AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: Communicating for a Change by Andy Stanley

Andy Stanley and his co-author, Lane Jones, attempt to lay out the best practices of preaching in Communicating for a Change.  I can imagine this book being somewhat controversial since the topic of preaching almost always is.  Everyone has “the way they learned it” from a beloved professor or mentor, and it’s “their way or the highway.”  Like a bull in a china shop, Stanley charges right in and redefines it all.

The book is broken into two distinct parts.  The first part is in the “business parable” style of The One Minute Manager; telling the story of a frustrated preacher seeking guidance from an unlikely mentor.  The second part expounds on the “seven communication principles” introduced in the first part.  It should be noted that Stanley uses the terms communication, preaching, teaching, etc. interchangeably.  Some would take issue with this, but I tend to agree with him that the principles are transferable.

The real value of this excellent book is that is pulverizes all our preconceptions of preaching is and what it should accomplish.  Stanley is setting out to put us back on the road of intentionality.  Speaking of roads, travel language abounds as Stanley relates the sermon to a journey, and ties all the principles to memorable driving analogies.

For me the greatest takeaway is the idea that all sermons should just have one point.  In fact, since reading this book I haven’t been able to get that idea out of my mind!  Every lesson and talk is now going to be seen through this new-found lens.  Thanks, Andy!  The rest of the principles are also meaningful, and will be revolutionary (and possibly inflammatory) for many pastors.

Some may perceive Andy as arrogant as he talks about sermons he’s suffered through, and how most of our ideas of preaching are wrong, and so on.  However, I thought his direct tone fit the message of the book perfectly.  Put aside your pride, and listen well.  He may have something to teach you, and you likely have a lot to learn.  I know I do.

Stanley has this great ability to know what will make his reader bristle, and the very next sentence will call you out for bristling.  Brilliant!  Also, the narration is well-suited for this book: calm, direct, clear.

In short, this book is must read for all communicators—not just preachers.  I recommend it without reservation.

Please Note: This audiobook was gifted as a part of the Christianaudio Reviewers Program in exchange for my unbiased review of this work. This has in no way influenced my opinion or review of this work.  More information can be found about this and other Christian audiobooks at christianaudio.com.