American Society for Church Growth - Book Review
Real Followers Beyond Virtual Christianity: A Radical Quest to Expose the Pretender Inside Each of Us
Question: Which did Jesus say to His disciples: 1) "Repeat after Me," or 2) "Follow Me."
Answer: From the genesis of His ministry to the revelation of His power, Jesus spoke the same two words: "Follow Me."
Jesus invites us to take up the cross. Our culture urges us to climb the ladder. All too often, Christianity consists of bringing Jesus into our world of ladder climbing and asking Him to help us in our ascent. "Yet the kingdom," Michael Slaughter asserts, "is not about ladders; it is about crosses."
Real Followers is a passionate reminder that following Jesus is not what it used to be. It's acceptable today, almost popular, to be a Christian in America. However, sacrifice, self-denial, and commitment are as foreign as ancient Rome. Speaking of ancient Rome, if a Christian refused to acknowledge that Caesar was Lord, Slaughter purports, he found himself "at the Coliseum, and it wasn't to watch a football game!"
I found myself unable to ignore this book for two reasons. First, it is a joy to read. Its weighty content is sprinkled with personal stories and humor. Second, its appeal for radical discipleship tugs at the soul of one who longs to deeply follow Christ. Each chapter appeals and instructs, then concludes with discussion questions and a call to "join the movement." When the reader turns the last page, he spontaneously declares, "Okay God. It's clear. Veneer Christianity isn't Christianity at all. By Your grace, I want to become a real follower!"
Every pastor and church leader must read this book; first, for the sake of his or her own soul. Second, so those they lead will joyfully abandon the ladder and take up the cross. A thousand "thanks," Michael, for an excellent book.
Reviewed by Ron Gladden, Director of the Church Planting Center for the Seventh-Day Adventist Church, Portland, Oregon.
This review was originally published in Strategies for Today's Leader.