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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.
