A Just Mission: Laying Down Power and Embracing Mutuality

by Mekdes Haddis, LaTasha Morrison (Foreword)

Why do American Christians travel overseas to reach people in distant lands, but neglect ministering to people who immigrate from those lands to their home communities?

Why does Western missions funding depend on narratives that marginalize indigenous leadership?

Why are diaspora Christians from the Global South not seen as legitimate missionaries to the West?

Western mission often still centers the senders, without as much understanding of the experiences of the receivers. Mekdes Haddis, an Ethiopian now living in the United States, provides a postcolonial critique of Western mission, upending the white savior complex and arguing for a more globally just approach. A Just Mission examines evangelical mission from the perspective of the receiver, highlighting areas of weakness and naming injustices.

Unveiling the negative impact of Western mission on the global church, Haddis addresses how white supremacy infiltrates and subverts mission organizations' good intentions, disrupting grassroots missions and local leadership development. Weaving together theology and Scripture with stories from people of color and diaspora groups, A Just Mission offers hope that the mission and message of Jesus can indeed become good news for all.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Race

230 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 27, 2022

Reviews

[William Cayley · Rating 5 out of 5]

In “A Just Mission”, Mekdes Haddis challenges the fundamental assumptions underlying “Western” mission efforts which fail to recognize the global scope and cultural and ethnic diversity of the church.

After recounting her own journey as an Ethiopian Christian to the USA, her encounters with racially and ethnically biased assumptions in ministries, and the paradox of poverty in the face of wealth in the USA, she explores both the underlying assumptions and the effects these have on Christian witness.

While much mission work would claim to be inspired by the apostle Paul’s question “how can they hear without someone preaching to them” (Ro 10:14, NIV), she explores the ways in which the Gospel has already expanded far beyond what many in Western missions might appreciate, whether it be the diversity and richness of churches in other lands and other cultures, or the work of the Holy Spirit in directly spreading the Gospel through visions and dreams. She challenges an approach to missions that leaves leadership primarily in the hands of the Western church, and calls for a reconsideration of mission as service learning rather than charity.

Among other important messages, this book asks the important question as to whether Western churches in their missions work are fundamentally witnessing to the Gospel, or seeking to export a particular model of culture and a particular (Western) way of life. This important book leaves the reader challenged to be open to the Spirit, open to the diversity of the global church, and open to working in humility alongside all sisters and brothers in Christ.

[Fonda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think she had a lot of good things to say, but unfortunately the book read as a long rant rather than a persuasive argument. She throws out a lot of accusatory terms without unpacking them, leaving the reader feeling shamed but unsure why.

I’m glad I persevered until the chapter on short term missions! Sobering and informative. It helped me realize why she made some of her unbalanced statements. I think it’s important to realize that she does not speak for all diaspora groups, mainly the ones who come from already Christian communities. I wish she had made that clear in the beginning of the book, or maybe i just missed it.

[Emilie Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always appreciate authors who don’t throw the baby out with the bath water, who call out what’s wrong AND encourage us to be better. It extends the When Helping Hurts message further toward justice and mutuality. And the chapters on short term missions and money were 🔥.

[Micah Phelps · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read for school. Appreciated many of her thoughts which definitely challenged my notions.

[Matthew Terrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Haddis has given the white, Western church a great gift in writing this book. With wisdom, grace, and courage she exposes my tradition’s captivity to wealth and power. This captivity has robbed us of the riches we could learn from approaching the global church as humble learners and partners rather than as paternalistic saviors. Along with her critique she offers hope and encouragement for the future of the church.

[David Martin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I deeply sympathize with Mekdes Haddis’s reflections about Christian mission voiced in this book. As uncomfortable as it is to many, in my experience Western superiority is a widely held and rarely challenged assumption in evangelical mission efforts.

While her book raises important and uncomfortable issues, I believe it would have benefited from further development and more rigorous editing.
Still, I think this is a valuable contribution on the ongoing conversation about mission.

[Kristi Rice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mekdes Haddis helps us to see God’s Kingdom and the work of mission from a global perspective, revealing some of our blind spots and weaknesses as Western Christians. I really appreciate Hadis’ perspective as a bicultural person who grew up in Ethiopia but who has also lived and worked in churches in the U.S. She speaks some truths that are uncomfortable, like reviewing how the ‘doctrine of discovery’ mentality impacted American efforts to share the Good News with other peoples, and also the ways that too often culture and practices were exported along with the gospel. But in the midst of uncomfortable truths, we see Mekdes’ heart for the world to experience the life-changing power of the gospel and for the body of Christ to be multi-cultural and united in the way that God call us to. She shares lots of inspiring stories of God’s people serving faithfully in quiet ways – particularly people in the Global South who often serve in the midst of suffering, conflict, and risk. I think this book is a needed combination of challenge and inspiration, and a needed voice in how each of us seeks to participate in building God’s Kingdom.

[Ian · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a challenging read as Mekdes Haddis exposes the institutionisation and racism inherent in much of how western Christianity approaches both local church life and mission.

I like to think we do better here in New Zealand and in some places we definitely do, but there is a way to go.

Some prayers I am left with:

a) God help me to allow your Word to critique my culture? And to have the honesty to acknowledge what you reveal.

b) God forgive me for being more concerned to build and protect the institution while not being prepared to truly follow your lead.

c) Lord remind me that following Jesus is an invitation that is made to all peoples.

d) and help me to reject the deeply seated racism that elevates those like myself with fair skin and lowers the place of those with darker skin tones.

God build your Church.

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so moved by Haddis’s points. The mindset of Western missions needs to change. The world has so many amazing leaders from so many diverse backgrounds and experiences. They are doing amazing work, and are achieving beautiful things for the Kingdom. If western missions worked together, and with mutual respect, with other nations lives will continue to be changed by the gospel and its counterculture truths will shine uniquely across all
cultures. It’s well worth the read, and will challenge you to be the change.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

In terms of the black liberation conversation in the US, Haddis is not a new voice to the conversation. However, she definitely brings a new perspective to the conversation as an immigrant who arrived in the US with a non-western perspective on church life, living out one's faith and evangelism. Her voice is an important addition to how North America needs to navigate how it will "do missions" with the Global South and in its own neighbourhoods in the next couple of decades.

[Monique · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found myself agreeing with a lot of what Mrs. Haddis discussed throughout this book. It shines a light on how we, as a church, can help improve upon how we go about doing missions in other countries that actually benefit them and not make it a photo op for a “good deed”. I also liked that she brought up how we should focus on helping others at home before going off to a foreign land. If you have done missions before, I’d love your take on this book.

[HCC · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots of good insights about the history of missions and what should change in the future of missions. My critique is that I wish the author had made it 2 books (or at least two distinct parts of one book) - one more autobiographical/anecdotal about her experience and another with more developed research about historical and current missions trends. The book tries to blend those two components but by the end both seem underdeveloped.

[Carson Harraman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an overall excellent book by Haddis. While I think some of her points could be better-argued, the book provides so much perspective and food-for-thought to white American churches that I could not bring myself to just give three stars. Would highly recommend for ministers or ministers-in-training as a a starting point for thinking about racial reconciliation and mission in the United States.

[Peter Greer · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a joy to read Haddis' A Just Mission. “Wounds from a friend can be trusted,” and Haddis gives a direct, yet loving rebuke to the Western approach to global missions. With clarity and conviction, she helps readers see beyond biases and blind spots to embrace a mission that elevates and humanizes all people. Haddis calls for relationship and reciprocity, mutuality and mutual respect, and a move away from saviorism to better reflect the Savior. This book is worth your time!

[Rob · Rating 4 out of 5]

Haddis does a great job sharing about the history and the current state of missions. This book was very challenging and thought provoking. She has great insights and ideas in how to bring some effective change to missions within the church.

I do feel that Haddis uses some broad strokes to paint a picture of the western church and to offer simplistic solutions to some issues that are more complex. Overall, very good book!

[Danita · Rating 3 out of 5]

Important and incisive. À la When Helping Hurts, this book tackles Western mindsets and practices that have harmed our work overseas. From the perspective of an Ethiopian American, the author writes mainly to a white American audience--although I think all who hold wealth and power would benefit from the points she raises.

While I understood the prophetic nature of the author's work and writing, I found her tone a bit off-putting. Critiques were only sometimes followed by actionable steps.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

challenging and important read!

Mekdes share an important perspective on missions which too often continues colonialism instead of empowering indigenous voices within the Church. It’s a call to embrace the mutuality of the Global church where the western Church humbles herself to learn from the rest of the world.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is thought-provoking, challenging, and incredibly gracious. Mekdes brings a fresh perspective as an Ethiopian Christian woman into the cross-cultural missions conversation. READ THIS BOOK! I have been giving copies to all my friends in ministry (locally and globally) as well as in the non-profit space.

[Rick Mcgarry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Challenging and thought-provoking.

[Mikaela Bokenblom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good, and important contribution to a often underdiscussed topic - A better way to do missions, without ignoring the past wounds or neglecting the missional core aspects of Christian faith.

[Alex James]

Written for a northern American context ('merica), a great look at de-colonialising Christian missions. Still applies in the Australian context, though perhaps not to the same degree. Challenging.

[DEIRDRE PARKER · Rating 5 out of 5]

I believe that this book is revolutionary in the evangelical church. It is a call to the church to think differently regarding mission trips. As a son of an immigrant, I'm so grateful for her words.

[Angela Webster · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book offers a valuable and necessary challenge to the western missions industry.

[Dawn Seabolt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like and agree with most everything she says, but I’m afraid her style and her delivery likely won’t meet her targeted audience well. It’s a bit of a sock in the teeth.

[Ruth Hettler · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book that will ruffle some feathers and challenge some existing thinking towards mission. A must read for anyone considering working interculturallly and anyone in Christian leadership.