Prosperity and health ministry as a coping mechanism in the poverty and suffering context of Zimbabwe: A pastoral evaluation and response

Abstract

This article calls for rethinking of discipleship within missio Spiritus for political formation necessary for the viable functioning of Zambian Pentecostalism in the neocolonial context. It argues that the theme for the 2018 World Mission Conference in Arusha, Tanzania, "Moving in the Spirit: Called to Transforming Discipleship," calls for pneumato-discipleship in promoting human dignity. Through an empirical missiological approach, the article analyzes interviews conducted with various believers in various Pentecostal communities to demonstrate the emerging missio Spiritus praxis among Zambian Pentecostals, which seeks to promote a missional ethics of resistance to neocolonial political culture. Pneumato-discipleship, as pedagogy for critically conscious disciples, is geared toward realization of human dignity. It is the instrument of hope in the search for dignity and struggle against pervasive inhumanities.

Exploring Cultural Hybridity Branded by Convergence and Syncretism in the Characteristic Features of the Pentecostal Charismatic Churches in Zimbabwe: Implications for Spiritual and Material Well-Being

“…The characteristic features of the NRMs in Zimbabwe are similar to those of the African context. The young and famous prophets, who pay more attention to miraculous wealth and healing, have enticed many poor, young, urban middle-class, elite, and educated Zimbabweans who experience severe economic challenges (Togarasei 2011, p. 341;Mangezi and Manzanga 2016). Prophets claim to perform 'extraordinary' miracles which contradict nature.…”

The impersonalisation of God? A theological analysis of the expression of the power of God’s kingdom among Zimbabwean Pentecostal prophets

“…Older fathers of neo-Pentecostalism held this view. Morris Cerullo is highlighted by Magezi and Manzanga (2016), declaring on the basis of Genesis 2:7: This deification of Christians as 'little gods' is constructed from a particular reading of texts such as Psalm 82:6 and John 10:34-35. While it may appear that all Christians can claim to be little gods, yet, in African Pentecostalism, there is a hierarchical order that propels prophets and pastors to a higher status, giving them the exclusive claim to the title 'Men of God' or 'Women of God' (Gunda & Machingura 2013:17).…”

Not anointing, but justice? A critical reflection on the anointing of Pentecostal prophets in a context of economic injustice

“…Pentecostal prophetic anointing is much visible as a means of confronting the oppressive, exploitative and corrupt economic structures that inhibit ordinary citizens to flourish economically. Several studies link the emergence and growth of Pentecostal prophets in Zimbabwe to the collapse of the national economy under former President Robert Mugabe's rule (Biri & Togarasei 2013;Chibango 2016;Chitando & Biri 2016;Magezi & Manzanga 2016;Mahohoma 2017;Maxwell 1998;Vengeyi 2011). Although the recently ushered in post-Mugabe era is relatively less brutal and the new President Emmerson Mnangagwa has promised to democratise the economy, besides a façade of peace and tranquillity, life in Zimbabwe remains far from being better for many ordinary people.…”