Pentecostal doctrine in Apostles’ Creed and the 4IR: CFC and the River Church as case studies

Abstract

Background: The 325 Nicene Apostles’ Creed was formulated to assist the church in knowing and practicing the correct belief as taught by the Apostles. The third article of Apostles’ Creed, I believe in the Holy Spirit, is significant to Pentecostal doctrine. The information as contained in the creeds dictates beliefs and practices to future generations. Transmission of that information is what led to movements such as Reformation and Pentecostalism. Because religion does not exist in isolation but is affected by geopolitical social statuses, Pentecostalism, similarly, benefited from geopolitical social statuses where it existed. Pentecostal movement benefited from industrial revolutions such as the use of steam, electricity and machinery. Cyberphysical technology is currently shaping the fourth industrial revolution (4IR).
Objectives: The aim of this study is to assist Pentecostals in embracing the advantages of the 4IR while avoiding its dangers.
Method: This study uses both descriptive and analytical methods in the framework of Pentecostalism. It uses Christian Family Church (CFC) and the River Church as case studies.
Results: The study shows that it is possible to use the benefits of artificial intelligence (AI) in the preaching and practices of the church.
Conclusion: The Pentecostal church can embrace the benefits of AI while remaining rooted in its spiritual practices.
Contribution: This article will assist in balancing between doing Holy Spirit-led ministry and using AI by gleaning at practices of CFC in Johannesburg, South Africa and the River Church in Tampa, United States.