons covered in most chapters). A godly influencer . . .

1. saturates any and every environment for God.
2. sees through God’s eyes.
3. serves as God’s hands given God’s heart.
4. detects potential in others.
5. takes risks, and people are always risky!
6. leads.
7. delegates but doesn’t compete.
8. launches potential in protégés.
9. develops by example—hands-on!
10. is resolute for the absolute.
11. manages changes well.
12. handles tension well.
13. never wastes a mistake; instead, they recycle failures.
14. views legacy not as what’s left but who’s left.
15. is a constant God follower.

[J.E. Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you ever felt like you couldn't be an influencer for Jesus, Authentic Influencer walks you through the principles inspired by Barnabas.

The book gives step-by-step information from the Book of Acts to guide you on your journey. It teaches you how to be the authentic person you are and influence the people in your life for Jesus.
By applying the 15 principles in Authentic Influencer, with faith in Jesus you can apply them to your own Christian walk.

I can see this book being a great resource for youth groups or adult classes at your local church. Highly recommended.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and voluntarily choose to review it. All opinions are my own.

[Cecile · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book after entering a Goodreads Giveaway. Overall, the book is well-written, and the title is clever. The author teaches believers how to influence others and make disciples, as well as how to be an effective leader who is focused on the Great Commission. He presents fifteen principles based on the life of Barnabas. At the end of each chapter there are three "food for thought" questions. The author backs up his ideas with various scripture passages, in addition to focusing on the times Barnabas makes a difference in the lives of others and in the church.

It is only 181 pages, which is a good length. However, it takes the author 25 of those 181 pages to get to the first Barnabas principle-a very long introduction for a short book.

Effective, seasoned believers are likely utilizing most, if not all, of the fifteen principles. I would recommend this book as a tool to help young people understand how they can be an effective influencer and future leader, and for those leaders who may be off track and need some direction.

[Haley Dorris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really appreciated how Murphy brings the story of Barnabas to light. He is an excellent role model for Christians seeking to make disciples. His book reads very similarly to his sermons, filled with stories and helpful anecdotes.

[Kai-Lanka · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn’t put this book down! Will read slower next time and take notes♥️. Hoping this author keeps going with more books on bible characters…PLEASE!

[Joshua Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book on leadership! I loved the authors use of Barnabas to describe Christian leadership. Unlike other leadership books- it was rooted heavily in Acts of the Apostles!

[Michelle Kidwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Authentic Influencer
The Barnabas Way of Shaping Lives for Jesus
by Jonathan Murphy
Pub Date 28 Mar 2023
Thomas Nelson--W Publishing, Thomas Nelson
Christian



A review copy of Authentic Influencer has been provided by Thomas Nelson and Netgalley for the purpose of this review:



In order to influence the world, God uses his people. There is no doubt that people shape people, yet many of God's people stand on the sidelines, unsure of what to do. The principles underlying Authentic Influencer are drawn from the life of God's choice example in the Scriptures, Barnabas, rather than recycled quotations from corporate leadership books.



The purpose of this book is to remind followers of Jesus that they can be inspired, instructed, and mobilized to impact the world right where they are. In fact, it is everyday Christians who are specifically tasked by Jesus Himself to bring godly influence to the world, not just "professional" Christians such as pastors, church leaders, and authors. No matter whether we are shaping one person or a thousand, we are all part of His mission to bring about change.


Christian leadership book Authentic Influencer focuses on:
A summary of 15 key principles derived from Barnabas that are relevant, practical, and adaptable to every believer
Inspires you to influence those around you for Christ
Encourages you to invest in others through discipleship
You will be challenged by inspiring stories and practical wisdom based on biblical truths.


Taking a closer look at Barnabas' life, we find out how he influenced the world for Jesus Christ in a practical and achievable manner. Encourage one another to shape our world for Jesus, beginning with those who are closest to us.



I give Authentic Influencer five out of five stars!


Happy Reading!

[Georgia Herod · Rating 4 out of 5]

Suddenly the word "influencer" is showing up in print and spoken word. Each person is a man or woman of influence--we must decide who and how we will influence those immediately around us or on the periphery.

Barnabas, Son of Encouragement to the disciples of Jesus and all those who came to follow the Man from Galilee was not called an "influencer" but he was most effective. Using the passages of Scripture included in the Bible, Murphy expands what he sees in the character and actions of Barnabas to help readers learn how to be men and women of authentic influence.

I enjoyed "hearing" Murphy's accent slip through fifteen "Barnabas Principles" that will help readers to "discover how to flavor society for Jesus (be salt and light)"; to detect and assist others as they influence; to encourage the success of others through being present in the moment; and stand for truth while showing the love of Jesus.

[Maggie - Busy Moms Read Too · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’ve ever wanted to read a book about influencing and leadership with a Christian perspective, this might be the one for you. I enjoyed that I could sit and read this book in one sitting. The chapters were short and easy to read, with meaningful discussion questions at the end of each one. The “Barnabas Principles” were packed with wisdom on influencing/leadership rooted in biblical principles. It gave me good principles to reflect on and implement as I remember that believers anywhere should make a positive impact for the gospel.

[Nicola L Ritter · Rating 5 out of 5]

You may have heard of Barnabus as the encourager. This book shows the extent to which Barnabus led within the early church. The book emphasizes that ordinary individuals can effect extraordinary change by investing in others through discipleship and personal relationships. Murphy combines scriptural insights with practical wisdom, offering readers a roadmap to becoming impactful influencers in their communities. This guide serves as a valuable resource for those seeking to embody authentic Christian leadership in everyday life.

[Jayne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a must read for Christians today! In a world
of “influencers”, we learn about a true, Authentic Influencer in Barnabas, at a time where there was no pay this side heaven to be an “influencer”. He influenced so many lives that we still see the repercussions of today! The stories and examples given are so touching and meaningful, I found myself in tears many times when reading. It’s a short book and easy to read and well worth the time!!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

An easy and practical read to learn how Barnabas shaped lives in the early church. You may know he was an encourager, but he was so much more than just that. He influenced many for good in ways we can emulate now. This book is full of great encouragement for your own spiritual and personal growth, with lots of uplifting stories from the author's life.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well written and informative book.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good.

[Kierah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good and mind opening! Looks through the book of acts into the life of Barnabas.

[Gretchen Garrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

"And what is perhaps the most powerful influence on a human being by God's design? Another human being! Of all the outside influences that form us, other people shape us most. While the teaching is clear throughout the Scriptures, Proverbs 13:20 says it nicely in one spot: "Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm" (ESV). One of God's major instruments to shape a life is another life."
This book took me awhile to read it because there was so much depth and insight. I bookmarked so many pages. I could see myself rereading this one again.
I did read a copy of this book through NetGalley. I may very well buy it because I liked it that much. I wanted to read and review it. All opinions are my own.