Pentecostalism and Social Transformation in Southern Africa: A Missiological Approach

Abstract

Pentecostalism, a rapidly growing religious movement in Southern Africa, has significantly influenced social transformation, mainly through the Zimbabwe Assemblies of God Africa (ZAOGA) church. The late Archbishop Ezekiel Guti, a revered figure, dedicated his life to missionary work in Zimbabwe, establishing numerous churches across Southern Africa. Under his leadership, ZAOGA has been instrumental in fostering social transformation among its members through teachings and practices. This study, framed within the concept of Missio Dei, adopts a comprehensive research methodology. It gathers data from a wide range of published sources, including academic papers, books, and official church documents. In addition, the study incorporates participant observation, with researchers attending ZAOGA services and events to gain firsthand insights. This approach allows for a thorough exploration of the origin and historical background of ZAOGA, an in-depth analysis of its teachings and practices related to Missio Dei, and a comprehensive evaluation of its approach to social transformation. The study concludes by affirming that the church, guided by the vision of its founder, promotes holistic personal development through social transformation and sustainable development, aligning with the United Nations Vision 2030’s goal of ending poverty.