Pentecostalism in the Context of Nigeria: The Historical Origin, Antecedents, and Development of Pentecostal Churches in Nigeria

Abstract

The close affinity of Nigerian Pentecostalism with its unique historical origin and nature gave rise to a fast-growing number of Nigerian Pentecostal churches that emerged from the late 1990s to date, resulting in its peculiar growth patterns. Arising from a convergence of factors that include local religious practices, Christian missionary practices, and a series of early charismatic revival movements and personalities, Nigerian Pentecostalism rapidly developed in the 20th century with key influences of early charismatic Christian activities generated from Sub-Saharan West Africa and advanced from the West. The main objective of this article is to provide an understanding of the connection of the Nigerian Pentecostal churches to their historical root and the reasons for the contributions, intricacies, and challenges surrounding their prominent and influential involvement in society today. A descriptive and analytical method of explorative research was utilized with data collected from published and unpublished materials, statements, and other available literature between the 19th and 21^st centuries as research tools for this study. The study concludes that Pentecostal churches in Nigeria did not just spring from thin air but have a unique historical origin, personalities, events, characteristics, and attitude to life, propelling their growth, expansion, and prominence in and outside Nigeria. The implication therefore from this study is that it influences discourse on historical knowledge, theological and social understanding, and policy-making efforts, and it bridges the gap by providing a more accurate picture of the origins, events, prominent figures, and personalities.