The Migration of Christian Youth to Pentecostal and Charismatic Churches in Ghana: Implications for Mission Work

Paul Kang-Ewala Diboro,Raymond Charles Ehiem

doi:10.38159/pecanep.2020101

Abstract

Recently, it appears the centre of gravity of Christian youth worldwide has shifted from the traditional or historic mission churches to Pentecostal, Neo-Pentecostal and Charismatic churches. This global phenomenon is also seen in a migration among Ghanaian Christian youth from mission or mainline churches to Pentecostal and Charismatic churches. What accounts for their migration and what could be done to prevent such mass movement? This paper argues that there are many factors that may determine the migration rate of the youth from historic mission churches. Interviews and literature study were the approaches employed for gathering of data. The paper draws attention to the fact that retaining the Ghanaian Christian youth in mission churches has become a major concern in a pluralistic church environment in Ghana. Key Words: Migration, Pentecostal, Charismatic, Historic Mission Churches, Youth

Highlights

Following the testimonies of the early Church immediately after Pentecost included reports that many were added to their number day by day and that their number increased (Acts 2:47; 4:4; 6:7)
Recently, it appears the centre of gravity of Christian youth worldwide has shifted from the traditional or historic mission churches to Pentecostal, Neo-Pentecostal and Charismatic churches. This global phenomenon is seen in a migration among Ghanaian Christian youth from mission or mainline churches to Pentecostal and Charismatic churches. What accounts for their migration and what could be done to prevent such mass movement? This paper argues that there are many factors that may determine the migration rate of the youth from historic mission churches
One reason Benyah observes that accounts for the “massive growth and expansion of the Pentecostal movement on the African continent is the relevance of the movement’s theology which is contingent on its ability to address the particularities of the people’s distinctive cultural and societal circumstances.”26

Summary

Introduction

Following the testimonies of the early Church immediately after Pentecost included reports that many were added to their number day by day and that their number increased (Acts 2:47; 4:4; 6:7). This numerical growth of the early Church was important to ensure its continued existence. Between the years 2000 and 2017 in the United States of America, the Roman Catholic Church closed down 81 churches while the Evangelical Lutheran Church closed 150 churches after losing 200,000 members, majority of whom are youth, due to decline in attendance and drift to other churches. The United Methodist Church closed 65 of its churches for similar reasons.

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Conclusion