From missionaries to ecumenical co-workers: A case study from Mission 21 in Kalimantan, Indonesia

Abstract

This chapter explores the notion and activities of development within Basel Mission/Mission 21. It sheds light on the underestimated role of a mission organisation in development discourses. The chapter illustrates how this 19th century missionary organisation transformed itself into a faith-based development organisation, while seeking to maintain its core values. A comparative analysis of two projects of Mission 21 in Kalimantan, Indonesia, illustrates the challenges of this transformation. While the organisation’s mission concept remained stable, its approach to development changed considerably. A shift from a technical understanding of development to a more holistic development approach occurred. Moreover, instead of becoming more secular in the face of increasing cooperation with government agencies, this faith-based organisation expanded the theological dimension of its development activities.