Book Review: Not a Fan.

⌚︎  1-2 min. read

Book Review: Not a Fan. (Kyle Idleman, 2011)

Kyle Idleman sounds a clear call to be a committed follower of Jesus.

The big question facing most Christians today:
Are you a fan or a follower?

Using the words and life of Jesus, Idleman draws a line in the sand.

In today's culture it is easy to just be a fan of Jesus. Maybe that is all that has been asked of you. Church culture tends to settle for fandom. Show up at the service, throw some money in the plate (and go to a Bible study once a week if you are a superfan).

Is that all Jesus called us to?

Discover the life that Jesus intended his followers to have with Him.

Idleman navigates the topic well. His tone strikes a refreshing balance. He holds back nothing as he boldly outlines the commitment Jesus wants. At the same time, his writing is full of grace and love.

He helps evoke a desire to deepen your commitment to Jesus. But he doesn't leave you there, he provides a roadmap for how to move forward.
The writing style is equal parts convicting and empowering. This is no rant about church culture that leaves you in the dumps. By the end of the book you are left picturing a better future where you are all-in as you fall more in love with Jesus.

The words of this book continue to ring in my ears. I see the effects of Christian fan culture all around. Idleman put words to my heart's cry. Which is to be fully committed to Jesus and to lead others to a greater degree of commitment.

I recommend this book to anyone who earnestly desires to live for Jesus. Let its words strengthen and encourage you to follow Jesus closely.

You need this perspective as a disciple-maker. Discipleship is partnering with Jesus to make followers, not fans. Not a Fan will help you look for and strengthen commitment in those you disciple and lead.

“Jesus never asked us to sit on the sidelines and cheer for his cause.” — Craig Groeschel, senior pastor of LifeChurch.tv Are you a fan or a follower? The dictionary defines a fan as “an enthusiastic admirer.” Fans want to be close enough to Jesus to get all the benefits, but not so close that it requires sacrifice. Fans may be fine with repeating a prayer, attending church on the weekend, and slapping a Jesus fish on their bumpers. But is that really the extent of the relationship Jesus wants? Jesus was never interested in having admirers. It’s not fans he is looking for. Not a Fan challenges you to consider what it really means to call yourself a Christian. With a direct frankness that you’re not likely to hear in Sunday school class, Kyle invites you to take an honest look at your relationship with Jesus. His call to follow may seem radical to us, but Jesus desires it for every believer.