AIC theologies and western missions: a South African analysis

Abstract

African Independent Churches (AICs) are groups of churches emerging out of western mainline church experiences. They have increased into many small groups with variant names of their interest. The process of constant breakaways gave them the urge to multiply and gain autonomy. The mainline churches constantly criticise the disadvantaged of this uncontrollable proliferation for lack of theological focus. In South Africa, they are in both large and small faith groups. They are, however, growing irrespective of the theological concern of the mainline scholars and researchers. Since they have evolved over many years alongside the mainline churches, they are aware of such criticisms. As a result, they are compelled to work on a strategy to develop their theology to public spaces. The founding leaders and visions form the core of their theologies. Their biblical faith learned from their founders’ leadership and visions. They are Africans who want to teach themselves the Christian ways anchored in their traditional heritages. Can AICs ever have a unique own theologies? This is the core-interest approach to this article.