Leadership and Women Empowerment in Neo-Pentecostal African Churches

This paper looks into the evolution of neo-Pentecostalism in Africa, particularly Southern Africa (Botswana, South Africa and Malawi) and how it has changed the religious and socio-political roles of women in this region. It... [ view full abstract ]

This paper looks into the evolution of neo-Pentecostalism in Africa, particularly Southern Africa (Botswana, South Africa and Malawi) and how it has changed the religious and socio-political roles of women in this region. It draws on the strengths that Pentecostalism has brought to women in Southern Africa. A discussion of the traditional political setting of an African society as being mainly patriarchal is given and a contrast to the status quo is duly made. Particular attention will be paid to the leadership roles that women have since usurped as a consequence of the widely embraced Pentecostal practice. Pentecostalism is presented as having had major positive shifts of political and most importantly religious power for women. With recognition of the positives brought forth by the proliferation of neo-Pentecostalism in Southern Africa has come some criticism. This criticism, emanating mostly from the traditional Catholic establishment, argues against the extensive use of prosperity gospel as a way of luring in masses, especially women. The paper explores this anti-Pentecostal stance and brings forth interesting findings such as those of tithing and offerings as instituted within the Pentecostal church and how these practices affect women.