Kroner Ministries: equipping the saints for the work of the minsitry

I’ve been talking about this book, Not A Fan by Kyle Idleman, to everyone I can around the church. But for those of you who follow and check in on New Generation Voice that aren’t part of Cross Points (http://www.crosspointschurch.com/) I want to make sure you know about this guy.

Kyle is the teaching pastor at Southeast Christian Church in Louisville, Kentucky. It just happens to be the 5th largest church in the US.

His book, Not a Fan, is one of those rare books that doesn’t just inform or entertain you, it will literally change your life…if you let it.

The first time I read the book, honestly, it made me angry. Some of the stuff Kyle says seems brash and just got under my skin. But, upon reflection I decided that it felt that way because there was something to what he was saying, so I read it again. The second time it was a ‘Ureka!’ experience for me, and the third time I was completely bought in to the concept. Here’s an example:

“Fans want Jesus to inspire them, but Jesus wants to interfere with their lives.” (chapter 2 pg 31)

No on the surface this seems like an simple statement, but when you really begin to think about it and process it, you have to consider what he says in light of your own life and relationship. We ALL want Jesus with us (well, assuming you are a Christian) and we all love for Him to ‘touch us’ or, as Kyle says, ‘insipre’ us. But when God’s involvement in our lives moves from the role of motivator to the role of director, we often find ourselves resisting. Why? Because we like control. Or at least the illusion of it.

I could go on and on with you about how this book punched me in the gut, turned me upside-down, and made me think long and hard about myself and my relationship with God…and at times I just didn’t like the challenge. But by the end, I had given in and accepted the challenge to be a follower, not a fan.

Go read the book, and join me.

DK