Towards a Power-Oriented Pneumatology with Missional Implications in Lubumbashi, DRC

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.