In just a few years, author/speaker, Shane Idleman, has written a compelling, biblically-based book series, and has obtained endorsements from noted pastors and leaders, such as Jack Hayford, D. James Kennedy, Tony Perkins, and David Barton, and from organizations such as the National Academy of Sports Medicine, Promise Keepers, American Family Association, and Family Research Council.
What makes Shane’s story so inspiring is that he left a promising career as a corporate executive in 2000 to follow a passion that God placed in his heart after he recommitted his life to Christ. In his words:
“Throughout my 20s, I continued to run from God, searching for identity and truth in everything but His word. By age 28, I had climbed the corporate ladder. Money and success became my gods and ultimately controlled my life. I was driven, but for the wrong reasons. I felt a sense of purpose, but it often left me feeling empty. I was passionate, but for the wrong things. As a result of my misguided focus, my life took several unnecessary turns for the worse. By then, alcohol, anger, and arrogance had taken their toll—my life was crumbling around me. I didn’t have control of my life, my lifestyle had control of me. Sometime later, still unfulfilled, depressed, and desperate for direction, I began to thumb through the pages of my Bible that was shelved long ago. Two Scriptures seemed to jump from the pages: ‘What does it profit you to gain the whole world but lose your soul?’ (Luke 9:25), and, ‘When you hear God’s voice do not harden your heart against Him’ (Psalm 95:7-8). I then realized just how far I had drifted from the truth. I was at a turning point. I could choose to turn to God, or continue to reject Him. By God’s grace, I put my complete trust in Christ. Within the months that followed, my passion and purpose for life became clearer than ever.”
This experience ignited the What Works Book Series©. The first book, What Works When “Diets” Don’t, was based on Shane’s experience in the fitness industry, and his personal weight-loss. The primary focus of this book is physical and spiritual health.
The books that followed, deal, more importantly, with spiritual health—Christian living: What Works for Singles, Shane’s second book, is a biblically-based resource for those divorced, those marrying for the first time, and those currently single. What Works for Men—regaining lost ground, Idleman’s third book, is his top selling resource for men. The fourth book, What Works for Young Adults—solid choices in unstable times, answers leading questions on the minds of young adults such as: What is truth? How can I know God? Do all paths lead to heaven? What is God’s will for my life? And many more.
When asked why he thought that his books are being so well received, he stated: “The overwhelming response simply reflects the need that we all have for the truth found in God’s word.”
Shane was born in Lancaster in 1969 to Jim and Diane Idleman, and was raised in Quartz Hill, California. Shane states that he had “the best of both worlds”…his mom, a Southern California native, and his dad, reared on the farms of Oklahoma, led to a mixture of fun and hard work. Idleman recounts the time when commitment, integrity, and honesty stood in place of contracts, disclosures, and bylaws. A handshake and a man’s word were generally good enough.
Shane’s newest book, One Nation ‘Above’ God, recognizes the biblical foundation that once guided America. It points to the power of Scripture to shape an individual, as well as a nation. He feels that his passion for our Country and God’s word may well have been planted nearly 400 years ago when the Pilgrims first set foot on American soil. Interestingly enough, family tradition holds that Shane’s maternal lineage can be traced to Peregrine White, the first baby born on the Mayflower in Cape Cod Bay. He adds that it is not unreasonable to believe that the Signers of the Mayflower Compact and many of the Founding Fathers prayed for future generations and the preservation of God’s word.
Shane’s ministry has sparked change in the lives of many. He calls men, families, and marriages back to absolute truth and biblical principles. He adds, “They are the solid rock on which our lives are built. Times change, but truth does not change.”
Shane notes that, “If current statistics hold true, many will continue to reject Christ, or they’ll embrace a glamorized Christianity and fall away.” His message, thus, focuses primarily on repentance, and genuine faith in Christ. His bold stance has led to speaking engagements at some of the largest churches in the nation. Today, as we continually drift away in a current of moral relativism, many believe that the pull is too strong, and that we cannot make a difference. Shane, however, believes that we can, and offers his books as contributions to that commitment.