Let the Prophet speak: A study on trends in pentecostal prophetism with particular reference to the Church of Pentecost and some neo - pencostal churches in Ghana

Abstract

This study seeks to examine some trends currently present in Ghanaian Pentecostal prophetism in order to open up the prophetic 'problem' for further scholarly probe. The study employs the purposive sampling of participatory method of qualitative research methodology. The instruments used in data collection and analysis include in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, questionnaire administration, and participatory-observation. The Church of Pentecost (CoP) constitutes the main case for the study; however, we also include prophetism in neo-Pentecostal churches in our discussions. The study traces the historical antecedents of the prophetic phenomenon in Ghana and shows its recurrence in Ghanaian Christianity. It identifies four types of prophets in CoP, namely, Prophesiers, Singing Prophets, Grassroots Prophets and Institutionalised Prophets. Grassroots Prophetism together with prophetism in New Prophetic Churches (NPCs) in neo-Pentecostalism constitutes Peripheral prophetism which forms the main thrust of the work. Peripheral prophetism demonstrates how the dialectic of Ghanaian Pentecostals' biblical understanding and the Akan religio-cultural worldview informs their quest for meaning in this life. It also reveals how the supernatural causal other undergirds Ghanaian Pentecostals' understanding of evil and suffering. In negotiating the other Pentecostal prophets propose Christo logical subversions via ritualistic symbolisms. Amidst the challenge it poses to us Pentecostal prophetism offers hope to Ghanaian Christianity due to its ability to respond to soteriological and pastoral needs. In all the study challenges Ghanaian Pentecostals to re-examine their spirituality in order to make their faith meaningful to the Ghanaian public life.