African Pentecostalism from an African perspective

Abstract

The growth of African Pentecostalism impacts practice and expression of Christianity both on and off the continent. The range of Pentecostal expressions presents new avenues of discourse for world Christianity studies. This chapter delves into the diversity of these movements along with the definitive elements they share. The study begins with an assessment of the historical antecedents critical for the development of contemporary Pentecostalism. Of primary importance is the role of African Initiatives in Christianity (AICs) which played an indispensable role in establishing plausibility structures for truly African Christian expressions. The chapter goes on to examine the practice and expression of African Pentecostalism. In focus here are theological underpinnings that motivate the praxis of this pneumatic Christianity. Next comes a survey of the features that characterize African Pentecostalism in its various forms. The chapter examines salient themes in the vibrant liturgical practices of this Christianity. The link between mission and globality in African Pentecostalism stands out as an important feature with implications on Christian expression beyond Africa. Through the study African Pentecostalism emerges as a creative spiritual engagement with rapidly changing African urban realities. The chapter contributes to world Christianity scholarship that takes seriously voices from within the movements within the continent. The piece is part of a growing body of literature on African perspectives that engage the theme of translatability of Christianity across cultures.