In 2020s Foresight, authors Tom Sine and Dwight Friesen seek to "wake up" Christian leaders and those whom they serve to the realities that leaders in other fields must deal with all the time. We are no longer simply living in changing times. We live in the reality that we are racing into a new world of accelerating change. The authors want to enable leaders in churches and Christian organizations to learn how to lead in this time of acceleration. They focus on three vital practices: foresight (analyzing the accelerating changes and anticipating new opportunities and strategies for addressing change); reflection (discerning biblical purposes for times like these); and creating innovative ways to engage new challenges so as to advance God's purposes in our lives, congregations, and organizations in the 2020s.The book is intended to equip Christian leaders to anticipate some of the new challenges in the 2020s; discover God's shalom purposes for our lives, the church, and God's world; and create innovative new possibilities for our lives, communities, and congregations that both engage new opportunities and advance God's purposes.
Tom Sine is author of ten other books, including The Mustard Seed Conspiracy (1981) and The New Conspirators (2009). He has written articles for Sojourners Magazine, Christianity Today, The Other Side, Relevant, and Evangelicals for Social Action. He has also served as a futures innovation consultant with organizations like Habitat for Humanity, Tear Fund UK, and InterVarsity, as well as with numerous mainline denominations. Dwight J. Friesen is a practical theologian and professor at The Seattle School of Theology & Psychology, where he trains future church leaders and offers transformational, immersive "New Parish" continuing education experiences for professionals. He also serves with Parish Collective, an international Christian organization that helps leaders and their groups recover the parish (neighborhood) as the natural platform by which the local church participates in whole-life discipleship in the Jesus Way. He is the author of four other books.
"In a time of disorienting, rapid change and unprecedented world-wide events, the Church needs trusted guides and teachers. In 2020s Foresight: Three Vital Practices for Thriving in an Era of Accelerating Change, Tom Sine and Dwight J. Friesen demonstrate that they are just the guides and teachers we need. I highly recommend it and will be re-reading it myself often." --Tod Bolsinger, Fuller Seminary, author of Canoeing the Mountains: Leading in Uncharted Territory "I've been listening, learning, and conspiring with Tom and Dwight for a couple of decades now. I read everything they write. And this book is a lovely theological cocktail of the best of both. Sine and Friesen invite us to reimagine the world and to begin building the kind of future that God wants for us and for the world. Dig in... and join the revolution." --Shane Claiborne, author, activist, and co-founder of Red Letter Christians "If there is one thing we know for sure, it's that tomorrow will not look like today. We are living in a period of incredible change, and this book will help you and your church prepare for that. In 2020s Foresight, get ready to have your imagination stretched and your vision enlarged." --Ruth Valerio, Global Advocacy & Influencing Director, Tearfund "Tom Sine and Dwight Friesen have gifted us with a clearly articulated vision for navigating the 'turbulent 20s. Do yourself and your community some good; study this book well. Sine and Friesen's timing couldn't be better!" --Randy Woodley, author, earth-activist, farmer, Eloheh Indigenous Center for Earth Justice "In the church and society we face unprecedented challenges. We could bury our heads in the sand or scream 'the sky is falling.' Or we could follow the lead of Sine and Friesen, who invite us to face uncertain times with courage and creativity. With relentless optimism, this book sounds the alarm and casts a vision for practical action. Let's reimagine a better future together." --Mark and Lisa Scandrette, co-authors of Belonging and Becoming and FREE: Spending Your Time and Money on What Matters Most "2020s Foresight has arrived just in the nick of time. It begins with a question that made me laugh out loud: 'Have you ever been blindsided by change?' The new decade has begun with a period of such unprecedented turbulence. Never in recent memory have we more needed the skills Tom Sine and Dwight Friesen write about here. In a time of continuous, accelerated change, this book is timely, practical, and inspiring." --Michael Frost, Morling College, Sydney, Australia "In 2020s Foresight: Three Vital Practices for Thriving in a Decade of Accelerating Change, Tom Sine and Dwight Friesen have given timely and courageous voice to their passion for the church to be a vital change leader in community. Sine has been a partner for years in encouraging scenario forecasting for Christian organizations. Friesen is a passionate advocate for churches engaging their parish. Together they have provided a timely and critical guide for church leaders to lead creatively in these challenging times, which include the economic impact of COVID-19." --Andrew Ryskamp, executive co-director (emeritus), World Renew "Christian leaders, if you want to dance your way through the 2020s, my friends and teachers Tom Sine and Dwight Friesen can teach you the steps you need. Intelligent, practical, and very readable. Highly recommended!" --Brian D. McLaren, author of Faith After Doubt
