23-02-2013, 12:14 PM
Pentecostal churches on the Mainline and African Independent Churches (Aladura)
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ABSTRACT
Religious experience has a gradual and progressive development in the history of a race, nation and society. In Nigeria, there are three recognized religions namely: African traditional religion, Islam and Christianity. Each of the religions has a religious experience and historical background.
Our focus in this paper shall be the religious experience and challenges of Pentecostal churches in post-independence era on Mainline and Aladura churches in Ilorin. The methodology to be adopted is historical and phenomenological. It is observed that there is a phenomenal growth of Pentecostal churches after 1960 and beyond in the community. The period has witnessed an in-flux of Church founders, General Overseers, and Superintendents of such churches. The activities of the Pentecostal churches are effectively challenging the existence and growth of Mainline/Aladura churches in the town. The study therefore highlighted the challenges of Pentecostalism on church growth in Ilorin.
Introduction
The objective of this paper is to examine the challenges of Pentecostal churches on the Mainline and African Independent Churches (Aladura) in Ilorin metropolis in the Post-colonial era in Nigeria. The country got her political independence on 1st October, 1960 from the British Colonial master1. In fact, the country celebrated her 50th political independence some days ago with pomp and pageantry. It is of interest to note that religious independence preceded the political independence. The first attempt was made by the African Churches between 1888 and 19172 through secessions from the Protestant churches because of marginalization and racial discrimination.
The next independent churches in Nigeria were established between 1920’s and 1960.These churches are the Cherubim and Seraphim Church, Christ Apostolic Church, Church of the Lord (Aladura) and Celestial Church of Christ3. In one of our earlier studies, we examined the challenges of the African Independent Churches on the mainline churches in Nigeria.4
The Pentecostal churches have increased phenomenally in Ilorin metropolis from 1960 till date. These churches are in two categories:
1. Pentecostal churches founded and established with their headquarters in the town. In fact, some of the founders are University Lecturers, Civil servants and Business men. The founders of such churches are based in the town. It has also been found out that many of them are elite and well educated. According to Ojo “they are led by the educated elite, which though small in number, exert considerable influence in the society”5. These churches were critically examined in our earlier paper on “Charisma as a phenomenon in the growth of Pentecostal churches in Ilorin”6. Some of these churches are: The Ever Increasing Ministries (Rhema Church) founded by Pastor George Olawale Adegboye, New Testament Christian Church established by Revd. Moses Rahman Popoola, Christ Assembly founded by Revd. Joseph Mohammed Alli. Another peculiar feature of the churches in this category is the fact that some of the founders of the churches were Muslims before they were converted to christianity.This religious experience has assisted them in their preaching and expositions of the gospel. Another feature is the recognition and responsibilities given to women in the Pentecostal churches.
2. Pentecostal churches established with branches in the town. Most of these churches are established in Lagos, Ibadan and Abeokuta the economic nerve centers of the country. For example, The Redeemed Christian Church of God, The Living Faith Church, Deeper Life Christian Church, The Sword of the Spirit, Latter Rain, and Christ Embassy etc.