Joseph Handley

In today’s world, as we experience global pandemics, economic disparity, and large-scale wars, the
importance of good leadership has never been so vital. Good and effective Christian leadership is
paramount to today’s missions strategy, but during these times of crisis it is clear many mission
organizations are falling short.

Leading Well in Times of Disruption seeks to understand and address the key shortcomings,
and to provide a roadmap for leaders in global mission… Show more

In today’s world, as we experience global pandemics, economic disparity, and large-scale wars, the
importance of good leadership has never been so vital. Good and effective Christian leadership is
paramount to today’s missions strategy, but during these times of crisis it is clear many mission
organizations are falling short.

Leading Well in Times of Disruption seeks to understand and address the key shortcomings,
and to provide a roadmap for leaders in global mission. Leadership development must not simply
produce knowledgeable individuals, excellent in skill and technique, but those who are also Christ-
like in character. In this essential work, seasoned leadership development specialists and
practitioners from around the world offer comprehensive insights rooted in the gospel, to provide
practical, actionable guidance for mission leaders, to transform the world around them. Show less

This chapter presents the findings from a workshop track at ICETE 2022 at EMS SW Region as an opportunity to learn within the Global Mission community to enhance mission education. From the presentation: Pastoral training has failed to keep up with church planting success. Far too many churches are led by pastors with little or no Bible training. This lack creates huge vulnerabilities for these churches, including false teaching, syncretism, lack of maturity, and biblical illiteracy. Many have… Show more

This chapter presents the findings from a workshop track at ICETE 2022 at EMS SW Region as an opportunity to learn within the Global Mission community to enhance mission education. From the presentation: Pastoral training has failed to keep up with church planting success. Far too many churches are led by pastors with little or no Bible training. This lack creates huge vulnerabilities for these churches, including false teaching, syncretism, lack of maturity, and biblical illiteracy. Many have recognized a pastoral leadership crisis and responded with vast and varied training initiatives, numbering in the many thousands. Formal theological institutions equip many pastors, but a far greater number of pastors are equipped by nonformal means. Sadly, there has been a lack of collaboration between the two sectors, as well as a lack of understanding and appreciation of the invaluable role each sector plays. Through robust interaction, this presentation will unpack the strengths of each sector along with the biases each sector has of the other. Actual models/stories will demonstrate both the feasibility and the synergistic power of collaboration between the formal and nonformal sectors. This presentation will offer this as a constructive model as we further missional education today.

Chapter 14 in Equipping for Global Mission Show less

Collaborative leadership is vital for addressing global challenges our world faces today. By leveraging diverse perspectives and expertise, it enhances innovation, optimizes resource utilization, and builds resilience. Rooted in participative leadership theories, collaborative leadership emphasizes teamwork and shared decision-making. Drawing insights from biblical foundations, modern management theories, and the author’s thesis on polycentric leadership, this article highlights the relevance… Show more

Collaborative leadership is vital for addressing global challenges our world faces today. By leveraging diverse perspectives and expertise, it enhances innovation, optimizes resource utilization, and builds resilience. Rooted in participative leadership theories, collaborative leadership emphasizes teamwork and shared decision-making. Drawing insights from biblical foundations, modern management theories, and the author’s thesis on polycentric leadership, this article highlights the relevance and practical applications of collaborative leadership. The article supplements these insights with two case studies to strengthen the argument. Show less

This article explores a new approach for teams and organizations to thrive in a constantly changing and uncertain world. While many companies have given up on making long term plans, this approach encourages teams to create their own path to success by reflecting on their capabilities and unleashing the potential of their people. This is not about adopting an off-the-shelf model, but rather understanding specific situations and evolving as teams and individuals. The approach is called… Show more

This article explores a new approach for teams and organizations to thrive in a constantly changing and uncertain world. While many companies have given up on making long term plans, this approach encourages teams to create their own path to success by reflecting on their capabilities and unleashing the potential of their people. This is not about adopting an off-the-shelf model, but rather understanding specific situations and evolving as teams and individuals. The approach is called Polycentric Leadership and it enables teams to create value in the short term while also experimenting, innovating, and becoming more efficient over time. Show less

The world is more interconnected than ever before, and the way we do missions is being redefined as a result. Individuals are connecting in collaborative networks which is impacting the way we lead. This, in turn, is changing the role of Western mission sending agencies. What does this mean for the future of missions?

The exponential growth worldwide of Pentecostalism during the twentieth century is undeniable. Through its remarkable growth, Pentecostalism has made a robust contribution to Christians’ overall understanding of the nature and power of the Holy Spirit. One area needing further exploration is the theological and biblical roots of Pentecostalism’s teachings on discipleship. This article’s analysis will include considering the work of the Holy Spirit in the process of sanctification, careful… Show more

The exponential growth worldwide of Pentecostalism during the twentieth century is undeniable. Through its remarkable growth, Pentecostalism has made a robust contribution to Christians’ overall understanding of the nature and power of the Holy Spirit. One area needing further exploration is the theological and biblical roots of Pentecostalism’s teachings on discipleship. This article’s analysis will include considering the work of the Holy Spirit in the process of sanctification, careful considerations of both scriptural and historical backgrounds, and a survey of the landscape of Pentecostal approaches to discipleship. The article aims to outline some fundamental principles and practices of Christian discipleship, as well as to explore how the process of discipleship empowered by the Holy Spirit is at the heart of ever deepening personal and communal transformation. Show less

The church has a massive opportunity to harness the potential among young people and disciple hearts to be in alignment with the gospel and kingdom causes by simply being available to provide meaningful connections and intentional mentorship. To a generation that is starving for human connection, the greatest gift the church can offer is relationship.

The author, a leading participant in the WEA's Decade of Disciple Making and its associated 'Galilean Movement', surveys the current challenges facing the global church with regard to disciple making. He describes work being advanced by the WEA and the Lausanne Movement and calls for deeper engagement in collaboration to accelerate disciple making globally.

From dean, professor, and author to CEO of Food for the Hungry and international director of the Lausanne Movement, Dr. Yamamori has contributed to world evangelization over a lifetime of faithful service. In this book, his students, friends, and colleagues explore the far- reaching impact of his engagement on questions relevant to a new generation of church mobilizers. Touching on topics of hospitality, diaspora, entrepreneurship, poverty, theological education, Bible translation… Show more

From dean, professor, and author to CEO of Food for the Hungry and international director of the Lausanne Movement, Dr. Yamamori has contributed to world evangelization over a lifetime of faithful service. In this book, his students, friends, and colleagues explore the far- reaching impact of his engagement on questions relevant to a new generation of church mobilizers. Touching on topics of hospitality, diaspora, entrepreneurship, poverty, theological education, Bible translation, collaboration, leadership, student ministry, the digital age, and church growth, this collection honors one of the great leaders of integral mission while exploring how the church must continue to grapple with the changing landscape of a changing world. Far from a reflection on the past, this is a book that looks to the future, drawing on the life and ministry of Dr. Yamamori to cast a vision for how we can meet the challenges and opportunities of global mission in the twenty-first century.

This chapter focuses on Leadership within the Lausanne Movement highlighting Dr. Yamamori's expressions of collaboration. Show less

One of the latest terms that has quickly become popular in missiological circles is the word ‘polycentric’. It describes the concept of having more than one centre. When applied to leadership, it reflects a developing model of diversity in leader teams and mission leadership—a paradigm that can only be fully appreciated when we come to see God’s design for his Body, that though we are many, and do not have the same functions or abilities, we are one in Christ and each member belongs to all the… Show more

One of the latest terms that has quickly become popular in missiological circles is the word ‘polycentric’. It describes the concept of having more than one centre. When applied to leadership, it reflects a developing model of diversity in leader teams and mission leadership—a paradigm that can only be fully appreciated when we come to see God’s design for his Body, that though we are many, and do not have the same functions or abilities, we are one in Christ and each member belongs to all the others (Rom 12:4-5). Show less

The world is facing rapidly increasing cycles of disruption, challenges, and disorder. In the face of these challenges, mission leadership is stretched to adapt, trying to catch up with the pace of change and provide wisdom and action that helps navigate these challenges to further the mission God has bestowed on his Church. This book focuses on the ways leadership is changing in the face of these challenges, suggesting a new theoretical model for mission leadership. It reviews the idea of… Show more

The world is facing rapidly increasing cycles of disruption, challenges, and disorder. In the face of these challenges, mission leadership is stretched to adapt, trying to catch up with the pace of change and provide wisdom and action that helps navigate these challenges to further the mission God has bestowed on his Church. This book focuses on the ways leadership is changing in the face of these challenges, suggesting a new theoretical model for mission leadership. It reviews the idea of polycentrism through mission history, mission and church organizations, movement theory, and governance, identifying themes for polycentric mission leadership. Show less

This article draws on recent research on Polycentric Mission Leadership highlighting an approach worth further contemplation and study (Handley 2018; 2020). The research conveyed in the article unfolds with movement theory, a “team of teams” construct, collaboration and partnership, CUBE theory and systems leadership, and targeted interviews. Ultimately, polycentric leadership is offered as a new theoretical model for leadership. Polycentric leadership is a collaborative, communal approach to… Show more

This article draws on recent research on Polycentric Mission Leadership highlighting an approach worth further contemplation and study (Handley 2018; 2020). The research conveyed in the article unfolds with movement theory, a “team of teams” construct, collaboration and partnership, CUBE theory and systems leadership, and targeted interviews. Ultimately, polycentric leadership is offered as a new theoretical model for leadership. Polycentric leadership is a collaborative, communal approach to leadership that empowers multiple centers of influence as well as a diverse array of leaders. The article claims that polycentric leadership is well suited to addressing contemporary issues and to leading Kingdom Movements during this era of a globalization. Show less

As I reflect on the life and ministry of Dr. Manfred Kohl, I am consumed by a challenge he laid out for several of us at the beginning of 2021. Dr. Kohl believes that we need to equip many more biblically formed, character- based leaders for the Church worldwide. This Festschrift is a fitting place to ponder that challenge, explain why it is imperative today, and provide potential solutions for the problems it presents. This article, in apprecia- tion of Dr. Kohl, attempts to cast the vision… Show more

As I reflect on the life and ministry of Dr. Manfred Kohl, I am consumed by a challenge he laid out for several of us at the beginning of 2021. Dr. Kohl believes that we need to equip many more biblically formed, character- based leaders for the Church worldwide. This Festschrift is a fitting place to ponder that challenge, explain why it is imperative today, and provide potential solutions for the problems it presents. This article, in apprecia- tion of Dr. Kohl, attempts to cast the vision and frame the rationale for such a movement. Show less

One of the simplest definitions for a Kingdom Movement is that proposed by David Garrison in looking at Church Planting Movements: “a rapid multiplication of indigenous churches planting churches that sweeps through a people group or population segment” (Garrison 2004, 21). Over the years, the terminology has changed but in essence Garrison’s definition captures the basic construct of these types of movements. The growth of literature about how these movements flourish is remarkable (Cole 2020;… Show more

One of the simplest definitions for a Kingdom Movement is that proposed by David Garrison in looking at Church Planting Movements: “a rapid multiplication of indigenous churches planting churches that sweeps through a people group or population segment” (Garrison 2004, 21). Over the years, the terminology has changed but in essence Garrison’s definition captures the basic construct of these types of movements. The growth of literature about how these movements flourish is remarkable (Cole 2020; Lim 2017). While leadership approaches are reflected in these studies, the focus could be strengthened. In addition, while general missional leadership theories relate, they do not necessarily bring full attention to leading these types of multiplying movements. Perhaps the closest approach would be Mike Breen’s book Leading Kingdom Movements. He posits a biblical framework for disciple making encouraging leaders to invest in others by expanding their scope of influence—but still more can be explored (Breen 2015). / This article draws on recent research on Polycentric Mission Leadership highlighting an approach worth further contemplation and study (Handley 2018; 2020). The research conveyed in the article unfolds with movement theory, a “team of teams” construct, collaboration and partnership, CUBE theory and systems leadership, and targeted interviews. Ultimately, polycentric leadership is offered as a new theoretical model for leadership. Polycentric leadership is a collaborative, communal approach to leadership that empowers multiple centers of influence as well as a diverse array of leaders. The article claims that polycentric leadership is well suited to addressing contemporary issues and to leading Kingdom Movements during this era of a globalization. Show less

Esler’s latest book on innovation in ministry is both timely and challenging for those of usserving in churches and in the missionary field. He gives a clarion call for Christian workers tobreak out of the current molds and attempt bold new ventures for God’s kingdom. As he aptlynotes, I believe we have a crisis of innovation among ministries today... The Christianworldview is waning in Western society. The enormous cultural and religious shifts around usare making decades of ministry… Show more

Esler’s latest book on innovation in ministry is both timely and challenging for those of usserving in churches and in the missionary field. He gives a clarion call for Christian workers tobreak out of the current molds and attempt bold new ventures for God’s kingdom. As he aptlynotes, I believe we have a crisis of innovation among ministries today... The Christianworldview is waning in Western society. The enormous cultural and religious shifts around usare making decades of ministry irrelevant (p. 258).” This passion for innovation drives Esler toexhort Christian leaders to follow William Carey’s example to:Expect great things from God, [and] attempt great things for God

(PDF) The Innovation Crisis - Review. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/357538194_The_Innovation_Crisis_-_Review [accessed Jan 02 2024]. Show less

As the world faces rapidly increasing cycles of disruption, challenges, and disorder, mission leaders are stretched to adapt, trying to catch up with the pace of change and provide leadership to further the mission God has given his Church. This paper, presented at the Oxford Centre for Mission Studies Montagu Barker Lecture Series: “Polycentric Theology, Mission, and Mission Leadership,” focuses on ways leadership is changing, suggesting a new theoretical model for mission leadership. It… Show more

As the world faces rapidly increasing cycles of disruption, challenges, and disorder, mission leaders are stretched to adapt, trying to catch up with the pace of change and provide leadership to further the mission God has given his Church. This paper, presented at the Oxford Centre for Mission Studies Montagu Barker Lecture Series: “Polycentric Theology, Mission, and Mission Leadership,” focuses on ways leadership is changing, suggesting a new theoretical model for mission leadership. It reviews the idea of polycentrism through mission history, mission and church organizations, movement theory, and governance, identifying themes of an emerging theory of polycentric mission leadership. Show less

‘Convinced that a collaborative, communal approach to leadership that empowers multiple centers of influence’ is the way forward for global mission in this era of an interconnected yet increasingly polarized world, he proceeds to expound ‘six important themes that comprise an emerging new theoretical leadership model’ that he calls ‘Polycentrism as the New Leadership Paradigm’. The six themes are: charisma, collaborative, communal, relational, freedom, and diverse. They could be used as… Show more

‘Convinced that a collaborative, communal approach to leadership that empowers multiple centers of influence’ is the way forward for global mission in this era of an interconnected yet increasingly polarized world, he proceeds to expound ‘six important themes that comprise an emerging new theoretical leadership model’ that he calls ‘Polycentrism as the New Leadership Paradigm’. The six themes are: charisma, collaborative, communal, relational, freedom, and diverse. They could be used as guideposts as we do an audit of our missional leadership development. Show less

As the world changes, the shape of leader development and theological education is in flux and needing to pivot with the times. COVID-19 accelerated several key aspects of these changes, especially thrusting Bible schools, seminaries, and training institutes into the digital world. This article serves as a laboratory sharing insights from a few ministries into how they have navigated these shifts. Hopefully this study will also catalyze further learning for the author and readers alike.

As the world struggles with mounting tensions, I am convinced that we need a new approach to leadership. This year in particular, these issues leaped in front of us as a global pandemic hit our world, the economy faltered, and political tensions rose in areas we all thought would be more peaceful. All of these challenges were compounded by a crisis of leadership, facilitating disruptive political engines with the forces of globalism, nationalism, and tribalism driving the world.

The world seems to be facing rapidly increasing cycles of disruption, challenges, and disorder. In the face of these challenges, mission leadership is stretched to adapt, trying to catch up with the pace of change and provide wisdom and action that helps navigate these challenges to further the mission God has bestowed on his Church. This research project focuses on the ways leadership is changing in the face of these challenges, suggesting a new theoretical model for mission leadership. It… Show more

The world seems to be facing rapidly increasing cycles of disruption, challenges, and disorder. In the face of these challenges, mission leadership is stretched to adapt, trying to catch up with the pace of change and provide wisdom and action that helps navigate these challenges to further the mission God has bestowed on his Church. This research project focuses on the ways leadership is changing in the face of these challenges, suggesting a new theoretical model for mission leadership. It reviews the idea of polycentrism through mission history, mission and church organizations, movement theory, and governance, identifying themes for polycentric mission leadership.

This dissertation isolates six key themes in pursuit of a new theory of leadership. These themes, which were gleaned after reading diverse literature reviews on polycentrism, are charisma, collaborative, communal, relational, freedom, and diverse. They are measured against other global leadership approaches, most notably the GLOBE study which discovered several similar traits for CEOs engaged in global business. Several emerging models of polycentric mission leadership are also reviewed as part of the analysis of this emerging theoretical model. The Northouse methodology is employed for reviewing this model because of its strength as an analysis tool.

Conducting qualitative interviews within the Lausanne Movement among 33 network leaders engaged in global ministry added further validity to the project. The findings from this qualitative interview are juxtaposed to the new theoretical model to confirm the relevance of these themes. Suggestions are also offered for mission leaders and the Lausanne Movement in relation to this potential model.

The central argument discovered in the thesis is that polycentric mission leadership is an emerging theoretical model that deserves further research and one which may lead to the development of a new theory of leadership.

Mentor: Douglas McConnell 290 words Show less

Over the past eight years I have been researching various aspects of leadership to gain a deeper understanding of how to lead mission movements within the globalized ecosystem in which we now live. This article presents a new theory on polycentric leadership to help missional leaders effectively traverse this modern landscape.

A response to Dr. Russell West's article on Re-Eventing Theological Education. The article affirms Dr. West's trajectory given the realities facing our world today in needing to change the way theological education is conducted.

In this leadership lab, Michael Wilson and Joseph Handley share how orality is used to develop leaders in Japan.

Leadership Lab provides another reminder of how valuable a multifaceted learning experience can be to facilitate participant engagement.

What does it take to train leaders when they cannot read and write? When most of the world’s Christian resources are made for the literate world, how do we equip the majority? How do we come alongside the vastly growing Church of the world and empower them in the very thing they are most hungry for these days?

This laboratory looks at the effectiveness of “Tree of Life” (TOL) curriculum amongst oral cultures. - See more at: http://www.orality.net/node/991#sthash.EhZhT7Ow.dpuf
You can also download the article here: http://www.orality.net/node/991

This laboratory takes us to the highly literate country of Japan, and we discover how leaders are embracing orality.

An interview with Asian Access president, Joseph W. Handley, Jr.:

God has raised up a host of creative, passionate individuals who are leading the Church in evangelism and missions. Here we invite you to get to know some of them.

Mission is a enterprise for activists. Activists like me. However, the reality is that our very strength comes from another source, Jesus himself. This article is a reflection on the importance of contemplation for us activists and was presented especially for this special edition of the Journal of Spiritual Transformation and Soul Care.

A look at how participatory learning works in different networks.

The world of mission has changed and the global Church has risen to new heights and challenges. This article touches on what global Church leaders are looking for in partnership with international colleagues.

Japan has long been considered a resistant mission field. Years of mission effort have yielded small results. But the overwhelming effects of the earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear disaster of 2011 have opened the doors of opportunity and Christian leaders in Japan are asking for help. Poised to answer the call is a new strategic partnership between two very different mission organizations – Asian Access and SIM.

In the April 2011 Global Issues Update, Joe Handley, President of Asian Access, shares about the difficult journey facing the people of Japan and the window of opportunity this natural disaster presents for the global church to demonstrate the compassion of Jesus. Many hours of prayer and years of service for the kingdom in Japan have yielded a meager harvest. But there is a growing sense this dark hour in Japan will be eclipsed by the light of hope evidenced by the resurrection of Jesus and… Show more

In the April 2011 Global Issues Update, Joe Handley, President of Asian Access, shares about the difficult journey facing the people of Japan and the window of opportunity this natural disaster presents for the global church to demonstrate the compassion of Jesus. Many hours of prayer and years of service for the kingdom in Japan have yielded a meager harvest. But there is a growing sense this dark hour in Japan will be eclipsed by the light of hope evidenced by the resurrection of Jesus and the empty tomb of Easter morning. Show less

Faith and Family in Asia is an excellent resource for those seeking to learn how to serve in Asia. For more on this book, go to my review in Evangelical Mission Quarterly linked here.