My Background Part 2 - Who Rules the Playground?

Last time I gave you a bit of background to the scene which I was raised in. Today, I want to give you some history regarding some of the key players in African Pentecostalism. By the way, my consideration will not look at one major denomination, the Deeper Christian Life Ministry, for several reasons. Firstly, the DCLM [which I grew up in] has a clear reputation for being the ‘biblicists’ of African Pentecostalism. Its founder and General Superintendent, Dr. W.F. Kumuyi, a former Professor of Mathematics, has long been the object of scorn from even his own peers for his relentless desire to be 100 per cent Biblical, for which I believe he is to be commended. Secondly, Dr. Kumuyi himself has argued relentlessly against many of the peculiar practices and beliefs among his peers [which I'll document in part 3].With that in mind, let’s look at some of the major denominations among African Pentecostals.

THE CHRIST APOSTOLIC CHURCH

Most Nigerians know something of the CAC. A renewal movement from the Anglican Church, they seceded from the Anglicans due to doctrinal disputes. They rose to prominence during an outbreak of influenza in the year 1919, and the year after came under the influence of an American-based church known as Faith Tabernacle of Philadelphia. The movement, rooted in prayer and Pentecostal-like experiences, finally became a household name in 1930 when one Apostle J.A. Babalola was reputed to have raised a person from the dead, leading to thousands flocking to Ilesa, the home of the movement. The then-Faith Tabernacle of Nigeria then took to itself the name Christ Apostolic Church, by which it is known today. It is known for its vigorous beliefs in Holy Ghost baptism, miracles and offensives against ‘witches and wizards’.

THE REDEEMED CHRISTIAN CHURCH OF GOD

The RCCG, or Redeemed for short, was founded by a man called Josiah Akindayomi. Originally part of the famous Church Missionary Society, Akindayomi joined the Cherubim and Seraphim movement [long and short - they're a cult. Everyone in African Pentecostalism agrees on that...], however he soon claimed to be hearing voices from God to leave the C and S and begin his own ministry. [As an aside, with the notable expection of DCLM, whose founder was ejected from the Apostolic Faith movement for practicing unsanctioned evangelism and home Bible studies, all APCs start that way...]. In 1952, Akindayomi started a home group called the Glory of God Fellowship, later renamed as the RCCG.

Their real claim to fame is found in Akindayomi’s successor, Pastor Enoch Adeboye. Himself, a lecturer in Applied Mathematics, [it has always interested me how these men are so mightily educated...], Adeboye began as a translator to Akindayomi, before succeeding him after his death. Having met him in person, he is quite a humble and sincere man, yet he is determined to press on the mission of the Church which started with its founder. They engage in prayer and ‘deliverance’ meetings [more often than not done as all-night services] and believe in quite a few peculiar practices [more in Part 3].

THE MOUNTAIN OF FIRE AND MIRACLES MINISTRIES

Now I will try to be impartial at this point, though from the outside, I must say this - THIS GROUP IS ABSOLUTELY THE BEST EXAMPLE OF WHAT IS WRONG WITH APCs. The MFMM started in 1998, with its pastor, Dr. D.K. Olukoya,  a PhD in Microbiology, is known for his messages which are the classic topic of APCs - the spiritual realm. A relatively young church, MFM has exploded in size, partly due to the fearmongering messages about just about every evil spirit known to man [most of which are made up...]. The movement, known for its emphasis on ‘fire prayers’ has books with such titles as ‘Power against Marine Witchcraft’ and ‘Dealing with Satanic Local Technology’ - and cranks out dozens every year. [Again, how does a man as gifted as Dr. Olukoya,  with over 70 accreditable scientific publications to his name, get involved in foolishness like this.

I’ll wrap up there for now. Next time, I will begin looking at the practices and doctrines from a Biblical perspective.

 

Grace and peace,

YC