Fan the Flame: Let Jesus Renew Your Calling and Revive Your Church

by Jim Cymbala, John Blattner

What if we modeled our churches after what Jesus intended His church to look like? What if our hope for our ministries rested not on human wisdom but on God's power? Over the past few years, we've all seen how quickly circumstances can change, and many of us have experienced firsthand how church growth trends and popular models fail us. Churches across the country are struggling, and many pastors are deeply discouraged. We work hard and with great sincerity, but our efforts don't seem to be helping our churches flourish. Jim Cymbala— New York Times best-selling author and long-time pastor of The Brooklyn Tabernacle—has been watching the pressing need for back-to-the-basics spiritual leadership among Christians, and he's seen so many churches come to defeat because so many leaders forget this one truth: Your church is not your church. It's Christ's church. In order for his church to flourish, we have to minister his way. With this posture of humility and a refreshing return to the model of Paul's church leadership and philosophy of preaching shown in the book of Acts, Cymbala has written an urgent message for all those in ministry that: With honesty and clarity, Jim Cymbala has written Fan the Flame to ministers, church leaders, staff members, and any Christians serious about God's church. He's written this book in order to help you face these difficult times in the name of the Lord... He's written so that our prayer, as God's people with God's mission, might be: Lord, show us how to do your work so that in the midst of dark times we can still see you fan the flames of your power and Spirit. Lord, use us to that end. Amen.

Genres: Nonfiction, Leadership, Faith

240 pages, Hardcover

Published September 20, 2022

About the author

Jim Cymbala has been the pastor of The Brooklyn Tabernacle for more than twenty-five years. The author of the best-selling titles Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire; Fresh Faith; and Fresh Power, he lives in New York City with his wife, Carol Cymbala, who directs the Grammy Award-winning Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir.

Reviews

[Brian · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Success in life consists of nothing more than finding the will of God and then doing it.” (3.5 stars)

"FAN THE FLAME" by Brooklyn Tabernacle Pastor Jim Cymbala is a solid and worthwhile read, especially for pastors and church leaders. Centered on Acts 20—Paul’s emotional farewell to the Ephesian elders—Cymbala draws from this passage to offer encouragement and challenge to today's Christian leaders.

While the book is mainly aimed at those in ministry, any committed believer could glean valuable insights from it. Cymbala sprinkles the text with nuggets of biblical truth and pastoral wisdom. I will say however, not every chapter lands equally. At times, his encouragements feel a little too surface-level, missing the opportunity for deeper application.

One of the highlights for me was Chapter 6: "Who's in Charge Here?"—a biblically sound and much needed discussion on the role of the Holy Spirit in church leadership. Cymbala thoughtfully addresses the wide range of approaches churches take: from services so rigid the Spirit seems unwelcome, to chaotic gatherings mistaken for spiritual movement but lacking doctrinal depth. His balanced call to honor both Spirit and Word is spot-on.
The book shines brightest when Cymbala speaks on theology and the personal spiritual life of a leader. Ironically, I found his personal anecdotes less compelling compared to the broader theological reflections. Where he focuses on Christ-centered leadership, the book is at its best.

Quotes:
• “Faith is the ability of the soul to perceive things not revealed to the senses.”
• “Expecting spiritual growth from people who have not experienced the new birth is a waste of time.”
• “If the Bible is not the authoritative source for our faith and practical living, we have no sure foundation.”
• “Sharing the full gospel calls for courage. It also calls for wisdom and compassion.”
• “Here's what we need to remember: the Holy Spirit watches carefully how we treat the book he himself wrote.”
• “No mind has ever conceived what the Holy Spirit can do if we yield to him.”
• “Drawing attention away from Christ is one of the fastest ways to quench the spirit.”
• “How can we affect others with God's truth if we ourselves aren't first convicted of it by the Holy Spirit?”
• “… at the root of this ‘religious industry’ is the biblical illiteracy of too many believers who can't discern truth from error.”
• “Our egos can get us into a lot of trouble, but God always honors the humility it takes to surrender to his will.”
• “Who can help us boldly share Jesus except the God of Heaven?”

FAN THE FLAME is a quick, easy read that pairs well with a daily devotional routine. Spend time in Scripture and prayer, then dive into a chapter or a few pages from this book, I think you'll find it a refreshing companion.

[Nicholas Russo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was shared with me from a pastor friend. I have greatly enjoyed the book and felt like the Lord encouraged me throughout. I would highly recommend.

[Brett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Examining Acts 20, Jim Cymbala discusses God's power in a believer's life. Christians are meant to live a life that proclaims the power and glory of Christ; however, this is often not the case. People casually go through the motions when it comes to their relationship with God; this life results in no impact. This work by Jim is more of a devotional style writing, that engages and encourages believers to desire more than a nominal Christian life.

[Craig Beaman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jim Cymbala's "Fan the Flame" fulfilled the first part of its subtitle: "Let Jesus Renew Your Calling".

Cymbala's book came at the right time. He didn't say anything I didn't already know. But I needed this book to remind me of some very important things about God, my walk with God, and pastoral ministry.

I look forward to seeing how "Fan the Flame" fulfills the second part of its subtitle: "and Revive Your Church."

It is impossible to give this book a higher recommendation. I will return to re-read this book year after year.

[Kyle Vanover · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Shepherding the shepherds” is what Jim Cymbala is doing here - offering a word of encouragement to pastors, especially those who may be dealing with or trying to avoid burnout in a post-Covid world. Nothing here was new or earth-shattering, but Jim’s emphasis on Scripture, personal stories, and solid back-to-the-basics message is right on point. I would definitely recommend this book for any weary pastor.

[Terry Bunch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cymbala produces another fine work of biblical truth interwoven with applicable stories. This one is directed specifically to ministers of the Gospel. Though nothing in here is actually new, it is still relevant. We all need reminding of what’s important and need to reassess where we are in life and ministry. A worthy read it is for sure.

[David Mills · Rating 5 out of 5]

Encouragement for discouraging day

Jim Cymbala examines Acts 20. In it, he offers great encouragement to Christian leaders facing a difficult world. He covers money, ministry, conflict, and the worlds pressure. He also covers the challenge of being an ordinary person when extraordinary faith is needed. This is a book well worth reading.

[Jeff Bobin · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you work in church life today this will be a thought provoking and challenging read. It may disturb some with its honesty.

The church has lost its connection and relying on the Holy Spirit in many ways and this is a challenge to return to that leading.

[Rick Owens · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very challenging. Pastor Cymbala keeps the emphasis on Christ, prayer, and the discernment to avoid church growth models instead of sticking with God's growth plan in the New Testament.

[Gracie Grametbauer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly beautiful writing that reminds us that our hearts should always be centered on Jesus

[Chad Stuart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another strong Cymbala book. The way he writes, his boldness often resonates with my mind.

[Don]

Bought March 21, 2023 at Newmarket Chapters Indigo

[Jerry Kinard]

An excellent reminder that as Christian leaders we cannot do ministry on our own, we need the power of the Holy Spirit.

[Josh Cronkhite · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible book. Something I could not stop notating on. I recommend this book to anyone who is either thinking about getting into ministry or already there.

[Bruce Dailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

So basic yet powerful. It was very timely for where I am right now. Highly recommend.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

The intended audience is pastors, but the content is still good for laypeople like me.

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great encouraging read about continuing to grow deeper in relationship with God.

[Dan Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

While this book is about reviving your Church, in reality, we all have a ministry that the LORD has assigned to us. Taking a deep look at that calling is something that each of us should stand back and review from time to time. Our Lord wants an interpersonal relationship and just to be with Him more than our efforts in our own strength. This book moved me in many ways.

[Kevin Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the most uplifting and encouraging book I've read in a long time. Pastor Cymbala has been there and his years of experience and staying focused on what matters in ministry was such a blessing to me. I believe it was C.S. Lewis who said that Christians don't need to be taught as much as reminded of what we already know. That was the case for this book. But what needed reminders. The only reason I took so long to get through this book, is that I purposely took my time, made notes in my journal after each chapter, and saved it for the next time I needed a pick-me-up. And every chapter got better moving toward a powerful climax that left me wanting more from time spent with Jesus! Thank you, Pastor Cymbala, for reminding me of my calling as a pastor and how to stay on track.

[Jonathan · Rating 4 out of 5]

We read this book as a staff. It was God-sent and right on time throughout the seasons and situations we faced while we read. It is a simple yet powerful, insightful, inspiring, and honest reminder of our duties as ministers.

[Christopher Sweet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very timely encouragement for pastors. Helps set the right focus in a very difficult time.

If you are a pastor and struggle with feeling adequate for the task to which God has called you. Read or listen to this. Very practical scriptural encouragement.