Journal: Conspectus
Volume: CONSPECTUS 39:1 (Apr 2025)
Article: Towards A Power-Oriented Pneumatology With Missional Implications In Lubumbashi, DRC
Author: Jesse Fungwa Kipimo

SATS 39:1 (April 2025) p. 25

Towards A Power-Oriented Pneumatology With Missional Implications In Lubumbashi, DRC

Jesse Fungwa Kipimo

South African Theological Seminary

About The Author

Jesse Fungwa Kipimo holds a Ph.D. in Theology from the University of South Africa (UNISA). His areas of expertise include Missiology, Pentecostal and charismatic studies, Pneumatology, Discipleship, African Christianity, marriage, and family. He is the Head of Program Delivery, a Postgraduate Supervisor, and a Lecturer at the South African Theological Seminary. He is the current moderator for the Francophone African Theologians’ network, gathering more than three hundred scholars. Dr. Kipimo is an author of several Christian books and articles, an ordained minister of the gospel under the Pentecostal Assemblies of God, and a founding pastor for the Liberating Truth Mission Church International in Lubumbashi, DRC.

Email: [email protected]

This article: https://www.sats.ac.za/conspectus/towards-power-oriented-pnematology-drc https://doi.org/10.54725/conspectus.2025.1.2

Abstract

Mission and power are closely linked concepts in missiological discourses, particularly among Spirit- oriented ecclesial communities. The abuses that sometimes accompany the use of spiritual gifts lead critics to make sweeping statements to condemn and challenge their authenticity in contemporary times. However, I argue that a power-oriented pneumatology contributes to the missio Dei and the transformation of the African Christian landscape. This study uses Osmer’s model as its theoretical framework. Findings from this study suggest that a power-oriented pneumatology fosters mission through church membership recruitment, responds to existential questions of church members, and adds an experiential dimension to the Christian faith. This article contributes to African Pentecostal missional studies. It brings an insider’s perspective on the continuity of the miraculous gifts in the church. The article adds to the African Pentecostal debates in support of the argument on the continuity of charismatic gifts in African Christianity.

Keywords

power-oriented pneumatology, mission, power, spiritual gifts, Spirit-oriented church

1. Introduction

The Democratic Republic of Congo, the context for this study, deserves some description. According to Operation World (n.d.), 92.2% of the country identifies as Christian. The majority align themselves with Spirit-oriented churches. The sociopolitical context has been characterized by war and conflict since 1997. The political malaise of the country has negatively affected the livelihood of the people.

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