Have you ever heard anyone explain the difference between friends and fans?  It’s a powerful distinction.  I’ll combine some teachings I’ve heard from several leaders, and share a synopsis of this concept with you.

Anyone who has a public ministry will eventually discover that they don’t have NEARLY as many friends as they think they do.

For the purpose of this discussion, I’m defining a friend as someone who is with you.
They’re with you in times of success, and much more profoundly, in times of defeat.  They know the real you, and they like you anyway.
You can’t really run them off.  And when you show them a weakness, it only causes them to respect and support you more.  It’s a connection that defies logic and enables immense security.

A fan, on the other hand, is someone who is for you.
Often, fans aren’t even truly for you…they’re simply for the same thing that you are for.  Which is tricky, because the moment they find someone else who can achieve their cause with greater efficiency or at less personal expense, they’ll switch fan clubs.

I want to make sure you understand: Fans aren’t bad!  They can be incredible allies and they’re usually good people.   Just don’t mistake them for friends.  You’ll end up overextended and disappointed when they don’t deliver in your down times.

Sorry to say, but you’re only going to have a few true friends.
You’ll have lots and lots of fans, though.
Knowing the difference will enable you to appreciate and maximize both for what they are.

(Obligatory disclaimer: This post wasn’t inspired by someone who hurt me or made me mad.  Don’t worry mom.)