Are you a follower of Jesus? Don't answer too quickly. In fact, you may want to read this book before you answer at all. Consider it a 'Define the Relationship' conversation to determine exactly where you stand. You may indeed be a passionate, fully devoted follower of Jesus. Or, you may be just a fan who admires Jesus but isn't ready to let him cramp your style. Then again, maybe you're not into Jesus, period. In any case, don't take the question---Are you a follower of Jesus?---lightly. Some people don't know what they've said yes to and other people don't realize what they've said no to, says Pastor Kyle Idleman. But Jesus is ready to clearly define the relationship he wants with his followers. Not a Fan calls you to consider the demands and rewards of being a true disciple. With frankness sprinkled with humor, Idleman invites you to live the way Jesus lived, love the way he loved, pray the way he prayed, and never give up living for the One who gave his all for you.
Not a Fan: Becoming a Completely Committed Follower of Jesus
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Editorial Reviews
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"Kyle Idleman knows where we live and where we could live with God's help. His words are, at once, profound and practical. He is committed to helping us move in the right direction. If you need a helping hand in your journey, he'll point you to the right Person." --Max Lucado - Pastor, Oak Hills Church and Author of Fearless
"Jesus never asked us to sit on the sidelines and cheer for his cause. In Idleman's book, Not a Fan, Kyle will challenge you to grow from a fair weather fan to a full-time follower of Christ." --Craig Groeschel - Senior Pastor of LifeChurch.tv and Author of The Christian Atheist
"Not a Fan is truly a cutting edge study that will challenge even the most obedient Christians to re-look at their relationship with Christ. I highly recommend to individuals and churches everywhere." --Mike Huckabee - Former Governor of Arkansas and Author of Do the Right Thing
"Kyle Idleman's Not a Fan is a crucial message for our time. It's a powerful call to commitment and to following Jesus with all our hearts that has challenged me in the best of ways!" --Jud Wilhite - Sr. Pastor Central Christian Church, Las Vegas and Author of Throw it Down
"This book disrupts the status quo and challenges readers to follow Christ with greater devotion." --Mark Batterson - Lead Pastor, National Community Church and Author of Soul Print
"Not A Fan is a book that every Christian should read and regularly re-read. I started to read the manuscript and could not stop until I finished. This is a NOW message for the Church and my hope is that every believer who reads this will become an authentic follower of Christ." --Christine Caine - Founder, The A21 Campaign and Author of Run to Win
"Jesus never asked us to sit on the sidelines and cheer for his cause. In Idleman's book, Not a Fan, Kyle will challenge you to grow from a fair weather fan to a full-time follower of Christ." --Craig Groeschel - Senior Pastor of LifeChurch.tv and Author of The Christian Atheist
"Not a Fan is truly a cutting edge study that will challenge even the most obedient Christians to re-look at their relationship with Christ. I highly recommend to individuals and churches everywhere." --Mike Huckabee - Former Governor of Arkansas and Author of Do the Right Thing
"Kyle Idleman's Not a Fan is a crucial message for our time. It's a powerful call to commitment and to following Jesus with all our hearts that has challenged me in the best of ways!" --Jud Wilhite - Sr. Pastor Central Christian Church, Las Vegas and Author of Throw it Down
"This book disrupts the status quo and challenges readers to follow Christ with greater devotion." --Mark Batterson - Lead Pastor, National Community Church and Author of Soul Print
"Not A Fan is a book that every Christian should read and regularly re-read. I started to read the manuscript and could not stop until I finished. This is a NOW message for the Church and my hope is that every believer who reads this will become an authentic follower of Christ." --Christine Caine - Founder, The A21 Campaign and Author of Run to Win
About the Author
Kyle Idleman is the Teaching Pastor at Southeast Christian Church in Louisville, Kentucky, the fourth largest church in America. He is the author of the award-winning and best-selling book not a fan. He is also the presenter of several video curricula, including not a fan, H2O, and the newly released study gods at war. SPANISH BIO: Kyle Idleman es pastor de ensenanza en la Iglesia Southeast Christian, en Louisville, Kentucky, la quinta iglesia mas grande en Estados Unidos, con una asistencia de alrededor de veinte mil personas todos los fines de semana. Es autor y presentador de la serie de videos H2O, A Journey of Faith y The Easter Experience. Lo invitan con frecuencia a dar conferencias en convenciones regionales y nacionales, y tambien habla en algunas de las iglesias mas influyentes del pais. Kyle y su esposa DesiRae tienen cuatro hijos.
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More About the Author
Kyle Idleman is the Teaching Minister at Southeast Christian Church located in Louisville, Ky with over 22,000 in attendance every weekend. He's a guest speaker for regional and national conventions around the country and regularly speaks for some of America's most influential churches. Kyle's also the best selling author of Not A Fan book published by Zondervan. Not A Fan is also an award winning small group DVD study produced with City on a Hill (www.cityonahillproductions.com). Join the Not A Fan movement at www.facebook.com/notafan or view samples of Kyle's preaching and message presentation at www.notafan.com. He's the author and presenter of the award winning video curriculum H2O: A Journey of Faith as well as The Easter Experience. Kyle's favorite thing to do is hang out with the love of his life, DesiRae. They have been married for 15 years and have four children: MacKenzie, Morgan, Macy and Kael.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
196 of 207 people found the following review helpful
By LMS
Format:Paperback|Amazon Vine™ Review
(What's this?)
If you are looking for a book that preaches a comfortable, easy, complacent version of Christianity, then this isn't the book for you. This book will hit you between the eyes. Kyle Idleman pulls no punches. If you are open to it, this book is like a giant mirror. It will help you take an honest look at yourself and realize what is truly in your heart. Jesus was never interested in drawing a crowd. He was interesting in gaining followers. Not of religion or legalism, but followers of Him. Idleman goes to great lengths to help the reader understand what it means to truly follow Christ. We live in an age where the Gospel and cost of following Christ are often softened and watered down. I think there are many people in American churches who have chosen to "follow Christ" with little or no consideration of the cost. Following Christ is about much more than just a "Get Out of Hell Free" card. It involves sacrifice, dying to self, and surrendering everything to Him. He may not ask us to give up everything, but a true follower is willing to do so if He does ask.
I think we all know someone who is obsessed with a particular celebrity. For example, say someone is obsessed with Britney Spears. A true fan probably is a fan on Facebook, has every CD she has ever made, and possibly even a scrape book of every magazine article ever written about her. If something new comes out, they will go to great lengths to attain it. But Jesus has never been interesting in having a fan club. He wants all of us. If you read this book with an open heart and mind, and are willing to be honest with yourself, this book will help you know if you are really a follower of Christ or if you are merely a fan of His. It is one thing to CLAIM to be a follower, it is an altogether different thing to actually LIVE like a follower of Christ. Jesus is not interested in mere lip service.
I have to ademit, that I spent a lot of years as a fan of Jesus. I knew all the right lingo, all the rules (don't drink, don't swear, don't have sex before marriage) and I knew a lot of knowledge about Jesus and the Bible. But what I didn't realize is that Jesus is interested in the heart. It is entirely possible to look great on the outside and be rotten on the inside. After awhile, I started going through the motions of prayer, worshiping God, and reading in the Word, but my heart wasn't really in it. I cared more about looking good on the outside than the state of my heart. I claimed to love Jesus, but in reality, it was all about me. I realized I wasn't following the Jesus of Scripture, I was following a false version of my own creation. A version that didn't demand too much, expect too much out of me, or expect total, unconditional surrender. I honestly believed that I could have Christ and my own way. Looking back, I can see now how completely self-centered I was. Even when a close friend cared enough to point this out to me, I didn't listen. Instead, I got angry and defensive. I claimed that Jesus was Lord of my life, but when it came right down to it, I was Lord of my life. But no more. Now, I can honestly say "I am not a fan of Jesus."
I think we all know someone who is obsessed with a particular celebrity. For example, say someone is obsessed with Britney Spears. A true fan probably is a fan on Facebook, has every CD she has ever made, and possibly even a scrape book of every magazine article ever written about her. If something new comes out, they will go to great lengths to attain it. But Jesus has never been interesting in having a fan club. He wants all of us. If you read this book with an open heart and mind, and are willing to be honest with yourself, this book will help you know if you are really a follower of Christ or if you are merely a fan of His. It is one thing to CLAIM to be a follower, it is an altogether different thing to actually LIVE like a follower of Christ. Jesus is not interested in mere lip service.
I have to ademit, that I spent a lot of years as a fan of Jesus. I knew all the right lingo, all the rules (don't drink, don't swear, don't have sex before marriage) and I knew a lot of knowledge about Jesus and the Bible. But what I didn't realize is that Jesus is interested in the heart. It is entirely possible to look great on the outside and be rotten on the inside. After awhile, I started going through the motions of prayer, worshiping God, and reading in the Word, but my heart wasn't really in it. I cared more about looking good on the outside than the state of my heart. I claimed to love Jesus, but in reality, it was all about me. I realized I wasn't following the Jesus of Scripture, I was following a false version of my own creation. A version that didn't demand too much, expect too much out of me, or expect total, unconditional surrender. I honestly believed that I could have Christ and my own way. Looking back, I can see now how completely self-centered I was. Even when a close friend cared enough to point this out to me, I didn't listen. Instead, I got angry and defensive. I claimed that Jesus was Lord of my life, but when it came right down to it, I was Lord of my life. But no more. Now, I can honestly say "I am not a fan of Jesus."
85 of 91 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Vine™ Review
(What's this?)
In brief, I became a fan of Kyle Idleman and Not A Fan: Becoming a Completely Committed Follower of Jesus.
Let's be honest. This is a popular sub-culture of Christian writing -- this concept of being fully devoted, going all out, not standing on the sidelines, and becoming more than just a "Christian."
But Idleman proved he could take a subject that is being written about often, and provide a fresh take and motivating spin on this concept.
Here's why I loved this book:
1. His heart.
Idleman time and time again displayed the authenticity and transparency my generation (20s) love. I respect him for his willingness to share his authentic self, not just the pastor self who occasionally says bad words.
2. His humor.
This was easily the most surprising aspect of the book. I found his footnotes and off-handed side comments to be hilarious and refreshing.
3. His message.
More than anything, I believe his message is one that needs to be heard time and time and time again. As a pastor of the 5th largest church in American, I imagine it can be tempting to not want to offend people and therefore lose "customers." But Idleman makes it clear, he is no longer going to just create fans (people who stand on the sidelines, know about Jesus, and cheer for him). He is going to help create followers (those who are in the game of becoming more and more like Jesus by KNOWING him).
Personally, I can tell you this was a timely read as I was preparing to give a message about giving your lives to Jesus. I wasn't presenting the full cost. Now, I will. I don't want fans of Jesus. I want followers.
This is a book for pastors, ministry leaders, lifelong Christians and first time Christians.
Become a fan of Kyle Idleman and Not A Fan. I know I am.
Let's be honest. This is a popular sub-culture of Christian writing -- this concept of being fully devoted, going all out, not standing on the sidelines, and becoming more than just a "Christian."
But Idleman proved he could take a subject that is being written about often, and provide a fresh take and motivating spin on this concept.
Here's why I loved this book:
1. His heart.
Idleman time and time again displayed the authenticity and transparency my generation (20s) love. I respect him for his willingness to share his authentic self, not just the pastor self who occasionally says bad words.
2. His humor.
This was easily the most surprising aspect of the book. I found his footnotes and off-handed side comments to be hilarious and refreshing.
3. His message.
More than anything, I believe his message is one that needs to be heard time and time and time again. As a pastor of the 5th largest church in American, I imagine it can be tempting to not want to offend people and therefore lose "customers." But Idleman makes it clear, he is no longer going to just create fans (people who stand on the sidelines, know about Jesus, and cheer for him). He is going to help create followers (those who are in the game of becoming more and more like Jesus by KNOWING him).
Personally, I can tell you this was a timely read as I was preparing to give a message about giving your lives to Jesus. I wasn't presenting the full cost. Now, I will. I don't want fans of Jesus. I want followers.
This is a book for pastors, ministry leaders, lifelong Christians and first time Christians.
Become a fan of Kyle Idleman and Not A Fan. I know I am.
348 of 417 people found the following review helpful
By S. LLOYD
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
Our Bible study group was looking for another book we could go through together. Our study group is comprised of parents of teens and the intent of the group is to find ways to raise more Godly young men and women and become more adept Christian parents. We decided to take a break from overt parental study and go through a book that would develop us each spiritually. Since our church youth pastor highly recommended this book, we each bought one and got started.
When I downloaded the Kindle version of "Not a Fan," I quickly scanned through the Amazon reviews and noted the preponderance of positive reviews. Even the less enthusiastic reviews were positive. One 3-star reviewer's only criticism of the work was that the author did not advocate a more radical approach to Christianity.
I was raised in a very legalistic Christian denomination and now have a finely tuned antenna for calls to legalism. As I read through the book and we discussed it, I understood and resonated to the call for a deeper commitment to Christ. But I became more and more concerned with the underlying message of the book. For about the first 8 chapters or so, I kept hoping that the author was simply calling the Body of Christ to a deeper commitment. But the author finally clarified that when he is talking about his definition of "follower" or "fan" he is really talking about "saved" or "lost." From my reading of his book, the author believes and attempts to make the case that while there may be a large population of people who have accepted Jesus as their Savior, only the most radical and extreme are truly "Christian" and are therefore saved. Throughout the book, he gives examples of people who fit his definition of extreme Christianity, though to me some of the examples were fairly prosaic. In his view, continually expressed throughout the book, (despite his caveats to the contrary) it appears that one's actions (works) are the gauge of one's salvation, not acceptance of Christ as one's Savior.
Of course, the terms "radical" and "extreme" are, by definition, relative and vary based on any defined population group. I remember reading about a group of "radical" Christians who, to help fulfill an obscure prophecy regarding the return of Christ, are engaged in trying to breed a cow to carry an umblemished red calf. Since it must be born in Israel, they have been trying to figure out a way that they could first breed such a calf, and then smuggle the cow into Israel so the calf can be born there and thereby hasten the return of Christ. Are those actions radical enough to qualify to be saved? Of course that's crazy, but I'm using hyperbole to make a point. What exactly is extreme? How extreme does one "need to be" to be saved?
I spent some time in Scotland where only about 5% of the population attends Christian services. Why? After hundreds of years of wars waged in Scotland between Christians of different denominations, Christianity has largely been rejected. These were radical, extreme Christians who fought the wars against each other. They profoundly believed they were right and the other denomination was wrong and were willing to die for those beliefs. The point is, a call to "Extremist Christianity" without a clear idea of what is defined as being extreme, with the underlying message that if you aren't extreme enough in what you "do", you aren't really saved does not strike me as a helpful Christian message.
In my opinion, the book's message works to tear down the Body of Christ, not build it up. It causes believers to judge others as not commited enough and therefore lost. "Oh, I see that you are only a fan of Christ, not a true follower like me because you don't do (insert your personal belief here)" Time after time throughout the book, it calls on follower's of Christ to question their personal salvation in a kind of smart-alecky "ha-ha bet you aren't REALLY a follower" way; to question whether they are "only" a "fan" and not saved, or if they are a "true follower" who will be saved. This is a corrosive message to anyone's assurance of salvation.
Since terms like "extreme" and "radical" are relative, people who accept the core premise of the book can never know if they are "committed" enough to be saved. That is antithetical to my understanding of the Good News of Salvation and the assurance that Christians can have through faith in Christ's robe of righteousness that covers them.
The good news of the Gospel is fairly simple and I praise God for it! I received such a blessing from the book "Gracewalk" that I plan on reading it again after studying this book.
Our society today is polarized and continues to become more polarizing. Perhaps that helps explain the positive responses that many Christians seem to have with this book. I must note that the majority of our study group found "Not a Fan" to be beneficial and did not have the reaction to the content that I had.
By the way, there is an interesting circular logic to books like this that attempt to brand one group as something inferior and another group as superior. And you don't get more inferior/superior than lost/saved (fan/follower). Anyone who criticises the premise or content is automatically suspect and assigned to the inferior group by definition.
No, I'm not a fan of "Not a Fan."
When I downloaded the Kindle version of "Not a Fan," I quickly scanned through the Amazon reviews and noted the preponderance of positive reviews. Even the less enthusiastic reviews were positive. One 3-star reviewer's only criticism of the work was that the author did not advocate a more radical approach to Christianity.
I was raised in a very legalistic Christian denomination and now have a finely tuned antenna for calls to legalism. As I read through the book and we discussed it, I understood and resonated to the call for a deeper commitment to Christ. But I became more and more concerned with the underlying message of the book. For about the first 8 chapters or so, I kept hoping that the author was simply calling the Body of Christ to a deeper commitment. But the author finally clarified that when he is talking about his definition of "follower" or "fan" he is really talking about "saved" or "lost." From my reading of his book, the author believes and attempts to make the case that while there may be a large population of people who have accepted Jesus as their Savior, only the most radical and extreme are truly "Christian" and are therefore saved. Throughout the book, he gives examples of people who fit his definition of extreme Christianity, though to me some of the examples were fairly prosaic. In his view, continually expressed throughout the book, (despite his caveats to the contrary) it appears that one's actions (works) are the gauge of one's salvation, not acceptance of Christ as one's Savior.
Of course, the terms "radical" and "extreme" are, by definition, relative and vary based on any defined population group. I remember reading about a group of "radical" Christians who, to help fulfill an obscure prophecy regarding the return of Christ, are engaged in trying to breed a cow to carry an umblemished red calf. Since it must be born in Israel, they have been trying to figure out a way that they could first breed such a calf, and then smuggle the cow into Israel so the calf can be born there and thereby hasten the return of Christ. Are those actions radical enough to qualify to be saved? Of course that's crazy, but I'm using hyperbole to make a point. What exactly is extreme? How extreme does one "need to be" to be saved?
I spent some time in Scotland where only about 5% of the population attends Christian services. Why? After hundreds of years of wars waged in Scotland between Christians of different denominations, Christianity has largely been rejected. These were radical, extreme Christians who fought the wars against each other. They profoundly believed they were right and the other denomination was wrong and were willing to die for those beliefs. The point is, a call to "Extremist Christianity" without a clear idea of what is defined as being extreme, with the underlying message that if you aren't extreme enough in what you "do", you aren't really saved does not strike me as a helpful Christian message.
In my opinion, the book's message works to tear down the Body of Christ, not build it up. It causes believers to judge others as not commited enough and therefore lost. "Oh, I see that you are only a fan of Christ, not a true follower like me because you don't do (insert your personal belief here)" Time after time throughout the book, it calls on follower's of Christ to question their personal salvation in a kind of smart-alecky "ha-ha bet you aren't REALLY a follower" way; to question whether they are "only" a "fan" and not saved, or if they are a "true follower" who will be saved. This is a corrosive message to anyone's assurance of salvation.
Since terms like "extreme" and "radical" are relative, people who accept the core premise of the book can never know if they are "committed" enough to be saved. That is antithetical to my understanding of the Good News of Salvation and the assurance that Christians can have through faith in Christ's robe of righteousness that covers them.
The good news of the Gospel is fairly simple and I praise God for it! I received such a blessing from the book "Gracewalk" that I plan on reading it again after studying this book.
Our society today is polarized and continues to become more polarizing. Perhaps that helps explain the positive responses that many Christians seem to have with this book. I must note that the majority of our study group found "Not a Fan" to be beneficial and did not have the reaction to the content that I had.
By the way, there is an interesting circular logic to books like this that attempt to brand one group as something inferior and another group as superior. And you don't get more inferior/superior than lost/saved (fan/follower). Anyone who criticises the premise or content is automatically suspect and assigned to the inferior group by definition.
No, I'm not a fan of "Not a Fan."
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Good stuff
This was a great deal and it was exactly as advertised. I was very very happy with my purchase. Thank you!
Published 6 hours ago by Jeremiah Janusiak
5.0 out of 5 stars
What does being a fan mean
All who think they are following Christ should read this book. It makes one think about where their life is in relation to Christ.
Published 2 days ago by Marilyn Hill
4.0 out of 5 stars
spurs you to evaluate
This book spurs you to evaluate if you are a fan or a follower. Not by your terms, but By the terms of Jesus. Read more
Published 3 days ago by eph3sians
5.0 out of 5 stars
Convicting and Inspiring
Don't miss this message. Kyle Idleman has written a clear and compelling book
for every Christian that challenges us to be better for our Lord and for ourselves.
for every Christian that challenges us to be better for our Lord and for ourselves.
Published 6 days ago by L. Bufkin
5.0 out of 5 stars
A fabulous life changing read
This book will change your life! once you start reading it. This book ishard to put down. Easy read very funny and will make you think.. Please read !!!
Published 6 days ago by cheryl savage
3.0 out of 5 stars
Okay
I have nothing against the book or content. I brought for my son and he enjoyed it. I should have shopped around a bit more as I was able to find a little cheaper elsewhere. Read more
Published 7 days ago by Ada Cortes
5.0 out of 5 stars
must read
this is a must read!! Very thought provoking. You are either a fan or a follower, you might be surprised as to which you really are. Read more
Published 7 days ago by D. Wilhelm
5.0 out of 5 stars
Not a Fan -
Except I realized after I read it that I truly was just a fan. Kyle really opens your eyes, revealing things to us that not many pastor's have the guts to share without the fear... Read more
Published 10 days ago by T. Franklin
5.0 out of 5 stars
A revealing read!
Find out where you're really at in your "relationship" with Christ. You might be surprised to find you're just a fan...
Published 10 days ago by Joseph D. Horrell
5.0 out of 5 stars
Not A Fan
I got what I wanted,quickly and easily and at a reasonable cost. A good read for those who are serious about living for God.
Published 11 days ago by Peggy Lambert
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