Let’s start with the obvious—patronage has a P.R. problem. For many people, patronage seems like nepotism, corruption, colonialism, and the mafia! The phrase “biblical patronage” sounds like an oxymoron. Although patron-client relationships are often corrupted and broken, I propose that …

How to Make Patronage “Biblical” Read more »

Patronage frustrates many people, especially Westerners. Why is patronage so frustrating? Fundamental cultural differences between patronage and Western economics create an inevitable cultural clash. Each cultural system is like a rulebook for playing a board game. Each player assumes others will …

$$ Infographic: 7 Differences in Global Cultures Read more »

Here is a gospel narrative of salvation-history from a patron-client framework. This short summary summarizes Chapters 7–9 of my book Ministering in Patronage Cultures, where I develop a biblical theology of God, sin, and salvation in light of patronage. Used …

The Gospel According to Patronage: A Summary Read more »

My latest book Ministering in Patronage Cultures: Biblical Models and Missional Implications is now available at Amazon and IVPress.com. This book develops a biblical and missional view of patron-client relationships. As I discuss honor-shame cultures with other Christians, their questions …

New Book: Ministering in Patronage Cultures Read more »