Teaching Pentecostalism in World Christianity

Abstract

AbstractThe major heartlands of Christianity have, since the middle of the 20th century, shifted gradually from the West to the global South and East. This shift has resulted not only in Christianity becoming the dominant religion of Africa, but also in its transformation into a primarily non‐Western faith. This article contends that in line with that development, Africa has become one of Christianity’s most dynamic and vibrant hubs, with independent indigenous and Pentecostal/charismatic churches, movements, and ministries leading the way in this dominance. In their spirituality, these are waves and streams of Christianity that emphasize the importance of the biblical Pentecost, the deployment of spiritual gifts in worship, and a general experience of the Holy Spirit as normative to the expression of Christianity. Thus, we can no longer talk about World Christianity, either in practice or in relation to the ecumenical movements of the 21st century, without accounting for the presence of Pentecostal/charismatic believers.