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The New Conspirators
A visionary Christian leader explores four exciting streams within the cutting-edge of the church. He calls us to join these "new conspirators" in discovering creative ways in which God might use our mustard seeds to be a part of what he is doing. God is doing something fresh through a new generation of "conspirators". This new work can be seen in at least four different 1. the emerging, 2. the missional, 3. the mosaic (multicultural church plants) 4. the monastic. In this book Tom Sine present some of the innovative new models that are being created by those ministering within these diverse streams. He also explores the important questions they are raising for all of us regarding what it means to be a disciple, be the church and do the mission of the church. The book then investigates new challenges facing both our larger global society and the church as we journey together into an increasingly uncertain future.
304 pages, Paperback
First published February 4, 2008
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
January 9, 2018
An incredibly inspiring and resourceful book. It holds a fine balance between realism and idealism and mentions numerous concrete ways of making a difference, which makes it a very hopeful book as well. It leaves me rather frustrated, too however, as the existing examples of communities living this radical way of love and life are mainly in the UK or US. I'm left with an itch of: yes! I want to do this too! And then thinking.. do i actually have to emigrate or are there people / initiatives here in the Netherlands as well? I have visited many churches in my country but never have i found one that seems to have the focus on being ambassadors for social justice, making poverty history and caring deeply for the environment. Radically and practically following in Jesus' footsteps, making Gods truth and vision something tangible instead of something we talk about, safely locked in a well-heated suburban livingroom with designer furniture and double-glass windows.
Some quotes:
Since this vision (the Western Dream) for the better future is defined primarily in economic terms, it shouldn't be a surprise that God's creation and, indeed, humanity are both seen largely in economic terms as well. God's good creation is seen as nothing more than provision of the resources needed to achieve this dream. In this view persons are seen as largely deriving our sense of identity, self-worth and even life purpose in economic terms - how well we play our roles as producers / consumers.
I suspect that many of us are, like Truman (truman show), largely oblivious to the fact that much of life is scripted more than we recognize.
Massive poverty and obscene inequality are such terrible scourges in our times, in which the world boasts breathtaking advances in science, technology, industry and wealth accumulation - that they have to rank along slavery and apartheid as social evils. (Mandela)
First, we need to join younger leaders in the campaign to make poverty history and urge our governments to support the Millennial Goals to which they committed. But we must also encourage countries, corporations and nongovernmental organizations to make a much greater commitment through our churches and our personal lives to end the evil of poverty.
Everything in this monolithic culture of McWorld globalization is allied against you, and will keep your imagination captive, stripping you of the courage to dream of alternative ways to live.
If we are not caring for the poor, the oppressed and the hungry, then we are guilty of heresy.
All we have is God's. It that is true, then it is no longer a question of 'how much of mine do i have to give up?' but rather, 'how much of God's should i keep in both a church and a world where needs are so great?'
The primary lesson of the biblical judges is that fighting for the liberation of those who are oppressed is as important a responsibility of our faith as developing sound personal piety.
We need to encourage people to paint pictures of hope, write songs and tell stories about how lives and communities will be transformed when God's kingdom fully comes.
We have not only allowed modern culture to largely define our notions of what constitues the good life, but we have also allowed those same values to often influence the decision about how we house ourselves. Doesn't this iconic model place individualism above community and privacy above mutual care?
Some quotes:
Since this vision (the Western Dream) for the better future is defined primarily in economic terms, it shouldn't be a surprise that God's creation and, indeed, humanity are both seen largely in economic terms as well. God's good creation is seen as nothing more than provision of the resources needed to achieve this dream. In this view persons are seen as largely deriving our sense of identity, self-worth and even life purpose in economic terms - how well we play our roles as producers / consumers.
I suspect that many of us are, like Truman (truman show), largely oblivious to the fact that much of life is scripted more than we recognize.
Massive poverty and obscene inequality are such terrible scourges in our times, in which the world boasts breathtaking advances in science, technology, industry and wealth accumulation - that they have to rank along slavery and apartheid as social evils. (Mandela)
First, we need to join younger leaders in the campaign to make poverty history and urge our governments to support the Millennial Goals to which they committed. But we must also encourage countries, corporations and nongovernmental organizations to make a much greater commitment through our churches and our personal lives to end the evil of poverty.
Everything in this monolithic culture of McWorld globalization is allied against you, and will keep your imagination captive, stripping you of the courage to dream of alternative ways to live.
If we are not caring for the poor, the oppressed and the hungry, then we are guilty of heresy.
All we have is God's. It that is true, then it is no longer a question of 'how much of mine do i have to give up?' but rather, 'how much of God's should i keep in both a church and a world where needs are so great?'
The primary lesson of the biblical judges is that fighting for the liberation of those who are oppressed is as important a responsibility of our faith as developing sound personal piety.
We need to encourage people to paint pictures of hope, write songs and tell stories about how lives and communities will be transformed when God's kingdom fully comes.
We have not only allowed modern culture to largely define our notions of what constitues the good life, but we have also allowed those same values to often influence the decision about how we house ourselves. Doesn't this iconic model place individualism above community and privacy above mutual care?
July 30, 2011
Never judge a book by its cover. This book cover is pretty terrible. But like all books, its what's inside that counts. I'm interested in the Emerging Church and I really enjoyed Tom Sine's book. Its full of true and living examples of Emerging, Missional, Monastic and Mosiac forms of fellowship and encourages dialogue and conversation on each.
I was challenged by the call to be 'intentional' in faith and the need to do away with frivilous forms of church. The New Conspirators is an invitation. There are no blue prints or models to follow, but stories that invite you to creative imagination and to bold experimentation. Sine offers a mixture of cultural analysis, biblical and theological reflection, and storytelling, all held together by a spirituality that applies the values of the gospel to the big issues of the day: consumerism, globalisation, poverty, injustice, ecology, and a lot more besides.
If you want to be inspired as well as educated, then read this book.
I was challenged by the call to be 'intentional' in faith and the need to do away with frivilous forms of church. The New Conspirators is an invitation. There are no blue prints or models to follow, but stories that invite you to creative imagination and to bold experimentation. Sine offers a mixture of cultural analysis, biblical and theological reflection, and storytelling, all held together by a spirituality that applies the values of the gospel to the big issues of the day: consumerism, globalisation, poverty, injustice, ecology, and a lot more besides.
If you want to be inspired as well as educated, then read this book.
July 24, 2008
I have read one of Sine's prior books, Mustard Seed v. McWorld, which I enjoyed. This book is his attempt to do a couple of things: 1) sketch several emerging movements in contemporary Christianity that diverge from what has been "traditional church" since the Englightenment and 2) sketch the challenged posed by Globalism to both the world and the church.
I am enjoying the book and find it compelling. At places the writing is somewhat labored and Sine fails to connect the dots as fully as one might wish. At other places there is a wealth of data, especially economic data, which is almost over the top.
All things considered, I think this is an important read for Chritians who are interested in having their lives shaped more by the story of God than the metanarrative of the "Global mall."
I am enjoying the book and find it compelling. At places the writing is somewhat labored and Sine fails to connect the dots as fully as one might wish. At other places there is a wealth of data, especially economic data, which is almost over the top.
All things considered, I think this is an important read for Chritians who are interested in having their lives shaped more by the story of God than the metanarrative of the "Global mall."
January 28, 2009
I am having a hard time getting this book out of my head, particularly the 2nd half of it. it provided very practical ideas related to how one can impact their surrounding community to further God's desire for all mankind.
I am working on implimenting some of the ideas - or adapting them to my current situation as a ministry worker in a small Ohio town.
Sine presents his message in feasible ways. He certanly shows what an example of Christ might look like in the changing 21st century global-economic world.
I am working on implimenting some of the ideas - or adapting them to my current situation as a ministry worker in a small Ohio town.
Sine presents his message in feasible ways. He certanly shows what an example of Christ might look like in the changing 21st century global-economic world.
October 23, 2008
This is a disturbing but hope filled book. Tom Sine is a helpful guide in entering the 21st century. It is difficult to get our minds around our time. Sine suggests that we look at the present from the perspective of the future kingdom of God. The book is full of inspiring stories of new ways of being missional. I highly recommend this book for pastors and elders who want to follow Jesus in today's world.
April 1, 2017
I have enjoyed Tom Sine books in the past and this one was also a decent read. He repeats a lot of what he has said elsewhere it seemed to me but the last section, "conversation five" was a good reminder of what the church is called to in the future. It inspired me to push my church in new and creative directions and respond to the needs of my community, Bowness and the world.
February 9, 2010
that I probably won't finish this book. He is speaking at a conference I will be attending so I am hoping he is a better speaker than writer. His ideas are good but I find the book to be tedious. In an update,he was better in person and in conversation, and I did finish the book - barely.
September 7, 2010
A very insightful and creative look at how to be the church in the future that is upon us. I'm excited to work some of the ideas into my small group. I'll definitely be returning to the second half of the book for ideas.
June 3, 2008
Great survey of what is going in a lot of the younger churches, and great for understanding the different streams of emerging/missional type churches.
February 25, 2009
Good overview of a rapidly moving target.
April 25, 2010
I was well-impressed with Sine’s approach in this book and look forward to hearing him in person this coming weekend.
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August 4, 2011Good book, but lost my attention after a while. Some incredible thoughts on our culture's consumerism
July 24, 2012
READ THIS BOOK! 5 stars says it all...seriously, this book is a must-read for anyone who takes the mission of Christ seriously.
February 11, 2013
Not a book to be rushed through, and ideally read with people who share your journey of faith. Lots to chew on and be challenged by.
April 18, 2013
Like a great novel...the end is better than the beginning!!
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February 20, 2016this was a tough read but had some great insights in it
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews