“Now Joseph, a Levite of Cyprian birth, who was also called Barnabas by the apostles (which translated means Son of Encouragement),” - Acts 4:36

Have you spent a lot of time thinking about Barnabas? I hadn’t. This verse is so cool because it talks about how Barnabas’ name means “Son of Encouragement”. The book I just finished “Authentic Influencer: The Barnabas Way of Shaping Lives for Jesus” by Jonathan Murphy is all about Barnabas and how his example can help us become the best type of influencer in the 21st century.

Did you know the type of influence Barnabas had on the early church? He was the one who showed people that Saul had truly become Paul. He paved the way for Paul’s leadership. There are numerous accounts of him being set aside to be a part of ministry. What you don’t hear about is him being called to be the next greatest Paul, pastor, missionary, or evangelist. He is a humble man being exactly where God has him and assisting those in authority over him. John Mark and Luke are also people who he helped shape!

“This sort of influence does not occur just because one has an important title or a prominent position in a large company or church; it emerges through the attitudes, associations, and activities of any ordinary Christian. When kingdom living occurs by authentic followers of Jesus, the beauty of life under the rule of God is put on display. That’s a version of the gospel that spreads because, frankly, there is no better and more attractive way of life!” - Jonathan Murphy

“Authentic Influencer” does such a great job of giving us different tips, hints, and advice on learning to love others well. Jonathan does such a good job of showing how you can use your gifts as part of the body of Christ to build the kingdom of God. Whether a servant or leader, these practical tips will help you teach others to find people and pull their gifts out of them. Remember - you are called to love others - no matter where you are at in life. It may only be one person but, like Barnabas, you could be raising up the next Paul for your generation.