Ministering in Patronage Cultures: Biblical Models and Missional Implications
Overview
Patronage governs many relationships in Majority World cultures. But regrettably, Western theologians and missionaries rarely notice this prominent cultural reality. Patronage—a reciprocal relationship between social unequals—is a central part of global cultures and the biblical story of God’s mission.
Misunderstanding patronage creates problems not only for Westerners ministering in other cultures, but also for contemporary people reading the Bible. If we ignore the concepts of patronage in biblical cultures, we will misinterpret Yahweh’s relationship with Israel and miss some of the meaning in Jesus' parables and Paul's letters. Understanding patronage will illuminate theological concepts such as faith, grace, and salvation.
Jayson Georges, coauthor of Ministering in Honor-Shame Cultures, now brings his ministry experience and biblical insights to bear on the topic of patronage. With sections on cultural issues, biblical models, theological concepts, and missional implications, this resource will serve not only ministry practitioners but also anyone who studies Scripture and worships God.
- Explores cultural issues, biblical models, theological concepts, and missional implications
- Examines the concept of patronage world cultures
- Illuminates theological concepts such as faith, grace, and salvation
Part I: Cultural Issues
- The Meaning of Patronage
- Expressions of Patronage
- Misperceptions of Patronage
Part II: Biblical Models
- Yahweh and Israel
- Jesus and the Kingdom
- Paul and the Church
Part III: Theological Concepts
- God as Patron
- Sin as Ingratitude
- Salvation as Patronage
Part IV: Missional Implications
- Engaging Patronage
- Transforming Relationships
- Reframing the Christian Life
- Appendix 1: Further Resources
- Appendix 2: Discussion and Reflection Questions
Top Highlights
“Clients who hope in earthly patrons commit idolatry. They trust patrons to solve all their problems.” (Page 141)
“Paul refused money from unbelievers in new locations and from immature Christians because their worldly conceptions of patronage would spoil their relationship with Paul and the very nature of God’s grace. But once a church was established, he welcomed their financial participation in the spread of the gospel.” (Pages 66–67)
“Regardless, the master valued this newly gained honor more than the lost money. Therefore, the master esteems his steward for making him appear more honorable.” (Page 54)
“My obliviousness to patron-client dynamics severed affected my relationship with Danyar” (Page 117)
“Patronage is generally defined as a ‘reciprocal, asymmetrical relationship” (Page 10)
Gaining a better understanding of patronage is reason enough to read this book. But it offers so much more than tips on how to better navigate patron-client relationships. Jayson Georges uses cultural insights to illuminate biblical texts and enrich theological understandings. Then, looking at patron-client relationships through a biblical lens Georges challenges us to practice transformed patronage. Read it and grow in knowledge of God and gain tools for God’s mission.
—Mark D. Baker, professor of mission and theology, Fresno Pacific Biblical Seminary
Few subjects are as significant yet overlooked as patronage is. Many Westerners are suspicious of patronage, assuming it leads only to corruption. In Ministering in Patronage Cultures, Jayson Georges removes the cloud of confusion that surrounds the topic. With characteristic clarity, Georges sheds light on the ways that patronage influences culture, shapes biblical theology, and should transform our ministries. I highly recommend Ministering in Patronage Cultures. No book like this one exists.
—Jackson W., author of Reading Romans with Eastern Eyes
Jayson Georges has established himself as an important interdisciplinary and crosscultural thinker. In this new book, he draws upon classical studies, biblical studies, modern cultural anthropology, Christian theology, and his own (and others’) first-hand missionary experience, offering a comprehensive introduction to patronage in ancient and modern contexts and its implications for biblical theology and missionary practice. He does this in engagingly accessible and clear prose—and with winsome vulnerability as he recounts his own journey. This is an important contribution to articulating a global gospel and formulating effective strategies for serving and partnering with the global Christian community.
—David A. deSilva, professor of New Testament at Ashland Theological Seminary and author of Honor, Patronage, Kinship & Purity
- Title: Ministering in Patronage Cultures: Biblical Models and Missional Implications
- Author: Jayson Georges
- Publisher: IVP
- Publication Date: 2019
- Pages: 176
- Resource Type: Topical
- Topic: Missiology