Second-Generation African Pentecostals in the West
An Emerging Paradigm
Foreword by Lord Elorm Donkor
Imprint: Pickwick Publications
The rise of African Pentecostal and Charismatic churches in the West has become a growing phenomenon and a starring feature in many social, religious, and political conversations. Most of these discussions are generally centered on the first-generation churches and their missionary attempt to evangelize the West. In this book, Caleb Nyanni offers a fresh insight into the African diaspora church from the perspective of the growing second-generation members and their contributions to the life of the church. He explores the changing nature of the African diaspora Pentecostalism by paying close attention to the Church of Pentecost in the United Kingdom, which serves as a case study. The book explores the frustrations, challenges, opportunities, and culture of the second generation and examines what they bring to Pentecostalism in general.
Caleb Nyanni is the Academic Dean of Birmingham Christian College, UK. He is also an ordained minister with the Elim Pentecostal church, UK.
“Many Christian leaders worry about the future of African Christians in the West. Second-Generation provides a preview of an emerging paradigm and shows that the young people are still interested in the faith and the church. The key to transforming the fears of tomorrow is in the hands of current leaders. What they provide for the youth today will determine the future. Second-Generation provides an insight into preparing the next generation.”
—Opoku Onyinah, Apostle Professor, The Church of Pentecost, Accra, Ghana
“Second-Generation African Pentecostals in the West opens the eyes of the churches to two new realities. First, young African Pentecostals are here, and they are here to stay. Second, they are not entirely happy with the way their parents do church. Caleb Nyanni invites African churches to rethink their existence in the Diaspora. Both the leaders of African churches and students of African Christianity will find this timely book useful and exciting to read. I cannot recommend it enough.”
—Harvey C. Kwiyani, Lecturer of African Christianity and Theology, Liverpool Hope University
“Solidly based on personal interviews and observations, Caleb Nyanni has done a brilliant job of navigating the tension that exists between the children of African migrants who have acculturated to their host culture, and their church environment that has not adjusted to these changes and remains an ‘African’ church. This intimate and inside perspective of a Ghanaian migrant church is an important resource.”
—Allan H. Anderson, Emeritus Professor of Mission and Pentecostal Studies, University of Birmingham
“A major concern of African Pentecostals in Britain is how to manage the generational transition taking place in their churches. Based on in-depth empirical research and many years’ experience as a Pentecostal pastor, Nyanni’s book makes a significant contribution to our understanding of African Pentecostal churches in the Diaspora, and in particular the challenges they are facing at this critical moment in their history as they seek to retain second generation members who have been brought up in Britain.”
—Richard Burgess, Senior Lecturer, University of Roehampton
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