Abstract
Understanding and ministering patron–client relationships can be a bewildering experience in cross-cultural ministry for many new and experienced workers. Jayson Georges’ latest book, Ministering in Patronage Cultures: Biblical Models and Missional Implications, seeks to help bring some clarity to the topic.
Georges worked for over 15 years in Central Asia and currently works in the Middle East. He is the author of The 3D Gospel and co-author, with Mark Baker, of Ministering in Honor-Shame Cultures: Biblical Foundations and Practical Essentials.
This book is presented in four parts. The first addresses cultural issues; the second focuses on biblical models; the third focuses on theological concepts; and the fourth looks at missional applications. Two appendices provide a bibliography for additional resources on patronage, with the second appendix providing questions for reflection and application. These are followed by a general and scripture index.
The book is written on a very accessible level, combining stories of experiences with patron–client relationships with helpful insights into the cultural dynamics at work. I found part two, the biblical models, along with part three, theological concepts, to be the strongest sections of the book, revealing that patronage is a strong theme throughout scripture that many western interpreters may not fully consider in their hermeneutic.
Georges primarily draws from his experiences in Central Asia, although there are many different cultures that are mentioned. The book would have benefited from having a greater cultural representation of patron relationships, particularly from the Latin American context. The appendix of additional resources would have been strengthened from annotation regarding the sources. Also, while the discussion and reflection questions are helpful, they seem to be a bit of an afterthought and would have been more useful addressing each chapter and not generally addressing each part.
Ministering in Patronage Cultures is recommended for both new and seasoned cross-cultural workers in contexts where they experience patron relationships. It is an excellent introduction to the cultural concept of patronage and provides direction for those looking to delve deeper into the subject.