Spirit-empowered preaching : Nicholas Bhekinkosi Hepworth Bhengu’s power for impact

Abstract

BACKGROUND : This year, 2025, is the 40th anniversary of Nicholas Bhengu’s passing. The legacy he left behind continues to impact the lives of thousands of people both nationally and internationally. The problem addressed here is that Pentecostal preaching should make an impact on people’s lives, and can do so if it is biblical, Christocentric, pneumatological and culturally relevant. OBJECTIVES : This presentation shows that Bhengu’s narrative preaching was Spirit-empowered, and in humility one can communicate the oracles of God and make an impact in peoples’ lives. The presentation aims to show how one fully yielded to God can become a giant of faith in simple terms without even a formal education, as is always thought by some people. It is demonstrated here that gospel presentation done in and through cultural relevance can change the dynamics within the context in which it is communicated. METHOD : This presentation on ‘Spirit-empowered preaching – Bhengu’s power for impact’ is based on a literature review and some experiences from those who walked and worked with Bhengu. RESULTS : It is discovered that for the gospel to make an impact, it must be Spirit-empowered. The Spirit-empowered preaching is biblical, Christocentric, pneumatological and culturally relevant. The preacher should demonstrate humility when ministering to people. CONCLUSION : Bhengu’s way of life and commitment to the Missio Dei, Ecclesia and Missio Spiritus should be an example to all Pentecostals and Charismatic preachers. CONTRIBUTION : This article contributes towards understanding of the life of the African man who stood on par with international preachers yet remained African with the zeal to serve his people. Church historians, missiologists and Pentecostal or Charismatics learn pastoral ethics of caring in the face of adversities such as racism, poverty and disease.