Abstract:
This article is based on a research study that investigated the influence, merits
and demerits of the link between African and American Neo-Pentecostalism.
The study employed a qualitative research method through which 40
contemporary African Neo-Pentecostal leaders (drawn from South Africa and
Nigeria) were interviewed. Additionally, given that most charismatic faith and
miracle African Neo-Pentecostal leaders in focus took their roots from
American Neo-Pentecostalism, two medical doctors (who equally serve as
African Neo-Pentecostal lay ministers), were interviewed to investigate a
mother-child link. This was done to ascertain the possibility of existing traits
being passed on. Alongside the historical link, the interview findings show that
African Neo-Pentecostal leaders display a continuous link and traits from their
American Neo-Pentecostals mentors. Thus, they exhibit such traits in theology
and other practices. Subsequently, the research study established that the
influence of American Pentecostalism engenders more demerits, and the
researchers proposed the need to constantly de-emphasise the Americanisation
of the gospel in Africa. In order to achieve this, some relevant recommendations
were made, proposing that African Neo-Pentecostals need to be separated from
a toxic foreign culture and should “self-exist,” thereby making room for African
uniqueness in contemporary Neo-Pentecostal practices.
