An evaluation of indigenous creativities among the leadership of Nigerian Pentecostal churches.

Abstract

This study which is situated within the context of African Pentecostalism is an investigation into the indigenous creativities of Pentecostal Pastors in Church leadership in Nigeria. Arguably, Nigeria has an established Pentecostal landscape which is the most dynamic in the whole of Africa. This writer believes that it is the indigenous creativities of the Pentecostal leadership in Nigeria which has largely contributed to this dynamism. A question that comes to mind is ‘Why is good and visionary leadership in Christian organisations of importance?’ the answer is obvious; on a general level, good leadership is essential for the wellbeing of such organisations. And in particular, good leadership and creativity are notable indexes in the growth of urban Pentecostal and charismatic groups. More often than not, the solitary or visionary leadership of a prominent individual in religious circles has often created an organisation that has tended at a later stage to become a denomination. In this type of organisation, the life of the group centres on the interpretations of the visions of the leader. Good examples of this scenario in Nigeria include, the Deeper Life Christian Ministry, led by William F. Kumuyi, the Living Faith Winners Bible Church, led by David Oyedepo, the Mountain of Fire and Miracles ministries, led by Daniel Olukoya, the Sword of the Spirit Ministries, led by Francis Wale Oke, and so on. Three research questions are of particular interest to this study. The first is ‘How can Nigerian Pentecostal groups be classified?’ Second, ‘What are the major indigenous leadership creativities amongst Pentecostal leadership in Nigeria?’ And third ‘How can the whole phenomenon be evaluated in terms of the prospects and pitfalls of such creativities?’. The study shall make allusions to different indigenous Pentecostal groups in Nigeria. The reason for this is obvious; many Pentecostal groups in Nigeria share these leadership creativities; this shall soon be shown in subsequent discussions. Amongst others, the areas of indigenous creativity which this chapter is focused include administration and organisation, doctrinal dissemination, worship dynamics, meeting needs of members, and addressing cultural issues. Through the research questions and scope of the study enumerated above, this study argues that the indigenous creativities in church leadership by many Nigerian Pentecostal pastors have in many respects aided the continuous significance and expansion of such Pentecostal churches; however, there is the need to constantly evaluate such ingenuity in order to maximize their prospects and curb their excesses.