Glocalization: How Followers of Jesus Engage a New Flat World

Glocalization is the “seamless integration between the local and the global,” according to the author Bob Roberts, Pastor and catalytic leader with a holistic mission approach to Christian faith and community development.  The term “glocal,” which is the key word of this work, originated in the 1990’s from Scottish sociologist Roland Robertson.  The term was introduced to Christian circles by futurist Leonard Sweet and has since become the primary word associated with Bob Roberts.  Though Bob would like to think his single word focus is “Transformation,” he is best known for his blog site and networking association called by the same name that uses the word “Glocal.”

I finished reading Glocalization over the Labrador Sea at 37,500 feet just last week.  I read on average of 25 books a year (not all of them at such privileged altitudes).  I’ve learned that I need to do more than read and glean from the books.  I need to reflect on the books I read.  Interacting with the books is important, before I put them on my shelf like a trophy.  Making this a discipline will improve my long term retention of what I read.  One thing that I remember from a class I had with compulsive reader Dr. Howard Hendricks, or “Prof” as he is affectionately known, was not to simply read the book, but allow the book to read me.  Reflect on the books.  Take the time to relate with the book.  This is my first attempt at simple format (from a simple mind) to help me take some time after each book and reflect on it.  If you have seen a format for book reviews, that is fun and interactive, send me your suggestions.

Greatest New Thought… The Christian faith isn’t about mission, but about God’s kingdom.  Mission isn’t comprehensive.  Kingdom is a total saturation of a society.  The Christian faith is to saturate a community throughout the 8 primary domains of society.  The domains of society are Justice, Medicine, Education, Agriculture, Economics, Family, Governance, and Art.  The church must ask how well is it engaging these cultural domains, not primarily to change them first, but rather serve the culture.  We should serve the culture not to convert it, but because we are converted.  The cultural impact will happen in the life on life relationships as you first live your faith in the domains of the culture with the people of the culture.

Enlightening Quotes…

“The more of the world you see, the more of the Word you underline” (pg 25)

“Glocalization creates a massive opportunity for the church.” (pg 27)

“The long-term benefit and impact on a society is done through development rather than relief.” (pg 109)

“Anything that truly brings about change has to be going at least thirty years,”said Bob Biehl. (pg 124)

“Collaboration is the key to getting things done in the age of globalization” (pg 169).

Least Favorite Quotes…Nothing that I read y really rubbed me the wrong way.

View of the book at “30,000 feet” (my final thoughts as I consider the as an overall look)…If you pick up the book to read, I have one phrase as you launch out into it: “It gets better.”  This is not meant to sound negative, just to say that the ramp up is slow and gradual.  It is a good introduction into Bob’s philosophies and views on how Christians and churches can engage and make a lasting impact glocally.  It takes it a while before I can say it becomes a “page-turner” book.  I found myself at times pushing through to finish rather than anticipating something new and life changing in the next chapter.  It had just enough in each chapter that made me want to read a little more.

GRADE: B (A=Stop what you are doing, and go out and buy the book, B= Next time you see the book, you may want to buy you a copy and read it.  C= Take it or leave it.  D= Don’t bother.  F= save the trees next time, don’t bother reprinting)

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