Influence of Pentecostal movement on Christian missions in Nigeria

Abstract

Background: The emergence of Pentecostalism as a Christian phenomenon and its evolution into one of the most significant movements in the world elicits mixed reactions among Christians. Just as the birth of Protestantism took the world by surprise in the 16th century, Pentecostalism also arrived like a tidal wave in the early 20th century and redefined Christianity. It was seen as the Holy Spirit’s re-enactment of Acts of the Apostles 2:1–41, where the infilling with the power and gifts of the Holy Spirit triggered Christian Missions that quickly spread throughout the then-world.
Objectives: This study examines the activities of Pentecostal Missions vis-à-vis Orthodox Missions and identifies the influence of Pentecostalism on Christian Missions in Nigeria.
Methods: The article employs contextual theological analysis to evaluate the influence of Pentecostalism on Christian missions in Nigeria by highlighting the Pentecostal Missions’ strategies that facilitated its rapid spread and acceptance among the people.
Results: The analysis reveals that Pentecostalism has exerted both negative and positive influences on Christian missions in Nigeria, including an overemphasis on miracles and prosperity, the use of technology in Christian services and quantitative church growth.
Conclusion: The study concludes that Pentecostalism has positively influenced Nigerian Christian missions by bringing revival and vitality to Christianity, contextualising the gospel to respond to cultural worldviews, stimulating mainline churches to revisit mission principles and practices for quantitative effectiveness and opening doors for reverse missions.
Contribution: The article discussed the Pentecostal movement’s mission strategies that led to its rapid spread and how these strategies could benefit upcoming ministries.