Evangelical Missiological Society, "EMS Southwest Regional Meeting", April 4th 2024

Joseph Handley, President of A3

Polycentric Leadership in Practice: Rethinking Congregational Engagement in Today’s Complex Reality

This paper explores the practice of ekklesia oriented around the theme of polycentric leadership as a model for navigating the complexities of modern congregational life. Rooted in the early church’s Spirit-led governance and adaptable structure, polycentric leadership emphasizes shared authority, collective wisdom, and decentralized influence.

It resonates with the missio Dei, the priesthood of all believers, and the nature of the Trinity, offering churches an alternative to balancing tradition with innovation and rigid structure with a shared leadership platform. Informed by examples from restricted contexts and global crises like the COVID-19 pandemic, this approach equips the church to engage effectively in diverse and challenging social, cultural, and digital spaces.

By embracing polycentric principles, the church can release its members into their unique callings, foster resilient communities, and adapt to the demands of an interconnected, rapidly changing, and increasingly hostile world.