Missiological Implications of Pietism for Protestant African Christianity

Abstract

Africa is the most religious place on earth. Such religiosity is manifested in several expressions of Christianity. However, the dominance of Christianity in the population has not resulted in the expected societal transformation. There is a significant disconnect between faith and daily living. This article argues that the reason for disconnection is similar to that of Frankfurt and many parts of Post-Reformation Germany. The tide of events began to change when Jakob Spenner pioneered what became Pietism. As Pietism led to a moral-ethical revival in Germany, the same should be replicated in Africa. This article suggests that, as part of the missiological demands of the gospel, African Christians must prioritize biblical preaching and teaching in homes, emphasize the ethical demands of the gospel on Africans, invest deliberately in transformative missions, and disciple local believers for public places.