not a fan. Becoming a Completely Committed Follower of Jesus

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not a fan. Becoming a Completely Committed Follower of Jesus

4.35 of 5 stars 4.35 · rating details · 4,833 ratings · 423 reviews

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 agai...more

Paperback, 215 pages

Published June 7th 2011 by Zondervan (first published May 6th 2011)

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Jan 14, 2012 Jason Lilly rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites, favorite-authors, christian, nonfiction

I am not a fan of Jesus. This book is so powerful and so convicting, I felt uncomfortable reading it. But that is exactly the point. Christianity has become too comfortable and too safe. Christians view following Jesus as getting saved, attending church services, praying before meals and before bedtime, reading some devotionals, listening to Christian music. These things are great, but what truly defines being a follower of Jesus is sacrifice. Jesus demonstrated pure love by giving up his life a...more

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Nov 14, 2012 Clark Goble rated it 4 of 5 stars

I was fortunate to read Idleman’s book immediately after Tozer’s The Pursuit of God. I say this because “Not a Fan” is the perfect counterpart to Tozer. Idleman challenges the reader to identify themselves as a follower of Christ or a mere fan and presents the argument that many who identify themselves as the former are actually the latter.

Idleman presents a wonderful argument against the “cheap” Christianity that runs rampant in the Church and encourages his readers to “get to a place where fol...more

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Jul 21, 2011 Kim rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites

Not A Fan is a bold, in-your-face book that aggressively packs a punch. It confronts anyone daring enough to ask the question, “Am I a fan or am I a follower?” From the jump, the book holds nothing back, and it asks the reader to define her relationship with Christ. It will challenge, affront, influence, and very definitely impact you as a Christian.

Rating: 5/5 Stars *****

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Jun 10, 2013 Don Paske rated it 4 of 5 stars

A very thought provoking book about being a committed follower of Jesus versus just kind of liking him. While Idleman doesn't write anything necessarily wrong or heretical, I think he accents works at the expense of grace. Yes, being saved by grace should inspire and cause us to do the work of God; Idleman seems to put too much emphasis on the doing rather than the believing. I was also disappointed in the ending, which seemed very abrupt.
I've re-read this book and increased the stars by one. I...more

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Jun 05, 2013 Josh rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: hard-copy

"Is it possible that you are wrong about being right with God?" (p. 103) A question that deserves consideration every once and awhile.
The most challenging part of this book does not come until the last three chapters, when he finally gets to the "personal and more practical implications" (p. 175). While convicting, it is also possible for someone who is already a true follower to come away from the end of this book feeling more discouraged than challenged. Things like grace, and the power of the...more

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Feb 03, 2013 Brian Bubeck rated it 2 of 5 stars

First of all, consider the source. This book did not make me defensive, and I support the message that being a fan is not the same as being a follower, or disciple. Still I was concerned about it's tone and style. And I admit to placing more value on grace than the law for believers in Christ, though I live every day with both guiding my decisions.

I admit to a double standard. When an author wishes to provide guidance for spiritual growth and development, I find their style of writing more prov...more First of all, consider the source. This book did not make me defensive, and I support the message that being a fan is not the same as being a follower, or disciple. Still I was concerned about it's tone and style. And I admit to placing more value on grace than the law for believers in Christ, though I live every day with both guiding my decisions.

I admit to a double standard. When an author wishes to provide guidance for spiritual growth and development, I find their style of writing more provocative and significant. I don't mind variety of style for writers of fiction. And if their approach is not at all my cup of tea, but they tell a good story, I can still enjoy it and even learn from it. But when an author offers spiritual advice, style matters more to me. I thought it might just be me, but when my wife and my teen sons (who read the teen version) found the book less than enjoyable or useful, I decided it was not just me.

I think this book is helpful to many people. I think Kyle's high star ratings from the majority of readers are an endorsement, and I'm sure there are plenty of positive reviews. For balance, and keeping it real, I will say something about people who may not find it helpful.

If you are serving Jesus in your time and energy, and your habit is to do what the Holy Spirit and scriptures say, or you are doing volunteer work in missions or church or ministry and getting more resistance than appreciation, this may not be a book for you. If you meet resistance and criticism in the world for your spiritual beliefs and values and advocating for doing things Jesus's way, this may not be a book for you. If you trust the Holy Spirit to tell you what to do, and you do it, this book may not be for you. Most of all, if you have fears that God will never be pleased with you, or not love you while you are yet a sinner, or if you were sincere and meant it when you asked Jesus to be your savior but you are not sure about your eternal salvation, this may not be a book for you.

I don't know if other followers feel this way, but in recent years I hear a shift in preaching and writing. I hear many negative views of seeker friendly churches, and concern about showing tolerance for people who show up for church on Sunday but may not change their ways Monday through Saturday. After an extended and many would say needed shift to grace in our churches, it is not a surprise to hear preachers and read writers now challenging us to count the cost of discipleship. And that has a clear Biblical foundation.

In my community group, at times some found this book very exciting and challenging, lighting a fire in them, and waking them up about areas of complacency. But quite a few of us found it discouraging, not convicting. Because in spite of all the submission we do to the scriptures and to the Holy Spirit, since we are not yet perfected, what we do is not be enough to be considered a follower. We would be judged by Pastor Idleman as merely fans.

Perhaps it is because I have heard many sermons in recent years about how God expects me to do something about every single evil and need in the world. I remember one about how everyone in America is the one percent for wealth in the world. Perhaps it is because of the backlash against enjoying God's blessings or asking for them since the Prayer of Jabez came out, and Joel Olstein became popular. But as a follower, I sometimes feel like a man without a Country. Living my faith is definitely not appreciated in the world. And sometimes voices in the church are pretty critical. It seems like no one wants us to have peace, love or Joy, except the Holy Spirit. The tone or style of Pastor Idleman hit me like this: If you think you are doing what God wants from you, you are probably wrong, and just a fan.

In my community group, as we read the book together, Some were concerned their teens in their family might respond by feeling pushed out of the community of faith, that the message was they were not saved and should stop faking being a Christian unless they were making every decision to conform to the image of Christ. I am reporting our conversations, not putting a spin on them.

Bottom Line: If you understand grace pretty well, you can handle this book. If you need encouragement you probably won't find it here. There is a time for every purpose under heaven, and the timing may not be right for you to read this book. If you have been coasting in your faith, making excuses for quenching the Holy Spirit, a bit at ease in Zion, this is the book will be like John the Baptist, calling you to do what Jesus asked us to do. It will remind us that Jesus expects decisions to do His will, whether it is convenient or not. (less)

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Nov 13, 2012 Austin Rich rated it 3 of 5 stars

The purpose of the book is completely and entirely biblical. "Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves..." - 2 Corinthians 13:5. Idleman attempts to expose the areas of our lives that are not in submission to Christ as a way of furthering our obedience to God. Great! Amen! But Idleman unintentionally encourages legalism by not focusing on the motivation for our obedience. For example, we SHOULD be living lives of righteousness and holiness. We SHOULD be true follow...more

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Oct 03, 2012 Dijah rated it 3 of 5 stars

I read this book as I have never read any of the well-known books in the Christian section. I didn't enjoy the first few chapters at all. I actually restarted several times until I finally got to about chapter 6, and then I was diggin it. Idleman does challenges the reader to really think about their relationship with God. Many people are fans. Why? It's easy. It's the norm. As long as you go to church, your a Christian to many people. You can be involved in every event with God in the descripti...more

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Jul 25, 2012 Clint rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: spiritual

Kyle really makes you think about your relationship and commitment with Jesus. Although while reading it, according to the way he presented the information, are any of us "Christians" really going to be making it through the gates of Heaven? He blames churches for sugar coating the gospel and only selling "an eternal life with Jesus" by only presenting the easy and alluring aspects of Christianity... and the ending results according to Kyle Idleman are that they are just merely fans of Jesus and...more

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May 18, 2012 Rachel rated it 5 of 5 stars

This book made me think. Hard. That's a big part of the reason as to why I gave it 5 stars.
Breaking it down:

+ Nice voice and great descriptions and examples. I loved Kyle's comparisons of Bible concepts and stories to real life instances. As a plus, the real life instances were almost always funny!
+ (somewhat restating from previous bullet) Humor was very enlightening. Good comic relief for some of the heavy topics considered in this book, but still caused some deep thinking for me, no matter ho...more

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Apr 05, 2012 Erin rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: christian

There were some points in this book that I did not agree with, but at the end of the day, it did make me question where the priorities in my life were. However, I do need to say that I would not give this book to a new Christian. The theology is a little confusing. I am, of course, basing this opinion on what I have learned and truly believe. I do believe that we are saved through the grace of God through belief in Jesus as our savior. I am not a big expert on the Bible, but I think it says some...more There were some points in this book that I did not agree with, but at the end of the day, it did make me question where the priorities in my life were. However, I do need to say that I would not give this book to a new Christian. The theology is a little confusing. I am, of course, basing this opinion on what I have learned and truly believe. I do believe that we are saved through the grace of God through belief in Jesus as our savior. I am not a big expert on the Bible, but I think it says somewhere in there that we aren't saved by our own works, but by the grace of God. This doesn't mean that I believe that you can just let yourself go because God will forgive you anyway. I just really believe that this belief that we are saved through grace causes people to want to change and live the life that Jesus would want us to live. There was one point in the book where Idleman said he received an email from someone who read his book that thanked him for the message and let him know that he was trying to be a follower of God. This was not an appropriate response, according to the author. The appropriate response was that he should die to himself to become a follower. While I kind of agree with this statement, I have to say that I don't like Idleman's approach at all. He is a very, "If you don't do this, you're not a follower" kind of author. He focuses TOO MUCH on things we should be doing (when, once again, our works prove NOTHING to Jesus). I don't feel like I need to sell all of my possessions for Jesus accept me as His child. I'm sure Idleman would say that that means I'm not a true follower, but he is not present in my actual relationship with God. Being a follower of God, to me, means listening for His word and then doing our best to obey what He asks us to do within the boundaries of our own individual relationships with Jesus. Some people may need to sell all their possessions or do some other drastic thing if that is TRULY what God is calling them to do. Idleman talks a lot about sacrifice and that if we aren't denying ourselves or are somehow uncomfortable with life, than we aren't a true follower of God. Here's the thing, though. God loves a cheerful giver. Jesus sacrificed Himself because he loved us. He gave Himself up for our sake because he WANTED to, not because God was making Him and not because someone told Him He didn't love God if He didn't do it. Selling your possessions to prove that you are a follower of God means nothing if your heart isn't in it. And God calls us each to do different things; has gifted us with different skills for fulfilling His purpose. In the beginning of the book, Idleman talks about Jesus saying that on the day of Judgement, he will not recognize some people who claim to be of the faith. But if you search your heart, you know if you really know Jesus. I am just terribly wary of anyone who spends too much time focusing on the works of man. Also, the fact that he divides his book into two sections, the first seeming to do with belief and the second with works, makes it hard to reconcile the fact that the two go hand in hand; a fact that he gives glancing notice to. But after true belief comes a true desire to live in a way that is pleasing to God. It takes time to get to know God, His word, and what He would expect. But this comes from a deep desire to please God and not some kind of desire to prove that you are "not a fan".(less)

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May 16, 2013 Julie rated it 2 of 5 stars

Recommended to Julie by: Vaughn

Shelves: christian-theology

One reviewer sadly commented after reading this book, "I guess I don't measure up." I would like to encourage her by saying "Of course, you don't. None of us 'measures up.' We are all sinners and that is why Jesus had to do it all. He loves you even though he knows you don't measure up."

I am afraid that for some readers this book may teach that there are two kinds of Christians--lazy pew sitters and radical foreign missionaries. Each chapter ends with an inspiring example of someone who is livi...more

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Dec 29, 2011 Michelle rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: kindle

There are couple things that were said that I didn't completely agree with, but overall, I feel this is a great book to get you really thinking about your relationship with God. Am I "all-in"? Am I committed? Am I a fan, or an "enthusiastic admirer," that is running lukewarm for Christ, instead of on fire?

At the beginning of this book, I would answer wholeheartedly that I am a follower of Christ. In all honesty, this book revealed to me that I'm not 100% completely committed. When I'm honest, I...more There are couple things that were said that I didn't completely agree with, but overall, I feel this is a great book to get you really thinking about your relationship with God. Am I "all-in"? Am I committed? Am I a fan, or an "enthusiastic admirer," that is running lukewarm for Christ, instead of on fire?

At the beginning of this book, I would answer wholeheartedly that I am a follower of Christ. In all honesty, this book revealed to me that I'm not 100% completely committed. When I'm honest, I put other things before God. Not all the time, but sometimes. Do I surrender all? Do I die to self everyday? It's sad to say the answer to these questions is . . . no. I can be full of pride, I can be selfish, I can be judgmental. I'm a sinner, but I love the Lord with all of my heart! I am in awe of God, the gift of His son, His sacrifice, His love for me, and His amazing grace. I believe that Jesus is the answer to everything. But have I fully committed myself to following Him? No. This book has shown me that I need to step it up, because I'm not as "on fire" as I thought I was. I don't want to be lukewarm. I don't want there to be a disconnect between what I believe and what I do.

As I mentioned, there were some things I didn't completely agree with. When Kyle mentions things like, "We looked at our finances and figured out what changes needed to be made so that our offering to God was more than our house payment" (page 60), that came across a little unrealistic to me. I don't believe that our offering has to be more than our house payment to be a fully committed follower. Maybe that's not his point, but that's how it came across to me. Also, when he mentions things like adoption, missions trips, and foster parenting, I know he was giving examples of things one can do as a follower of Christ, but it came across to me as . . . if you're not doing these types of things, maybe you're not really following Christ the way you should. I don't believe that God calls everyone to serve in the same way, so maybe He has called me to something "smaller," I need to be faithful in that place, and not feel like less of a follower because I'm not going on missions trips, or adopting a child, or being a foster parent. On page 206, he lists some questions where he asks things like, "Have you exchanged following Jesus for a job that pays really well? Have you exchanged following Jesus for a house that has all of the upgrades?" My immediate thought was, can't someone have a good paying job and a nice house and be completely committed to God at the same time? Of course, I would say absolutely, yes. So these things threw me a bit, and maybe I misinterpreted what he was saying. Bottom line, as Christians we have to put Him first above all else. He needs to be our one and only. And when He calls us to do something, we need to be willing to say yes . . . "wherever, whatever, whenever."

I appreciate the fact that this book makes one really take an honest look at their relationship with Christ. I appreciate that it has made me reevaluate what I've been doing, and it's given me the push that I need to go deeper in my relationship with Christ, and that's always a good thing.

Since I've finished this book, it's really got me thinking. Honestly, I'm confused. Is it truly black or white? Is it really fan or follower, and no in between? I know that God doesn't expect perfection. We are human, and we do fall short of the glory of God. I feel like there are times that I'm just not going to get it right. Does that mean I'm not a completely committed follower? Isn't that where grace steps in?

I know that He wants all of me, not 50%, not 90% . . . all of me. I get it, and I'm ready to pick up my cross, and follow Him.

EDITED on DECEMBER 29, 2011 to add:

This book has really got me thinking, and for a while doubting my commitment. I want to add this:

Am I committed? Yes. 100%? No. And I'm not making excuses, but it's just not realistic to think that I could be 100% *anything* all of the time. That would be perfect, and none of us can be that. I am saved by grace though faith in Jesus Christ. My "works" are the fruit of my belief. They don't secure my salvation. My salvation is sure, because I put my faith and trust in Christ for the forgiveness of my sins. What Jesus did on the cross was the "perfect" sacrifice. I can't do anything to earn it or deserve it. But most certainly through the power of the Holy Spirit in me, I will do the will of my Father in Heaven -- keeping my eye on Jesus, and following Him -- the perfect example of how we are to live our lives. Will I fall short? Will I miss the mark (sin)? Absolutely. I don't believe that this lessens my commitment.

Like I mentioned in my review, this book has encouraged me to go deeper in my relationship with Christ. It has reaffirmed what I already knew -- that I often put other things before Him, and I need to change that, and go deeper in my commitment.(less)

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Sep 04, 2012 Matthew rated it 5 of 5 stars

This book's popularity is well-deserved. The text has just the right amount of quotable lines (that have you reaching for your pen to copy them down) but not enough to seem gimmick-driven. The examples/metaphors are simple, effective, accessible. The occasional moments of humor are genuinely funny (and never distract from the message of the text). The arguments are supported/spotlighted with quotes from Scripture. The narration is appropriately confessional, encouraging, yet challenging.

You get...more

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Jul 17, 2011 Miss Me. rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: People seeking to find God.

Shelves: high-rated

This book is excellent for anyone who's sick and tired of the mundane Christian life. This is a book that encourages you to not just claim to be a Christian, but to be a follower of Christ's teachings. Anyone can say that they are a "Christian" but to actually live a life that emulates who God truly is.

I was hoping for a Francis Chan type of teaching from this book. But even though this book wasn't an in depth challenge to me, it did serve as a good reminder of what it means to be a Christian.

I...more

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Jan 10, 2013 Bill rated it 4 of 5 stars

This is a powerful look at what differentiates committed Christians from those Idleman calls "fans." A quick read, it is stuffed with real-life examples of people stepping up in faith from fan to follower of Jesus. I found myself reflecting on many of the examples - at least those with which I could identify - and falling squarely into the fan-side of the equation.

If you are serious about your spiritual development and need to clearly understand what it takes to be a follower, this is a terrific...more

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Oct 03, 2011 Debi rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites, re-read

This is definitely a MUST READ book for Christians. It is a wake up call that it's not just about saying a prayer when you were 7 or responding to an altar call after an emotional sermon. Are you really a follower of Christ or just an admirer? Do you really know Him? I fear that too many Christians in America think they are true believers but really are not and one day, it will be too late. "Not everyone who says to me 'Lord, Lord' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will...more This is definitely a MUST READ book for Christians. It is a wake up call that it's not just about saying a prayer when you were 7 or responding to an altar call after an emotional sermon. Are you really a follower of Christ or just an admirer? Do you really know Him? I fear that too many Christians in America think they are true believers but really are not and one day, it will be too late. "Not everyone who says to me 'Lord, Lord' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven...I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me..." Matthew 7:21, 23
Part of the book deals with the verse Luke 9:23 - "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me." The author breaks down the different components of this verse, dealing with the issues of denying ourselves and what that means in practicality, as well as taking up our cross and that that is to be done daily.
Following Jesus is not something to be taken lightly. It requires giving up our own dreams and desires. "What is it that is competing for your allegiance to Christ? You may have both hands on the plow, but what is it you keep looking back at? Until you really have surrendered anything and everything over to Jesus and truly put him above all else in your life, you will not know the joy and satisfaction that finally comes when you go all-in."
"Please understand: Jesus loves you so much. He died to have a relationship with you. He will not share your heart with anyone. He will settle for nothing less than your complete devotion and heart-felt affection. He made no compromises when he came and gave his life up for you, and he takes no compromises now as he asks you to do the same.
"The reason Jesus is so adamant about followers surrendering everything is because the reality is this: the one thing we are most reluctant to give up is the one thing that has the most potential to become a substitute for him. Really what we're talking about here is idolatry. When we are to be following Jesus, who is ahead of us, but find ourselves looking behind us, we are revealing that we are substituting something or someone for him."

One thing I want to be cautious about in recommending this book - salvation is not by works. The things we do for Christ are not what saves us. God gives us the faith to trust Him for our salvation, a gift of grace. But faith without works is dead (see James 2:14-18). When we choose to put our trust in God for our eternal salvation, we are also turning away (repenting) from our old way of living and our committing our lives to God, to do with as He sees fit. This is what it means to be a follower. A fan remains in the stands, admiring from afar. A follower is down in the action, doing what is needed to bring glory to God.

*I own this book.(less)

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Aug 14, 2011 Jeanie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: serious-about-god-theology

There is a difference between a fan of Jesus and a follower of Jesus. With scripture, a story and sprinkled with humor, you start to see yourself more of a fan than a follower. We are easily fooled into thinking that we are a follower but instead we are just a fan. We have to be careful with the church that we attend that the church help our quest to be followers not just believers. The message is believe instead of, repent, die to self, surrender, and commitment. Jesus is asking us daily for ou...more

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Jan 04, 2013 Carol rated it 3 of 5 stars

Really thought provoking and very good stuff here that makes you think about your life with God to the point where you might get very uncomfortable with your life and think about how to change things (this is a good thing, I promise).

The only thing I didn't like were the totally irrelevant "funny" footnotes. One or two random funny footnotes might have been okay and gotten a chuckle out of me for the cleverness, but when I see a little asterisk -call me crazy- I have an expectation that my eyes...more

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Apr 11, 2013 Justin rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: christian, own-read, loved-the-ride

I really enjoyed Idleman's writing style. He gives plenty of stories - and personal confessions - to help the material relate to the reader. This book would be more geared to a person that is already a believer in Christ.
This leads to a criticism I've read several make of the book, that Idleman is throwing grace and salvation to the wind. I think it could be addressed more, or more strongly, but it isn't at a level that it should be viewed critically because of it.
Another slight criticism I've...more

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Jan 24, 2013 Jennifer rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: christianity, favorites

Idleman wrote this book to challenge our faith in Jesus, asking us whether we are a fan or a follower of Jesus. I was impacted after reading this book, because I'm challenge to evaluate which areas I haven't surrender to Jesus yet and really question why. I was really challenge by Dr. Rich Edwards' not a fan story, who learned to treasure his relationship with Jesus after he was burned in an accident. Favorite Quote: "Many people have pointed out that it was a miracle that I didn't die in the fi...more

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May 11, 2013 Tanara McCauley rated it 5 of 5 stars

Got your church T-shirt? Your “Jesus is my co-pilot” bumper sticker? What about your WWJD bracelet?

Bible? Check! Some verses memorized? Check! Personalized tithe envelopes? You know this maaan!

Okay, okay. Now what about Jesus? You’ve got all the paraphernalia–the outward stuff that clothes you with the Christian image–but do you really have Jesus? Are you a fan, or are you a follower?

Uhhhhhhh……………..what you talkin’ bout Willis?

Willis isn’t here. But if you want to know what I’m talking about, pi...more Got your church T-shirt? Your “Jesus is my co-pilot” bumper sticker? What about your WWJD bracelet?

Bible? Check! Some verses memorized? Check! Personalized tithe envelopes? You know this maaan!

Okay, okay. Now what about Jesus? You’ve got all the paraphernalia–the outward stuff that clothes you with the Christian image–but do you really have Jesus? Are you a fan, or are you a follower?

Uhhhhhhh……………..what you talkin’ bout Willis?

Willis isn’t here. But if you want to know what I’m talking about, pick up Kyle Idleman’s Not a Fan: Becoming a Completely Committed Follower of Jesus. Idleman uses an in-your-face and step-on-your-toes approach to distinguish between professors of Christ who are merely fans, and followers of Christ who are all in.

Kyle addresses several indicators of fandom. In short, they know about Jesus but don’t know Him, they praise Him with their mouths but their hearts are vacationing in self-ville, or in Kyle’s words, “They want to be close enough to Jesus to get all the benefits, but not so close that it requires anything from them.” Followers, however, don’t just put Jesus first. He is it. He is all. There is no competition.

Because the book is non-fiction and the theme very specific, it’s difficult for me to review it in-depth without giving away too much. What I can say is that it will challenge readers to do a great deal of self-reflection. It is written in such a way that, fan or follower, you cannot walk away from it without digging deep inside to see where your loyalties lie, whether they are divided, or even if somewhere along the way they’ve shifted.

Most of the time Idleman addresses the reader as if he/she is already a fan. Some might sit a little straighter at such presumption, but calm down. Following Christ is a daily calling, not a one time deal. And every opportunity to search the heart and “see if there is any wicked way” in it (Psalm 139:24) is time well spent. Remember: followers of Christ welcome a righteous rebuke, we don’t refuse it (Psalm 141:5).

If you’re a fan and you’re happy right where you are, my guess is Kyle’s message will seriously offend you. If you’re a fan but no longer want to be, it’ll challenge you to bolt out of the stands, suit up, and get to the business of living like a true follower of Jesus. If you’re already a follower you’ll identify if and when you tend to have seasons of fandom, or whether there are compartmentalized areas of your life where your spiritual weapon of choice is a set of frilly pom poms.

Where this book is concerned, I have to say I would qualify as a fan of the book. I am “an enthusiastic admirer” of the message and the style of writing. I laughed (hard), I cried (loud), and when I put it down I started calculating how much it was going to cost me to get one in the hands of way too many people. I found the personal testimonies particularly powerful. I gave it five out of five stars.

When it comes to Jesus, however, I am not a fan.
(less)

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Apr 21, 2012 Walt Walkowski rated it 5 of 5 stars

I'm giving this book 5 stars because I can't give it 4 1/2. That's not to say it isn't worth the read. No, it definitely is. Kyle does a great job of reminding readers of the commitment they're supposed to be making when they received Jesus as Savior. He has a great sense of humor--in fact, he's almost too funny at times, and I needed to remind myself what I was reading about--and utilizes some great illustrations to get his point across.

My only complaint about the book is that it needed to be b...more

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Oct 26, 2012 Jesse rated it 2 of 5 stars

A good review of this book http://thegospelcoalition.org/book-re...

There are some good points and also some problems with this book. The author basically teaches the "surrendered life" which is nothing new. DA Carson's associate Andy Naselli wrote his doctoral dissertation about this movement called "Keswick" or "Higher life" sanctification and you can read a presentation of it here: http://andynaselli.com/keswick-theology

I was completely unaware of this model of sanctification until my early 2...more

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Jul 25, 2011 Amy rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: for-me, church

Sometimes I wonder if it is hard to find my recommendations credible when I am excited about a book. Someone might think, "You love every book you read, Amy." Not true, my friends. Not true. I am a critical reader, and when I come across something that I think is of value and worth in Christian literature, you better believe I am going to recommend it loudly. Not a Fan by Kyle Idleman is worth a VERY LOUD proclamation of "two thumbs up" or four thumbs up, if I had them. Not a Fan asked me some d...more

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Oct 29, 2012 Joshua rated it 4 of 5 stars

A definitive call to be a follower of Jesus Christ! There are many leadership books on the market, even many Christian leadership books. And yet, I don't remember seeing many books on "followship." And yet, Christ calls us to follow Him.

I would submit that before you can ever be an effective Christian leader of people, you first need to be a committed follower of Jesus Christ.

The author of this books pulls no punches and yet inserts humorous anecdotes to support his teaching. A couple of his poi...more

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Jan 26, 2013 Donovan rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: christian-non-fiction

This book is was a wonderful book for forcing self-evaluation on anyone's relationship with Christ. The questions he forced me to ask myself truly force me to reconsider many things I am doing and whether I am truly a follower of Christ or just a fan who likes going out having coffee with Jesus and talking for a bit with him, but then just going home to be who I want to be and not who Christ wants me to be.
If you think you're a follower of Christ, I would recommend that you read this book and do...more

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Dec 27, 2012 Johanna rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Christians desiring to be stretched

Recommended to Johanna by: My mom

Idleman talks about the difference between being a fan of Jesus and a true follower and seeks to motivate his readers to develop a real relationship with Jesus.
The book is very biblical, and Idleman uses and centers on examples from Scripture.
There are "Not a Fan" vignettes at the end of each chapter - stories from real life Christians who have chosen to follow Christ.
He is straightforward, honest, compelling, and funny. His advice is very practical as well.
The book is easy to read and well orga...more

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Mar 05, 2013 Douglas rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Christians

A decent book, and very fast. In many ways it reads like several, well-written lessons from a pastor around a theme. If I were in this man's church and he was speaking the words read here, it would probably feel quite similar.

He's careful to quote scripture and use both Biblical and modern-day examples to emphasize his point. His style is very easy to read and very clear.

I'm not certain about the 'Facebook' group in the back. The point of the book is to encourage the reader to be a follower of C...more

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Jun 01, 2012 Kelly rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Anyone

Oh. Wow. Do you call yourself a Christ Follower but you still have some habits that you've carried over from before? You're probably more a "fan" than a "follower" . . .if I'm honest, and I'm about to be, I'm still just a "fan" . . .but I want very badly to be a true follower, NOT a fan.

I have read several books recently about strengthening my "walk," and none were as straightforward, understandable, relate-able . . and ultimately convicting as this one. Using very modern colloquialisms and test...more

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“There is no life without death.” — 12 people liked it

“Fans don’t mind him doing a little touch-up work, but Jesus wants complete renovation. Fans come to Jesus thinking tune-up, but Jesus is thinking overhaul. Fans think a little makeup is fine, but Jesus is thinking makeover. Fans think a little decorating is required, but Jesus wants a complete remodel. Fans want Jesus to inspire them, but Jesus wants to interfere with their lives.” — 8 people liked it

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