contextualizing pentecostal gathering Flashcards
factors contributing to pentecostalism in Nigeria
○ Precarious economic situation
○ Political instability in the post-colonial, multi-ethnic state
○ Desire for solace and messianic intervention in religion
D. Christian Students’ Social Movement of Nigeria (CSSM): Founded in 1977, it represents
early Pentecostal political activism, integrating religion into politics through prayer, sermons, and social mobilization.
Pentecostalism serves as a ____ _____ amidst socio-economic disparities and religious competition.
unifying agent
While unifying, Pentecostalism can also create
divisions within families and communities.
The assumption is that economic motives often underlie participation in Pentecostal gatherings.
economic motives
Pentecostal gatherings are connected to issues vital for
family survival
(○ Socio-political institutions of welfare
○ Economy
○ Political structures ○ National development
)
Nigeria has faced developmental challenges since the 1970s due to:
○ Poor leadership
○ Slavery
○ Colonial incursions
○ Ethnic cleavages
○ Religious plurality
○ Military intervention
Study Focus:
The study aims to examine the interconnections between Pentecostalism, its social structures, politics, and economy in selected churches in Nigeria.
Despite challenges like Boko Haram, kidnappings, epidemics, and political crises, Pentecostal gatherings
attract large numbers of attendees
emphasizes the examination and potential utilization of the socioeconomic aspects of Pentecostal gatherings.
non-spiritual purposes
. Influence of the 1970s Oil Crisis
The instability and political uncertainties caused by the oil crisis led to churches responding to people’s needs for messianic intervention.
Proliferation in the 1980s and 1990s
Charismatic organizations grew significantly as Nigerians sought personal and collective salvation.
Roots in Indigenous Movements:
Its origins can be traced to indigenous religious movements that began in the 1910s.
Ministry of “Gift” and Miracles:
The ministry of “gift” (demonstration of the Holy Spirit) and miracles are primary drivers of Pentecostal churches.
Economic Context:
The state of the Nigerian economy, which is in a state of coma, drives people to various survival strategies.
The shift to Pentecostal doctrines generates dramatic changes in Christian religion, especially
in third world countries
. Altered Structures and Practices:
Pentecostalism has altered the pre-existing structures and practices of Christianity in Nigeria.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) cannot ascertain
the total number of Pentecostal denominations due to their rapid growth.
Olayinka Akanle (2010) highlights
how Pentecostal activities can be harnessed to accelerate national development.
Globalisation fuses cultures worldwide,
diminishing differentiation.
Technology plays a significant role in
unifying global variations.
global spread and john wesley
the emergence of Methodism led by John Wesley
The social and economic environments in developing countries have shaped
pentecostal movements
Neo-Pentecostalism and Prosperity Gospel: Adeboye (2004) argue
that there has been a move from classical Pentecostalism of holiness to neo-Pentecostalism dominated by materialism and the “prosperity gospel” (success and prosperity are evidence of God’s grace).
The three selected churches are:
○ The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG)
○ The Deeper Life Bible Church (DLBC)
The Living Faith Church (LFC), also known as Winners Chapel
he selected areas attract people to their programs using
televangelism, public address systems, flyers, and other means.
primary motivation for attending Pentecostal meetings in interviews
Attendees often cite spiritual reasons, such as being spiritually grounded, as their primary motivation for attending Pentecostal meetings
economic motivation as a factor influencing attendance
Some attendees, who may not be Christian, attend to sell their goods, as they expect higher sales at these gatherings.
testimonials as a influencing factor of attendance
Testimonials of answered prayers and personal success stories also lure people to join Pentecostal churches.
Socioeconomic Factors Underpinning Religion as influencing attendenance
While religion provides the platform, socioeconomic factors play a background role in Pentecostal gatherings.
