Nigerian Pentecostal megachurches and development: A diaconal analysis of the redeemed Christian church of God
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Date
2023
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
MDPI
Abstract
The Nigerian social, public, political and religious landscapes have changed significantly
over time with the emergence and proliferation of Pentecostal megachurches. The majority of these
churches are structured and characterized with a peculiar missional focus, ritual, religious and
ecclesiastical distinctiveness. Many of these Pentecostal megachurches have been criticized for
their economic motivations, exploitation and commercialization of the Christian faith. However,
Nigerian megachurches are �Progressive Pentecostals� on the basis of their sustained commitment to
diaconal services towards the development of their communities. Divergent views have emerged
over time in relation to the nexus between religion and development. This study argues that religion
is one of the motors of development in Africa; this challenges the Western secular framework of
development. Hence, the study examines development from below, using the diaconal services
of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), a Pentecostal megachurch that illustrates the
importance of faith-based organizations� roles in development.
Description
Keywords
Religion, Pentecostal megachurches, Nigeria, Christianity, Spiritual Capital Theory
Citation
Adedibu, B. A. (2023). Nigerian Pentecostal megachurches and development: A diaconal analysis of the redeemed Christian church of God. Religions, 14(1), 70. https://doi.org/10.3390/rel14010070