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Pentecostal Spirituality and the Theology of Prayer: Continuities and Discontinuities of African Indigenous Spirituality
Get PDFThis study employs a conceptual research method to examine the continuities and discontinuities of African indigenous religious prayer practices within the context of emerging Pentecostal and neo-Prophetic movements in Ghana, with the objective of theologising the spiritual practice of prayer in Pentecostalism. The nomenclature and practices of African indigenous religions resonate profoundly with many Africans, cultivating a strong subconscious connection to these activities. As a result, neo-Prophetic churches have integrated certain prayer practices from African indigenous religions that resonate with their followers during prayer sessions. These practices aim to encourage followers to engage in their faith more easily. Research indicates that Ghanaian Pentecostal prayer while preserving connections to African indigenous religions—such as seeking prayer consultations through prominent figures who require compensation for prayer rituals at designated prayer markets—also shows notable differences by abandoning traditional rites, sacrifices, and the consultation of mediums among neo-Pentecostals. Evaluating African Pentecostal and neo-Pentecostal worship exclusively through the lenses of drumming, singing, dancing, and worship as direct continuities of the African indigenous system would be unfair as other mainstream churches also incorporate these elements into their worship practices. Consequently, it can be concluded that emerging African Pentecostal prayer is not only connected to the themes of the African religious system but also diverges in certain aspects of worship
Analysing the Impact Of The Use Of Drone Technology In Supply Chain Management In Improving Health Services In Ghana.
Get PDFDrone has played a major role in supply chain management. The use of drones to deliver supplies to customers has impacted significantly, especially in areas where the targeted participant is remotely located from the source. Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) or First Person View (FPV) drones have played a major role in the military, health care, and the business world in improving supply chain management. The use of drones in health care is basically for emergency purposes and also to reach inaccessible areas. This research aimed to provide the first comprehensive analysis of the impact of the introduction of UAVs in Ghana in improving the service pf health care providers. Health care in Ghana is fraught with several challenges, especially in rural areas where accessibility is hard to reach. The research analyses the impact of the use of drone technology in supply chain management in improving health services in Ghana. The quantitative method was adopted for the research. The research concluded that there was a moderately significant correlation between the use of drones and the supply chain within the health service. However, the research indicated that there is a need to widen the coverage of drone technology to increase the acceptability of drone technology nationwide
The Transformative Power of the Gospel in Fulani Communities: Ecclesial Agency and Mission Praxis
Get PDFThis study examines the transformative effects of the gospel on the Fulani, a nomadic and pastoralist ethnic group spread across Africa. The Fulani have a rich cultural heritage centred on their nomadic lifestyle and Islamic traditions. However, the spread of Christian missions and the gospel has brought significant changes to their socio-cultural landscape. The article highlights the role of the church in initiating and maintaining the gospel message within the Fulani community. It explores how Christian missions influence Fulani individuals, families, and communities, challenging and reshaping their traditional beliefs and practices. Through interviews, participant observations, and historical analysis, the paper provides insights into the multifaceted impact of the gospel on Fulani lives. Key themes include personal conversion stories, the influence of Christian education in shaping new worldviews, and the development of hybrid identities that merge traditional Fulani culture with Christian teachings. The study also addresses the challenges and opportunities for the church in a predominantly Islamic society, with a focus on interfaith relations. This work contributes to a broader understanding of religious dynamics in multicultural settings, emphasising the complexities of cultural transformation and identity negotiation. By focusing on the Fulani, the study offers a nuanced perspective on how the dissemination of the gospel interacts with cultural adaptation and community development, contributing to discussions of religious pluralism and social change across cultures
Targeted Propositions in Mission: Reaching the Unreached Within the Worlds of World Mission Motif
Get PDFThis paper engages with the mission of the church in the context of Christ’s declaration of the Kingdom of God, emphasising the need for both growth and expansion beyond geographical confines, to the ends of the earth and across generations. It reflects on two pivotal events marking the church’s inception, which appear to indicate distinct targets for the proclamation of the Kingdom. One account emphasises a geographical focus, extending to the “uttermost parts of the earth”—while the other addresses spiritual domains, referencing “the gates of hell” and various earthly authorities. This raises critical questions regarding whether the church’s proclamation should prioritise geographical outreach or encompass diverse domains of influence. To explore these dimensions, the paper considers the application of business management concepts, such as market segmentation and value proposition, to facilitate a more nuanced understanding of mission that transcends mere geographic boundaries. It further examines the factors that affect the effectiveness and efficiency of such an expanded mission orientation. Exploring the concept of the worlds of the world mission through a multidisciplinary approach, this study aims to illuminate strategies for reaching unreached populations in regions otherwise considered evangelised. The findings advocate for integrating these insights into existing geographic mission frameworks to address the persistent existence of unreached groups, even in areas deemed reached. This perspective seeks to augment our understanding of mission in the contemporary context of the Great Commission
Folk Muslims’ Presence in Ghana and its Missiological Implications for Pentecostals
Get PDFThis study examines the presence of folk Muslims in Ghana and explores the missiological implications for Pentecostals. Historically, Ghana was viewed as a stronghold against Islam in Africa; however, this resistance has diminished, as evidenced by the significant presence of Islam in the region. While Christian-Muslim relationships in Ghana are generally amicable, tensions, misunderstandings, and conflicts can arise when Christians share the gospel with Muslims or attempt to proselytise using local mission approaches. This research aims to raise awareness of the Muslim community in Ghana and highlight areas of misunderstanding and ignorance. By doing so, it illustrates how Pentecostals, who represent the fastest-growing segment of Christians in Ghana, can effectively and respectfully engage with Ghanaian Muslims in the context of sharing the gospel. This study integrates findings from intercultural studies, Islamic studies, Pentecostal missiology, church history, cultural anthropology, and biblical theology. A comprehensive descriptive and analytical review of existing literature illustrates that the majority of Ghanaian Muslims identify as folk Muslims—individuals who have retained certain elements of African Traditional Religion (ATR) alongside their Islamic beliefs. As a result, these folk Muslims exhibit a power-oriented disposition akin to that found in Pentecostal communities, as both groups are deeply influenced by a shared spiritual heritage rooted in ATR practices. The paper posits that this common ground presents significant opportunities for Pentecostals to engage with Muslims regarding the gospel. It delineates four distinct types of engagement: (1) theological engagement through truth encounters that emphasise grace, love, and respect, (2) relational engagement through acts of service that meet existential needs, (3) power engagement through experiential encounters that address spiritual and practical needs, and (4) discipleship engagement that highlights the transformative and sustaining power of the Holy Spirit
A Comparative Analysis of Βαπτίζοvτεσ in the Greek New Testament (Matthew 28:19) and the Fulbe Bible
Get PDFBible translation is a vital tool used by the Church to communicate the gospel in the heart languages of various communities, with the aim of fostering spiritual growth and discipleship. However, when a target audience lacks access to Scripture in their native language or encounters translation inconsistencies that obscure the original meaning, understanding the biblical message becomes significantly hindered. This paper explores the translation challenges faced by the Fulani people, focusing specifically on the rendering of the Greek term βαπτίζοντες in Matthew 28:19 within the Fulbe Bible. Using the Mother-Tongue Biblical Hermeneutics approach, this article investigates the contextual meanings of the Fulfulde terms baptisma, baptisima, batisima, and looton and compares them exegetically with the original Greek term baptizontes. The findings indicate that mutineede is the most suitable translation, as it accurately conveys the theological significance of water baptism while resonating with the cultural and linguistic framework of the Fulani people. By addressing these translation issues, the article contributes to a more theologically sound and culturally relevant understanding of baptism among Fulani Christians, an essential step toward deeper discipleship and integration into the Christian faith. Accordingly, churches, missionaries, and Bible translation organisations across Africa are encouraged to consider adopting mutineede in future outreach strategies and Bible translation revisions to enhance the Fulani community’s comprehension and connection to Scripture in their own language
Beyond Eco-Pneumatology: An Examination of Scripture with ‘Green Eyes’ Towards the Development of an African Pentecostal Ecotheology
Get PDFHistorically, the role of religious communities in ecological discourse and responses to environmental crises has been significantly underwhelming. However, it is becoming increasingly clear that any comprehensive ecological dialogue must incorporate these communities. Recent research indicates that the Pentecostal tradition, in particular, has largely remained passive with respect to eco-care and eco-mission. This community tend to prioritise evangelistic endeavours, often relegating creation care to a secondary concern associated with a niche group. This paper argues that such oversight stems from a deficient ecotheological framework within the Pentecostal tradition. The primary objective of this study is to explore the underlying factors contributing to this inadequacy of ecotheology among African Pentecostals and to propose viable responses. The research is grounded in empirical data collected through fieldwork involving four classical Pentecostal churches and four Indigenous African Churches. The goal is to extract valuable insights from established paradigms within the Indigenous communities and from scriptural interpretations to inform the development of an African Pentecostal Ecotheology. This article elucidates that the prevalent inactivity of Pentecostals in ecological initiatives is fundamentally linked to their anthropocentric interpretation of Scripture. By analysing the doctrinal frameworks of the four classical Pentecostal churches, the paper offers reinterpretations aimed at fostering a more profound engagement with ecological issues. It further outlines strategic approaches to transition eco-care from a peripheral aspect of theology to a central component of mission, advocating for the integration of ecological principles into practical theological discourse. This shift is essential for cultivating eco-conscious cultures within the African church context
Sexual Misconduct Suspension: The Impact of Guilt on Members of the Church of Pentecost, Ghana
Get PDFThe research involved 13 respondents and examined the impact of guilt resulting from suspensions related to sexual misconduct among church members, specifically focusing on The Church of Pentecost (CoP) in Axim. The church practices disciplining members by suspending those found guilty of sexual misconduct, including premarital and extramarital relationships. The study explored the conditions affecting members who had been suspended for such behaviour. Subjective evidence was gathered through in-depth interviews with respondents who were members of The Church of Pentecost in Axim and had experienced suspension for sexual misconduct. A hermeneutical phenomenological approach was adopted for this qualitative study. Existing studies on sexual misconduct and church discipline reveal varying prevalence rates within the church. Notably, The Church of Pentecost in Axim has a suspension prevalence rate of 4% attributed to sexual misconduct. A significant emotional experience reported by those who have been suspended is guilt, a conclusion further supported by scriptural evidence. However, research specifically addressing guilt among suspended church members remains limited. The findings indicate that suspending individuals for sexual misconduct serves as a disciplinary measure employed by the church to confront sexual sin. This study will contribute to the existing literature on the effects of guilt among suspended members and offer recommendations for appropriate pastoral care
The Holy Spirit in Moral Character Formation: Perceptions within Ghanaian Pentecostal-Charismatic Christianity
Get PDFThe research explored the understanding of the role of the Holy Spirit in shaping moral character formation among Ghanaian Pentecostal-Charismatic Christians. It aimed to determine whether individual Pentecostals are aware of the Holy Spirit’s presence in their Christian formation process. The study involved one hundred and fifty (150) respondents from three prominent Pentecostal-Charismatic Churches: Assemblies of God, Ghana, The Church of Pentecost (COP), and the International Central Gospel Church (ICGC). Findings indicated that a majority of the respondents were not conscious of the Holy Spirit’s role in moral character formation; instead, they were more aware of the ministerial or charismatic functions of the Spirit. The study advocates for Pentecostal churches in Ghana to maintain and enhance their teachings on the Holy Spirit. It encourages Ghanaian Pentecostal-Charismatic church leaders to guide their congregants in giving equal attention to both the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit, while also conducting research to thoroughly examine their members’ grasp of the foundational doctrines of the Pentecostal faith