Missions and Colonialism: Learning from the Past

Introduction

Christian missions have played a vital role in the spread of the Gospel, the planting of churches, education, healthcare, and social transformation. But the history of missions is also entangled with colonialism. This dual legacy has left a complex imprint on the global church, especially in formerly colonized regions. Understanding this complex relationship helps contemporary churches discern lessons from history in fulfilling the Great Commission with integrity and cultural sensitivity.

The Historical Entanglement of Missions and Empire

Colonialism helped missionaries spread Christianity by providing roads, transport, protection, and access to new places. In many parts of Africa, Asia, and the Americas, missionaries could reach people they couldn’t before because of colonial rule. Sometimes, they were even seen as part of the empire, spreading Western ways along with the gospel. But this came with problems. Local cultures were often pushed aside, native languages were ignored, and traditional beliefs were called primitive. As a result, Christianity was sometimes viewed more as a Western religion than a message for all people.

Missionary Contributions: Education, Healthcare, and Advocacy

Despite these entanglements, missionaries made significant contributions. They established schools, hospitals, and printing presses. They translated the Bible into local languages and preserved indigenous cultures through linguistic work. In India, for example, missionaries like William Carey helped develop vernacular education and advocated against social evils like sati (widow burning).

Some missionaries also stood against colonial abuses. In Congo, missionaries exposed atrocities committed under King Leopold II’s regime. In South Africa, they challenged racial segregation. These examples show that even though missions were often part of colonial systems, some missionaries spoke out against injustice and tried to do what was right.

Biblical Reflections: Power, Humility, and Incarnation

Scripture offers a framework for evaluating missions through the lens of power and humility. Jesus, the ultimate missionary, came not as a conqueror but as a servant (Philippians 2:5–8). His incarnation was deeply contextual. He entered a specific culture, spoke its language, and lived among its people.

Paul’s missionary approach also emphasized cultural sensitivity. In 1 Corinthians 9:22, he writes, “I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some.” This incarnational model stands in contrast to colonial missions that imposed foreign norms.

The Great Commission (Matthew 28:18–20) calls us to make disciples of all nations and not to dominate them, but to teach and baptize in the name of Christ. Missions must be rooted in love, not control; in service, not superiority.

Postcolonial Perspectives: Reclaiming Indigenous Agency

In the postcolonial era, many churches in the Global South have grown exponentially. Christianity is now a majority religion in Africa and parts of Asia. These churches are reclaiming their agency, developing indigenous theologies, and sending missionaries abroad.

This shift challenges the old paradigm of missions as a one-way flow from the West to the rest. It affirms that every culture has something to contribute to the global body of Christ (Revelation 7:9). The contemporary church must embrace mutuality, listening to voices from formerly colonized regions and learning from their experiences.

Key Lessons for the Contemporary Church

To avoid repeating past mistakes, today’s missions must be:

• Contextual: Respecting local cultures and expressions of faith.
• Collaborative: Partnering with indigenous churches rather than imposing external agendas.
• Holistic: Addressing spiritual, social, and economic needs.
• Just: Opposing systems of oppression and advocating for human dignity.

Missionaries must be learners as well as teachers, guests rather than conquerors. As Jesus said, “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant” (Mark 10:43).

All Peoples Church (APC) approaches missions with a clear intention to avoid the mistakes of colonial-era missions. Instead of promoting Western culture, APC focuses on sharing the gospel through love, humility, and cultural sensitivity. Their missions emphasize teamwork, respect for local traditions, and spiritual preparation. Missionaries are trained to serve and empower local communities rather than dominate or impose foreign values. By prioritizing unity, simplicity in communication, and the work of the Holy Spirit, APC ensures that missions reflect Christ not colonialism, while strengthening local believers in their own cultural context.

Conclusion

Reflecting on the historic relationship between missions and colonialism encourages the church to steward the mission of God with wisdom, humility, and faithfulness. The past warns against triumphalism and cultural arrogance, while the Scriptures call believers to cross-cultural witness grounded in love and respect.

The gospel is not Western, it is universal. It belongs to every tribe, tongue, and nation. As we engage in missions today, let us do so with humility, wisdom, and a deep commitment to justice. In learning from the past, we prepare the church to faithfully fulfill the Great Commission in the present.