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Not a Fan Student Edition: What does it mean to really follow Jesus?
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.
224 pages, Paperback
First published April 17, 2012
103 people are currently reading
636 people want to read
About the author
Kyle Idleman
78 books621 followersKyle Idleman is the teaching pastor at Southeast Christian Church in Louisville, Kentucky, the fifth largest church in America. The bestselling author of the award-winning book Not a Fan and AHA is a frequent speaker at conferences and events around the world. Kyle and his wife, DesiRae, have four children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
September 8, 2015
Let me start this off by saying, I didn't really know the full message that the author was trying to portray until I read it. It was actually not what I was expecting at all. This book was challenging and convicting to say the least. It's probably not for everyone, and I'm not even one of the many who've read this and said "Not a Fan changed my life." But I can definitely see how it's help thousands of people. The author breaks down the gospel into a way that you are able to understand. The very words of Jesus and what he meant by them are explained which is an important factor in a Christians life.
This book makes you want to give it your all, I won't even lie. There are some areas where you may need to remind yourself that there's still no condemnation in Jesus but it's obvious that the author wasn't trying to condemn anyone. He's basically saying that Jesus wants to be the only priority in your life because of his love for you, not because he's disappointed in the way that you are.
I love the fact that throughout the book he points out that life is always better once you surrender it. In my opinion he actually makes Christianity sound desirable without buttering it up to something that it's not.
"We love others best when we love God most."
This book definitely leaves you asking yourself: am I fan or a follower?
This book makes you want to give it your all, I won't even lie. There are some areas where you may need to remind yourself that there's still no condemnation in Jesus but it's obvious that the author wasn't trying to condemn anyone. He's basically saying that Jesus wants to be the only priority in your life because of his love for you, not because he's disappointed in the way that you are.
I love the fact that throughout the book he points out that life is always better once you surrender it. In my opinion he actually makes Christianity sound desirable without buttering it up to something that it's not.
"We love others best when we love God most."
This book definitely leaves you asking yourself: am I fan or a follower?
January 17, 2013
This is the teen edition of Not a Fan, which was first published in 2011. I don't know how different it is from the adult edition, but it's easy to read and has some amusing asides that will appeal to teenage readers (well, they appeal to me, so I hope they appeal to teens as well).
There are some negative reviews for the adult version of Not A Fan, criticising the way it seems to promote two 'classes' of Christian and even going so far as to suggest that these second-class Christians might not actually be saved. But I think this is a valid question for teens. How many teens are in church because that's what their family does on Sunday? And how many are there because their friends are? How many are actually in church because they want to be?
We sometimes talk about how “God wants your time,” or “God wants your money,” or “God wants your worship.” But do you understand why we talk about those things? It’s not because God needs your time. He has always been and always will be. It’s not because he needs your money. He owns the cattle on a thousand hills. If God needed your money he could take it. It’s not that God needs your worship. If you don’t worship, the Bible says that the rocks and trees will cry out. The reason we talk about those things is not because God needs or wants those things; it’s because he wants only you. He wants your love. He longs for you to passionately pursue him, and all those things are come after indicators. They are outer signs that point to an inner reality that you love Jesus more than anything else.
Several of the books I've read recently have had an underlying theme of the importance of the language we use, and this is not exception. I've sat in church many times and listened to a preacher exhort the congregation to “make a decison for Jesus”. Some will acknowledge that this is just the first step in a long journey. But few call it a commitment to Jesus. In this, it seems that the church itself is seeking fans, not followers. Reading this, it also strikes me that many Christian novels feature fans, not followers. Those novels that do have followers as major characters are often criticised for being 'too preachy'.
I liked the start. Idleman not putting himself up there as some almost-perfect paragon that we should all follow, but as a fallible man who has learnt some things he would like to share. There are many nuggets of truth, such as “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” (being Jesus). However, I thought that the last quarter was pretty repetitive and didn’t add anything new.
The author is not afraid to laugh at himself and has that rare gift of writing humour without descending into cliche or cringe. Although I'm much older than the target age group, the message came through loud and strong. It was challenging, but it was also encouraging. Overall, a challenging and encouraging read.
Thanks to Zondervan and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.
There are some negative reviews for the adult version of Not A Fan, criticising the way it seems to promote two 'classes' of Christian and even going so far as to suggest that these second-class Christians might not actually be saved. But I think this is a valid question for teens. How many teens are in church because that's what their family does on Sunday? And how many are there because their friends are? How many are actually in church because they want to be?
We sometimes talk about how “God wants your time,” or “God wants your money,” or “God wants your worship.” But do you understand why we talk about those things? It’s not because God needs your time. He has always been and always will be. It’s not because he needs your money. He owns the cattle on a thousand hills. If God needed your money he could take it. It’s not that God needs your worship. If you don’t worship, the Bible says that the rocks and trees will cry out. The reason we talk about those things is not because God needs or wants those things; it’s because he wants only you. He wants your love. He longs for you to passionately pursue him, and all those things are come after indicators. They are outer signs that point to an inner reality that you love Jesus more than anything else.
Several of the books I've read recently have had an underlying theme of the importance of the language we use, and this is not exception. I've sat in church many times and listened to a preacher exhort the congregation to “make a decison for Jesus”. Some will acknowledge that this is just the first step in a long journey. But few call it a commitment to Jesus. In this, it seems that the church itself is seeking fans, not followers. Reading this, it also strikes me that many Christian novels feature fans, not followers. Those novels that do have followers as major characters are often criticised for being 'too preachy'.
I liked the start. Idleman not putting himself up there as some almost-perfect paragon that we should all follow, but as a fallible man who has learnt some things he would like to share. There are many nuggets of truth, such as “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” (being Jesus). However, I thought that the last quarter was pretty repetitive and didn’t add anything new.
The author is not afraid to laugh at himself and has that rare gift of writing humour without descending into cliche or cringe. Although I'm much older than the target age group, the message came through loud and strong. It was challenging, but it was also encouraging. Overall, a challenging and encouraging read.
Thanks to Zondervan and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.
October 1, 2012
The book will appeal mostly to the evangelical Christian audience. It assumes that branch of theology and soteriology.
One danger of books like these is that even though it speaks out agains legalism and speaks for grace and acceptance, it encourages a considerable amount of "navel-gazing" - that activity a person does in evaluating one's self. One set of behavioral standards are essentially replaced by another by which to evaluate. Even though the intent is to steer away from legalism and the associated guilt and condemnation, what is found in this book could possibly lead to the very same result. The fact that the author warns that is not his intention is evidence that the danger is real. I see that as a significant weakness of the presentation.
I am a non-evangelical Christian so there are numerous points of disagreement that I have, and my rating reflects that fact. One of the biggest disgreements is the definition of sin that is assumed. The book assumes immoral behavior to be sin. I reject that definition. For me, wrong relationship is sin and behaviors are simply the natural consequences. As such the preoccupation with behaviors found in this book is something I find unhelpful.
Another big issue I have is the assumption that following Christ requires suffering. Not only that but there is a strong assumption that if a Christian isn't suffering, they are not really following Jesus. I reject this belief and proposition. I believe that suffering is a risk and a possible result of loving the way God loves. But suffering is not always necessary. For someone who truly loves God and follows him, there is no sense of sacrifice; rather it is a privilege and joy. This is the primary reason why I chose to rate this book as low as I did.
There are nuggets of wisdom and fair advice scattered about making it worth some reading for non-evangelical Christians.
One danger of books like these is that even though it speaks out agains legalism and speaks for grace and acceptance, it encourages a considerable amount of "navel-gazing" - that activity a person does in evaluating one's self. One set of behavioral standards are essentially replaced by another by which to evaluate. Even though the intent is to steer away from legalism and the associated guilt and condemnation, what is found in this book could possibly lead to the very same result. The fact that the author warns that is not his intention is evidence that the danger is real. I see that as a significant weakness of the presentation.
I am a non-evangelical Christian so there are numerous points of disagreement that I have, and my rating reflects that fact. One of the biggest disgreements is the definition of sin that is assumed. The book assumes immoral behavior to be sin. I reject that definition. For me, wrong relationship is sin and behaviors are simply the natural consequences. As such the preoccupation with behaviors found in this book is something I find unhelpful.
Another big issue I have is the assumption that following Christ requires suffering. Not only that but there is a strong assumption that if a Christian isn't suffering, they are not really following Jesus. I reject this belief and proposition. I believe that suffering is a risk and a possible result of loving the way God loves. But suffering is not always necessary. For someone who truly loves God and follows him, there is no sense of sacrifice; rather it is a privilege and joy. This is the primary reason why I chose to rate this book as low as I did.
There are nuggets of wisdom and fair advice scattered about making it worth some reading for non-evangelical Christians.
September 25, 2012
Challenging, thought provoking and very readable, Not a Fan: Teen Edition: What does it mean to really follow Jesus? opens with an uncommon introduction. It opens with an apology sets the tone of humility throughout the book.
The author states up front it is an odd way to open a book, but for me, an apologizing or humble admittance to a issue or topic makes the author, preacher or speaker much more appealing. I can learn from someone who's as flawed as me. I have trouble accepting doctrines and teachings from someone who has never wrestled with an issue.
The remainder of the book talks of the difference between a fan and a follower, an enthusiastic admirer and a committed believer. How many of us have fallen for the 'marketed' Jesus. The Jesus that loves everyone and is too loving punish or correct us. We sell an idea of Jesus that can't be found in the Bible. It's no wonder why there are so many fans and so few followers.
Using teen oriented language, mindsets and personal stories, the author challenges the reader to think about, not just accept, their relationships with Jesus.
Simply loved the section which describes Jesus sitting across the table and announcing it's time for the DTR (Define This Relationship) talk. Reminded me of the movie The Perfect Stranger.
Loved the writing, the humor and how the author points the reader to examine whether they are a fan or a follower. It's an excellent book for teens. I'm over 50 and loved it.
Reviewed by: Keiki Hendrix
Reviewed for: The Vessel Project
The author states up front it is an odd way to open a book, but for me, an apologizing or humble admittance to a issue or topic makes the author, preacher or speaker much more appealing. I can learn from someone who's as flawed as me. I have trouble accepting doctrines and teachings from someone who has never wrestled with an issue.
The remainder of the book talks of the difference between a fan and a follower, an enthusiastic admirer and a committed believer. How many of us have fallen for the 'marketed' Jesus. The Jesus that loves everyone and is too loving punish or correct us. We sell an idea of Jesus that can't be found in the Bible. It's no wonder why there are so many fans and so few followers.
Using teen oriented language, mindsets and personal stories, the author challenges the reader to think about, not just accept, their relationships with Jesus.
Simply loved the section which describes Jesus sitting across the table and announcing it's time for the DTR (Define This Relationship) talk. Reminded me of the movie The Perfect Stranger.
Loved the writing, the humor and how the author points the reader to examine whether they are a fan or a follower. It's an excellent book for teens. I'm over 50 and loved it.
Reviewed by: Keiki Hendrix
Reviewed for: The Vessel Project
January 8, 2013
I heard about this book a while back but never considered reading it until someone recommended it to me. And I was absolutely blown away. The writing is easy to read and understand while being full of humor (loved Kyle’s hilarious footnotes) and teen lingo. Kyle focuses on the meaning of truly following Jesus by having us define our relationship with Him. He also uses several Biblical examples of aspiring “followers” from the books of Matthew, Luke, and John. He draws the line between follower and fan, diagnosing “symptoms” of both, and outlines the radical relationship and love that a true follower should have.
I suspected the content to be simple information I already knew, but was surprised at the deep, profound message this book contains. The conviction I felt while reading Not a Fan wasn’t something I expected. The truths of this book have been long forgotten (or ignored) by our society and the church, and the line between “comfortable fan” and “radical follower” has been smudged. This book un-smudges that line, clearly spelling out the sacrificial life of a follower compared to the relaxed existence of a fan. I highly recommend it not only to those doubting the solidity of their faith but to anyone who calls themselves a follower. Not a Fan wipes away the false beliefs of this world that often take up residence in our hearts, and replaces them with the raw faith that lies at the core of Christianity. We all need to be reminded of what Jesus really meant when He called us to “take up your cross daily and follow Me.”
I suspected the content to be simple information I already knew, but was surprised at the deep, profound message this book contains. The conviction I felt while reading Not a Fan wasn’t something I expected. The truths of this book have been long forgotten (or ignored) by our society and the church, and the line between “comfortable fan” and “radical follower” has been smudged. This book un-smudges that line, clearly spelling out the sacrificial life of a follower compared to the relaxed existence of a fan. I highly recommend it not only to those doubting the solidity of their faith but to anyone who calls themselves a follower. Not a Fan wipes away the false beliefs of this world that often take up residence in our hearts, and replaces them with the raw faith that lies at the core of Christianity. We all need to be reminded of what Jesus really meant when He called us to “take up your cross daily and follow Me.”
November 25, 2013
Not a fan is an amazing Christian non-fiction book by Kyle Idleman. It has probably made many followers of Jesus. It explains how to be a follower of Jesus. It explains how you need to be fully committed to living for Jesus to follow Him, to get forgiveness, and to get to heaven. It does a great job of displaying what is necessary to follow Jesus, and what most people do, which makes them non-follower, what he calls fans. Along the way are many stories of people who decided to be more than just fans. These stories are often about someone who had a rough childhood, but made their way on to be fully committed to Jesus. It's amazing the progress that these followers have made. Other stories are about people who grew up with the church, but became nothing more than fans of Jesus. If you want to know how to know that you are a follower of Jesus, this book is for you. It shows you how to follow Jesus wherever, whenever(now), and to do whatever He wants you to. Are you a follower of Jesus? Do you follow Him wherever, whenever(now), and do whatever He wants you to? Or are you just a fan?
July 21, 2014
This is simply amazing. I've read it about three times since I got it this spring...
Kyle Idleman writes on such a good subject and writes it well. Every Christian teenshould read this book. It will challenge you so much.
Kyle is also really great at using humor and personal stories throughout the book, which adds a lot of depth but also makes me smile.
I love how he uses Bible passages in every chapter to explain what he's talking about and give an example (it really shows the reader, proves it if she didn't think so already, that we can learn from and apply passages to our lives.). I also love the stories that people have given for the end of each chapter... it's really wonderful. So so so amazing.
Definantly a 5 star.
This book has inspired me, changed me, and encouraged me... amazing.
Kyle Idleman writes on such a good subject and writes it well. Every Christian teenshould read this book. It will challenge you so much.
Kyle is also really great at using humor and personal stories throughout the book, which adds a lot of depth but also makes me smile.
I love how he uses Bible passages in every chapter to explain what he's talking about and give an example (it really shows the reader, proves it if she didn't think so already, that we can learn from and apply passages to our lives.). I also love the stories that people have given for the end of each chapter... it's really wonderful. So so so amazing.
Definantly a 5 star.
This book has inspired me, changed me, and encouraged me... amazing.
August 17, 2024
Highly recommend for new believers. Really moving stories that had me crying, while also having some very humorous comments throughout each chapter. Best book I've read in awhile!
November 13, 2021
I'm typically sceptical of books and teaching from very popular churches, but this book pleasantly surprised me! It was easy to read, but still full of great theology and challenges for everyday life. I'm not a fan :).
October 19, 2018
I loved the format of this book; and really wanted to like it overall, but in the end was it disappointing because of its exclusive focus on personal (especially sexual) morality. It ignored the other vital areas of a complete life of discipleship. It may be a surprise to the author but, many people who struggle with discipleship in Christ do so in other areas besides their inner sex life. Perhaps the title of the book should have focused on sexuality if that was what the author was really going for.
I did think that the questions raised by outlining the dichotomy between fandom and following are really helpful. Asking the reader to DTR (define the relationship) with Jesus is a critical part of being a disciple. By examining the conflicts within our hearts over knowledge of Jesus vs. intimacy with Jesus, following Jesus or following rules, law vs. love, guilt vs. grace one can strengthen one's faith relationship in Christ. The invitation portion of the book in which the author uses the words of Jesus to ask people to surrender to God was powerful and refreshing to read. To truly follow Jesus is to one's life on the line and take up the cross. However at the end of the book I saw little other than a call to individual transformation being espoused and that transformation was described exclusively as living a sexually appropriate lifestyle. Helping the poor, lifting up those intentionally excluded by society, housing those with out homes, in short all the things Jesus asked us to do when following were minimized. I agree strongly with the premise we should not be fans but followers. The disappointing part of this book is that I can not see how this will aid the reader in that transformation.
I did think that the questions raised by outlining the dichotomy between fandom and following are really helpful. Asking the reader to DTR (define the relationship) with Jesus is a critical part of being a disciple. By examining the conflicts within our hearts over knowledge of Jesus vs. intimacy with Jesus, following Jesus or following rules, law vs. love, guilt vs. grace one can strengthen one's faith relationship in Christ. The invitation portion of the book in which the author uses the words of Jesus to ask people to surrender to God was powerful and refreshing to read. To truly follow Jesus is to one's life on the line and take up the cross. However at the end of the book I saw little other than a call to individual transformation being espoused and that transformation was described exclusively as living a sexually appropriate lifestyle. Helping the poor, lifting up those intentionally excluded by society, housing those with out homes, in short all the things Jesus asked us to do when following were minimized. I agree strongly with the premise we should not be fans but followers. The disappointing part of this book is that I can not see how this will aid the reader in that transformation.
July 30, 2021
This book convicted me SO MUCH. The Harvey Cedars Bible Conference’s summer staff program went through this book together over the past two months and I was just convicted in nearly every chapter. God really worked through this book.
I love the easy to read, conversational tone of this book. Kyle Idleman’s anecdotes add a personal touch to the book. It’s packed with good, theological truth that is difficult to swallow but not difficult to understand.
God used this book to rock my world. I pray He does the same to anyone else reading it.
I love the easy to read, conversational tone of this book. Kyle Idleman’s anecdotes add a personal touch to the book. It’s packed with good, theological truth that is difficult to swallow but not difficult to understand.
God used this book to rock my world. I pray He does the same to anyone else reading it.
May 22, 2020
I went into this book thinking that it would be a bit too watered down for me, since it was the teen version and I’m no longer a teen. My mom got me this book years ago and it has sat on my shelf until now. The assumption that I had going into the book was blown away completely by the first chapter. I was convicted and I was comforted by Idleman’s words. I have been further inspired to continue living for Christ, not for the world.
April 2, 2025
Really good book for any teen Christian. The idea that being a Christian is not simply being a "bumper sticker" fan of Jesus, but being a devout follower is written so well here. This book really helped me as an early believer realize that following Jesus means something deeper than just praying before meals and going to church on Sundays, it's giving my life to him.
March 30, 2018
My small group was watching a video series from Kyle on this topic so I figured I'd read one of his books. I'm not sure how this book differs from the regular version. The basic premise is that there is a difference between a fan and a follower and Kyle describes this in the book.
August 7, 2025
Chose this book to walk through with some of our students and I was not disappointed! I have been convicted and challenged and I’m not sure what’s next for me. There are areas that need addressing and we will see where that leads.
September 13, 2020
This book is amazing! Filled with amazing analogies!
January 3, 2021
This book was truly inspiring. The best I’ve ever read. I will read it time & time again
May 6, 2023
Really good read! Lots of helpful illustrations. Testimonies at the end of the chapters are great too.
Writes well for teenagers and easy to read.
Writes well for teenagers and easy to read.
July 30, 2024
Read this in high school. It is a challenging and convicting read, but I do feel like some of his points about following Christ can undermine assurance of salvation if taken too far.
May 9, 2025
Fantastic and should be a requirement for those newly baptized. I have forwarded this to have others continually pass it on. Great use of Scripture. Easy comprehension.
July 22, 2025
Called me out in so many ways. This was so well written
May 16, 2012
I die daily. One of the many thoughts in this book. Are you a fan or a follower?
Matthew 7:23 "Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!" (NIV) Many THINK they are followers but a good way to know, one anyway is what have you lost as you are following Jesus Christ? Or do you hold back from Him?
Kyle gives so many different thoughts and examples, many will have the reader cringing, saying oh my this is me. You really need to search yourself, find out if you are a follower or just an enthusiastic fan.
I know for myself what an immense blessing this book has been. I want to be a commited follower, taking up my cross daily, dying daily so I can live for Him.
Please become a follower, no one wants to be a crazy fan, half in!
I received a copy of this book for free from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Matthew 7:23 "Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!" (NIV) Many THINK they are followers but a good way to know, one anyway is what have you lost as you are following Jesus Christ? Or do you hold back from Him?
Kyle gives so many different thoughts and examples, many will have the reader cringing, saying oh my this is me. You really need to search yourself, find out if you are a follower or just an enthusiastic fan.
I know for myself what an immense blessing this book has been. I want to be a commited follower, taking up my cross daily, dying daily so I can live for Him.
Please become a follower, no one wants to be a crazy fan, half in!
I received a copy of this book for free from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
November 4, 2012
Yes, I did read the Teen Edition because it was free on Amazon, but it is still an excellent book. I've also seen the "Not a Fan" television series on TBN, and based on those shows, I know that the Teen Edition has basically the same information but primarily just the examples are more geared towards teens and young adults. The overall message and challenge to be a follower instead of just a fan of Jesus is convicting. I do consider myself a follower even after reading this book but the author points to how much more I can commit to Christ even when I think I'm doing pretty well. This is definitely a book, if your heart and mind is truly open to following Christ, that makes you think and reassess your life well beyond when you finish it. I know that the fan vs. follower test will be a part of my life from here on out as I evaluate how I spend my time, money, and energy.
October 22, 2013
Full disclosure. I have not read this book. I have never written a review of a book that I have not read, but I am so upset at how hard my daughter has been on herself during the first week of this study. One of the questions is "What did you hear God say to you after you prayed?" My daughter, a black and white thinker, thought it meant something was wrong with her if she didn't hear God in the exact time frame she'd set up for Him to speak to her so that she could fill in the blank. She also thinks she can't choose to follow Jesus because she's nervous about talking to other people (in general) and she doesn't know if she can "follow Jesus on his terms" if she's not ready to evangelize. Great. I feel like all my years of teaching her that God loves her have been derailed by overly dramatic, turn or burn pressure.
April 2, 2023
The challenge of this book is to be a follower of Jesus rather than just a fan. It's aimed at teens, and I think the humour probably works well for that age group. Having read a chapter (maybe two) per week and then discussed those chapters with my class, I found the book to be longer than necessary. It seemed to me that the same (or virtually the same) point was hammered chapter after chapter. It's almost like there was a really good sermon that Idleman wanted to expand into a book. Furthermore, I do agree as another reviewer has noted, that sin is seemingly seen in terms of behaviours, perhaps missing the heart aspect.
Nevertheless, the message and challenge of this book is a good one, and my class clearly understood what the call to be a Christian meant as a result of reading the book.
2023 - read with my eldest daughter (13). Some good discussion.
Nevertheless, the message and challenge of this book is a good one, and my class clearly understood what the call to be a Christian meant as a result of reading the book.
2023 - read with my eldest daughter (13). Some good discussion.
March 9, 2016
Everyone who says, "I am a Christian" needs to read this book. I chose to read the teen version for a specific reason, and Idleman does a great job of making his points in a way that is applicable and interesting to teens. I assume the adult version is the same. He is just real. He tackles a very difficult subject in a very real way, complete with humor, analogies, examples, and honesty. I also really enjoyed how he pulled all of his points from specific passages of Scripture. Overall, it is convicting, but needed. I hope that when people look at me, they see a follower of Jesus Christ, not a fan.
July 11, 2012
I absolutely love this book. Even though I consider myself beyond the points Kyle Idleman was writing about I know at the time I was firm in my faith it still opened up my eyes. I never looked at it like that before, how you could be a fan or a follower of Christ. Like how clever is that to put it like that, people who are ok to say they believe in Jesus but don't want him to interfere with there life and those who will give up there lives to follow Christ. it really helped in a way so when I preach the Gospel to other people i can illustrate to them using the fan or follower concept.
March 8, 2013
This was a great study. I read this with my teenage son as a bible study. I may have learned more or got more out of it than he did (even though it's the teen edition), but this kept him engaged and we had some great discussions. Any book that can teach a teenage boy about God while entertaining him at the same time is a winner! Great read and very informative. I would highly recommend this for anyone, not just teenagers.
May 15, 2013
I wholeheartedly agree with the concept, but the book itself is just drawn out. Pretty convicting in the beginning, but the latter half of the book is spent on Luke 9:23, which could have been done much shorter. Not to mention, while this book put a whole lot of emphasis on being a follower rather than a fan, it never really got at the "why" of being a follower. Definitely has something to draw from for a sermon series, but dry for a book. Was ready to be finished with it.
May 8, 2014
3.5 stars.
My library only had this teen version, but I imagine the message is pretty much the same no matter which version you get.
This book opened up my eyes about a few things and really left me thinking. It also made me slightly uncomfortable in some parts, but in a good way.
I didn't agree with everything Kyle said, and one true life testimony rubbed me the complete wrong way, but overall I really enjoyed the message.
My library only had this teen version, but I imagine the message is pretty much the same no matter which version you get.
This book opened up my eyes about a few things and really left me thinking. It also made me slightly uncomfortable in some parts, but in a good way.
I didn't agree with everything Kyle said, and one true life testimony rubbed me the complete wrong way, but overall I really enjoyed the message.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews