From Paternalism to Partnership

In the world of global missions and development, few words are more uncomfortable—and more important—than paternalism.

Paternalism happens when we approach others with the assumption that we know what’s best for them. It often stems from good intentions but results in harmful consequences: dependency, power imbalances, and a distorted witness of the Gospel.

We’ve seen it show up in many forms:

• A Western church funds a project without consulting local leaders.

• A missions team delivers aid without understanding cultural dynamics.

• A faith-based organization imposes strategies that worked “back home” but fall flat on the ground.

Paternalism doesn’t just miss the mark—it misses the people.

The Shift Toward Partnership

The alternative is partnership—a model that values mutuality, shared leadership, and deep listening.

In partnership, we recognize the God-given dignity, wisdom, and agency of local communities. We shift from “doing for” to “walking with.” We acknowledge that transformation is not something we bring—it’s something we cultivate together.

At Cross+Cultured, we believe true missions work isn’t about saving others. It’s about showing up with humility, honoring context, and co-laboring with what God is already doing through His people around the world.

Why Cultural Humility Matters

Cultural humility is the posture that makes partnership possible.

Unlike cultural competence (which focuses on mastering knowledge), cultural humility begins with the realization that we’ll never know everything—and that’s okay.

It’s a lifelong commitment to learning, self-awareness, and accountability. It’s being willing to admit what we don’t know. It’s choosing relationship over assumption.

Cultural humility says:

• “Teach me.”

• “Help me understand.”

• “How can I support what you’re already doing?”

It moves us from control to collaboration. From ego to empathy.

How Cross+Cultured Helps Churches and Organizations Shift

At Cross+Cultured, we help churches, nonprofits, and missions organizations make the shift from paternalism to partnership—and we do it through a lens of faith, strategy, and cultural humility.

Here’s how we can help:

• Cultural Humility Trainings tailored to your context and team

• Missions Strategy Audits to assess where paternalism may be unintentionally operating

• Partnership Development Coaching to strengthen mutual, Christ-centered relationships with global communities

• Workshops & Consulting on decolonizing missions, ethical storytelling, and sustainable global engagement

We’re here to help you align your missions work with both your theology and your values—because we believe missions should reflect the heart of Christ: humble, just, and deeply relational.

Let’s Do Missions Differently.