Pentecostal/Charismatic Churches and the Provision of Social Services in Ghana

Francis Benyah

doi:10.1177/0265378820961419

Abstract

The provision of social services by Pentecostal/Charismatic churches in Ghana is discussed in this article. Focusing on four selected Pentecostal/Charismatic churches in Ghana, it is argued that Pentecostal/Charismatic churches are not only concerned with the proclamation of the gospel of Jesus Christ but are also actively engaged in the provision of social and welfare services aimed at transforming the lives of their constituents. This development, in the author’s view, points to a paradigm shift from the well-known otherworldly nature of the Pentecostal/Charismatic movements and projects a rather new movement whose growing social sensitivity has implications for national development.

Highlights

A recent shift in the ministry of Pentecostal/Charismatic churches in Ghana, the provision of social and welfare services, is examined in this article
The many examples offered in the previous section demonstrate how Pentecostal/Charismatic churches in Ghana are contributing to and promoting, enhancing, and transforming human lives through the provision of social services
The initiative by Pentecostal/charismatic churches to provide social and welfare services does not suggest that these churches have rejected or abandoned traditional Pentecostal premillennial dispensationalist theology but are living with a dichotomy between their theology and praxis

Summary

Introduction

A recent shift in the ministry of Pentecostal/Charismatic churches in Ghana, the provision of social and welfare services, is examined in this article. The provision of such services by the Pentecostal/Charismatic churches helps in providing a response to the problems of the day—solving the basic needs of people.

Results

Conclusion