empire of the mustard seed

i was reading jonny baker's blog this week and stumbled upon this review of a new, interesting book titled the new conspirators: creating the future one seed at a time.

it looks like an interesting book that i definitely want to get my hands on... possibly for my next read... i've been putting off picking up a book for a while and i need something hearty.

i could write more about what i've heard is in this book - but i'd basically be copying jonny baker's thoughts. why not just check out baker's review HERE.

the book deals with new movements that we are in the midst of... emerging, mosaic, monastic, and missional. if you are interested in any of that or what our role (and the churches role) should be/can be - then maybe this book is worth checking out.

check out the Mustard Seed website that author Tom Sine has launched, too.

here is a quote that i stole from Jonny Baker who stole it from the book... this is what makes me want to read it:

• when jesus began teaching he made it clear that his new empire would be unlike any empire the world had ever seen. it came on a donkey's back. it's imperial council was comprised of a handful of unemployed fishermen, a couple of IRS agents, a prostitute and some hangers on. jesus demontsrated how to wield his imperial power by washing feet, telling stories and playing with kids. jesus' empire is based on the absurd values that the last should be first, losers are winners, and the most influential in the empire should clean the toilets. members of the empire are instructed to love their enemies, forgive their friends, always give twice as much as people ask of them and never pursue power or position. jesus insisted that those who are part of his empire shouldn't worry about finances, but simply trust god. the resources to run this empire were basins, towels, and leftover lunches. this empire also developed a reputaion for constant partying - almost always with the wrong kind of people.

  seriously is this any way to run an empire? imagine what would happen if you ran a political, economic or religious institution with these bizarre values. clearly it wouldn't have much of a future. these values might even get the leader assassinated...