Global Link
Co-Leader, WEA Mission Commission (WEA-MC)
Jay Matenga is a Māori missiological scholar who currently serves as a Co-Leader of the WEA Mission Commission. He has been actively engaged in global mission networks for many years, contributing to international conversations on mission motivation and mobilization. Since 2007, he has collaborated with the WEA Mission Commission, participating in major multi-regional research projects whose findings were published in the book Mission In Motion, which he co-authored. His work explores the cultural and structural shifts shaping contemporary mission through postmodern and decolonial lenses. Drawing from his Indigenous Māori heritage, he advocates for a mission paradigm grounded in reciprocity and mutual flourishing. He shares his ongoing reflections and research through his website, jaymatenga.com.
Academic Background
- Doctor of Intercultural Studies, Fuller School of Intercultural Studies, USA
- Master of Arts in Aspects of Christian Mission, All Nations Christian College, UK
- Diploma in Missiology, Australian College of Theology, Australia
- Bachelor of Ministry (Missions Major), Worldview College of Intercultural Studies, Australia
Selected Publications / Research Works
- Mātenga, Jay. Reading the Environment: Indigenous Ways of Knowing and Communicating in Context.
- Mātenga, Jay. Why Collaboration: Refocusing Theology on Cooperation.
- Mātenga, Jay. Co-Creating: From Missio to Prothesis.
- Mātenga, Jay. Reimagining Missions: Everyone to Everywhere.
- Mātenga, Jay. Lausanne 4: Personal Reflections.
- Mātenga, Jay. Short Term Missions: For Mutual Transformation.
- Mātenga, Jay. Indigenous Missions: In Today’s Contexts.
- Mātenga, Jay. Missions in Global Complexity: Navigating Participation in God’s Purposes.
- Mātenga, Jay. He Timatanga Translation: A Response.
- Mātenga, Jay. The Wellbeing Imperative 2024 — Podcast Discussion.