Not a Fan by pastor Kyle Idleman has sold 1 million copies, according to the book’s publisher Zondervan.

Idleman’s call to Christians to stop simply being fans, but rather become true followers of Jesus has been met with an online movement of more than 100,000 Christians deepening their relationship with God. 

Additionally, the book’s student edition has surpassed 100,000 in sales.

“Not a Fan offers a message that’s encouraging yet serious-minded about what it means to be a Christian,” said David Morris, vice president and publisher of nonfiction trade books, Zondervan. “It’s a message that’s timeless, but is especially helpful today when believers are so distracted and hungry for substance and real commitment.

“Success like this points to how powerful a single book can be in changing lives, and the continued importance of crafting messages that speak to spiritual needs,” Morris added.

Released in May 2011, Not a Fan takes on the celebrity-driven fan culture of America and how it has permeated Christianity. The release came at an especially opportune time, as a then-recent survey exposed new statistics about Americans who see themselves as fans, but not necessarily followers, of Jesus.

“According to that survey, 75% of Americans said they were ‘fans’ of Jesus Christ, but less than half of them claimed to be completely committed followers,” Idleman said. “When compared to the 48% of Buddhists and 50% of Hindus who claim to be fans of Jesus, it is clear that simply being a ‘fan’ is not enough.”

Idleman is teaching pastor at Southeast Christian Church in Louisville, Kentucky, America’s fifth-largest church. 

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