On July 12, the webinar series ‘What is Evangelicalism?’ initiated by the WEA and the Kirby Laing Center continues, this time with respected leaders from Africa, Dr. Master Matlhaope, Dr. Fohle Lygunda li-M, and Dr. Martin Munyao, sharing their thoughts on the shape that evangelicalism in Africa is taking today. The conversation was moderated by Dr. David Tarus and Dr. Peirong Lin.
Commitment to the Bible. Cross-centered. Necessity of conversion. Activism in spreading the Gospel.
These have been hailed as the ‘classic’ marks of evangelicalism commonly identified as the ‘Bebbington Quadrilateral.’ While acknowledging that it is a cardinal point of departure in defining evangelical identity, the panelists of the Africa conversation agreed that it is not complete. This is considering that the Quadrilateral was formulated in a particular context and the context of the evangelical community has changed since then. In the region with the most number of Christians in the world but also with countries facing deep-seated problems of poverty and social injustice, theological markers as such will have to include concrete practical dimensions for African evangelicals.
“The Christian life cannot end in conversion but should continue in holiness and sanctification,” says Dr. Master Mathlaope, general secretary of the Association of Evangelicals in Africa. This means not only personal holiness manifested through a daily walk with Christ and the Holy Spirit but also holiness that results in the holistic ministry of transforming structures and institutions in society. Dr. Fohle Lygunda li-M stressed the importance of having a Gospel not only for the soul but for the totality of human beings as a whole, one with the power to restore life’s broken relationships -with God, with one’s self, with others, and with the rest of creation. Accordingly, Dr. Martin Munyao is of the view that engaging in real life situations like political issues, interfaith dialogue, social inequalities, climate change and the likes, is the next curve in terms of re-equipping leaders of evangelical churches in Africa.
The next conversation will be with our friends from Latin America. We hope to see you again!
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