Pentecostal mission and development in Nigeria: A periodic analysis of 1990-2015

Abstract

Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, is ranked 163rd in the United Nations (UN) Human Development Index (HDI) for the second consecutive year. This study discusses Pentecostalism and mission development in Nigeria, 1990-2015. The teeming membership of Nigerians in the Pentecostal churches and organizations in Nigerian cities in the recent times could best be explained that Prosperity Gospel has been widely perceived and accepted by the youths in particular and others in general. Prosperity Gospel has been widely perceived and accepted as a redemptive message that addresses the needs of the poor and the wellbeing of the society. In attempt to examine Pentecostalism and mission development in Nigeria, 1990-2015, this research uses a historical combination and library research. We also used qualitative content analysis. Our findings reveal that though religious missions are given very little recognition in developmental activities in Nigeria, it has contributed its fair share in the development of the nation. This work will serve as a reference material to scholars and students in the field of Church History, Sociology of religion, African studies, policy makers and Church leaders in various denominations. This paper concludes that Pentecostal churches engaged in mission activities such as building entrepreneur skills, running of clinics and schools, and the beneficiaries are both members and the non-members alike.