Missionizing Church Governance

Transfiguring Pentecostalism in Zimbabwe

Bibliographic Data

ID4313475
AuthorsKimion Tagwirei (0000-0002-2109-1170, North-West University, corresponding author)
Year2023
Volume14
Issue10
Pages1278
Publication date2023-10-10
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueReligions (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2077-1444 • E-ISSN: 2077-1444
PublisherMDPI AG (PUBLISHER • IT)
DOI10.3390/rel14101278
OpenAlexW4387502392
LanguageEN
Citations received4
References cited15

Pentecostalism has experienced massive growth and evolution, both within Africa and beyond, as is evident through the emergence of dynamic neo-Pentecostal movements, including independent, prophetic, and charismatic churches. However, all its establishments have been primarily characterized by problematic governance. While neo-Pentecostal founders and leaders often asserted that they were breaking away from regressive bureaucracy and supposedly "cold" spiritual practices to embrace a more dynamic approach that advances the missio Dei and missio ecclesiae through expressive and demonstrative ministries, they paradoxically ended up becoming similarly, if not more, regressive. Rather than being focused on serving others (being other-centred), they became self-centred in their actions and priorities. Drawing on missional ecclesiology, extensive engagement with relevant literature, and in-depth phenomenological observation, this paper undertook a qualitative examination of their polities. It interpretively and descriptively assessed and explored the fact that all ecclesial governments exhibit both strengths and weaknesses. In light of this analysis, the paper argues and proposes that churches should integrate their predominant governmental systems with inclusive and empowering principles from other polities. By doing so, they can transform their administrative structures and enhance their missionality

Bureaucracy · Charisma · Corporate governance · Ecclesiology · Gospel · Management · Political science · Politics · Sociology · Theology · African cultural and philosophical studies · African studies and sociopolitical issues · Law · Philosophy · Religion, Society, and Development

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