Decolonizing Mission

God’s mission decolonises. This is the central claim of this challenging book which not only tells the history of mission from the perspective of the colonized but also asks how do we engage in mission in a world without depending on empires. Historical surveys and vignettes demonstrate how mission has become enmeshed in empire in stark contrast to Jesus whose ministry took place at the margins of empire. Decolonizing Mission argues for a decolonizing of our mission language, a greater reliance on the Holy Spirit and on prayer, a greater humility in mission and a missiology that can listen to and include those beyond our Western frames.

Decolonizing Mission is a must read by all engaged in the work of mission at all levels. The book is a bold and necessary call to reimagine Christian mission in a postcolonial world. With incisive insight and unflinching honesty, the author dismantles the historical entanglement of Christian mission with European imperialism, exposing how colonial ideologies have shaped missiology for centuries. Drawing from an African perspective, the book challenges the dominant narratives of mission history, offering a compelling vision for a liberated, inclusive, and Spirit-led approach to sharing the gospel. The author masterfully navigates the tension between honouring the sacrifices of historical missionaries and critiquing the systemic flaws of a mission enterprise often tethered to empire. By rooting the argument in Jesus’ non-militaristic, compassionate ministry - far removed from the power structures of Rome - the book invites readers to envision a mission that embraces vulnerability, rejects supremacy, and empowers all believers, regardless of culture or color, to participate in God’s redemptive work. This is not merely a critique but a hopeful blueprint for a decolonized missiology that resonates with the diverse, global Body of Christ. Decolonizing Mission is essential reading for anyone committed to a faithful, humble, and culturally sensitive witness in the twenty-first century. It challenges us to lament past wrongs, repent of lingering imperial impulses, and embrace a mission that truly reflects the kingdom of God—one defined by love, equality, and freedom.

Harvey C. Kwiyani is the Director of the Centre for Global Witness and Human Migration (aka The ACTS 11 Project) at Church Mission Society, where he also leads postgraduate studies in African Christianity. His previous books include Multicultural Kingdom. Originally from Malawi, he was previously the CEO of the Evangelical Mission Association (Global Connections) and a lecturer at Liverpool Hope University.