Abstract
This chapter examines the growth and ecclesial practices of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) in Britain from the 1980s to the present. The RCCG was founded by Josiah Akindayomi in 1952. From a small, localised Pentecostal denomination in south-western Nigeria, it has become a movement of global significance with branches in over 180 nations.
The chapter begins with an historical overview of the RCCG in Britain, setting this within the broader context of African church-planting in Britain. This is followed by an examination of the factors influencing the RCCG’s growth and shaping its ecclesial practices. Some social scientific explanations of African churches in Europe focus on their social function. This essay follows those studies that adopt a more holistic approach by taking account of sociological, theological and missiological factors behind their emergence and growth. By doing so, it provides a glimpse into the life of one of the most dynamic churches in Britain.
The chapter begins with an historical overview of the RCCG in Britain, setting this within the broader context of African church-planting in Britain. This is followed by an examination of the factors influencing the RCCG’s growth and shaping its ecclesial practices. Some social scientific explanations of African churches in Europe focus on their social function. This essay follows those studies that adopt a more holistic approach by taking account of sociological, theological and missiological factors behind their emergence and growth. By doing so, it provides a glimpse into the life of one of the most dynamic churches in Britain.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Christianity in Britain since 1914 |
| Editors | David Goodhew, Mark Smith |
| Publisher | Palgrave Macmillan |
| Chapter | 11 |
| Pages | 245-266 |
| Number of pages | 21 |
| ISBN (Electronic) | 978-3-031-71311-8 |
| ISBN (Print) | 978-3-031-71310-1 |
| Publication status | Published - 2024 |