Learning from Pentecostal Evangelism in Africa

The African universe is a spiritual universe, one in which supernatural beings play significant roles in the thought and action of the people: a worldview that assumes the effective presence of numberless spirits, and regards all life as one with no clear distinctions between the material and the non-material, the secular and the religious, or even between man and the other beings. And Pentecostal spirituality is popular in Africa because its interpretations of and responses to evil are not discontinuous with these traditional African religious ideas.

In this context, Pentecostal evangelism refers to the conscious attempt to proclaim ‘Christ as Saviour’, trusting the Holy Spirit to convict the hearers of sin and to convince them to accept Christ as their Lord. Personal testimonies are very important in Pentecostal evangelism. And evangelistic crusades often include prayers for the sick and the casting out of demons: affirming the power and credibility of the message.

Thus, the ministries of healing and exorcism are important hallmarks of Pentecostal/charismatic evangelistic activity in Africa. Healing and exorcism take place in the context of what Pentecostals call ‘spiritual warfare’. Satan, demons, principalities and powers are all considered sources of evil in life and in existence. But the Name and Blood of Jesus are powerful instruments for the conquest of such evil.

Like Paul in Athens, our evangelism must be appropriate to the mindset of those with whom we engage. There is certainly a place for signs and wonders accompanying and authenticating the proclamation of the Gospel. Perhaps there's a lot we can learn from African Pentecostals, particularly with regard to their openness to spiritual realities, their acknowledgement of the power of evil, and their conviction that Christ’s power is even greater.