Western Missionary Control: How It Shaped - and Constrained - Global Christianity

Western missionary control refers to the way early Christian missions - especially during the colonial era - were dominated by European and American churches. From leadership to funding, language, and worship style, many global mission fields were tightly controlled by Western missionaries who often viewed themselves as spiritual authorities over indigenous converts.

But over time, this control was challenged - and eventually broken - by powerful moves of God among local believers in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

What Is Western Missionary Control?

Western missionary control includes:

• Appointing only Western missionaries as leaders or bishops
• Controlling church property and finances from abroad
• Imposing Western worship styles, dress codes, and church structures
• Restricting local cultural expressions in faith
• Treating converts as students or subordinates rather than co-laborers in Christ

For much of the 18th to early 20th century, missionaries often saw themselves as both spiritual fathers and civilizers, working hand-in-hand with colonial governments.

 Historical Background

Western missionary control became widespread during the colonial period, when Christianity was often spread alongside empire. Mission agencies from Britain, France, Germany, and the U.S. planted churches across:

• Sub-Saharan Africa (via CMS, Basel Mission, etc.)
• India and Southeast Asia (via SPG, Baptist Missionary Society)
• Latin America (mostly Catholic and Jesuit missions)

While these missionaries were sincere and sacrificial, many operated from a paternalistic worldview that failed to fully empower local believers.

 The Breakaway: Rise of Indigenous Christianity

By the early to mid-20th century, local believers began to break away from Western missionary control, sparking some of the most dynamic revivals in church history.

In Africa:

• The Aladura movement (Nigeria) and Zionist churches (South Africa) emerged when African Christians rejected missionary limits on prayer, healing, and prophetic gifts.
• Joseph Ayo Babalola and the Christ Apostolic Church led a nationwide revival in Nigeria—entirely independent of Western structures.

 In Latin America:

• Pentecostal and charismatic movements exploded, often led by local pastors rather than missionaries.
• Churches in Brazil, Guatemala, and Colombia began planting without foreign financial backing.

In Asia:

• In China, the "Three-Self Patriotic Movement" emphasized local leadership, self-funding, and contextual theology.
• In India, missionaries like William Carey had influence, but many local movements soon took root independently.

Key Reasons Why Control Broke Down

Reason	Description
Holy Spirit Empowerment	Pentecostalism taught that all believers, regardless of background, could hear from God and lead.
Cultural Disconnect	Local believers wanted to express faith in their own language, music, and customs.
Resistance to Colonialism	As countries sought political independence, they also demanded ecclesiastical freedom.
Rapid Church Growth	Indigenous churches grew faster than mission agencies could keep up.

 FAQs

Why did Western missionaries dominate early church movements?

Because missions were often linked with colonial power, Western missionaries brought funding, structure, and training - but often retained control.

How did Pentecostalism help end Western missionary control?

Pentecostalism empowered local believers through spiritual gifts, encouraging them to lead, preach, and plant churches without needing formal Western approval.

Is Western missionary control still a problem today?

In some circles, yes - especially in terms of funding dependence or theological dominance. However, most churches worldwide are now led by indigenous pastors and missionaries.

Today’s Shift: From Control to Collaboration

Today, global missions is moving from “the West to the rest” toward “everyone to everywhere.” Western churches are now:

• Supporting indigenous-led church planting
• Partnering with local networks instead of controlling them
• Learning from the vibrant, Spirit-filled expressions of faith in the Global South