Abstract:
The research question explored in this thesis concerns how globalization affects the
missional journey of the Wycliffe Global Alliance (WGA) and how this is influenced
by paradigm shift theory applied to the missio Dei. Together, these contribute to a
theoretical model for a new paradigm for global mission leadership. The research is
conducted through a qualitative enquiry of the journey of WGA. Its journey involves
100+ organizations from over 60 nations. These factors influence how WGA is
developing leadership with a global mission mindset.
Unique factors that inform the research and its methodologies include literature
reviews, an analysis of WGA s practices and processes, and case studies from
within WGA. These include its missiological consultative processes, as well as a
grounded theory investigation of WGA s leadership team s personal leadership
philosophies. Important concepts that enlighten and enrich the study include: missio
Dei and missional, globalization, and paradigm theory. Each contributes to
understanding the journey of WGA. Furthermore, the journey is influenced by other
ideas including the generous funding of God s mission; and the influences of
spirituality, friendship, community and polycentrism in global mission leadership.
The research draws from broad sources and is presented through missiological and
theological perspectives. The findings inform the paradigm, which is described with
phrases, concepts and themes derived from the entire research. The paradigm also
informs missional movements and organizational structures that can become global
in their viewpoint and actions.
