THE ROLE OF PROPHECY IN THE GROWTH AND EXPANSION OF THE SYNAGOGUE CHURCH OF ALL NATIONS

  • James N Amanze UNISA (University of South Africa)
Keywords: Divination, Healing, Prophecy, Synagogue Church of All Nations, Typology

Abstract

 This article examines the role of prophecy in the growth and expansion of the Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN) in Nigeria. The article argues that the Church in Africa is growing in leaps and bounds – unprecedented in the history of Christianity since its introduction in the 19th century. This growth and development, however, is taking place mainly in the New Religious Movements particularly the Pentecostal-charismatic Churches because of their emphasis on the prophetic ministry of the Church characterised by performance of healing miracles and predicting the future. A good example is the Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN) of Prophet TB Joshua. Taking this as a case study, the article argues that Prophet Joshua’s success and that of his church is found in the fact that they have taken the message of the prophets very seriously and that the modus operandi and modus vivendi of Joshua and SCOAN are reminiscent of the prophetic traditions of Elijah and Elisha in ancient Israel.

Author Biography

James N Amanze, UNISA (University of South Africa)
 Visiting Prof, Dept of Biblical and Ancient Studies, University of South Africa
Published
2014-01-30
Section
Voice and Voicelessness Conference (New York, Oct. 2012)