#170 | Discovering God Through Diversity: A Conversation on Polycentric Missiology with Dr. Allen Yeh

Dr. Allen Yeh joins Travis Michael Fleming to explore the concept of Polycentric Missiology, emphasizing that the center of Christianity has shifted from the West to the majority world. This transformation highlights how 78% of today's missionaries come from non-Western countries, showcasing the diverse and global nature of faith. As they discuss the historical roots and implications of this shift, they reflect on the richness of theological perspectives that arise from different cultures. Dr. Yeh argues that understanding these diverse viewpoints is essential for a more holistic view of God and His mission. The conversation encourages listeners to engage with global voices in Christianity, recognizing that true discipleship involves learning from one another across cultural boundaries.

What is the center of Christianity? Is there one? Which continent got the gospel first? How did the Gospel spread around the world? What does it mean to be "ecumenical"? Who is considered the father of modern missions? What does it mean to be on mission? What does it mean to work together for the gospel? What is the difference between evangelism and discipleship? How do we go about "doing" theology? What does it mean to "do" theology? And how is mission the mother of theology? These are just SOME of the questions that we try to answer on today's show as Travis welcomes Allen Yeh!

Allen is a missiologist who specializes in Latin America and China. He is a professor of intercultural studies at the Cook School for Intercultural Studies. He has diverse interests in history, classical music, homiletics, justice, the California missions, the Maya, and biographical interest in Jonathan Edwards (America's greatest theologian) and Adoniram Judson (America's first intercontinental missionary). He serves on the Board of Trustees for the Foundation for Theological Education in Southeast Asia. He earned his B.A. from Yale, M.Div. from Gordon-Conwell, M.Th. from Edinburgh, and D.Phil. from Oxford.

Allen has been to over 60 countries on every continent, to study, do missions work, and experience the culture. He is joyfully married to Arianna Molloy, a professor in Biola's Communication Studies Department.

This is a fun and challenging conversation that is going to enlighten and challenge you in what you know about how mission has been done historically, how we do mission where we are today, and we go about doing theology in our crazy changing world.

Takeaways:

• Christianity has been present in regions like India, Turkey, and Ethiopia since the first century, predating its arrival in Europe.
• The concept of polycentric missiology emphasizes that missions are now from everyone to everywhere, not just the West to the rest.
• William Carey's contributions to modern missions include establishing mission societies and emphasizing the Great Commission's importance for all believers.
• Nominalism, the idea of being a Christian in name only, poses a significant challenge to authentic discipleship today.
• Diversity within the body of Christ enhances our understanding of God, as different cultures provide unique perspectives.
• The shift in missionary efforts from the West to the Majority World reflects a significant change in global Christianity's landscape.

Learn more about Allen.

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