Introduction To The Review Of Decolonizing Misssion By Harvey Kwiyani. Ph.D

Unmasking the Empire DNA in Modern Ministry
I'm excited to launch a new reflection series based on Harvey Kwiyani, Ph.D. critical book, Decolonizing Mission. This book is a gut-check for anyone involved in Christian leadership, and it's providing the clarity I desperately needed on my own ministerial journey.

Kwiyani argues that the mission we inherited is deeply steeped in centuries of imperialism and Eurocentric frameworks. The unsettling realization for me is this: many successful ministries and denominations today may be unconsciously building empires, not the Kingdom of God.

I've been wrestling with this question: When does the pursuit of ministerial growth become an exercise in organizational imperialism? It often starts subtly, but here are four signs I see it manifest:
(1) When the demand for centralized, 100% financial control overrides the need for local accountability and transparency.
(2) When a leader’s unilateral power to transfer personnel at will is framed as being "moved by the Spirit," but functions as a means of absolute structural control.
(3) When asking for basic clarity on structure, policy, or fair remuneration is instantly met with accusations of being "unyielded" or "disloyal."
(4) When spiritual language is used to enforce control, suppress dissent, and disregard the immense sacrifice of those doing the work on the ground.

This is where the theology meets the trauma. We see leaders invoking concepts like the early church meeting in houses or citing Greek terms like Anagkazo (compel) to justify highly coercive methods. But when power is wielded to enforce control, the spiritual language is simply masking a desire for empire-building and accumulation.

Decolonizing Mission forces us to ask: Is it our mandate to compel, control, and accumulate, or is it to empower, liberate, and serve with radical accountability? The clarity is sobering: we must first decolonize our interpretation of the Bible before we can decolonize our practices.

I highly recommend getting a copy of this vital book.

Guiding Light Press, 4th Floor, Silverstream House, 45 Fitzroy Street, Fitzrovia, London, W1T 6EB.

Join the Discussion:
Where have you witnessed the legacy of "empire DNA" manifest in modern Christian organizations? What is the cost of this control to the individuals and families serving on the frontline?

Bishop R Sam Esudoss Bishop Dr Anderson Bishop Eruohi Archbishop Charles Agyinasare PhD
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