Thy Kingdom Connected: What the Church Can Learn from Facebook, the Internet, and Other Networks (ēmersion: Emergent Village Resources for Communities of Faith)

by Dwight J. Friesen

Publisher:

Baker

, 2009

Overview

Networks are everywhere. From our roads to our relationships, from our food supply to our power grids, networks are an integral part of how we live. Similarly, our churches, denominations, and even the kingdom of God are networks. Knowing how networks function and how to work with rather than against them has enormous implications for how we do ministry.

In Thy Kingdom Connected, Dwight J. Friesen brings the complex theories of networking to church leaders in easy-to-understand, practical ways. Rather than bemoaning the modern disintegration of things like authority and structure, Friesen inspires hope for a more connective vision of life with God. He shows those involved in ministry how they can maximize already existing connections between people in order to spread the Gospel, get people plugged in at their churches, and grow together as disciples.

Key Features

• Explores the need for seeing more connectively by considering God's connective connection
• Seeks to reorient the way Christians see the world, to equip them to see an opportunity for reconciliation where there is division
• Presents a relationally connective paradim of God's networked kingdom to be better prepared and help others see God, humanity, and creation as interconnected

Contents

Top Highlights

“In the I & It relationship, an individual has the tendency to approach an encounter through a utilitarian lens, treating other things, people, or even God as an object to be used and experienced.” (Page 50)

“The missional focus of God’s people is reconciliation. This is an inherently relational process of linking together those who have been separated.” (Page 134)

“When we relate with an inanimate object like a mug, it’s obvious the link is an ‘I & It’ relationship” (Page 50)

Praise for Thy Kingdom Connected

"A very readable, genuinely intelligent, and highly resourceful book. A worthy read."

Alan Hirsch, author of The Forgotten Way, founding director of Forge Mission Training Network

"Provocative and practical at the same time. A must read for all who yearn for a unified and healthy body of Christ in a connected world."

Dr. Mary Kate Morse, professor of leadership and spiritual formation and associate dean, George Fox Evangelical Seminary; director of strategic planning, George Fox University

"A treasure chest of insights to further the conversation on the nature of the missional church in post-Christendom Western societies."

Eddie Gibbs, author of ChurchMorph; senior professor of church growth, Fuller Theological Seminary

Product Details

• Title: Thy Kingdom Connected: What the Church Can Learn from Facebook, the Internet, and Other Networks (ēmersion: Emergent Village Resources for Communities of Faith)
• Author: Dwight J. Friesen
• Publisher: Baker
• Print Publication Date: 2009
• Logos Release Date: 2011
• Pages: 189
• Era: era:contemporary
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Reader Edition
• Subjects: Interpersonal relations › Religious aspects--Christianity; Online social networks; Social networks › Computer network resources
• ISBNs: 9781441208019, 9780801071638, 1441208011, 0801071631
• Resource ID: LLS:8BEE4DA426E4CE14BC4029FC45A3B41B
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Metadata Last Updated: 2024-03-06T21:21:40Z

About Dwight J. Friesen

Dwight J. Friesen (DMin, George Fox University) has over a dozen years of missional pastoral experience and is currently Associate Professor of Practical Theology at The Seattle School of Theology Psychology. He is passionate about peace-making, interfaith and missional-ecumenical conversation, and about communally and personally embodying the Gospel of Jesus Christ in local contexts. In 1996, Dwight pioneered an emerging network of simple churches in Seattle called "Quest-A Christ Commons." He has served as a guest lecturer and spiritual director around the country and is a co-founder of the Inhabit Conference. As a speaker and consultant for churches, denominations and mission agencies, he speaks internationally on issues of contextual ministry, postmodern culture, social systems and missional Christianity. He also served for a number of years on the Faith Order Commission of the National Council of Churches. Dwight, his wife Lynette, and their son are active members of the Lake Hills neighborhood of Bellevue, Washington.