Welcome to the Revolution: A Field Guide for New Believers

It is obvious that this book is informed by a high view of Scripture while speaking in a concise yet comprehensive language accessible to the reader who has never heard a sermon or is unfamiliar with "church language" and bible-terms. It is effective and honest while maintaining a deep respect for GOD, His mission and His church. Even if you are a long time Christ-follower, this book can revitalize your faith by broadening your christian vocabulary in such a way that it enables your communication of the christian faith to be heard in a modern context while not compromising biblical truth. Brian is a very talented writer who keeps the reader interested and engages he/she in a conversational way. For years I have searched a book to give a new believer in Christ that made very little presuppositions about the religious experience and biblical familiarity of the new believer. Now I have found it. Accessible, relevant and uncompromising. PS - I do not attend the church where Brian pastors...I live too many states away.

I do attend the church that Brian Tome pastors and I nearly refused to review this book on the grounds that readers might question my objectivity. But this is one very large church and I do not personally know the pastor. I do not go to barbecues at his house nor could he pick me out of a line up. My reasons for granting Tome a good review are not to spare his feelings but to honestly recommend this book as a worthy read for not only the new church attender, but also the longstanding Christian. The book was passed on to me through the church and not being a great reader of theology I thought, "Aargh!" and initially put it aside. My husband who relishes those meaty masterpieces written by St. Augustine and the early church fathers swept up the small volume and delved in. It was after his encouragement that I picked up the book and was surprised to enjoy something that is normally not my cup of tea. The language is forthright and you will not find those "churchy" words that are so confusing to the newcomer. Tome lays out the logic and Biblical backup that went into the structure of his current church and approaches some topics that many churches avoid or present in a manner confusing or offputting to those unfamiliar with Christianity. The boldness to discuss the usually not-discussed makes this an interesting read for both Christian newbies and those who grew up in a church, left in late adolescence and have returned or are thinking about returning now as adults. For those readers the definitions in the front will not be as compelling as the topics discussed towards the end, such as community and mission-seeking. For example, many Christians exhort each other to give and give to the point of exhaustion because that sounds like the most loving action to take. This and other unrealistic expectations have driven many of my generation away from the church as we are leery of following the traditional Christian path if it means taking on a lifetime of tiring obligations. Then Tome pulls out "If the house is worthy let your peace come upon it; but if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet as you leave that house or town." Matthew 10: 13-14 NRSV Traditionally in my church growing up this was interpreted as don't get your feelings hurt while out canvasing, going door to door and asking people to attend your church, probably one of the most off-putting activities that inspired fear in both persons behind the door and on the porchstep. This is what Tome takes from that passage. "If you try to build into people and offer them your peace and joy and they do nothing with it, move on... Your run is done." (page 129, @2008 Thomas Nelson) Is that in the Bible?! Was such support for me always there and I just never heard, seen or understood it before? Do I actually understand what Christ really said and meant like I thought I did? I cont

I first too must confess that I belong to Crossroads in Cincinnati. Brian is my pastor. He is also the first pastor in my 30 something years to be able to convey to me what it looks like to follow Christ. Prior to stepping into Crossroads (actually being nagged by a friend to try it out for months before I finally gave in because I don't "do church")I have never been shown by a pastor, preacher, father, minister, etc how to live the life God has planned for me. Prior to coming to Crossroads I never had an "A-ha" moment in any format of church, faith, belief, religion, etc. Brian has a way, which he has so plainly and realistically exemplified throughout this book, of being straight up on what the bible teaches us that God has for us if only we will receive His love that He patiently waits for us to receive. This book is an exceptionally easy read that put me into laughter, tears, and most importantly deep thought. It is a true guide for anyone, such as myself, seeking God and trying to get past the "religion" boundaries that many people believe is a true guide to God's plan. All of my life I felt like I had to be a certain way, say certain things in order for God to hear my prayers. I am learning this is not true. Tonight I brought a friend to Crossroads with me for her first service. When we got home I handed her my copy of this book. I am confident it will guide her where she needs to be in her search for God. Maybe one day she will pay it forward as well....I would give this book 50 stars if I could, but it only goes up to 5. Highly recommended read.

OK, so first of all, let me admit that I might be a tiny bit biased, given the fact that I've been attending Brian's church for almost 10 years now. So obviously, I have a lot of respect for Brian Tome and what he has to say. Most of the ideas compiled in this book are messages (aka sermons) that have been given from the main stage at our church, but that only enhances the value of this book. Brian once said something that made a big impression on me: "God is not boring. In fact, I believe that it is a SIN to make God boring." Brian Tome can be irreverent, shocking, and even juvenile sometimes, but you can believe me when I say that he is NEVER boring!

This is a great book for new and "experienced" Christians. Easy application on how to live a purposeful life. It'll motivate you, make you laugh and make you want to be a better you. Highly recommend.