Polyphonic: Mission After Empire

Missio Nexus
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Christianity
  • Updated Weekly

Hosted by Imer Santiago, Polyphonic: Mission After Empire is an eight-episode narrative podcast exploring the complex relationship between Christian mission and empire. Through candid conversations with historians, missiologists, practitioners, and everyday voices, the show traces inherited legacies, blind spots, and the tensions between faith, culture, and power. Music is more than background—it’s metaphor, glue, and sometimes the argument. Polyphonic invites listeners to hear many voices, each with its own melody, and to wrestle honestly with what it means to move forward in mission today.

Episodes

  1. Aug 24

    Sinking Down

    After eight episodes of complexity, what do we do next—freeze, fight, or move forward? In the finale, Imer returns to a musician's instinct: adaptation, improvisation, and the courage to keep playing even when the harmony isn't settled. With voices like Greg Parsons, Sarah Breuel, and Brian Stanley, the series looks ahead—asking whether the missions movement can change without losing its soul, and whether we can learn to become bridges in a world that keeps shifting under our feet. People featured in this episode Imer Santiago — Host. Puerto Rican–American trumpeter, jazz musician, and worship leader based in St. Cloud, Florida. Ted Esler — President/CEO of Missio Nexus (since 2015). Former church planter in Sarajevo, Bosnia; previously held leadership roles with Pioneers. Author of The Innovation Crisis; holds a PhD in Intercultural Studies from Fuller Theological Seminary. Mekdes Haddis — Ethiopian-born missiologist and author challenging "missions as usual" approaches in the Western church. Founder of The Mutuality Lab. Author of A Just Mission. Aaron Renn — Writer and consultant based in Indianapolis. Senior Fellow at American Reformer; previously a Senior Fellow at the Manhattan Institute and a Managing Director at Accenture. Author of Life in the Negative World. Mark Matlock — Ordained minister and author focused on youth discipleship and next-generation leadership. Founder of WisdomWorks and Senior Fellow at Barna. Co-author of Faith for Exiles (with David Kinnaman). Neil Shenvi — Writer and speaker known for apologetics and engagement with questions of faith, philosophy, and culture. Holds a PhD in theoretical chemistry (UC Berkeley) and studied at Princeton. Harvey Kwiyani — Malawian theologian and missiologist known for work on decolonizing mission and global/diaspora Christianity. Author of Decolonizing Mission. Aaron Pierce — International mission leader with Steiger International, focused on mobilizing and equipping Christians to reach young people outside the church. Author of Not Beyond Reach. Greg Parsons — Missions leader associated with Frontier Ventures (formerly the U.S. Center for World Mission) and William Carey International University. Brian Stanley — Historian of world Christianity and Christian missions. Professor at the University of Edinburgh; has written and edited multiple books on missions history. Music Eric Burket / What Wondrous Love? / courtesy of Eric BurketKikoru / Live To Tell / courtesy of Epidemic SoundHanna Lindgren / Edge of Ocean Reefs / courtesy of Epidemic SoundDimas Sanchez (live ensemble performance) / courtesy of Dimas SanchezAdditional music by Imer Santiago Credits Host: Imer Santiago Produced by: Arrival Creative Presented by: Missio Nexus

  2. Aug 17

    Practical Splinters

    Missions debates get abstract fast—until you follow the money, the power, and the practical decisions that shape real lives. Episode 7 turns to the nuts and bolts: who leads, who funds, and what happens when good intentions create dependency. With questions raised by voices like Mekdes Haddis, Greg Parsons, and Harvey Kwiyani, this episode challenges easy answers and asks what "all hands on deck" could look like without repeating old patterns. People featured in this episode Imer Santiago — Host. Puerto Rican–American trumpeter, jazz musician, and worship leader based in St. Cloud, Florida. Ted Esler — President/CEO of Missio Nexus (since 2015). Former church planter in Sarajevo, Bosnia; previously held leadership roles with Pioneers. Author of The Innovation Crisis; holds a PhD in Intercultural Studies from Fuller Theological Seminary. Mekdes Haddis — Ethiopian-born missiologist and author challenging "missions as usual" approaches in the Western church. Founder of The Mutuality Lab. Author of A Just Mission. Greg Parsons — Missions leader associated with Frontier Ventures (formerly the U.S. Center for World Mission) and William Carey International University. Harvey Kwiyani — Malawian theologian and missiologist known for work on decolonizing mission and global/diaspora Christianity. Author of Decolonizing Mission. Mark Charles — Speaker, writer, and consultant on the intersections of race, culture, faith, and American history. Co-author of Unsettling Truths (with Soong-Chan Rah) on the legacy of the Doctrine of Discovery. Mark Matlock — Ordained minister and author focused on youth discipleship and next-generation leadership. Founder of WisdomWorks and Senior Fellow at Barna. Co-author of Faith for Exiles (with David Kinnaman). Aaron Renn — Writer and consultant based in Indianapolis. Senior Fellow at American Reformer; previously a Senior Fellow at the Manhattan Institute and a Managing Director at Accenture. Author of Life in the Negative World. Sarah Breuel — Christian leader originally from Brazil and based in Rome. Founder/director of Revive Europe; has served with IFES and the Lausanne Movement. Music Soundlufs / Dramatic Verdi Opera / courtesy of EnvatoHanna Lindgren / Drifting Off / courtesy of Epidemic SoundHanna Lindgren / Ray of Sun / courtesy of Epidemic SoundHanna Lindgren / The Alabaster Coast / courtesy of Epidemic SoundAdditional music by Imer Santiago Credits Host: Imer Santiago Produced by: Arrival Creative Presented by: Missio Nexus

  3. Aug 10

    Anti-Babylon Ethos

    Identity is never just academic—it's lived, felt, and fought over. Imer traces questions of race, belonging, and deconstruction through conversations across generations, including a candid dialogue with a former student, Shaina LaRoche. With voices like Harvey Kwiyani, Brian Stanley, and Neil Shenvi in the background, the episode probes a tension that won't go away: how do we name the past honestly without losing the gospel itself? People featured in this episode Imer Santiago — Host. Puerto Rican–American trumpeter, jazz musician, and worship leader based in St. Cloud, Florida. Ted Esler — President/CEO of Missio Nexus (since 2015). Former church planter in Sarajevo, Bosnia; previously held leadership roles with Pioneers. Author of The Innovation Crisis; holds a PhD in Intercultural Studies from Fuller Theological Seminary. Harvey Kwiyani — Malawian theologian and missiologist known for work on decolonizing mission and global/diaspora Christianity. Author of Decolonizing Mission. Neil Shenvi — Writer and speaker known for apologetics and engagement with questions of faith, philosophy, and culture. Holds a PhD in theoretical chemistry (UC Berkeley) and studied at Princeton. Shaina LaRoche — Former student of Imer's, featured in a candid conversation about identity, faith, and deconstruction. Brian Stanley — Historian of world Christianity and Christian missions. Professor at the University of Edinburgh; has written and edited multiple books on missions history. Sarah Breuel — Christian leader originally from Brazil and based in Rome. Founder/director of Revive Europe; has served with IFES and the Lausanne Movement. Music Tubby Isiah / Arnos Vale / courtesy of Epidemic SoundOut To The World / Theories / courtesy of Epidemic SoundShuta Yasukochi / Komorebi / courtesy of Epidemic SoundCuba Quartet / Caminando / courtesy of Epidemic SoundAdditional music by Imer Santiago Credits Host: Imer Santiago Produced by: Arrival Creative Presented by: Missio Nexus

  4. Aug 3

    And These Must Harmonize

    "Just follow Scripture" sounds simple—until two sincere people read the same text and land in different places. Episode 5 wrestles with the hard work of harmonizing truth and humility: how to go without centering ourselves, how to help without performing, and how to build something through mutuality, instead of being one-directional. Through voices like Mekdes Haddis and Sarah Breuel—and a musician's ear for dissonance and resolve—this episode asks what it would take for missions to move in harmony again. People featured in this episode Imer Santiago — Host. Puerto Rican–American trumpeter, jazz musician, and worship leader based in St. Cloud, Florida. Ted Esler — President/CEO of Missio Nexus (since 2015). Former church planter in Sarajevo, Bosnia; previously held leadership roles with Pioneers. Author of The Innovation Crisis; holds a PhD in Intercultural Studies from Fuller Theological Seminary. Neil Shenvi — Writer and speaker known for apologetics and engagement with questions of faith, philosophy, and culture. Holds a PhD in theoretical chemistry (UC Berkeley) and studied at Princeton. Mekdes Haddis — Ethiopian-born missiologist and author challenging "missions as usual" approaches in the Western church. Founder of The Mutuality Lab. Author of A Just Mission. Sarah Breuel — Christian leader originally from Brazil and based in Rome. Founder/director of Revive Europe; has served with IFES and the Lausanne Movement. Music Mira Ma / Mozart Piano Concerto No. 23 in A Major / courtesy of Epidemic SoundEl Equipo Del Norte / Sulco / courtesy of Epidemic SoundEl Equipo Del Norte / Bahia / courtesy of Epidemic SoundBlair McMillen, Conway Kuo / La Capricieuse, Op. 17 / courtesy of Epidemic Sound Credits Host: Imer Santiago Produced by: Arrival Creative Presented by: Missio Nexus

  5. Jul 27

    Different Amalgams

    Globalization doesn't just connect the world—it reshapes it. From a Puerto Rican Day Parade in Orlando to youth culture on the other side of the globe, Imer explores how identity is formed (and eroded) in an age of algorithms, pop music, and migration. With voices like Aaron Pierce and Aaron Renn, the episode asks a pressing question for modern missions: are we meant to protect cultures—or learn how to serve faithfully inside the mixing bowl? People featured in this episode Imer Santiago — Host. Puerto Rican–American trumpeter, jazz musician, and worship leader based in St. Cloud, Florida. Ted Esler — President/CEO of Missio Nexus (since 2015). Former church planter in Sarajevo, Bosnia; previously held leadership roles with Pioneers. Author of The Innovation Crisis; holds a PhD in Intercultural Studies from Fuller Theological Seminary. Brian Stanley — Historian of world Christianity and Christian missions. Professor at the University of Edinburgh; has written and edited multiple books on missions history. Aaron Pierce — International mission leader with Steiger International, focused on mobilizing and equipping Christians to reach young people outside the church. Author of Not Beyond Reach. Aaron Renn — Writer and consultant based in Indianapolis. Senior Fellow at American Reformer; previously a Senior Fellow at the Manhattan Institute and a Managing Director at Accenture. Author of Life in the Negative World. Harvey Kwiyani — Malawian theologian and missiologist known for work on decolonizing mission and global/diaspora Christianity. Author of Decolonizing Mission. Mark Matlock — Ordained minister and author focused on youth discipleship and next-generation leadership. Founder of WisdomWorks and Senior Fellow at Barna. Co-author of Faith for Exiles (with David Kinnaman). Greg Parsons — Missions leader associated with Frontier Ventures (formerly the U.S. Center for World Mission) and William Carey International University. Music Adeline Paik / Left In The Rain (K-pop Version) / courtesy of Epidemic SoundNo Longer Music / Unknown live track / courtesy of SteigerLars Eriksson / Stay True (Instrumental Version) / courtesy of Epidemic SoundOut To The World / Axon Terminal / courtesy of Epidemic SoundPawan Krishna / Dark to Light / courtesy of Epidemic Sound Credits Host: Imer Santiago Produced by: Arrival Creative Presented by: Missio Nexus

  6. Jul 20

    Mixed Blessings

    Culture isn't a museum piece—it moves, mixes, and mutates. In this episode, Imer steps into the everyday texture of culture (and its fragility) with Bushman #1, then widens the lens with voices like Brian Stanley, Harvey Kwiyani, Neil Shenvi, and Mark Charles. From music and language to clothing and worship, the question keeps returning: when the gospel crosses borders, what gets honored, what gets lost, and what's created in the aftermath? People featured in this episode Imer Santiago — Host. Puerto Rican–American trumpeter, jazz musician, and worship leader based in St. Cloud, Florida. Ted Esler — President/CEO of Missio Nexus (since 2015); former church planter in Sarajevo, Bosnia; previously held leadership roles with Pioneers. Author of The Innovation Crisis; holds a PhD in Intercultural Studies from Fuller Theological Seminary. Brian Stanley — Historian of world Christianity and Christian missions. Professor at the University of Edinburgh; has written and edited multiple books on missions history. Timothy "Bushman #1" Adebule — Owner of Three Masks, Inc. (African goods shop near downtown Orlando) and a local cultural guide/educator featured in this episode. Harvey Kwiyani — Malawian theologian and missiologist known for work on decolonizing mission and global/diaspora Christianity. Author of Decolonizing Mission. Neil Shenvi — Writer and speaker known for apologetics and engagement with questions of faith, philosophy, and culture. Holds a PhD in theoretical chemistry (UC Berkeley) and studied at Princeton. Mark Charles — Speaker, writer, and consultant on the intersections of race, culture, faith, and American history. Co-author of Unsettling Truths (with Soong-Chan Rah) on the legacy of the Doctrine of Discovery. Music Fisk University Jubilee Quartet / Swing Low, Sweet Chariot / Public domain via archive.orgOut To The World / Theories / courtesy of Epidemic SoundPhilip Ayers / Riverwalk / courtesy of Epidemic SoundBokyung Kim / Gu Arirang (Instrumental Version) / courtesy of Epidemic SoundDex 1200 / Saya Cair / courtesy of Epidemic SoundDark Native American Flute Solo / courtesy of Envato Elements Credits Host: Imer Santiago Produced by: Arrival Creative Presented by: Missio Nexus

  7. Jul 13

    Man Has Dominated Man to His Harm

    To understand where missions is going, we have to deal honestly with where it's been. Imer follows the thread of memory and history with voices like Mark Charles, Brian Stanley, and Harvey Kwiyani—exploring the entanglement of church and empire, the Doctrine of Discovery, and the uneasy question of whether "mission" has always carried a shadow. It's an episode about blind spots—and what it takes to reveal them. People featured in this episode Imer Santiago — Host. Puerto Rican–American trumpeter, jazz musician, and worship leader based in St. Cloud, Florida. Ted Esler — President/CEO of Missio Nexus (since 2015). Former church planter in Sarajevo, Bosnia; previously held leadership roles with Pioneers. Author of The Innovation Crisis; holds a PhD in Intercultural Studies from Fuller Theological Seminary. Sarah Breuel — Christian leader originally from Brazil and based in Rome. Founder/director of Revive Europe; has served with IFES and the Lausanne Movement. Mark Charles — Speaker, writer, and consultant on the intersections of race, culture, faith, and American history. Co-author of Unsettling Truths (with Soong-Chan Rah) on the legacy of the Doctrine of Discovery. Brian Stanley — Historian of world Christianity and Christian missions. Professor at the University of Edinburgh; has written and edited multiple books on missions history. Harvey Kwiyani — Malawian theologian and missiologist known for work on decolonizing mission and global/diaspora Christianity. Author of Decolonizing Mission. Mark Matlock — Ordained minister and author focused on youth discipleship and next-generation leadership. Founder of WisdomWorks and Senior Fellow at Barna. Co-author of Faith for Exiles (with David Kinnaman). Music El Equipo del Norte / A Melodia Cortejada / courtesy of Epidemic SoundTellsonic / Desert Wind / courtesy of Epidemic SoundNational Anthem Worx / National Anthem United Kingdom / courtesy of Epidemic SoundChristopher Moe Ditlevsen / Lumina / courtesy of Epidemic SoundCalvary Choir; Choir Boys of St. Andrew's Church, N.Y. / Onward Christian Soldiers / Public domain via archive.orgDex 1200 / In a Quiet Room / courtesy of Epidemic Sound Credits Host: Imer Santiago Produced by: Arrival Creative Presented by: Missio Nexus

  8. Jul 6

    Donut Shop Conversations

    Host Imer Santiago joins Ted Esler, the president of Missio Nexus, at a local donut shop to set the stage for a series of conversations on mission and empire. They begin the search for real voices, real tensions, and the grey area between hero worship and horror stories. Imer hears the unfiltered opinions of the locals and talks with an early mentor, revealing why this story is as personal as it is historical. People featured in this episode Imer Santiago — Host. Puerto Rican–American trumpeter, jazz musician, and worship leader based in St. Cloud, Florida. Ted Esler — President/CEO of Missio Nexus (since 2015). Former church planter in Sarajevo, Bosnia; previously held leadership roles with Pioneers. Author of The Innovation Crisis; holds a PhD in Intercultural Studies from Fuller Theological Seminary. Jose "Nano" Torres — Musician and longtime worship leader and friend of host Imer Santiago. Has served on worship teams since the 1970s and plays multiple instruments (including drums, guitar, and bass). Music Vendla / Green T / courtesy of Epidemic SoundHarry Edvino / Hotel Lalo / courtesy of Epidemic SoundOut To The World / Adaptation / courtesy of Epidemic SoundAdditional music by Imer Santiago Credits Host: Imer Santiago Produced by: Arrival Creative Presented by: Missio Nexus

  9. Season 1 Trailer

    Polyphonic Teaser

    Polyphonic: Mission After Empire is an 8-episode narrative podcast hosted by Imer Santiago and produced by Missio Nexus. If you've ever wondered whether "mission" and "empire" can be untangled—or if we've been pretending it's simpler than it is—this show is for you. Imer brings his experience as a musician and teacher into conversations with historians, missiologists, practitioners, and everyday voices-tracing what we inherited, what we missed, and what we might need to admit before we can move forward. Music isn't background here—it's the glue, the metaphor, and sometimes the argument. This isn't a definitive answer guide, because we probably won't get all the answers before Heaven. It's a place to start listening-polyphonic in the truest sense: many voices, each with its own melody, heard together. Host Imer Santiago is a Puerto Rican-American trumpeter, jazz musician, and worship leader. He's from Lorain, Ohio, and now lives in St. Cloud, Florida. He studied Jazz at Ohio State University and earned a Master of Music in Jazz Studies in New Orleans. He serves as Director of Bands at St. Cloud Middle School and performs and leads worship throughout the year.

  • 1 Trailer
    8 Episodes

Trailer

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About

Hosted by Imer Santiago, Polyphonic: Mission After Empire is an eight-episode narrative podcast exploring the complex relationship between Christian mission and empire. Through candid conversations with historians, missiologists, practitioners, and everyday voices, the show traces inherited legacies, blind spots, and the tensions between faith, culture, and power. Music is more than background—it’s metaphor, glue, and sometimes the argument. Polyphonic invites listeners to hear many voices, each with its own melody, and to wrestle honestly with what it means to move forward in mission today.

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