Called to the missional frontline in a turbulent world: The role of theological education

Abstract

Background: The Apostolic Faith Mission International (AFMI) conference had as its theme called to the missional frontline in a turbulent world, but the topic of theological education never made it to the main agenda. The article engages with theological education in the context of a Western hegemonic epistemology that dominates its provision in the Global South and in the African context.

Objectives: The main objective of the study is to investigate how theological education provision was impacted by the Western paradigm in the AFMI and propose certain points of consideration that will assist them in having a relevant humanising pneumatological theological education for their missional role today.

Method: The study follows a comparative literature approach and seeks through it to uncover the roots of theological education in the AFMI and how it can assist in fulfilling their missional mandate.

Results: The study finds that the AFMI is an African Pentecostal Church that exists in all six continents and has members all over the world that is prepared in those contexts to fulfil their missional mandate. A humanising pneumatological theological education is decolonial and intersectional and contributes to missional transformation in those contexts.

Conclusion: The AFMI as an African Pentecostal church exists in the diaspora and can make a meaningful impact in missional and societal transformation; theological education has a role to play as part of their faith formation.

Contribution: The article fits well within the scope of AJOPS that aims to give an academic space for Pentecostal voices from the Global South, and the article contributes to the ongoing conversation about the role of theological education in fulfilment of the missional mandate.