Ever wonder what it’s like growing up as a missionary kid and how that shapes your view of the world — especially when it comes to the complex mix of faith, culture, and politics? In this episode, we dive deep with Dr. Holly Berkley Fletcher, author of The Missionary Kids: Unmasking the Myths of White Evangelicalism. Holly grew up as a missionary kid herself, went on to become a historian and CIA analyst, and now shares powerful insights on how missionary kids uniquely understand evangelicalism’s influence in the US and beyond. We chat about what makes missionary kids such important voices in unpacking white evangelicalism, the challenges and grief of growing up between cultures, and the complicated legacy of missions—both its good intentions and its darker ties to politics and power. Holly also talks about how evangelicalism’s authoritarian tendencies connect to today’s rise in Christian nationalism and what missionaries could do to push back against harmful political trends, including threats to democracy and women’s rights. If you’ve ever felt caught between cultures, wrestled with faith and identity, or just want a fresh, honest perspective on the evangelical world and its global impact, this conversation is for you.
👉 Grab Holly’s book The Missionary Kids https://www.broadleafbooks.com/store/product/9798889832034/The-Missionary-Kids
👉 Join the deeper dive on our Patreon at patreon.com/aworldofdifference for exclusive content with Holly
👉 Share your thoughts below! What parts of this conversation resonated with you? Have you experienced similar challenges or insights? Let’s talk about it. If this episode made you think or feel, please share it with 5 friends who care about making a positive difference in the world.
In this episode, you will be able to:
Discover how white evangelicalism shapes political decisions and influences cultural debates in surprising ways.
Explore the unique insights missionary kids bring to understanding evangelicalism beyond traditional perspectives.
Uncover the hidden challenges TCKs face as they navigate identity between multiple worlds.
Trace the historical roots of Christian nationalism to see how faith and politics have intertwined over time.
My special guest is Holly Berkley Fletcher
Holly Berkley Fletcher is an author, historian, and former CIA analyst with substantial expertise in American evangelicalism and global culture. She grew up in Kenya as the child of Southern Baptist missionaries, attending Rift Valley Academy, and later earned her PhD in American Studies. Holly has taught at universities and worked as an analyst specializing in Africa, drawing on her personal and professional background to examine the intersection of evangelical faith, politics, and identity. Her research focuses on the experiences of missionary kids and third culture individuals, particularly in relation to the historical and cultural impact of white evangelicalism and Christian nationalism. Holly’s work combines firsthand experience with scholarly analysis, offering informed insight into the complexities of faith and belonging in a globalized world.
The key moments in this episode are:
00:07:40 - Themes in the Missionary Kid Experience: Belonging, Identity, and Grief
00:11:00 - The Emotional Challenges of MKs: Privilege, Grief, and Sacrifice
00:13:30 - Impact of Missions on White Evangelicalism’s Global Narrative
00:14:05 - The American Influence on Global Evangelicalism and Missions
00:17:00 - Navigating the Complexities of Missionary Identity and Cultural Systems
00:19:01 - Missionaries’ Political Complicity and Moral Accountability
00:23:18 - Practical Ways Missionaries Can Advocate for Justice Amid Political Pressures
00:26:43 - The Disconnect Between American Evangelical Consumers and Missionary Realities
00:27:56 - Origins and Evolution of Christian Nationalism in White Evangelicalism
00:29:06 - Growing Up as a Missionary Kid Abroad and Its Impact
00:33:14 - The Authoritarian Culture of Evangelicalism and Biblical Inerrancy
00:36:40 - Favorite Books and Writers on Missions and Analysis
00:39:19 - Resilience of Missionary Kids and Comparing History Writing to Intelligence Analysis
00:41:07 - Common Stereotypes and Misconceptions About Missionary Kids
00:42:00 - Navigating Trauma and the Danger of Simplistic Narratives
00:43:44 - Complicity and Accountability Within Missionary Communities
00:44:43 - Breaking Cycles Through Awareness and Humble Parenting
00:46:13 - The Missionary Kids Book and Its Impact on Understanding Global Challenges
The resources mentioned in this episode are:
Order the book The Missionary Kids: Unmasking the Myths of White Evangelicalism by Dr. Holly Berkley Fletcher
Read A Just Mission by Mekdes Haddis
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