The Influence of Pentecostal Pneumatology on Mainline Churches in Nigeria

Abstract

The doctrine of the Holy Spirit is the primary teaching that distinguishes the Pentecostals from the Evangelical churches. The Pentecostals emphasise the postconversion filling of the Holy Spirit as evidenced initially by speaking in other tongues. Pentecostal spirituality penetrated many mainline churches when some evangelical Christians adopted the Pentecostal teaching of Baptism of the Holy Spirit. The Pentecostals, since the 1970s, have made inroads into and impacted the Mission churches in Nigeria. Therefore, this paper examines the positive and negative influence of Pentecostal teaching on the baptism of the Holy Spirit in mainline churches. The paper adopts a historical and phenomenological approach to trace the historical development and the influence of the Pentecostal doctrine of the Holy Spirit. It uncovers that the Pentecostals' vibrancy in worship has led to a change of attitude towards liturgical celebrations in the Nigerian mainline churches. Its spirituality has awakened some Nigerian Christians' eagerness for sound spirituality and vibrant prayer life. However, there is an overemphasis on vision and prophecy at the expense of Bible doctrine, spiritual pride, and gifts at the expense of character. The leadership of the duo Christian sects are implored to hold fast to biblical teaching and guide against errors, excesses, and abuses when and where these manifest.