Saving Souls and ‘Trees’: An Emerging Model of Pentecostal-Charismatic Eco-Missions in the Church of Pentecost, Ghana

The emergence of Pentecostal-Charismatic Christianity in Ghana has historically been characterized by a perceived schism between faith and science. This schism was particularly evident in some Ghanaian Pentecostal-Charismatic Churches (PCCs), where the use of both orthodox and herbal medications was...

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Main Authors: Christian Tsekpoe, Emmanuel Awudi
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-01-01
Series:Religions
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2077-1444/16/1/77
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author Christian Tsekpoe
Emmanuel Awudi
author_facet Christian Tsekpoe
Emmanuel Awudi
author_sort Christian Tsekpoe
collection DOAJ
description The emergence of Pentecostal-Charismatic Christianity in Ghana has historically been characterized by a perceived schism between faith and science. This schism was particularly evident in some Ghanaian Pentecostal-Charismatic Churches (PCCs), where the use of both orthodox and herbal medications was prohibited. The rift between the two domains within the African Pentecostal-Charismatic tradition, which persisted until recent times, highlights significant implications for the intersection of religious beliefs and scientific practises within various African contexts. This traditional one-dimensional approach adopted by PCCs in Africa influenced their interpretation of the Great Commission and has resulted in the oversight of important aspects of their mission, particularly the lack of attention to the well-being of the natural environment and other non-human entities. However, there is a noticeable shift in this narrative in Ghana, as shown in the case of the Church of Pentecost, which is increasingly becoming involved in initiatives aimed at preserving the earth and its inhabitants. This article utilizes document reviews, a survey, and personal observations to examine the extent to which this emerging eco-mission is embraced within the Church of Pentecost and explores its potential as a model for PCCs in Ghana and beyond. The article proposes strategies for reimagining traditional doctrines to enable the full integration of eco-missions within the broader mission of the church.
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spelling doaj-art-5bfcc21a78a5431592d9b0fb761cf9b72025-01-24T13:47:32ZengMDPI AGReligions2077-14442025-01-011617710.3390/rel16010077Saving Souls and ‘Trees’: An Emerging Model of Pentecostal-Charismatic Eco-Missions in the Church of Pentecost, GhanaChristian Tsekpoe0Emmanuel Awudi1School of Theology and Mission, Pentecost University, Sowutoum, Accra P.O. Box KN 1739, GhanaSchool of Theology and Mission, Pentecost University, Sowutoum, Accra P.O. Box KN 1739, GhanaThe emergence of Pentecostal-Charismatic Christianity in Ghana has historically been characterized by a perceived schism between faith and science. This schism was particularly evident in some Ghanaian Pentecostal-Charismatic Churches (PCCs), where the use of both orthodox and herbal medications was prohibited. The rift between the two domains within the African Pentecostal-Charismatic tradition, which persisted until recent times, highlights significant implications for the intersection of religious beliefs and scientific practises within various African contexts. This traditional one-dimensional approach adopted by PCCs in Africa influenced their interpretation of the Great Commission and has resulted in the oversight of important aspects of their mission, particularly the lack of attention to the well-being of the natural environment and other non-human entities. However, there is a noticeable shift in this narrative in Ghana, as shown in the case of the Church of Pentecost, which is increasingly becoming involved in initiatives aimed at preserving the earth and its inhabitants. This article utilizes document reviews, a survey, and personal observations to examine the extent to which this emerging eco-mission is embraced within the Church of Pentecost and explores its potential as a model for PCCs in Ghana and beyond. The article proposes strategies for reimagining traditional doctrines to enable the full integration of eco-missions within the broader mission of the church.https://www.mdpi.com/2077-1444/16/1/77SoulsTreesEco-MissionGreat CommissionGhanaian Pentecostal-Charismatic Christianity
spellingShingle Christian Tsekpoe
Emmanuel Awudi
Saving Souls and ‘Trees’: An Emerging Model of Pentecostal-Charismatic Eco-Missions in the Church of Pentecost, Ghana
Religions
Souls
Trees
Eco-Mission
Great Commission
Ghanaian Pentecostal-Charismatic Christianity
title Saving Souls and ‘Trees’: An Emerging Model of Pentecostal-Charismatic Eco-Missions in the Church of Pentecost, Ghana
title_full Saving Souls and ‘Trees’: An Emerging Model of Pentecostal-Charismatic Eco-Missions in the Church of Pentecost, Ghana
title_fullStr Saving Souls and ‘Trees’: An Emerging Model of Pentecostal-Charismatic Eco-Missions in the Church of Pentecost, Ghana
title_full_unstemmed Saving Souls and ‘Trees’: An Emerging Model of Pentecostal-Charismatic Eco-Missions in the Church of Pentecost, Ghana
title_short Saving Souls and ‘Trees’: An Emerging Model of Pentecostal-Charismatic Eco-Missions in the Church of Pentecost, Ghana
title_sort saving souls and trees an emerging model of pentecostal charismatic eco missions in the church of pentecost ghana
topic Souls
Trees
Eco-Mission
Great Commission
Ghanaian Pentecostal-Charismatic Christianity
url https://www.mdpi.com/2077-1444/16/1/77
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