|
$14.99
|
Item Added to Cart Electronic Item Added to Cart
|
|
Item Added to Cart
|
|
|
By using Bible stories, dialogue, drama, and songs, you can teach as Jesus did to make disciples.
Description:
Today in America, half of the people won’t or don’t read that much. Begin creatively transforming the lives of this generation by using first-century methods of teaching--storytelling, drama, and dialog.
The “TruthSticks” strategy is a revolutionary approach using the DNA of the first century disciplemaking that will:
· Use Bible Storying to effectively make disciples at all levels
· Unite families by using fun methods to disciple children
· Revitalize small groups
· Develop a disciplemaking church
A creative tool to use in leadership, evangelism, or missionary work.
Other Links of Interest:
Review and Podcast
Truth That Sticks
ISBN-13:
9781615215317
Trim Size: 5.5 x 8.25
Cover: Paperback
240
Pages
$14.99
Percentage Discounts for Bulk Purchases of Single Items
-
Downloadable
-
Part of a Series
-
Available in Spanish
You May Also Like:
Customer Reviews
The 'why do it," 4.5/5, the "how to do it," 3/5
When realizing that not only children but also adults have difficulty retaining things that are taught to them, I was looking for a resource that would help me teach adults Biblical truth in a way that helps them remember. The linear, logical style common from most pulpits and Bible study groups was meeting mostly blank stares. The author’s of Truth that Sticks do an excellent job in presenting the rationale for why “storying”—that is, the story being the teaching with follow-up discussions—is an important method and meets the needs of the majority of people world-wide.
What I found dissapointing was that the authors only provide a high-level overview of how to implement such a teaching structure. The vast majority of the book focuses on the ‘why,’ not the ‘how.’ I would have greatly preferred much more depth and information on the tools for teachers to use rather than referencing another program that would need to be purchased. Nevertheless, as a starting point, it is important to know why change is needed and this book certainly meets that requirement. In this regard, I rate this book 4.5/5. In regard to tools teachers can apply, I rate this book 3/5.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from NavPress Publishers as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
Posted by
Jared
on
12/31/2010 1:59:22 PM
Review of Truth That Sticks
In their book, Truth That Sticks: How to Communicate Velcro Truth in a Teflon World, Avery T. Willis, Jr. and Mark Snowden deal with the problem of discipling those with inadequate literacy or those who simply choose not to read. Through their experience with missionary work overseas and working with primarily oral cultures, they have developed a system of oral storytelling from the Bible. They have found this simple approach to be effective in engaging people through small groups, discussion, and practical application. Using the model of Jesus' teaching, they have found a way to bring oral learners into the church through a multi-disciplinary approach.
As Christianity has been considered a religion “of the book,” this approach seems simplistic and wrong minded, giving literate people a reason not to read the Bible. It appears to be an extension of the new trend toward experienced-based learning and an avoidance of education—along with basic reading and writing—based in texts. One has to wonder whether this allowance for learning preference will degrade general literacy and knowledge; as this approach becomes more popular, the popular theology of C.S. Lewis, who was a highly literate scholar, might be out of reach for those schooled in this practice. Oral storytelling might have been dominant in the time of Jesus, but returning to this mode of learning seems almost like a regression rather than an improvement.
Posted by
Krista Schnee
on
11/26/2010 3:25:18 PM
Truth That Sticks by Avery T. Willis Jr. and Mark Snowden
A lot of research has been done around the fact that the best way to get most people to learn something is through storytelling. This book proposes a programme of 'Bible storying' to enable effective discipleship.
It's really convincing, and I am now acutely aware of how little people remember of what they're taught. It's also well written when you take into account its dual authorship.
I want to underline that I think this is a good and useful book, but I'm not sure it quite hits the bullseye for me. After reading it I'm really aware that my natural teaching style is ineffective, but I don't know how to make it better! This is particularly difficult when it comes to studying a Bible text which itself isn't a story. To my mind the book would have benefited from an example study.
Ironically, my single biggest issue with this book is that it isn't written in the style that it's preaching about!
Overall, I think this book is a really, really good first step. If you're not sure about preaching styles, let this convince you...but don't expect this to be a 'how to' guide to telling stories.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from NavPress Publishers as part of their Blogger Review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Posted by
Sam
on
11/22/2010 4:30:05 AM
Left wanting more...
What would Jesus do? This common question could be rephrased to ask, How did Jesus do it? when wanting to know how Jesus taught truth to people in the 1st century. Avery T. Willis Jr. and Mark Snowden try to answer this question in their book Truth That Sticks: How to Communicate Velcro Truth in a Teflon World. The challenge of making disciples in the 21st century is greater with the increase of less literate ways of communication and a generation who prefer these oral and visual means of communicating. The “TruthSticks” strategy introduced in the book involves using interactive Bible storying methods to provide fun ways to disciple children, revitalize small groups, and develop disciple making churches.
As an elementary school teacher, I was very interested in the methods proposed in this book for the less literate and oral learners in the classroom. While not directly applicable in some aspects, I did come away with some new strategies for planting God’s Word deeper into these young hearts.
I often found portions of the book light on practical “how-to’s” and heavy on statistics and anecdotal success stories. The photographs at the beginning of each chapter often do not seem to relate well to the chapter title and the reflection questions at the end of each chapter lack depth.
While bringing an important and valuable tool to the discipleship toolbox, I feel the authors could have gone into much greater detail to help implement the changes needed to help make Bible storying a regular part of the disciple-making process. This book would be better suited to the lay leader or those that lack formal theological education. I was left wanting much more… I give this book 3 stars out of 5.
Posted by
Wanda Costinak
on
11/10/2010 6:13:32 PM
Eye-opening
Truth That Sticks: How to Communicate Velcro Truths in a Teflon World, is written by Avery T. Willis, Jr. and Mark Snowden, both skilled communicators with a heart to reach the unsaved world with the saving Gospel of Jesus Christ. Through this book, they present an approach to communicating the truths of God’s Word through storytelling and other means of relating to oral learners, giving the argument that much of today’s American modes of evangelism and church discipleship follow routes viewed as more of a literary approach with linear thoughts and expository preaching. They state that this is necessary, not only for the unreached people groups of the world who are unable to read and often may not even have any sort of written language available, but also for the growing number of Americans who are unskilled at reading and are accustomed to visual or auditory means of communication through movies, etc. or other methods which often allow for a very short attention span.
In the chapters of this book you will find examples of this style of evangelism at work, changing lives as Gospel truths are grasped. It also gives practical helps, questions, and advice for those desiring to implement in the way they communicate to those around them. I found the authors to be excellent teachers, drawing from years of experience in guiding churches, mission agencies, and individuals. I think this is a valuable read for all believers who desire to spread the Good News, and it’s message will assist me in teaching my children as well sharing with others.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from NavPress Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Posted by
Elizabeth Bailey
on
11/10/2010 1:31:20 PM
Effective Teaching
I must be honest, when I read Truth that Sticks, I was both alarmed and shocked about the statistics it gave on literacy in the United States. It was also eye opening that studies show that “The Bottom line is that the world is doing a better job at discipling our children to popular culture than the church does in discipling them to Christ.” So where do we go from here in making disciples for Christ. Our authors propose that we use the tradition of story telling as Jesus did. Their studies indicate that people are more likely to retain the information and are also more likely to be drawn into a relationship with Christ through story telling. Not just any stories, but those of the Bible. They describe how to most effectively use story telling in the church setting and how to make the stories a part of a person’s life so that they recollect them and remember to tell them to others, spreading the word. This book has points for discussion at the end of each chapter and a pretty comprehensive glossary at the end of the book. It also has many resources that can be used for this type of teaching. This would be a great read for someone wanting to start some missionary or ministering in their church, or for leaders, clergy and even lay persons wanting to learn how to effectively minister or teach others.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from NavPress Publishers as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
Posted by
Miriam Allen
on
11/8/2010 2:04:24 AM
This is one fantastic book
The basic idea is how do you tell truth in today's world. Less than 1/3 of the population of the world is functionally literate. Add to that the fact that the Western world has switched to either bite-size reading (twitter, texting, etc.) or audio/visual learning style. With this mountain of obstacles, how do we spread the truth of Jesus and build disciples? I think these guys are on to something. Stories.
Jesus taught through stories. He revealed deep truth to crowds, and individuals, through parables. He did this to help them understand hard truths. Also, we are wired for stories. We love stories as children. As we get older, our stories just get a little longer and complex. So, what better way to get truth to stick in the minds of people than using the God made paths! Jesus told hundreds of stories that dealt with many topics. As modern believers, we can retell His teachings and ask questions to guide people to truth. This process is true for both leading someone to Christ and then leading them to His kingdom.
If you couldn't tell, I loved this book. I am excited to try out the method of storying. I have a deep respect for the several groups that came together to formalize this method to use in sharing the Gospel and discipling. We are strong in Jesus!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from NavPress Publishers as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
Posted by
Bill Reynolds
on
11/2/2010 8:05:14 AM
Worth Trying Out
Truth that Sticks is an excellent primer on telling Bible stories as a primary discipleship method. It has certainly peaked my interest. Although America is a highly literate nation, people prefer to learn via other methods and means of communication than just the printed word or one-way lecturing.
I was at first concerned they were trying to downplay preaching and Bible reading, but instead Willis and Snowden highly affirm both. The sermon cannot serve as the only way people hear about Bible truths. Bible storying takes the first century methodology of Jesus and allows it to work in 21st century hearts and minds. It actually encourages Bible reading (think of the Bereans in the book of Acts) and paying closer attention to the preached word. The book also addresses the whole discipleship process, centered on believers’ growth in spiritual maturity, which terminates with disciple-producing disciples, not merely students.
I largely minister with and to first and second generation Hispanic immigrants in the U.S., many of whom have a low literacy rate not only in English, but in Spanish as well. I’ve already begun exploring the other resources mentioned in the book and plan to begin storying in the next few weeks. And the book was so helpful, I’m going to read it through again.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from NavPress Publishers as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
Posted by
wenc3
on
11/1/2010 2:16:55 PM
A great reminder
It is amazing to think that in our increasingly advanced society communicating the gospel is still a difficult task. When 'half of the people won't or don't read that much' in America, it becomes important to learn and understand the importance of orally communicating the gospel in an increasingly biblically illiterate America (and world).
Willis and Snowden have presented a great tool that calls believers back to the simple practice of telling the stories of the Bible, following the pattern of the New Testament church. Storying is not a new concept, yet for many believers it will seem as much. Missionaries use storying clothes to communicate the meta-narrative of the gospel in other cultures that are oral learners. In fact, a few years back the International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention offered a storying cloth used in West Africa as an thank-you gift for churches that registered their Lottie Moon Christmas Offering goal.
As a communicator of the gospel, this book reminded me of the importance of connecting and engaging the hearers with the Truth. We cannot fail in this endeavor. While providing some great information and suggestions for utilizing storying strategies in families and small groups to facilitate discipleship, I am not as keen on several other methods employed in the book. I believe it is important to use appropriate methods in their appropriate context, with the end goal of communicating the gospel of Jesus Christ effectively. Every pastor should strive to be more effective and clear in sharing the gospel, and this book is a great reminder of how important that task is.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from NavPress Publishers as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
Posted by
Ricky Kirk
on
11/1/2010 12:31:57 PM
Enjoyable read
The book starts out describing the condition of most people (including most Christians) today - basically, they are getting too much information, and therefore become almost immune to much of what they hear.
Because information is so readily available, and because they are bombarded with so much of it, almost no one reads simply for the sake of attaining knowledge anymore. Plus, these people do not retain much of what they do read, which means that most people are receiving their knowledge from chatting with friends and co-workers, watching videos or the news, and browsing various Internet sites, such as facebook and twitter.
In other words, a huge amount of people today are illiterate or close to it.
The book goes on to say that most sermons and lectures given by Pastors to their flocks are rarely remembered, and sometimes not even understood. They then look at stories, and point out the facts about them, such as the fact that they are easy to listen to, easy to remember and retell, and the fact that many people are willing to listen to them.
Therefore, the authors recommend focusing on bible stories. They point out the vast quantity that exists, and encourage coordinating small groups, bible studies, worship services, and Sunday school classes so that all are teaching from.... (As I could no fit the entire thing here, you can read the rest at http://hannahjanesreviews.blogspot.com/2010/10/truth-that-sticks.html Thanks!)
Posted by
Hannah Jane
on
10/26/2010 7:25:14 PM
Enjoyable read
The book starts out describing the condition of most people (including most Christians) today - basically, they are getting too much information, and therefore become almost immune to much of what they hear.
Because information is so readily available, and because they are bombarded with so much of it, almost no one reads simply for the sake of attaining knowledge anymore. Plus, these people do not retain much of what they do read, which means that most people are receiving their knowledge from chatting with friends and co-workers, watching videos or the news, and browsing various Internet sites, such as facebook and twitter.
In other words, a huge amount of people today are illiterate or close to it.
The book goes on to say that most sermons and lectures given by Pastors to their flocks are rarely remembered, and sometimes not even understood. They then look at stories, and point out the facts about them, such as the fact that they are easy to listen to, easy to remember and retell, and the fact that many people are willing to listen to them.
Therefore, the authors recommend focusing on bible stories. They point out the vast quantity that exists, and encourage coordinating small groups, bible studies, worship services, and Sunday school classes so that all are teaching from.... As I could no fit the entire thing here, you can read the rest at http://hannahjanesreviews.blogspot.com/2010/10/truth-that-sticks.html
Posted by
Hannah Jane
on
10/26/2010 7:24:47 PM
Enjoyable read
The book starts out describing the condition of most people (including most Christians) today - basically, they are getting too much information, and therefore become almost immune to much of what they hear.
Because information is so readily available, and because they are bombarded with so much of it, almost no one reads simply for the sake of attaining knowledge anymore. Plus, these people do not retain much of what they do read, which means that most people are receiving their knowledge from chatting with friends and co-workers, watching videos or the news, and browsing various Internet sites, such as facebook and twitter.
In other words, a huge amount of people today are illiterate or close to it.
The book goes on to say that most sermons and lectures given by Pastors to their flocks are rarely remembered, and sometimes not even understood. They then look at stories, and point out the facts about them, such as the fact that they are easy to listen to, easy to remember and retell, and the fact that many people are willing to listen to them.
Therefore, the authors recommend focusing on bible stories. They point out the vast quantity that exists, and encourage coordinating small groups, bible studies, worship services, and Sunday school classes so that all are teaching from....
Posted by
Hannah Jane
on
10/26/2010 7:23:30 PM
Enjoyable read
The book starts out describing the condition of most people (including most Christians) today - basically, they are getting too much information, and therefore become almost immune to much of what they hear.
Because information is so readily available, and because they are bombarded with so much of it, almost no one reads simply for the sake of attaining knowledge anymore. Plus, these people do not retain much of what they do read, which means that most people are receiving their knowledge from chatting with friends and co-workers, watching videos or the news, and browsing various Internet sites, such as facebook and twitter.
In other words, a huge amount of people today are illiterate or close to it.
The book goes on to say that most sermons and lectures given by Pastors to their flocks are rarely remembered, and sometimes not even understood. They then look at stories, and point out the facts about them, such as the fact that they are easy to listen to, easy to remember and retell, and the fact that many people are willing to listen to them.
Therefore, the authors recommend focusing on bible stories. They point out the vast quantity that exists, and encourage coordinating small groups, bible studies, worship services, and Sunday school classes so that all are teaching from....
Posted by
Hannah Jane
on
10/26/2010 7:23:12 PM
Wow!
As a three-year Bible Storytelling practitioner, I am impressed that the authors so effectively captured the essence of how discipleship and orality can meld to accomplish the Great Commission. Hats off to Real Life Ministries for showing us the way to reach our beloved USA for Christ.
Posted by
Jeff Holley
on
6/30/2010 7:57:09 AM