The Millennium Matrix: Reclaiming the Past, Reframing the Future of the Church

by M. Rex Miller

Overview

In this dynamic book, theologian, futurist, and communications expert M. Rex Miller presents the innovative millennium matrix, that explains the way we store and distribute information changes our worldviews. Based on the author's extensive research, The Millennium Matix explores the major paradigm and worldview shifts over the past two thousand years and maps them into an easily accessible chart summarizing the entire history of culture and church. From the oral culture of Jesus' time to the print world of Gutenberg's Bible to the broadcast era of television to the emerging digital culture, readers will see the impact of communication on worship and spirituality. Even more, the book then provides practical suggestions on how Christians can successfully navigate the rapid cultural changes that are occurring and that will continue to occur over the decades to come.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781118602416
Publisher:	Wiley
Publication date:	07/16/2004
Series:	Jossey-Bass Leadership Network Series
Pages:	306
Product dimensions:	6.90(w) x 9.90(h) x 0.80(d)

About the Author

M. Rex Miller is a successful businessman with degrees in theology and communications theory. He has spent the last twenty-five years researching social change through the lens of communications.

Table of Contents

Preface: Welcome to the Millennium Matrix.

Acknowledgments.

0. Vertigo: Ready or Not, Here Comes the Future.

Part One: Stopping Time: The Medium Is the Worldview.

1. Oral Culture–Liturgical Church: The Living Word.

2. Print Culture–Reformation Church: Separating the Message from the Messenger.

3. Broadcast Culture–Celebration Church: Watching the World Go By.

4. Digital Culture–Convergence Church: Reconnecting Word with Spirit.

The Complete Millennium Matrix.

5. The Church in Transition: Navigating Changing Worldviews.

Part Two: New Visions for a New Millennium.

6. Trust Connections: Impartational Leadership.

7. Growing Vital Relationships: Reclaiming Community.

8. Convergence: The Living Church.

Epilogue: Anticipating the Next Great Shift.

The Abridged Millennium Matrix.

Appendix: Exercises and Field Trips.

Notes.

The Author.

About Leadership Network.

Index.

Editorial Reviews

This ambitious, Protestant-oriented manual for church growth sweeps across two thousand years of Western cultural evolution. Miller, an active Christian church leader, businessman, and theologian, relates concepts of oral, print, broadcast, and digital communication to Christian spirituality, tracing these trends and their influence on evangelism since the time of Christ. In a nonacademic manner, similar to Jim Collins's in Good to Great and other recent best sellers, Miller seeks to make the modern church more relevant to America's online culture. His presentation is slick, but it will appeal to busy lay leaders who seek a quick read and a few ideas to recharge apathetic congregations. Easy-to-grasp charts provide useful summaries of the text. Footnotes are extensive and helpful. Recommended for thoughtful, informed Christian readers active in their church.-Joyce W. Smothers, Princeton Theological Seminary, NJ Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.

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