Lesallan | December 3, 2025
From Empire to Partnership: Rethinking Mission Today
Today, globalization has changed how Christian mission operates. Faster communication, international migration, and online platforms make it easier for churches and missionaries to connect across countries. These changes create new chances for cooperation and make room for local theologians and church leaders to be heard (Bosch, 2011; Tucker, 1983; Al‑Odeh, 2022). At the same time, they raise real concerns: global networks can flatten cultural differences, concentrate power in a few places, and repeat old patterns of colonial control if people are not careful (Bosch, 2011; Tucker, 1983). Technology can help with remote training, disaster response, and mutual support among churches, but it cannot replace living alongside people, learning their language, and respecting their culture (Metzger, 2016; PANAAWTM, 2020).
This discussion starts from the Bible’s call to make disciples and to witness globally (Matt. 28:19–20; Acts 1:8, English Standard Version). It argues that mission today should move away from “exporting” Western models and toward partnerships that transfer leadership to local churches, share power and resources, and repair past harms (Phil. 2:5–8, ESV). In practice, globalization helps mission by connecting diaspora communities and online groups that can form transnational congregations, share resources, and offer distance learning for theological education (Bosch, 2011). Churches in the Global South are increasingly shaping mission priorities and offering theological insights that broaden and correct older Western views (Hanciles, 2008). Global networks also accelerate humanitarian aid and open new avenues for mentoring and discipleship at a distance (Al‑Odeh, 2022).
But these benefits come with risks that need attention. Mission history is tied to colonialism, and without intentional change, global partnerships can repeat paternalistic patterns—where outside funders control decisions, tell the story, or push foreign church models that do not fit local life (Tucker, 1983; PANAAWTM, 2020). Online content can spread quickly but may not fit local contexts, and quick responses can favor short‑term results over deep, long‑term discipleship and local capacity building (Tucker, 1983). Critics of post‑colonial mission urge churches and mission agencies to admit past wrongs, practice accountability, and avoid one‑way transfers of power or resources (PANAAWTM, 2020).
To respond well, mission practice must change in concrete ways. Funding should empower local leaders by shifting decision‑making and accountability to them and by supporting priorities they set (Bosch, 2011). Training for missionaries should include cultural study, awareness of colonial history, and language learning so they enter communities with humility and a willingness to learn (Metzger, 2016). Digital tools should be used alongside, not instead of, face‑to‑face relationships; online work can support but not replace living and serving together (Al‑Odeh, 2022). Theological work should be done with local scholars and leaders so worship, teaching, and social action reflect local cultures and needs (Hanciles, 2008).
At its heart, post‑colonial mission is shaped by the example of Christ’s humility and the Bible’s call to mutual care (Phil. 2:5–8; Matt. 28:19–20; Acts 1:8, ESV). Success should not be measured only by numbers but by whether leadership has been transferred to local hands, whether ministries are sustainable without outside control, whether theological education fits the local context, and whether communities experience holistic well‑being. When mission commits to local leadership, true partnership, accountability for past harms, and incarnational presence, it can move from patterns of empire to practices of partnership that honor both the gospel and the people served (Bosch, 2011; PANAAWTM, 2020).
Grace and Peace,
Lesallan
References:
Al‑Odeh, M. (2022, January 29). Ch 2: part 1 – Globalization and creating a mission [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XUUh-17ZU04
Bosch, D. J. (2011). Transforming mission: Paradigm shifts in theology of mission (20th anniversary ed.). Orbis Books.
Hanciles, J. J. (2008). Beyond Christendom: Globalization, African migration, and the transformation of the West. Orbis Books.
Metzger, P. (2016, March 11). Paul Metzger on DMin’s Cross Cultural Engagement track [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_SMNQqYDFSI
PANAAWTM. (2020, November 5). Postcolonial study of Christianity and Christian mission by Kwok Pui Lan [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D6Zf7eqM42M
Tucker, R. (1983). From Jerusalem to Irian Jaya: A biographical history of Christian missions. Zondervan.
