Anyone who wants their message to be memorable should start with this book.

UPDATE: It’s been a while since I posted this review. Recently my wife began reading this book and quickly began to take in the concepts. She is thrilled with how the ideas presented by the authors have begun to help her in her writings and Bible studies.

Our time in Tulsa has provided an excellent opportunity to observe different churches (of our general persuasion) and learn things that could only help us as we look toward stepping back into full-time ministry. Tulsa is known, by some, as the “New Jerusalem”, containing a plethora of Charismatic churches with roots in the Word of Faith movement. Some are huge (with tens of thousands of members), others are small (60 or so adults). Some have grown quickly, while others experience slow, or stunted growth. Let’s face it, church growth is an indicator of a church’s effectiveness.

In determining what makes a difference in church growth, I’ve determined it is NOT the message. Some churches have a great message, but are small in number and slow to grow. In contrast, others have a less radical (read, “Life Changing“) message, but attract more people faster. A major differentiator appears to be the effective communication of the message.

Case in point… A couple of weeks ago we visited a church with a wonderful, potentially life-changing message. The church is struggling to achieve steady (let alone rapid) growth. The presentation of the message was disjointed, rapid-fire, with a shotgun approach - hitting too many points in an hour-long message. We left with heads spinning, trying to determine the core of what was preached. Two or three concepts were evident, but nothing stood out clearly and distinctly.

In contrast, our daughter’s boyfriend was able to tell us clearly what was ministered at his church two weeks ago. I personally believe the message from that church is a less powerful message, but since it stuck, it will produce greater change than the one Diane and I heard. His church is steadily growing, and has recently expanded to two Sunday morning services.

This book, Made to Stick, helps one determine their core message, then provides tools to help package that message so it sticks, endures, and propagates.

I realize the message isn’t the only ingredient in church growth, but if the message is worth sharing, why not find out the most effective way to make that message stick?