Global Pentecostalism and the African Experience: Examining the Theoretical Framework and Missiological Principles

Abstract

This study investigates the theoretical frameworks that underpin the missiological study of Global Pentecostalism, with emphasis on the African experience within the Global South. As Pentecostalism continues to rapidly expand across diverse socio-cultural and socio-economic contexts, there is a growing need to examine the missiological models that have historically been largely shaped by theological paradigms globally and in Africa in particular. Despite the growing global attention being given to Pentecostalism and missiology, there remains insufficient theoretical and missiological analysis of how local and global Pentecostal movements both shape and are reshaped by the diverse historical, cultural, and socio-religious experiences of African societies. The study method involves the use of interdisciplinary perspectives combining historical, missiological, theoretical, and sociological analysis of the theology and sociology of religion, to explore how the Pentecostal growth, expansion, and experiences have challenged and reconfigured existing theories on mission as it relates to theoretical frameworks and indigenous practices shaping African Pentecostalism globally. The study reveals and concludes that global Pentecostal Christianity is significantly shaped by the African Pentecostal experience through its contextual adaptive worship practices, evangelistic mission, and indigenous leadership structure as missiological models that are rooted in African cultural realities enhance spiritual engagement, social transformation, church growth, and contemporary Pentecostal theology. Global Pentecostal Christianity continues to be transformed by African Pentecostalism offering a sustainable framework for modern global mission and intercultural theology development.