Joseph W. Handley, Jr. Published in Global Missiology, www.globalmissiology.org, April 2022 Abstract One of the simplest definitions for a Kingdom Movement is that proposed by David Garrison in looking at Church Planting Movements: “a rapid multiplication of indigenous churches planting churches that sweeps through a people group or population segment” (Garrison 2004, 21). Over the […]
leadership principles
Endorsements
To get a sense of what others are saying, here are those endorsing the new book: Polycentric mission leadership is becoming essential for any church or mission organization that wants to work respectfully and fruitfully within the Global Church. This book highlights and unpacks the scholarly thinking that is emerging in this field. It is […]
Decentralising leadership: from monolithic to modular and polycentric
Daniel Ospina Original article at RnDAO Why talk about leadership? Let’s bring it back to the people. If you’ve ever been in an executive position, been an influential DAO member, or founded a new organisation, you’ll likely viscerally know the weight of responsibility. There can be so much work, so much uncertainty and yet such […]
A Case Study in Polycentric Mission [AR1] A3-SIM: Strategic Partnership [AR2]
Robert Adair From 2011 to now, A3 (formerly Asian Access) missionaries (A3m) have made two transitions that have placed them under polycentric governance. This case study will attempt to explain the context and challenges of the current structure. Background In 2011, A3 formed a strategic partnership with SIM to deploy missionaries to Japan. SIM provided […]
Polycentric Leadership: A Theoretical Model for Global Leadership
By Promod Haque, Ph.D. and Joseph Handley, Ph.D. The development of fresh Global Leadership models has accelerated over the last few decades.1 These models show promise as businesses increasingly engage diverse customers and work across multiple cultures and nations. Teamwork effectiveness and cross-cultural acumen are imperative for success. Early in my career (Joe), I was […]
Case Study: Global Unites
By Noel Becchetti Vision: To inspire, connect, and equip youth to transform global societies through movements that promote hope, non-violence, and reconciliation Mission: To work alongside local leaders and transform conflict by hosting international summits, national conferences, specialized workshops, and strategic trainings to empower youth as agents of sustainable change “The key is to recruit […]
Polycentrism as the New Leadership Paradigm
SIX COMMON THEMES FOR A TRINITARIAN APPROACH TO LEADING MISSIONS By Joseph W. Handley, Jr. Polycentric—Why? And, what’s that?1 As the world grapples with ongoing tensions, polarities, and ever-growing challenges, I am convinced that we need a new approach to leadership. It was this concern that compelled me to study global leadership and see if […]
A Leadership Model for a Polarized World
Introducing Polycentric Leadership The past thirteen months have been one of the most disruptive seasons in my lifetime. A global pandemic, one of the worst economies of the century, and a divisive political environment were all contributors. We have faced lock downs, loss of incomes and jobs, and the disease itself—as we still do at […]
Diverse Trait
Polycentric Leadership leverages diverse leaders and styles. Leaders who value and recognize DIVERSITY are able to work across regions, networks, and cultures. The diversity of leadership gifts described in Ephesians 4 is paramount. For diversity to be fully employed within a polycentric leadership model, it must represent every facet of diversity represented within a network, movement or […]
Entrepreneurial Trait
Polycentric Leadership exhibits a bold entrepreneurial spirit. Self-governance and freedom are crucial for local teams to operate effectively. ENTREPRENEURIAL FREEDOM engenders effective leadership. This is especially true for successful startups that thrive in a culture of risk-taking, entrepreneurship, experimentation, and innovation. Freedom means independence from overarching structures in terms of decision-making and agenda-setting. This includes teams’ […]
