Thy Kingdom Connected: What the Church Can Learn from Facebook, the Internet, and Other Networks

by Dwight J. Friesen

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.

Genres: Theology, Church, Leadership, Christianity, Technology, Nonfiction, Christian

192 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2009

About the author

A speaker and consultant for churches, denominations and missional agencies throughout the United States and around the world on issues of postmodern culture, social systems and Christianity.

Reviews

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolute MUST-READ for every pastor. The church is the only way how the ecosystem of humanity can be healed. Combine with systems theory, this kingdom perspective is vital to foster healing, restoration, reconciliation, redemption to the localities God gives us to have influence.

[Katie Vanbeek · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really love reading something and hearing the authors voice and excitement regarding the topic. Dwight, in excellent fashion, explains Buber's concepts of genuine meeting in practical ways that are easy to imagine and dream. The hope and excitement laced within these pages gives me deep hope (and healthy concern) for the Church and how I get to be involved in it's mission and how the voices of others are vital in its future.

[C. Christopher Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thy Kingdom Connected is a superb reflection on the interconnectedness of creation and our call as followers of Christ to a mission of connection. I look forward to re-reading and continuing to reflect on its wisdom!

Read my full review in THE ENGLEWOOD REVIEW OF BOOKS...

[Karl Kranich · Rating 3 out of 5]

There a quite a few valuable insights in here, but the subtitle led me to hope for a lot more. I think that most of the insights credited to "network theory" come just as readily from thinking about how we were created as social beings who need community.

[Kate Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dwight explains Martin Buber's concepts better than Buber does. I seriously wish I'd been given this text to read alongside Buber last year.