The New Conspirators…

I got a call from Tom Sine today…he wrote this amazing book called “The New Conspirators“…several months ago Jessie and I had gone to the conference of the same name. What’s interesting is that this conference and the connections made there have set events into motion in our life together that are hugely impacting (and have kept me swamped since then)…and I literally watched as the exposure to new ideas and vision of what God is doing around the world rocked a great friend, he’s said more than once than the conversations there “changed his life”…pretty awesome stuff.

While there I tried to angle for an interview with Tom so I could more fully review his book…ah…alas…it was busy…But…my hour has finally come. I am super stoked about getting to talk to him a little more about the journey that inspires a rabid fan of the kingdom, a man of over sixty years old, a recent high churcher and long standing evangelical, to go off the grid and take the road less traveled into adventure (read terror) and discovery (read shock). Seriously though, this guy is a grandstand cheerer on of “the new thing” that God is moving within…and that’s just exciting to be around. Always. I can’t wait to hear more from him…so interview and review to follow shortly…

Until then, one of my favorite quotes from the book:

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.

Wow…what a depiction…