I remember the first time I heard the word “polycentric.” As a non-native English speaker, it took me a moment to see that it is really two words joined together: poly—many, centric—centre.
Polycentric does not have one centre. It has several. In mission, a centre is a place where decisions are made, direction is shaped, and resources are shared.
But, as David McMillan writes, “Polycentrism is not simply about operating in many centres but operating from within many centres as one among many. Polycentric mission is not about sending to many centres but drawing from many centres in the cause of world mission.”
That distinction matters. It reminds us to hold a posture of humility and to remember that we are one among many. We are grateful that God has chosen us, but we also need to remember that God has chosen many others. Only together can these different puzzle pieces build a fuller picture of God’s redemptive work in the world.
Polycentric mission is not about sending to many centres but drawing from many centres in the cause of world mission.”
CBM has already taken significant steps by inviting regional leaders and staff to shape and lead our work. Their understanding of local context is irreplaceable.
For example, our team in Africa conducted a survey on the need for trauma healing shaped by violent conflict, economic hardship, and community traditions. It would have been difficult for Canadians alone to identify the right questions about what communities actually need.
With regional leadership and local experience, the process moved us toward a response shaped by what communities identified for themselves, rather than what we might have assumed on their behalf.
Another clear step is the way we work with and alongside our partners. The direction and focus of mission in each region is decided together. Limited resources mean we cannot join in everything our partners are doing, but the ministries we do share are shaped by mutual agreement.
A good example is one of our newest projects in the Middle East: a church plant in Iraq, in a predominantly Muslim context. Taking that on alone would have been more than challenging; it would have been unwise. But we are not doing it alone.
Our partner, the European Baptist Federation (EBF), has worked with its member conventions to plant churches across Europe, Central Asia, and the Middle East since 2003. Together with them, we have become partners in a church plant whose goal is to share the good news of Jesus Christ and equip young women for leadership.
It is not simply the existence of many centres. It is the relationship between them. Multiple centres, each with their own strengths, resources, and experience, do not operate independently — they relate.”
In this project, local leadership in Iraq, the experience and infrastructure of European Baptists, and the support of Canadian churches come together. Would a Canadian be equipped to lead that work well? Would a European? On our own, almost certainly not. But together with Fatima* and her mother church in Baghdad, EBF’s church-planting experience, and the resources Canadian Baptist churches contribute, something becomes possible that none of us could have built alone: women who sense a call to ministry, but have had no path to training, can take steps to be formed as leaders.
That is polycentric mission in practice. It is not simply the existence of many centres. It is the relationship between them. Multiple centres, each with their own strengths, resources, and experience, do not operate independently—they relate. And out of that relationship comes something none could produce alone. Not a plan designed in Mississauga and exported to Baghdad, but local wisdom, partner expertise and infrastructure and Canadian resources brought together as genuine equals for the sake of God’s Kingdom. It sounds simple. But it is not easy in practice.
It means no centre or partner outranks another. It means the wisdom and resources of one place cannot be allowed to dominate the others. That takes listening. It takes humility. It takes letting go of control.
We are still at the beginning of this journey, discovering both its joys and its challenges. So, we ask you to pray for our staff, partners, and board as we continue learning how to walk this road together.
*Name changed.
