Pentecostalisation of Mainline Churches in Africa: The Case Of The United Church of Zambia. (September 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kangwa, Jonathan
• Is Part Of: Expository times. Volume 127:Number 12(2016:Sep.)
• Page Start: 573
• Page End: 584
• Publication Date: 2016-09
• Subjects: Pentecostalism -- charismatic movement -- mission -- United Church of Zambia -- mainline churches -- Africa -- social change; 200
• DOI: 10.1177/0014524616646677
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0014-5246

Abstract

The spread of Pentecostal-charismatic churches is changing the Christian landscape in Africa. In the process mainline churches, including the Roman Catholic Church, are getting transformed. The present article considers the impact of the Pentecostal-charismatic movement on one African mainline church, namely the United Church of Zambia (UCZ). Based on relevant research and using social change theory as an analytical tool, the article concludes that the Pentecostal-charismatic movement in Africa is challenging mainline churches to redefine ways in which they do mission and respond to people's spiritual, physical, social, and economic needs.