This is a complex book about a complex issue - the future. Tom Sine is a futurist. He analyses social and economic trends and helps Christian organisations to prepare for change. With the right preparation, the idea is that they can ride the waves of change to the advantage of the Kingdom of God, rather than being tossed about aimlessly, and constantly scrambling to stay in touch with the rest of the world.

"McWorld" has become a kind of code-name for globalisation and the modern consumer culture. The bulk of Sine's book is devoted to an analysis and evaluation of this trend. Whole nations are jockeying for position in the new global economy, with cyber-space locking them into the system. They are not being manipulated by some sinister conspiracy for world domination - in fact, the really scary thing is that no-one is really in control. The all-encompassing vision of a McWorld future is short-sighted and naïve. People will have more things in McWorld, but they will have less happiness. More and more time will have to be invested in economic work, leaving less and less time (not to mention money) for God's work. The gap between rich and poor will continue to widen, but no-one will really be happy.

This is where the mustard seed comes in. Drawing on Jesus' parable, and expanding on his previous books, Sine portrays an optimistic view of the Christian Church continuing to grow by finding creative new ways to carry on Kingdom business. The book includes many examples from places like Britain, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and the U.S.A. It also includes discussion questions, tips for Christian leaders and chapter summaries.

Like so many others, Sine wants the Church to re-invent itself for the new millennium. To his credit, he offers some radical but practical suggestions. He clearly sees that the Church is meant to be counter-cultural, especially in a McWorld culture.

"...we permit modern culture… to define our notions of the good life and better future. As a consequence our lives are too often driven by the same manic aspirations that propel McWorld. No wonder we are exhausted. Modernity calls the tune and we dance." (p222)

"I am convinced that one of the main reasons why Western Christians aren't terribly effective in evangelism is that we are so much like the culture around us that we have very little to call people to." (p223)

I think Sine makes an excellent point when he talks about "dualistic discipleship" - giving lip-service to the claims of Christ, but still serving the claims of modernity, job, economic security, etc.

So many people are seeing what I am seeing, and saying it in so many different ways. But the key that I think Sine has missed is that Christianity can function as a valid subculture. We don't always have to be reactionary.  We can and should take full advantage of the good that is right there in our heritage as biblical Christians.  I suppose the difference is that, whereas Sine believes that diversity is the key to Christian witness in the McWorld future, I would tend rather to look for a cultural unity (but not uniformity.)