Coming in a Good Way: What can we learn from the mistakes of missions in the past? With Corey Greaves & Mark Matlock

Summary

In this episode of the Urbana podcast, hosts Mark Matlock and Phoebe Jeske welcome Corey Greaves, leader of Mending Wings—a prominent Native youth ministry in the Yakama Nation. This conversation is not just an interview; it’s a powerful reimagining of what cross-cultural missions can and should be.

Corey shares his personal journey as a Native follower of Jesus, emphasizing the tension between embracing the beauty of Indigenous culture and navigating the often Eurocentric frameworks of Western Christianity. He opens up about the pain caused by historic missionary approaches that, rather than honoring Native identity, attempted to "save" Native youth by erasing their traditions and worldview.

Instead of perpetuating the outdated model where outsiders come to “fix” or “save,” Corey challenges listeners to embrace a humble, learner’s posture. Through Mending Wings and their innovative SLAM Trips (Students Learning about Missions), visiting groups are invited not to run programs, but to listen, learn, and build genuine relationships. Corey envisions missions that are reciprocal—where Native and non-Native Christians learn from one another, experiencing fresh glimpses of the Creator through each other’s stories.

This episode is a timely call to “decolonize” our faith—removing the barriers that have long hindered the gospel’s authentic, multicultural expression. Listeners will be inspired by Corey’s commitment to a theology of place and belonging, his vision for partnership, and his practical steps toward healing and reconciliation!

Show Notes

(00:00) Introduction

(05:52) Decolonizing Gospel for Native Youth

(07:54) Mending Wings’ Backstory

(11:51) Rethinking Short-Term Missions Impact

(14:02) The Cultural Genocide of Indigenous Peoples

(17:21) Cultural Erasure in Religion

(20:14) The Value of Cultural Perspectives

(28:04) Enriching Church Community with Indigenous Wisdom

(34:39) Exploring Spirituality vs. Religion

(43:34) Engaging in Jesus-Centered Dialogue

(52:31) Closing Thoughts

Links

Mark Matlock

Urbana

Urbana YouTube

Mending Wings