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I Am a Christian: Discovering What It Means to Follow Jesus Together with Fellow Believers
In this concise book, respected pastor, author, and church consultant Thom Rainer explains how the local church is God’s primary plan for reaching the world with his love. “I am a Christian” and “I am a church member” go hand in hand.
What does it really mean to be a Christian? In a world where everything from sports to politics, social media to podcasts, and movies to television vies for our attention, we need to get back to what is essential. We need to know who we truly are and who we serve.
When people finally grasp who they are in Christ and what their participation means to their local church, everything changes. Life begins to make sense. Their purpose becomes clear. Their mission through their local church is confirmed. Their hearts start longing to cooperate with God in the company of fellow believers. When Christians become committed church members, the church becomes healthy. When the church becomes healthy, communities become healthy. When communities become healthy, the world can be transformed.
The urgent need of our day is for Christians to understand who they are, what they believe, and how that affects what they do. And the best place to answer those crucial life questions is in the context of the local church. It’s nothing short of amazing and miraculous what God will do through a group of devoted Christians who become committed and selfless church members. I Am a Christian is your first step on that incredible journey.
What does it really mean to be a Christian? In a world where everything from sports to politics, social media to podcasts, and movies to television vies for our attention, we need to get back to what is essential. We need to know who we truly are and who we serve.
When people finally grasp who they are in Christ and what their participation means to their local church, everything changes. Life begins to make sense. Their purpose becomes clear. Their mission through their local church is confirmed. Their hearts start longing to cooperate with God in the company of fellow believers. When Christians become committed church members, the church becomes healthy. When the church becomes healthy, communities become healthy. When communities become healthy, the world can be transformed.
The urgent need of our day is for Christians to understand who they are, what they believe, and how that affects what they do. And the best place to answer those crucial life questions is in the context of the local church. It’s nothing short of amazing and miraculous what God will do through a group of devoted Christians who become committed and selfless church members. I Am a Christian is your first step on that incredible journey.
- GenresChristianNonfiction
128 pages, Hardcover
Published November 8, 2022
16 people are currently reading
372 people want to read
About the author
Thom S. Rainer
132 books139 followersThom S. Rainer is the founder and CEO of Church Answers and Executive Director of Revitalize Network. He is a graduate of the University of Alabama where he received his degree in business administration. He received both the master of divinity and the Ph.D. degrees from Southern Seminary.
Dr. Rainer has served as pastor of four churches. He is the former president of Rainer
Group consulting. He served for twelve years as dean at Southern Seminary and for thirteen years as the president and CEO of LifeWay Çhristian Resources.
Dr. Rainer has authored or co-authored 33 books. Among his greatest joys are his family: his wife Nellie Jo; three sons, Sam, Art, and Jess; and eleven grandchildren.
Dr. Rainer has served as pastor of four churches. He is the former president of Rainer
Group consulting. He served for twelve years as dean at Southern Seminary and for thirteen years as the president and CEO of LifeWay Çhristian Resources.
Dr. Rainer has authored or co-authored 33 books. Among his greatest joys are his family: his wife Nellie Jo; three sons, Sam, Art, and Jess; and eleven grandchildren.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
May 31, 2023
I've heard many times the story that Wooden, perhaps the greatest coach of any sport at any time, began each new season teaching his freshmen the fundamentals. He didn't start with dribbling or layups or passes. The first thing he taught these young men was how to properly tie their shoes.
This short book is the "shoe tying" of Christian fundamentals. In just over 100 pages covering seven chapters, Rainer gets to the fundamentals of what it means to be a Christian. His chapters are entitled:
I am a Believer
I am a Church Member
I am a Disciple
I am a Servant
I am a Witness
I am a Prayer Warrior
I am a Christian (conclusion)
What you see is exactly what you get. There is nothing new, shocking, or unique here. There is nothing that will "knock your socks off." But that is OK. Sometimes what we need the most is a "shoe-tying" review. It is a good and healthy habit for us to regularly get back to the basics with books like this.
This short book is the "shoe tying" of Christian fundamentals. In just over 100 pages covering seven chapters, Rainer gets to the fundamentals of what it means to be a Christian. His chapters are entitled:
I am a Believer
I am a Church Member
I am a Disciple
I am a Servant
I am a Witness
I am a Prayer Warrior
I am a Christian (conclusion)
What you see is exactly what you get. There is nothing new, shocking, or unique here. There is nothing that will "knock your socks off." But that is OK. Sometimes what we need the most is a "shoe-tying" review. It is a good and healthy habit for us to regularly get back to the basics with books like this.
September 26, 2024
Lots of similar components that tie into or resemble chapters from "I Am A Church Member". Really good!
August 9, 2022
What does it mean to be a Christian? What do people mean when they say they believe in Jesus? What about people claiming that they are second, third, or fourth-generation Christian? Answer: It varies. Some might claim that because they say they believe, and they attend Church regularly, they are Christians. Many would say that as long as they believe in Jesus as their Lord and Saviour, they are considered saved believers. Others raise the bar to say that if one's faith is devoid of discipleship, that casts one's faith in doubt. With various interpretations of what it means to be Christian, this book comes in to clear the fog for those still bugged by that question. Using seven key distinctiveness, popular author Thom Rainer leads us through seven declarations of faith. Each statement is a statement of intent not just as an adjective but more as a verb. Rainer asserts that anyone who claims they are Christians must know WHY they believe. Right from the start, readers get to realize the importance of this very question. We live in a world of distractions that continue to influence and confuse our sense of identity as Christian. For example, the culture we live in is largely individualistic, leading some people to think that they could be "Lone Ranger Christians." Inspired by the gospel of John's seven "I AM" statements of Jesus, the author uses the same framework to provide us with seven identity statements of a Christian. They are:
1) I am a Believer
2) I am a Church Member
3) I am a Disciple
4) I am a Servant
5) I am a Witness
6) I am a Prayer Warrior
7) I am a Christian
Each descriptive statement builds on the former statement. Eventually, the book culminates in a rejuvenated understanding of what it means to be Christian. Rainer goes through the core beliefs common across mainline denominations and non-denominational branches of Christianity. These include beliefs in the Bible, the Trinity, Salvation, Fall-Redemption, Resurrection of Jesus, and so on. Taking a leaf from his earlier book, "I Am a Church Member," he condenses that into one chapter here in this book. It is a reminder that being a Christian means we are a part of the larger body of Christ, in particular, to be members of a Church. The issue of discipleship remains a critical component of one's faith. Apart from a desire to disciple and be discipled, other expressions of what it means to be a Christian include a desire to evangelize, to serve, to pray, and to obey the calling of Jesus.
My Thoughts
==============
The premise of this book is simple. If we claim to believe something, not only must we know what we believe, but we need also to know why we believe. Following that, we help ourselves make sense of our own faith. Giving us seven statements to enable us to know the contours of our faith, Rainer has condensed Christianity to some of the most basic statements of faith. Meant for popular reading, each chapter guides readers with stories, Bible references, contrasts with cultural beliefs, and discussion questions at the end of each chapter to facilitate further study.
I like the way the author starts with a basic question and closes with an augmented understanding of what it means to be a Christian. Many people claim to be Christian but when probed, their faith is often mixed up with cultural adaptations and personal preferences. We need books like this because we all need some common framework to understand what we believe in. Many creedal statements arose out of controversies. In the early centuries, the Early Church faced lots of persecution and religious threats from false teachers. In order to address the controversies and confusion created, the Early Church came up with creeds and doctrinal statements to help people distinguish the orthodox faith.
Do not be deceived by the simplicity of the book. Sometimes, the most profound things can be expressed via simple statements. I believe everyone who claims to be Christian will at some point of their faith find this book a valuable reminder or a wake-up call.
THOM S. RAINER is the founder and CEO of Church Answers, a former pastor, and a bestselling author. With nearly forty years of ministry experience, Thom has spent a lifetime committed to the growth and health of the local church and its leaders. He is a graduate of the University of Alabama and earned an MDiv and PhD from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He and his wife live in Tennessee.
Rating: 4.25 stars of 5.
conrade
This book has been provided courtesy of Tyndale House Publishers and NetGalley without requiring a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.
1) I am a Believer
2) I am a Church Member
3) I am a Disciple
4) I am a Servant
5) I am a Witness
6) I am a Prayer Warrior
7) I am a Christian
Each descriptive statement builds on the former statement. Eventually, the book culminates in a rejuvenated understanding of what it means to be Christian. Rainer goes through the core beliefs common across mainline denominations and non-denominational branches of Christianity. These include beliefs in the Bible, the Trinity, Salvation, Fall-Redemption, Resurrection of Jesus, and so on. Taking a leaf from his earlier book, "I Am a Church Member," he condenses that into one chapter here in this book. It is a reminder that being a Christian means we are a part of the larger body of Christ, in particular, to be members of a Church. The issue of discipleship remains a critical component of one's faith. Apart from a desire to disciple and be discipled, other expressions of what it means to be a Christian include a desire to evangelize, to serve, to pray, and to obey the calling of Jesus.
My Thoughts
==============
The premise of this book is simple. If we claim to believe something, not only must we know what we believe, but we need also to know why we believe. Following that, we help ourselves make sense of our own faith. Giving us seven statements to enable us to know the contours of our faith, Rainer has condensed Christianity to some of the most basic statements of faith. Meant for popular reading, each chapter guides readers with stories, Bible references, contrasts with cultural beliefs, and discussion questions at the end of each chapter to facilitate further study.
I like the way the author starts with a basic question and closes with an augmented understanding of what it means to be a Christian. Many people claim to be Christian but when probed, their faith is often mixed up with cultural adaptations and personal preferences. We need books like this because we all need some common framework to understand what we believe in. Many creedal statements arose out of controversies. In the early centuries, the Early Church faced lots of persecution and religious threats from false teachers. In order to address the controversies and confusion created, the Early Church came up with creeds and doctrinal statements to help people distinguish the orthodox faith.
Do not be deceived by the simplicity of the book. Sometimes, the most profound things can be expressed via simple statements. I believe everyone who claims to be Christian will at some point of their faith find this book a valuable reminder or a wake-up call.
THOM S. RAINER is the founder and CEO of Church Answers, a former pastor, and a bestselling author. With nearly forty years of ministry experience, Thom has spent a lifetime committed to the growth and health of the local church and its leaders. He is a graduate of the University of Alabama and earned an MDiv and PhD from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He and his wife live in Tennessee.
Rating: 4.25 stars of 5.
conrade
This book has been provided courtesy of Tyndale House Publishers and NetGalley without requiring a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.
November 7, 2022
The book “I Am a Christian” begins by reminding us that all who follow Jesus must “fully grasp what it means to say, ‘I am a Christian.’” We must know what it means, who we are, and what we believe. This—and orienting our priorities around this—are urgently needed in our day.
Rainer states, “‘I am a Christian’ and ‘I am a church member’ go hand in hand.” He writes further, “When Christians become committed church members, the church becomes healthy. When the church becomes healthy, communities become healthy. When communities become healthy, the world is transformed.”
The book’s seven chapter highlight different “I am” statements related to being a Christian such as:
* I am a church member.
* I am a disciple.
* I am a servant.
* I am a witness.
* I am a prayer warrior.
Though I wasn’t a fan of the writing style, “I Am a Christian” provides helpful clarity concerning what the church is and is not, and how we are to walk out our lives as Christian, especially alongside a local body of believers.
This book would be especially suitable for new believers or new church members. I could easily see it being used to disciple believers or in a new members’ class, as it covers many important beliefs that all Christians should hold.
I received a review copy of this book for free from Netgalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. All opinions are my own.
Rainer states, “‘I am a Christian’ and ‘I am a church member’ go hand in hand.” He writes further, “When Christians become committed church members, the church becomes healthy. When the church becomes healthy, communities become healthy. When communities become healthy, the world is transformed.”
The book’s seven chapter highlight different “I am” statements related to being a Christian such as:
* I am a church member.
* I am a disciple.
* I am a servant.
* I am a witness.
* I am a prayer warrior.
Though I wasn’t a fan of the writing style, “I Am a Christian” provides helpful clarity concerning what the church is and is not, and how we are to walk out our lives as Christian, especially alongside a local body of believers.
This book would be especially suitable for new believers or new church members. I could easily see it being used to disciple believers or in a new members’ class, as it covers many important beliefs that all Christians should hold.
I received a review copy of this book for free from Netgalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. All opinions are my own.
May 31, 2022
I Am A Christian
by Thom S. Rainer
This is an excellent book. It is short, just 7 chapters,so I read it as if it was a week long devotional book.
I have not previously read this author before, however I learned quite a bit from this book, so I definitely be looking for more books by Thom Rainer.
I can easily see this book being used as a small group or personal study.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
by Thom S. Rainer
This is an excellent book. It is short, just 7 chapters,so I read it as if it was a week long devotional book.
I have not previously read this author before, however I learned quite a bit from this book, so I definitely be looking for more books by Thom Rainer.
I can easily see this book being used as a small group or personal study.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
March 28, 2024
“Do you really want to grow as a Christian? Do you really want to be more like Christ? Read your Bible. Study your Bible….study the Bible as your pastor preaches. Open your Bible to the sermon text. Follow along with the teaching. Read the Bible carefully as your pastor teaches the different verses.”
“…your growth as a Christian will be commensurate with your growth as a committed church member.”
-Thom Rainer
“…your growth as a Christian will be commensurate with your growth as a committed church member.”
-Thom Rainer
December 13, 2025
How do you give a book about Jesus a negative rating? 🤦🏼♀️
I think for someone who is a new Christian, this may be a very good start for them. Maybe I'm looking for more "meat and potatoes", kind of thing.
This was definitely a very quick read and easy to understand.
It's hard to say anything bad about it other than it just left me lacking maybe? Or maybe that was the goal. To make me want to find more....🤔
I think for someone who is a new Christian, this may be a very good start for them. Maybe I'm looking for more "meat and potatoes", kind of thing.
This was definitely a very quick read and easy to understand.
It's hard to say anything bad about it other than it just left me lacking maybe? Or maybe that was the goal. To make me want to find more....🤔
January 3, 2023
Good, quick read. Nothing incredibly deep, but a good reminder of the importance of church involvement for Christians. This would be a good book for new Christians to read when wondering “what’s next?”
June 13, 2023
Short yet thorough, inspiring but challenging. A great pocket book to help re-center your life in Jesus and His tasks for you.
August 31, 2023
Neither loved or hated this one. For anyone who just became a Christian this book is probably a very good start. As for me this was pretty basic.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews