Significant Trends in Contemporary African Pentecostalism

There is enormous proliferation of new churches throughout Africa. For reasons of manageability they are here labeled “Pentecostal” while admitting the inadequacy of that term, given their wide variety. The appeal of these churches is contested. Here it is argued that people join these new churches for various reasons, but their greatest appeal is related to their this-worldly focus and the promise of success in this life. This success motif is discussed in relation to two closely related aspects: their emphasis on spirit agency and the prosperity gospel. These two aspects deserve far more attention than they normally receive, but it is claimed here that together they provide the most adequate explanation of Africa’s “Pentecostal explosion.” This chapter attempts to illustrate how these characteristics are both thoroughly African, but also attempts to relate the phenomenon to the global Christian scene.