Prof. Peter White | Stellenbosch University (original) (raw)

Papers by Prof. Peter White

Stellenbosch Theological Journal , 2024

Mentoring is generally understood as having a positive impact on people and society. The informal... more Mentoring is generally understood as having a positive impact on people and society. The informal system of youth mentoring among Senior High School students in Ghana is referred to in this essay as “school parenting”. This exploratory study uses Kram’s (1983:613–622) model of mentoring to investigate “school parenting,” which is discussed based on the following findings: (a) students’ experience of “school parenting” in light of Kram’s mentoring model; (b) faith and nurturing; (c) exposure to risky behaviours; (d) compassion needs; and (e) approach to social justice. The article contextualizes mentorship in campus settings and examines it from a missional perspective.

International Bulletin of Mission Research, 2024

The activities of mainline Western missionaries in Africa have been discussed by scholars from va... more The activities of mainline Western missionaries in Africa have been discussed by scholars from various perspectives, but much attention has not been given to mission organizations that are not affiliated with any denomination. This article therefore focuses on the work and mission approach of Operation Mobilisation (OM) in Africa. The article is based on empirical data gathered through interviews with twelve OM country leaders in Southern Africa

Re-Visioning African Pentecostal-Charismatic Ecclesiology in the Public Sphere, 2024

Mission Studies, 2024

This article explores the role of the church in addressing the emotional and spiritual needs of i... more This article explores the role of the church in addressing the emotional and spiritual needs of individuals and communities, particularly in the context of African Pentecostalism. The article argues that the church is called to actively engage with its surrounding culture and to bring healing and restoration to those who have experienced trauma or pain. In the African Pentecostal context, this often involves addressing issues related to cultural identity, historical injustice, and social inequality. Through its emphasis on the power of the Holy Spirit and the importance of community, African Pentecostalism offers a unique perspective on how the church can facilitate the healing of memories and promote reconciliation and restoration. The use of "African Pentecostals" in this article refers to the Pentecostal churches whose doctrines align with the mainline Pentecostal theology and praxis (the classical Pentecostal Churches and the Neo-Pentecostal Churches).

Acta Theologica, 2024

The article forms part of a broader research project that investigated Scripture Union's (SU) mis... more The article forms part of a broader research project that investigated Scripture Union's (SU) missional responses to the wounded youth. It discusses SU's evangelistic response to the youth in the senior high schools in Kumasi through their campus ministry. The article seeks to answer the following question: What evangelistic strategies are used by Scripture Union in responding to the needs of the senior high school (SHS) students in Kumasi? Empirical data were collected through SU's institutional records, interviews, and participant observations to investigate how SU addresses the spiritual, physical, and social challenges of SHS students through evangelism. The study found that SU blended traditional evangelistic approaches with media engagement, leveraged adult media literacy for youth interests, used fun activities for gospel outreach, and involved youth in campus evangelism in its campus ministry.

Encyclopedia of the Bible and Its Reception Online , 2024

Journal of Theology for Southern Africa, Vol: 171/2021, 2021

The introduction of Christianity in Africa by the missionaries was difficult and shrouded in West... more The introduction of Christianity in Africa by the missionaries was difficult and shrouded in Western cultural practices and orientation. This approach to the propagation of the gospel in Africa made many African communities either see Christianity as foreign religion or accepted it with syncretic orientation and praxis. It is noted that native, or indigenous religions, are still found and that their elements mingle with the Christian faith in many parts of Namibia. The reverence of ancestral spirits among Namibian Christians, especially in Pentecostal and Prophetic churches, attest to the syncretic nature of their religious beliefs and practices. In view of this, the article discusses the intersection of pre-Christian beliefs of the Owambo (the biggest ethnic group in Namibia) and Prophetic and Pentecostal Christianity. Field data for the study were gathered from the regions of Khomas, Windhoek, Erongo, Swakopmund, Damaraland (in Kunene region) and the towns of Tsumeb and Otjiwarongo.

Interreligious Studies and Intercultural Theology, 2023

We live in a world of diversity, and so it is with people's religious beliefs and how they approa... more We live in a world of diversity, and so it is with people's religious beliefs and how they approach their religious practices in relation to a deity and their social and relational lives. Bible history has taught us that God has always allowed religious diversity. The biggest threat to the world is not poverty, health, and economic challenges but rather religious intolerance, the fear of compromising our faith, bias, and prejudice about other faiths. This article narrates the author's experience and journey as a Pentecostal scholar in dialogue with other faiths. It argues that it is possible to study other religions without losing one's own faith insofar as the various methods and principles for the study of religions can be applied. The article promotes the use of dialogue and spiritual discernment as tools to engage with people of other faiths. These approaches therefore become means of moving together toward life.

HTS Teologiese Studies/Theological Studies, 2023

Proclaiming the gospel (Christian witnessing) in an interfaith environment is an increasingly cri... more Proclaiming the gospel (Christian witnessing) in an interfaith environment is an increasingly
critical concern for Christians in today’s globalised society. This article intends to explore a
missiological and ecumenical approach to address the challenge of sharing the message of
Christ in multi-religious contexts. Drawing on missiological and ecumenical perspectives, the
article makes suggestions on how Christians can engage with members of other religions
through respectful and authentic dialogue. Such an approach involves recognising the values
and beliefs of other religions. The words Christian witnessing, mission and evangelism were
used interchangeably in the article in reference to proclaiming the gospel.

Mission the “Labour Room” of Theology, 2022

This chapter takes inspiration from the ecumenical document: ‘Together Towards Life: Mission and ... more This chapter takes inspiration from the ecumenical document: ‘Together Towards Life: Mission and Evangelism in Changing Landscapes’ (TTL). The concept ‘together towards life and mission’ is used in this chapter as a missional theory of the universal church’s participation in the missio Dei. This missional participation is a life-giving journey required of every denomination and local church. Although the TTL document has created room for the Pentecostal Pneuma theology (WCC 2013:53-73), there is however no academic engagement of the document from a Pentecostal perspective. This chapter therefore focuses on how African Pentecostal churches have and are participating in this call for a united mission in their journey with other churches. The discussion in this chapter is approached from the perspective of the pneumatic statement, ‘Life in the Holy Spirit is the essence of mission, the core of why we do what we do and how we live our lives’. The discussion is approached with the undertone of the four main headings as outlined by the WCC (2013:53-73), namely: Spirit of Mission: Breath of Life; Spirit of Liberation: Mission from the Margins; Spirit of Community: Church on the Move; and Spirit of Pentecost: Good News for All.

Mentoring is very important in every sphere of life. It is the process by which a more experience... more Mentoring is very important in every sphere of life. It is the process by which a more experienced person imparts advice, support, insight, and knowledge to a less experienced person. The mentor supports, guides, and counsels a young adult as he or she accomplishes mastery of the issues concerned. This article discusses mentorship from a Christ-centered perspective by using the Faith and Practice Programme (FAPP) of Christian Service University College as a case study. It argues that in order to address the challenges of the current generation and beyond, it is very important that students are introduced to holistic Christo-centric mentoring. The article gives an overview of mentorship and its related issues such as mentor-mentee role and relationship, the institutional leadership factor in introducing and implementing a mentoring programme, as well as the implementation procedure and challenges.

Stellenbosch Theological Journal , 2022

This article examines some of the missiological problems of the South African Truth and Reconcili... more This article examines some of the missiological problems of the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), taking into consideration the theological and missiological concepts of forgiveness, reconciliation, and justice. The article proposes the Ubuntu Justice concept's viability as a missiological framework with which to respond to the activities of the TRC. The article further explores the methodology and the goal of public hearings and uses the "Gugulethu Seven" and the "PEBCO Three" cases to highlight the sacrosanctity of truth, remorse, and forgiveness in the process of reconciliation. This inquiry considers that as an African understanding and a strategy of upholding justice and maintaining peaceful relations, Ubuntu recognises the importance of the process of rehabilitating both the victim and the perpetrator. For the process of reconciliation to be genuine, the perpetrator must genuinely commit to treating the victim as an equal, affirming both the humanity and the dignity of the victim.

Religions, 2022

The great commission, as traditionally understood in Christendom, has been the core basis for chu... more The great commission, as traditionally understood in Christendom, has been the core basis for church growth. Passion for the lost, evangelism outreach, conversions, and baptism followed by congregating, have culminated in church establishments. Pentecostals, especially the Neo-Pentecostal and Neo-Prophetic Churches have attracted huge crowds. The thrust towards fulling the Missio Dei has seen micro–Neo-Pentecostal Churches and Neo-Prophetic Churches in Africa becoming enormous ministries over a short period of time. However, growth within Neo-Pentecostalism and Neo-Prophetism in the African setting has been associated with all kinds of challenges: leadership crisis, fund misuse, and a lack of accountability. Furthermore, controversy with regard to some of the Neo-Pentecostal and Neo-Prophetic leaders running these ‘churches’, has made headlines on several accounts within the social media space. It seems that there is a lack of leadership mentorship as many of them do not belong to a denominational body or lack the idea of ‘belonging’. In view of the aforementioned reasons and other related challenges, this article proposes an innovative missional model of franchising. The thrust of this article is to explore the possibility of church-franchising and how the Nnoboa mission concept proposed by White (2019) offers an alternative framework within which to engage the Neo-Pentecostal and Neo-Prophetic Churches for church planting and leadership mentorship.

Journal of Pentecostal Theology, 2021

Pentecostalism being a global phenomenon has become an interesting subject in Global Christianity... more Pentecostalism being a global phenomenon has become an interesting subject in Global Christianity and academic discourses. Numerous scholars have researched and published articles on it from various perspectives. This article discusses African Pentecostalism by bringing fresh discussion on the existing literature on 'prosperity gospel'. The article argues that Pentecostal preachers are not prosperity gospel preachers but rather preachers of a faith and hope gospel. The article conceptualises the faith and hope gospel from a Biblical perspective as well as the theological perspective of the adherents and practitioners of Pentecostal theology. Although the article acknowledges the extremist approach of some of the adherents and practitioners in their interpretation of scriptures and sometimes the abuses, the article argues that the dynamic and contextual nature of theology should be considered while the abuses are also objectively condemned. The article discusses debates on Pentecostal hermeneutics as well as the characteristics of the three perspectives of the faith and hope gospel by using the terms 'name it, claim it, grab it' .

HTS Teologiese Studies/Theological Studies, 2021

Burial rites are very common among many Africa communities. In the African context, burials are ... more Burial rites are very common among many Africa communities. In the African context, burials are not the end of life but rather the beginning of another life in the land of the ancestors. In spite of the importance of the African funeral rites, the missional role of the church in mourning and the burial of the dead in the African communities, the COVID-19 pandemic led protocols and restrictions placed a huge challenge on the African religious and cultural practices.

Contribution: In the light of the above-named challenges, the article discusses the religious cultural effect of the pandemic with special focus on the African liturgical and missiological challenges in the context of the COVID-19 restrictions on funerals and burial rites

HTS Teologiese Studies/Theological Studies, 2021

Pentecostal phenomenon from history has always moved with migration. Reading Acts 1:8, Jesus link... more Pentecostal phenomenon from history has always moved with migration. Reading Acts 1:8, Jesus linked the baptism of the Holy Spirit with the migration of his disciples and the gospel
from Jerusalem to Judea and Samaria and to the end of the earth. Migration has become a worldwide, multi-directional phenomenon which is reshaping the Christian landscape. In this light, the article discussed Pentecostalism and migration by using two Ghanaian Classical Pentecostal churches in South Africa as a case study. The article looked at their history, leadership development, transfer of missionaries from Ghana and its implications, their concept of contextualisation as well as some of their impact in South Africa. The article submits that it is time for both churches to start thinking of decolonising their foreign mission churches by helping them have autonomous status.

Stellenbosch Theological Journal, 2020

We cannot realistically discuss development without factoring religion into the analysis. In the ... more We cannot realistically discuss development without factoring religion into the analysis. In the same way, we cannot design any economic development plan without acknowledging the influence of religion on its implementation. The fact is that, many economic development policies require a change from old values, attitudes, beliefs and behaviour patterns of the citizenry to those that are supportive of the new policy. Religious practices and beliefs have important consequences for the economic development of a community or nation. The relationship between religion and development is likely to be complementary as long as religious beliefs and practices promote 'moderation' rather than 'extremes.' This article therefore discusses how Pentecostalism has been used as a reference point in addressing religio-cultural and socioeconomic needs of Africans. The study uses Spiritual capital theory and pneuma-diaconal mission theory to unearth the impact of African Pentecostalism in the socioeconomic lives of Ghanaians and more especially Africans.

Verbum et Ecclesia , 2020

The advent of Pentecostal and Charismatic Churches (PCCs) in Ghana since the early 20th century h... more The advent of Pentecostal and Charismatic Churches (PCCs) in Ghana since the early 20th
century has significantly impacted its religious landscape. Migration of members from the
Church has become a great source of worry for the leadership of the Presbyterian Church of
Ghana (PCG), a Historic Mission Church which is 191 years old with less than one million
members. This article discusses factors for migration of members from Historic Mission
Churches (HMCs) to PCCs with reference to the Presbyterian Church of Ghana (PCG). This
requires that Historic Mission Churches should train laity to become the active components
of the Church. Also, baptismal candidates should be given the option to choose the type of
baptism they prefer to resolve the issue of members migrating to PCCs to seek baptism or
rebaptism by immersion.

Missionalia, 2019

This article made a case for the use of a cooperative mission approach for mission and Church pla... more This article made a case for the use of a cooperative mission approach for mission and Church planting. The nnoboa mission concept was developed from cooperative farming which thrives through trust, communality, and reciprocity. The paper argues that the church (body of Christ) is endowed with spiritual, physical, material and social capital that when brought together can help various local churches to achieve their missional agenda. The article discusses the nnoboa concept and the nnoboa mission concept. The concept was further discussed in light of the early church's communal living as well as how the 'nnoboa' mission concept can be used for cost effective mission and church planting. Although the purpose of the article is to propose a missional model for churches in Ghana, its implementation can be adopted by churches in other parts of the world.

HTS Teologiese Studies/Theological Studies, 2019

Branding is a strategy designed by companies to help patrons or consumers quickly identify their ... more Branding is a strategy designed by companies to help patrons or consumers quickly identify their products or organisations and give them a reason to choose their products or organisations over other competitors. In the Old Testament, God identified the Israelites as a unique brand. In the New Testament, Jesus Christ branded the church with the power of the Holy Spirit, miracles, signs and wonders. Reading the Acts of the Apostles, the church developed a brand of being Spirit-filled, communal-living and mission-minded. It was out of this that early believers in Antioch were called ‘Christians’. The name ‘Christian’ therefore became a brand name for believers and followers of Jesus Christ. In view of this, one would expect that the concept of branding would be a major tool for modern-day churches. Although there are several publications on branding from the perspective of marketing and management, there is no such academic research on missional branding, hence this research. This article contributes to the interdisciplinary discourse on branding, with specific reference to the missional branding of the Church of Pentecost.

Stellenbosch Theological Journal , 2024

Mentoring is generally understood as having a positive impact on people and society. The informal... more Mentoring is generally understood as having a positive impact on people and society. The informal system of youth mentoring among Senior High School students in Ghana is referred to in this essay as “school parenting”. This exploratory study uses Kram’s (1983:613–622) model of mentoring to investigate “school parenting,” which is discussed based on the following findings: (a) students’ experience of “school parenting” in light of Kram’s mentoring model; (b) faith and nurturing; (c) exposure to risky behaviours; (d) compassion needs; and (e) approach to social justice. The article contextualizes mentorship in campus settings and examines it from a missional perspective.

International Bulletin of Mission Research, 2024

The activities of mainline Western missionaries in Africa have been discussed by scholars from va... more The activities of mainline Western missionaries in Africa have been discussed by scholars from various perspectives, but much attention has not been given to mission organizations that are not affiliated with any denomination. This article therefore focuses on the work and mission approach of Operation Mobilisation (OM) in Africa. The article is based on empirical data gathered through interviews with twelve OM country leaders in Southern Africa

Re-Visioning African Pentecostal-Charismatic Ecclesiology in the Public Sphere, 2024

Mission Studies, 2024

This article explores the role of the church in addressing the emotional and spiritual needs of i... more This article explores the role of the church in addressing the emotional and spiritual needs of individuals and communities, particularly in the context of African Pentecostalism. The article argues that the church is called to actively engage with its surrounding culture and to bring healing and restoration to those who have experienced trauma or pain. In the African Pentecostal context, this often involves addressing issues related to cultural identity, historical injustice, and social inequality. Through its emphasis on the power of the Holy Spirit and the importance of community, African Pentecostalism offers a unique perspective on how the church can facilitate the healing of memories and promote reconciliation and restoration. The use of "African Pentecostals" in this article refers to the Pentecostal churches whose doctrines align with the mainline Pentecostal theology and praxis (the classical Pentecostal Churches and the Neo-Pentecostal Churches).

Acta Theologica, 2024

The article forms part of a broader research project that investigated Scripture Union's (SU) mis... more The article forms part of a broader research project that investigated Scripture Union's (SU) missional responses to the wounded youth. It discusses SU's evangelistic response to the youth in the senior high schools in Kumasi through their campus ministry. The article seeks to answer the following question: What evangelistic strategies are used by Scripture Union in responding to the needs of the senior high school (SHS) students in Kumasi? Empirical data were collected through SU's institutional records, interviews, and participant observations to investigate how SU addresses the spiritual, physical, and social challenges of SHS students through evangelism. The study found that SU blended traditional evangelistic approaches with media engagement, leveraged adult media literacy for youth interests, used fun activities for gospel outreach, and involved youth in campus evangelism in its campus ministry.

Encyclopedia of the Bible and Its Reception Online , 2024

Journal of Theology for Southern Africa, Vol: 171/2021, 2021

The introduction of Christianity in Africa by the missionaries was difficult and shrouded in West... more The introduction of Christianity in Africa by the missionaries was difficult and shrouded in Western cultural practices and orientation. This approach to the propagation of the gospel in Africa made many African communities either see Christianity as foreign religion or accepted it with syncretic orientation and praxis. It is noted that native, or indigenous religions, are still found and that their elements mingle with the Christian faith in many parts of Namibia. The reverence of ancestral spirits among Namibian Christians, especially in Pentecostal and Prophetic churches, attest to the syncretic nature of their religious beliefs and practices. In view of this, the article discusses the intersection of pre-Christian beliefs of the Owambo (the biggest ethnic group in Namibia) and Prophetic and Pentecostal Christianity. Field data for the study were gathered from the regions of Khomas, Windhoek, Erongo, Swakopmund, Damaraland (in Kunene region) and the towns of Tsumeb and Otjiwarongo.

Interreligious Studies and Intercultural Theology, 2023

We live in a world of diversity, and so it is with people's religious beliefs and how they approa... more We live in a world of diversity, and so it is with people's religious beliefs and how they approach their religious practices in relation to a deity and their social and relational lives. Bible history has taught us that God has always allowed religious diversity. The biggest threat to the world is not poverty, health, and economic challenges but rather religious intolerance, the fear of compromising our faith, bias, and prejudice about other faiths. This article narrates the author's experience and journey as a Pentecostal scholar in dialogue with other faiths. It argues that it is possible to study other religions without losing one's own faith insofar as the various methods and principles for the study of religions can be applied. The article promotes the use of dialogue and spiritual discernment as tools to engage with people of other faiths. These approaches therefore become means of moving together toward life.

HTS Teologiese Studies/Theological Studies, 2023

Proclaiming the gospel (Christian witnessing) in an interfaith environment is an increasingly cri... more Proclaiming the gospel (Christian witnessing) in an interfaith environment is an increasingly
critical concern for Christians in today’s globalised society. This article intends to explore a
missiological and ecumenical approach to address the challenge of sharing the message of
Christ in multi-religious contexts. Drawing on missiological and ecumenical perspectives, the
article makes suggestions on how Christians can engage with members of other religions
through respectful and authentic dialogue. Such an approach involves recognising the values
and beliefs of other religions. The words Christian witnessing, mission and evangelism were
used interchangeably in the article in reference to proclaiming the gospel.

Mission the “Labour Room” of Theology, 2022

This chapter takes inspiration from the ecumenical document: ‘Together Towards Life: Mission and ... more This chapter takes inspiration from the ecumenical document: ‘Together Towards Life: Mission and Evangelism in Changing Landscapes’ (TTL). The concept ‘together towards life and mission’ is used in this chapter as a missional theory of the universal church’s participation in the missio Dei. This missional participation is a life-giving journey required of every denomination and local church. Although the TTL document has created room for the Pentecostal Pneuma theology (WCC 2013:53-73), there is however no academic engagement of the document from a Pentecostal perspective. This chapter therefore focuses on how African Pentecostal churches have and are participating in this call for a united mission in their journey with other churches. The discussion in this chapter is approached from the perspective of the pneumatic statement, ‘Life in the Holy Spirit is the essence of mission, the core of why we do what we do and how we live our lives’. The discussion is approached with the undertone of the four main headings as outlined by the WCC (2013:53-73), namely: Spirit of Mission: Breath of Life; Spirit of Liberation: Mission from the Margins; Spirit of Community: Church on the Move; and Spirit of Pentecost: Good News for All.

Mentoring is very important in every sphere of life. It is the process by which a more experience... more Mentoring is very important in every sphere of life. It is the process by which a more experienced person imparts advice, support, insight, and knowledge to a less experienced person. The mentor supports, guides, and counsels a young adult as he or she accomplishes mastery of the issues concerned. This article discusses mentorship from a Christ-centered perspective by using the Faith and Practice Programme (FAPP) of Christian Service University College as a case study. It argues that in order to address the challenges of the current generation and beyond, it is very important that students are introduced to holistic Christo-centric mentoring. The article gives an overview of mentorship and its related issues such as mentor-mentee role and relationship, the institutional leadership factor in introducing and implementing a mentoring programme, as well as the implementation procedure and challenges.

Stellenbosch Theological Journal , 2022

This article examines some of the missiological problems of the South African Truth and Reconcili... more This article examines some of the missiological problems of the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), taking into consideration the theological and missiological concepts of forgiveness, reconciliation, and justice. The article proposes the Ubuntu Justice concept's viability as a missiological framework with which to respond to the activities of the TRC. The article further explores the methodology and the goal of public hearings and uses the "Gugulethu Seven" and the "PEBCO Three" cases to highlight the sacrosanctity of truth, remorse, and forgiveness in the process of reconciliation. This inquiry considers that as an African understanding and a strategy of upholding justice and maintaining peaceful relations, Ubuntu recognises the importance of the process of rehabilitating both the victim and the perpetrator. For the process of reconciliation to be genuine, the perpetrator must genuinely commit to treating the victim as an equal, affirming both the humanity and the dignity of the victim.

Religions, 2022

The great commission, as traditionally understood in Christendom, has been the core basis for chu... more The great commission, as traditionally understood in Christendom, has been the core basis for church growth. Passion for the lost, evangelism outreach, conversions, and baptism followed by congregating, have culminated in church establishments. Pentecostals, especially the Neo-Pentecostal and Neo-Prophetic Churches have attracted huge crowds. The thrust towards fulling the Missio Dei has seen micro–Neo-Pentecostal Churches and Neo-Prophetic Churches in Africa becoming enormous ministries over a short period of time. However, growth within Neo-Pentecostalism and Neo-Prophetism in the African setting has been associated with all kinds of challenges: leadership crisis, fund misuse, and a lack of accountability. Furthermore, controversy with regard to some of the Neo-Pentecostal and Neo-Prophetic leaders running these ‘churches’, has made headlines on several accounts within the social media space. It seems that there is a lack of leadership mentorship as many of them do not belong to a denominational body or lack the idea of ‘belonging’. In view of the aforementioned reasons and other related challenges, this article proposes an innovative missional model of franchising. The thrust of this article is to explore the possibility of church-franchising and how the Nnoboa mission concept proposed by White (2019) offers an alternative framework within which to engage the Neo-Pentecostal and Neo-Prophetic Churches for church planting and leadership mentorship.

Journal of Pentecostal Theology, 2021

Pentecostalism being a global phenomenon has become an interesting subject in Global Christianity... more Pentecostalism being a global phenomenon has become an interesting subject in Global Christianity and academic discourses. Numerous scholars have researched and published articles on it from various perspectives. This article discusses African Pentecostalism by bringing fresh discussion on the existing literature on 'prosperity gospel'. The article argues that Pentecostal preachers are not prosperity gospel preachers but rather preachers of a faith and hope gospel. The article conceptualises the faith and hope gospel from a Biblical perspective as well as the theological perspective of the adherents and practitioners of Pentecostal theology. Although the article acknowledges the extremist approach of some of the adherents and practitioners in their interpretation of scriptures and sometimes the abuses, the article argues that the dynamic and contextual nature of theology should be considered while the abuses are also objectively condemned. The article discusses debates on Pentecostal hermeneutics as well as the characteristics of the three perspectives of the faith and hope gospel by using the terms 'name it, claim it, grab it' .

HTS Teologiese Studies/Theological Studies, 2021

Burial rites are very common among many Africa communities. In the African context, burials are ... more Burial rites are very common among many Africa communities. In the African context, burials are not the end of life but rather the beginning of another life in the land of the ancestors. In spite of the importance of the African funeral rites, the missional role of the church in mourning and the burial of the dead in the African communities, the COVID-19 pandemic led protocols and restrictions placed a huge challenge on the African religious and cultural practices.

Contribution: In the light of the above-named challenges, the article discusses the religious cultural effect of the pandemic with special focus on the African liturgical and missiological challenges in the context of the COVID-19 restrictions on funerals and burial rites

HTS Teologiese Studies/Theological Studies, 2021

Pentecostal phenomenon from history has always moved with migration. Reading Acts 1:8, Jesus link... more Pentecostal phenomenon from history has always moved with migration. Reading Acts 1:8, Jesus linked the baptism of the Holy Spirit with the migration of his disciples and the gospel
from Jerusalem to Judea and Samaria and to the end of the earth. Migration has become a worldwide, multi-directional phenomenon which is reshaping the Christian landscape. In this light, the article discussed Pentecostalism and migration by using two Ghanaian Classical Pentecostal churches in South Africa as a case study. The article looked at their history, leadership development, transfer of missionaries from Ghana and its implications, their concept of contextualisation as well as some of their impact in South Africa. The article submits that it is time for both churches to start thinking of decolonising their foreign mission churches by helping them have autonomous status.

Stellenbosch Theological Journal, 2020

We cannot realistically discuss development without factoring religion into the analysis. In the ... more We cannot realistically discuss development without factoring religion into the analysis. In the same way, we cannot design any economic development plan without acknowledging the influence of religion on its implementation. The fact is that, many economic development policies require a change from old values, attitudes, beliefs and behaviour patterns of the citizenry to those that are supportive of the new policy. Religious practices and beliefs have important consequences for the economic development of a community or nation. The relationship between religion and development is likely to be complementary as long as religious beliefs and practices promote 'moderation' rather than 'extremes.' This article therefore discusses how Pentecostalism has been used as a reference point in addressing religio-cultural and socioeconomic needs of Africans. The study uses Spiritual capital theory and pneuma-diaconal mission theory to unearth the impact of African Pentecostalism in the socioeconomic lives of Ghanaians and more especially Africans.

Verbum et Ecclesia , 2020

The advent of Pentecostal and Charismatic Churches (PCCs) in Ghana since the early 20th century h... more The advent of Pentecostal and Charismatic Churches (PCCs) in Ghana since the early 20th
century has significantly impacted its religious landscape. Migration of members from the
Church has become a great source of worry for the leadership of the Presbyterian Church of
Ghana (PCG), a Historic Mission Church which is 191 years old with less than one million
members. This article discusses factors for migration of members from Historic Mission
Churches (HMCs) to PCCs with reference to the Presbyterian Church of Ghana (PCG). This
requires that Historic Mission Churches should train laity to become the active components
of the Church. Also, baptismal candidates should be given the option to choose the type of
baptism they prefer to resolve the issue of members migrating to PCCs to seek baptism or
rebaptism by immersion.

Missionalia, 2019

This article made a case for the use of a cooperative mission approach for mission and Church pla... more This article made a case for the use of a cooperative mission approach for mission and Church planting. The nnoboa mission concept was developed from cooperative farming which thrives through trust, communality, and reciprocity. The paper argues that the church (body of Christ) is endowed with spiritual, physical, material and social capital that when brought together can help various local churches to achieve their missional agenda. The article discusses the nnoboa concept and the nnoboa mission concept. The concept was further discussed in light of the early church's communal living as well as how the 'nnoboa' mission concept can be used for cost effective mission and church planting. Although the purpose of the article is to propose a missional model for churches in Ghana, its implementation can be adopted by churches in other parts of the world.

HTS Teologiese Studies/Theological Studies, 2019

Branding is a strategy designed by companies to help patrons or consumers quickly identify their ... more Branding is a strategy designed by companies to help patrons or consumers quickly identify their products or organisations and give them a reason to choose their products or organisations over other competitors. In the Old Testament, God identified the Israelites as a unique brand. In the New Testament, Jesus Christ branded the church with the power of the Holy Spirit, miracles, signs and wonders. Reading the Acts of the Apostles, the church developed a brand of being Spirit-filled, communal-living and mission-minded. It was out of this that early believers in Antioch were called ‘Christians’. The name ‘Christian’ therefore became a brand name for believers and followers of Jesus Christ. In view of this, one would expect that the concept of branding would be a major tool for modern-day churches. Although there are several publications on branding from the perspective of marketing and management, there is no such academic research on missional branding, hence this research. This article contributes to the interdisciplinary discourse on branding, with specific reference to the missional branding of the Church of Pentecost.

Routledge, London, 2025

African grassroots theologies and churches are expressions of the faith, spirituality, and praxis... more African grassroots theologies and churches are expressions of the faith, spirituality, and praxis of African Christians who seek to articulate and live out their Christian identity and mission in their diverse and complex contexts. These include African Initiated Churches, black theology movements, liberation theology movements, and other forms of contextual and indigenous theologies and ecclesiologies that emerge from their experiences. In exploring the dynamics in African Christianity and theologies, the volume addresses the following questions:

How do African grassroots theologies and churches reflect and respond to the challenges and opportunities of their socio‑political, economic, cultural, and religious contexts?
How do African grassroots theologies and churches engage with the historical and contemporary expressions of Christianity in Africa and beyond such as colonial and missionary Christianity, ecumenical Christianity, global Christianity, and interreligious dialogue?
How do African grassroots theologies and churches develop and communicate their theological and ethical perspectives and practices on issues such as justice, liberation, reconciliation, healing, development, ecology, gender, sexuality, culture, and spirituality?
How do African grassroots theologies and churches shape and challenge the forms and functions of the church in Africa such as worship, leadership, ministry, mission, evangelism, discipleship, fellowship, and social action
This volume is important for those studying African studies, religious studies, African theologies, and African Christianity. This is also an important book for those professionals working in interfaith dialogues, missionary work, and community development within African contexts.