Welcome to the Revolution: A Field Guide For New Believers (Paperback)

~ (Author)
Key Phrases: Kingdom of God, Holy Spirit, God's Word (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Tome pastors a megachurch in Cincinnati that draws a large number of attendees unfamiliar with the Christian faith. As he was counseling new believers, he wanted to give them a guide to explain the Christian life, and decided to write this book when he couldn't find anything appropriate. Tome doesn't get bogged down in difficult questions (e.g., What happens to people who have never heard about Jesus?), instead encouraging readers to take the next step in their faith and address those questions over time. Chapters on basics like Bible reading and prayer will probably be most beneficial. As one would expect for this audience, Tome's advice is appealingly honest (i.e., some of the Bible will be boring and you won't like everything you read). Other chapters get a bit off focus, like the one on community, which recommends rating friends and spending more time with those who encourage you (sage advice, perhaps, but not necessarily the heart of Christian community). Letters from church attendees and new believers are a precious addition. (Sept. 9) ""
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Product Description

Felt the pull of God? Answered it? Freaked out about what to do next?

As Brian Tome was talking to a new Christ-follower in his office, he realized that he had nothing on his bookshelf that would give her the "straight talk" on the radical new life she was about to begin. So he penned Welcome to the Revolution a bold, honest, humorous guide to joining the ever-advancing Kingdom of God. "The Revolution," as Tome calls the Christian life, is already underway, and while it is both exhilarating and fulfilling, it's challenging and confusing at times. This book will guide the reader from the basics (navigating through Christian kitsch at the bookstore) to the practical (Bible reading and building community) to the profound (concepts of forgiveness and using imagination in prayer). To those people who have previously dismissed the "Christian" life, or those who want to learn more about God in an accessible way, this book will be the breath that clears the air and shows them how to follow a Revolutionary God.

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson (September 9, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0849920051
• ISBN-13: 978-0849920059
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #415,737 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Never boring!, September 8, 2008

By	knwd (Cincinnati, OH) - See all my reviews

OK, so first of all, let me admit that I might be a tiny bit biased, given the fact that I've been attending Brian's church for almost 10 years now. So obviously, I have a lot of respect for Brian Tome and what he has to say.

Most of the ideas compiled in this book are messages (aka sermons) that have been given from the main stage at our church, but that only enhances the value of this book.

Brian once said something that made a big impression on me:

"God is not boring. In fact, I believe that it is a SIN to make God boring."

Brian Tome can be irreverent, shocking, and even juvenile sometimes, but you can believe me when I say that he is NEVER boring!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I paid it forward...., January 3, 2009

By	C. Hogue (Cincinnati OH) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I first too must confess that I belong to Crossroads in Cincinnati. Brian is my pastor. He is also the first pastor in my 30 something years to be able to convey to me what it looks like to follow Christ. Prior to stepping into Crossroads (actually being nagged by a friend to try it out for months before I finally gave in because I don't "do church")I have never been shown by a pastor, preacher, father, minister, etc how to live the life God has planned for me. Prior to coming to Crossroads I never had an "A-ha" moment in any format of church, faith, belief, religion, etc. Brian has a way, which he has so plainly and realistically exemplified throughout this book, of being straight up on what the bible teaches us that God has for us if only we will receive His love that He patiently waits for us to receive. This book is an exceptionally easy read that put me into laughter, tears, and most importantly deep thought. It is a true guide for anyone, such as myself, seeking God and trying to get past the "religion" boundaries that many people believe is a true guide to God's plan. All of my life I felt like I had to be a certain way, say certain things in order for God to hear my prayers. I am learning this is not true. Tonight I brought a friend to Crossroads with me for her first service. When we got home I handed her my copy of this book. I am confident it will guide her where she needs to be in her search for God. Maybe one day she will pay it forward as well....I would give this book 50 stars if I could, but it only goes up to 5. Highly recommended read.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Boldness to Discuss Those Christian Un-Discussables, May 21, 2009

By	Tricia Huff (Cincinnati, OH) - See all my reviews

I do attend the church that Brian Tome pastors and I nearly refused to review this book on the grounds that readers might question my objectivity. But this is one very large church and I do not personally know the pastor. I do not go to barbecues at his house nor could he pick me out of a line up. My reasons for granting Tome a good review are not to spare his feelings but to honestly recommend this book as a worthy read for not only the new church attender, but also the longstanding Christian.

The book was passed on to me through the church and not being a great reader of theology I thought, "Aargh!" and initially put it aside. My husband who relishes those meaty masterpieces written by St. Augustine and the early church fathers swept up the small volume and delved in. It was after his encouragement that I picked up the book and was surprised to enjoy something that is normally not my cup of tea.

The language is forthright and you will not find those "churchy" words that are so confusing to the newcomer. Tome lays out the logic and Biblical backup that went into the structure of his current church and approaches some topics that many churches avoid or present in a manner confusing or offputting to those unfamiliar with Christianity.

The boldness to discuss the usually not-discussed makes this an interesting read for both Christian newbies and those who grew up in a church, left in late adolescence and have returned or are thinking about returning now as adults. For those readers the definitions in the front will not be as compelling as the topics discussed towards the end, such as community and mission-seeking.

For example, many Christians exhort each other to give and give to the point of exhaustion because that sounds like the most loving action to take. This and other unrealistic expectations have driven many of my generation away from the church as we are leery of following the traditional Christian path if it means taking on a lifetime of tiring obligations.

Then Tome pulls out "If the house is worthy let your peace come upon it; but if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet as you leave that house or town." Matthew 10: 13-14 NRSV

Traditionally in my church growing up this was interpreted as don't get your feelings hurt while out canvasing, going door to door and asking people to attend your church, probably one of the most off-putting activities that inspired fear in both persons behind the door and on the porchstep.

This is what Tome takes from that passage. "If you try to build into people and offer them your peace and joy and they do nothing with it, move on... Your run is done." (page 129, @2008 Thomas Nelson)

Is that in the Bible?! Was such support for me always there and I just never heard, seen or understood it before? Do I actually understand what Christ really said and meant like I thought I did?

I continued to stop and reconsider as Tome confronts handling draining people, keeping up your old friendships with nonbelievers, and seeking your personal mission in Christ's Kingdom. Chapters move quickly, points are made succintly and Tome's back his ideas up with Biblical reference so you know he isn't whistlin' Dixie. A refreshing read for both the longstanding Christian and those seeking and searching in their faith.