Welcome to the blog tour for popular radio personality Tim Sinclair's new book, Branded: Sharing Jesus with A Comsumer Culture. 

Christians have a lot to learn from companies like Apple and Starbucks.The church spends $1.5 million for every one new follower of Jesus. Apple sells 26 iPads every minute. Tim Sinclair shares his first hand observations about what makes Apple so exciting and Jesus so boring. In a word: marketing. Jesus is a life-changing product with lousy sales-people who are intimidated and embarrassed by the word "evangelism" and who show more enthusiasm for their gadgets than their God.   Tim Sinclair challenges Christians to throw out their casual attitudes toward faith and to begin to see the benefits of relationship-building. Knowledge and information, void of relationship, don't sell many cars anymore--and they don't convert many non-Christians either. This book is an encouragement to allow your story, your experiences, and your gifts to reach those around you, rather than follow a generic three-step process for leading a stranger to Christ.

Written with the wit and wisdom of an experienced marketer, Branded peels away feelings of fear and encourages readers to share their faith in ways that are honest, authentic, and, most importantly, effective. 

Check out this interview and radio spots Tim put together for Branded. 

More about Tim: 
Tim Sinclair is a radio personality on one of the top Christian morning shows in the country, Mornings with Tim and Pam. For over a decade, he has been helping radio stations and various other businesses creatively and effectively market themselves. His award-winning productions have been heard on more than 2,000 radio stations worldwide and recent clients include McDonald's, Word Records, Moody Press, and the country's most-listened to Christian nonprofit radio station KSBJ/Houston. Tim has written for CCM Magazine and the Huntsville Times. For more about Tim, please visit his website, http://www.tim-sinclair.com.

Blog Tour Schedule: 

6/6

Kris at Weird, Unsocialized Homeschoolers Mr. Sinclair writes with a quick wit and drives home his points with clear, meaningful, relatable illustrations.  Branded is not your typical how-to evangelism book. In fact, it’s not really a how-to at all. It’s more of a challenge. It’s a challenge to see Christians the way the world sees us. To look at how we’re marketing the most important “product” the world will ever encounter. To quit throwing spaghetti at the wall, hoping some of it sticks, and, instead, to get relational in our sharing of our savior. He encourages readers to get out of their comfort zones. To quit hiding behind our small groups and get out and minister. To let go of the “Christianese” and speak to unbelievers in ways that make sense. To figure out why someone would be interested in our faith before trying to sell something that we’re apathetic about at best. It is, honestly, a book that I would encourage all Christians to read. I finished it feeling challenged, convicted and inspired in my faith.

Tarena at Laughing Family Challenging and refreshing at the same time. This book is flat out bold and convicting. There were times when I realized that internally I was getting upset over what Sinclair was writing. Then it came to me that it is because I was feeling convicted of how I am living my own life. Yes, I have a mission field-my own kids. But it doesn't stop there...and plastering people with "church words" or a Jesus fish on my checks is not going to show them Jesus. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in really seeing people come to know Jesus and the hope they have found in him. The world needs to see Jesus...in a real way.  

6/8

Becky at In The Pages I have been telling people - DO NOT miss this book! It will challenge you to get outside of your box and think about how you not only represent Jesus to the world, but how you COULD be representing Him - and maybe SHOULD be. The chapters are short and very easy to read - Sinclair is funny and yet poignant - his years in marketing bring a whole new set of things to consider to us as readers. We, as Believers, need to think about how to share Christ with others in ways that are authentic, and honest and effective. I am excited about this book and truly have been already telling others to get their hands on this and read it!

Melissa at Books R Us Witty. The book was written like a blog and was easy to read. Many Non fiction books tend to bore me but this book was much different because it was informative, interesting and right to the point. 

Glenda at Authors Book Corner

Pam at Can't Wait... The way in which we market is so very vital and Sinclair offers many great points motivating me to strive to be as honest as possible, without putting on a mask and telling my true story. This is definitely a book I would read again and want to delve deeper with a study group. It was very easy to read and I have many pages ear tagged to go and look back on important points worth remembering!

6/9

Danita at (review & life) As I began to read this book I found myself agreeing with Tim Sinclair over and over again. I LOVE how Sinclair put it saying something to the effect of  "if Jesus were alive to day he would be talking about Lost and Pearl Jam instead of the lost sheep and the pearl of great price". The examples Jesus used in his preaching and drawing people to the Father were examples that were relevant to them. I hope that this book makes it into the hands of true believers all over the world and really shakes up the way they are "winning" people to the Lord. It is not a competition. IT by no means is "fire insurance". People are drawn to the Lord by relationships and people getting into each others lives so that others can see you living a Christ centered life all the time.

6/10

Leah at Love Grows Best An interesting wake-up call regarding the Christian portrayal and marketing of Jesus.  

Vic's Media Room Tim Sinclair gives us solid ground on what we really should be doing. We need to show who Jesus is by what we do and say. This is a great book and should be read more than once. “Branded” will confront your thinking, might even make you uncomfortable. This book will help change your thinking, your attitude and how you deal with others. I highly recommend it.

6/11

Michele at My Blessings From Above The question I ask myself is am really living my faith? Branded has really made me stop and think? What type of Christian do I want to be? Someone who talks about my brand of Jesus or someone who lives out my faith each and every day. One on one with the people I encounter and the people I love? Or someone who just wants to “preach” at others? As a Christian? Or as a follower of Jesus. What matters is how we share Jesus and how He has branded us and changed our lives forever. This book will make you stop and think. How do you want to share Jesus? An easy read at 145 pages including a study guide in the back of the book.

Elizabeth at Count It All Joy When reading such clear honesty it can sometimes cause a person to squirm in their seat.  But perhaps it’s time for us to do some squirming and actually look at the way we talk to and act around others rather than trying to bop them on the head with a Bible. I definitely recommend reading Branded, Sharing Jesus With A Consumer Culture as it gives some out of the box ideas to a centuries old Christian task.

Kaylea at My Scrappy Life Intriguing. By comparing the methods Christians use to spread the message of Jesus, with secular marketing practices, Sinclair effectively shows what is and isn't effective. In less than 145 pages, (including study guide and resource list), Sinclair has unpacked some serious and significant nuggets of truth. If we take but one thing found in Sinclair's book, and use it to change how we talk about or promote Jesus, it could truly make our ministries relevant (or at least get our message heard) to a hurting world. Relevant, real and remarkably fresh. It's a book that can be read again and again for nuggets of truth. Read it at your own risk - it may just make you re-think how you do church, and how you market your ministry to the public.

Billie the Girl I saw a lot of Seth Godin in this book, (famous marketing author for you normal people who don't read marketing books for fun). That's great. He's all about spreading idea's in a natural, authentic way through excellence--which could be the subject of a whole 'nother book (maybe we just don't realize how excellent God is *cough* Crazy Love! *cough*). My favorite part of the book is Sinclair's assertion that we need to be real. Not just "I got Jesus and now my life is perfect" but really real and I'm not so great at that. But I'll be working on it.

Deanna's Corner The concept of this book fascinated me, but I didn't expect this book to hook me like it did. As Sinclair states, "The product isn't the problem.  The spokespeople are." Ouch! Do your toes hurt? They should! He is so right. Recently our church hired a "connections pastor". A pastor whose job description is to connect visitors with the church body. How sad is that? We had to hire a pastor to do what the church body isn't willing to do ourselves. We each need to be a connections pastor. We need to be relationally connected. The ideas that Tim is talking about aren't new at all. They are the concepts that Jesus taught us.  He told us to "go out and make disciples". He didn't ask us to text, call, tweet or update or Facebook statuses. He told us to walk out our front doors and sit on our front porches with our neighbors.  Go meet in the coffee shops with our friends. Invite people over for supper. Go visit people in hospitals when they are sick. Cook meals when people are going through tough times. Connect! One on one face time relationships. This is the "brand" of Christian that Jesus intended to reach the world!  

6/13

Megan Homeschoolin’ Mama This book was even better than I thought it would be!
I was completely hooked as soon as I read the first line just in the Introduction, "It's weird. I'm a Christian and even I don't like us very much." I have said this to my husband many times! I can honestly say that after reading this book I have become very convicted about myself and whether or not I am successfully representing Jesus. I love the way Tim Sinclair has written this book and with the discussion questions at the end he has really made it a great read for your small groups. Bottom line - this book is fantastic for your adult small groups as well as your Junior/Senior High/College Students. For any and all Christians who want to be a "Marketer For Jesus". Buy Two, Read One and Give The Other One Away!  

Theresa at Frugal Experiments Branded is an easy to read book, with paragraphs that are short, sweet and to the point, with lots of white space. Each point made is illustrated by a story most can relate to. The book is laid out in a way I've become accustomed to reading, thanks to the internet.

Lena at A Christian Writer's World Author interview and book giveaway!

Kennedy Reviews In this witty and upfront book, you will learn how to share Jesus authentically, minus the frivolous baggage that is not necessary. This book breaks down the real faith that Jesus has called us, Christians, to have. Eliminating the fluff and sugary coating, this book reveals the Jesus that is told about in the Bible, not the “brand” of Jesus that is so over marketed in the current world. With whirls of energy and dashes of open mindedness, this book is written as a wakeup call for Christians living in this present time in society. Painted with stories from the author’s own life experience, this book will make you ponder your own faith in Jesus and how the presentation of your own faith is perceived by the world. Through clear statements that evoke honesty and humor, the author will engage your attention from the first page to the last. There is a Discussion Questions section at the end of the book, which would be helpful if using this book in a class, Bible study, or small group.

Brian at Live Generously His writing style is casual and easy to read, and he uses several recent news items as illustrations to make his larger point. I think a book like this could certainly be helpful for those stuck believing that “evangelism” means having a fish symbol on the back of their car and wearing a t-shirt with some vague biblical reference (and, life has taught me that those folks are perhaps a bit more prevalent than I thought). I enjoyed reading this book, and I was certainly challenged by some of what Sinclair had to say. 

6/14

Elizabeth at Be Joyful Always Branded  is ideal for people involved and/or interested in marketing, yet still readable for all (from teenagers to older generations) who want to share their faith with today’s consumer culture.         

Debra at Footprints in the Butter I loved Tim's flair for describing various marketing techniques. So. I laughed. I cried. It moved me Bob... but did I come away learning anything about how to market my Savior? Initially, I was disappointed.  At the beginning of the book, I was reading Tim's insightful thoughts on marketing using very up-to-date examples in the business world.  I kept thinking, "This is great, he's right on.  But what do I do?" In fact, I nearly finished the book (it is a very quick and enjoyable read) before I started to "get it" in any way, shape or form.  The last chapter, read the night before my review was due, was what got my mind spinning.  I had to write and ask for an extension on my review. This book has been on my mind ever since I finished it. I looked at the little WWJD bracelets at Mardel on Saturday in a totally different light.  I'm reading things on Facebook with a different perspective.  I'm talking to my kids about faith and life, and in the back of my mind, there is a different conversation going on.  I'm looking at posts written by atheists who attended a Christian homeschool conference, and I'm cringing.  I'm looking at a recent experience with a group "witnessing" to my baby brother at Mount Rushmore... and while I agreed with almost everything they said, and while I pray my brother truly heard them... I am pondering the approach now. This isn't a book to quickly read and then move on to the next title to check off a list.  This is a book to read and enjoy.  And then, probably, to read again and think.  Or at least to think.  I am quite certain this book is changing me.  But it is still way too early for me to truly say how.

6/15

Melissa at Real Heart Prints Honestly, I could NOT put this book down. You can ask my husband. He walked in one day to see me standing over the stove, stirring a pot of noodles, book in hand, reading away. Branded, by Tim Sinclair, is written from the perspective of a very experienced marketer who has worked with big-name brands and knows what it takes to help a company or brand succeed. He really gets down to the nitty gritty of why people are turning away from Jesus, away from true Christianity….he will step on your toes in this book, let me tell you. He’s just not afraid to go there, and I think that’s one reason I couldn’t stop reading. He makes so many great points. Tim doesn’t just show what is wrong with today’s evangelism, though; he gives examples of big-name companies with outstanding marketing strategies, as well as suggestions and ideas for how Christians can shake it up in their own communities and churches. Think about Apple. Think about not just creating customers for life but true followers who love the brand (in this case, Jesus) and want to share that brand (Jesus) with everyone they know. I can’t recommend this book enough; in fact, I think every Christian should have a copy, it is that good.  

Christine at Write to the Heart I agree with what he is saying. Too many Christians want to put up signs declaring their faith, but never back up the claim with a life lived for God. The author doesn't give a pat-answer solution to the problem. He makes many statements to help the Christian make a decision about he/she will live life. It isn't a book to read lightly or quickly, unless the reader has no plans to make changes in how life is lived.

Isabelle at Canadianladybug Reviews! From the earliest chapters, the author has grabbed my attention and I am motivated to become more bold with sharing my faith. I want to become a sneezers for Jesus! Being a stay-at-home mom who homeschool my children, my first audience is definitively our four kids. They watch, they observe, they see mom making errors, they hear her apologizing. From there I can touch the world around me, family, neighbours, strangers at the store,… you name it, you got it. This book is worth reading and sharing it with others. I would not hesitate to use this book in a book club or  small group. It would definitively spark discussions and help us see the World as our mission field.

Crystal at Cinnamon Hollow Reviews He isn’t saying we should actually “sell” Jesus, but that we should live our lives showing others that He is what we want. His ways are our ways. Don’t be fake, be real and honest in everything you say and do and others will want to follow! Others WILL follow! Don’t shove your God down peoples throats with preachy, old-fashioned methods. Show the world that your God is awesome and fresh and just as capable of being in the here and now as all the technology out there.  

6/16     

Laura at Day by Day in Our World Both the marketing and Christian ‘components’ of myself found this an interesting read.  While I have a different take on some things as I am Catholic and not a Protestant, I found myself nodding in agreement to a lot of his statements.  I also am a firm believer that how we live our own lives…authentically and not covering up our warts…has a further reaching effect on leading other’s to Christ’s light than we might realize. If we can not find a way in which to relate to others where they are at now, then attempts to bring others to Christ can just fall on the wayside. 

6/18

Tammy Is Blessed This book was challenging and convicting. Though often it was simply a reminder of things Christians ought to know already, there's nothing wrong with a good reminder now and again, especially on a topic of such vital importance.  

Ponderings by Andrea 'Branded' is a fast read, but it also is very insightful. As Tim stated at the beginning of the book, he asked some tough questions. But they are important questions that need to be asked, and I am grateful to Mr. Sinclair for bringing them to us in this book. I think this is a valuable tool for small groups, as well as individual study. I plan on contacting our small group leader to recommend this book for our fall study. The back of the book includes insightful discussion questions for each chapter.

Missie at Thirsty I really enjoyed Branded - it would spur great conversation. I am definitely bringing it to my bible study!

6/20

Shannon at Curled Up With a Good Book and a Cup of Tea Branded is a fantastic book. It is well-written, clear and concise. What I enjoyed most about the book was how well-researched it is, how Sinclair really understands his audience and today's culture and link them together with the church, a link that is often missing. Sinclair includes a chapter in the book with ways to re-market Jesus. A word of warning, this chapter will be convicting and for many it may feel like an attack on their church's current practices. However, that is not the intent of the chapter and Sinclair doesn't expect every church to follow all of his suggestions. Rather, he is challenging you to take a look at what you and your church are currently doing, decide if it has been effective and decide if maybe there is a better way for you. The inclusion of discussion questions make this book a great resources for churches and small groups.

Renee at Doorkeeper With thought-provoking analogies, questions, and suggestions, Tim Sinclair addresses the topic of why Christians struggle to share Christ within our modern culture. We know that many around us would benefit from Christ’s peace and healing power. How to entice them to give God a chance is of vital importance for today’s church. I appreciate Tim highlighting this issue with such an easy-to-read, appealing book!   

Michelle at A Life Better Than I Deserve This short book asks plenty of questions. It provides plenty of food for thought and discussion. It even provides quite a bit of humor and relevant illustrations. It doesn’t purport to have all the answers, and, frankly, I suspect that God may lead you and me differently in our responses to the questions Sinclair asks. This book will lead you to think. I would really like to use this book in a local Bible study in order to discuss it with others–because the questions this book raises really beg to be discussed among fellow believers. An appendix contains detailed Discussion Questions with relevant Scripture references for just this purpose. I’ll be re-reading this one.      

Amy at Backseat Writer This is a book for people who have no idea why young adults walk away from church at age 18, never to return again.  This is a “pep talk” on how to start a conversation with a Wiccan neighbor or a Jewish co-worker—any conversation.   This book is a great resource for people who don’t “get it,” yet really want to understand how to reach out to others in what seems like a strange, new world.  Along with practical suggestions, Sinclair also offers a study guide at the end of the book to aid in personal development or small group studies.  Complete with Scripture, this added bonus is a great encouragement for people to reach out to others together for God.

6/21

Stacy at Mom in Training This to me is one of those can't put it down once you start it books. It really gets you thinking. I know I am not doing all I could, mostly because of fear. Fear of being rejected, fear of being an outcast, just plain fear of others not having the same feelings I do. However after reading Branded I have a new outlook on things and have found some ways that I too can help spread the word and not feel so much fear!

Linda at Christian Book Reviews So right on. Tim doesn’t give you the how-to’s (tactics), as he feels we all have our own unique talents, abilities, and (spiritual) gifts to influence people in our own areas of influence (missions).  And as varied as we are individually, he believes there are multitudinal ways to creatively witness while staying within the bounds of the Gospel message. His use of describing how business uses new tactics to claim new business, Christians need to stretch themselves in how they share the Gospel of Jesus. As Tim states, “Missions don’t change.  Tactics do (or should).” I was challenged!       

Suzanne at Suzannesaphone Branded is a quick, easy read. I read it in one day but will be digesting it for weeks to come. Sinclair’s ability to tell stories and use of analogies was very refreshing. I felt as though I was sitting at a coffee shop, having a conversation with a friend. He made me laugh. He made me think. He left me speechless. I left ready to roll up my sleeves and get to work. Branded is a great read! I have already been recommending this book to people who are frustrated with traditional evangelism. It covers a lot that was swirling in my head but had not taken form. Mr. Sinclair, if you read this and are ever in the Dallas area, hit me up. I’d like to buy you a cup of coffee (and give $3 to the local homeless shelter).

6/22

Lori at Not So Superwoman Homeschool, Reviews, and More Reveiw and author Q&A

Amy at Writing in the Margins I read the book, pen always in hand, because I was constantly finding thoughtful points, things I wanted to return to and dwell on more.I see a lot of room for discussion here, in a Bible study setting, for readers to figure out how to apply this in their own efforts at evangelism.

Alena at Little Bit Of Wonderful This book is about sharing Christ with the people around you in a way that has nothing to do with salesmanship or "gaining" converts. The Gospel is about life, and Branded  is a call to action - instead of smiling to ourselves about our salvation and quiety waiting around for eternity, we are ought to be living in such a way that every single person we encounter can clearly see the life changing power of Christ at work.