Emergence of Charismatic Movement in Urhobo, Niger Delta, Nigeria

Abstract

The work of Christian missionaries in penetrating Africa with the Gospel was expanded as natives responded to the call of God in evangelising the continent. The native agents, through their sweat, blood, and tears immensely contributed to the rooting of Christianity in Africa communities. The contributions of these unsung heroes and heroines deserve attention in contemporary African scholarship. In church growth, charismatic leadership is a cardinal factor as everything rises and falls on the leader. This study traced the emergence of charismatic movements in the Anglican Church in Urhobo of Western Delta (Ijaw) of Niger Delta region, Nigeria. It adopted the participant observation and historical methods; and data were drawn from primary and secondary sources. The paper applied the Craven’s theory of domestication of Christianity which is based on the hypothesis that Christianity could best be expressed in a cultural framework and championed by Africans. This could be done by appreciating the cultural elements for enhanced acceptance and expansion of the Christian mission. Charismatic seed was sown in the area by Bishop James Johnson who organised the Anglican churches in 1901. Between 1929 and 1984, the church witnessed the activities of three charismatic movements namely; Ishoshi Erhi (Spirit movement), Anglican Adam Preaching Society, and Anglican Fasting and Prayer Society. The dynamic response of the church leadership to these movements positioned Anglican churches in Urhobo for growth and relevance to the people. The paper recommended unbiased interaction between church leadership and charismatic movements as to harness the various gifting of members for development of the Church of God.