Research Description
Thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirement of the degree of [Doctor of Philosophy]
Author
Paul Frimpong-Manso
This article is hosted on the Noyam Research Archive with permission from the author.
Date Added to the Noyam Research Archive
Friday, 25th September, 2020
This study examines the origins, growth, development and influence of the Assemblies of God, Ghana (AOGG). The AOGG was birthed in Ghana in 1931 through the instrumentality of two American Missionaries and from a humble beginning has now become one of the significantly large Pentecostal denominations in Ghana. After Ghana’s independence in 1957, leadership of the church passed in Ghanaian hands and there has been a gradual process of better adapting the church to African culture while, at the same time, retaining and developing many of the church’s original features. Adopting a qualitative research method, this study provides empirical evidence to enhance understanding of the history and influence of the AOG in the Ghanaian society. The results show that AOGG has had a major influence on the development of Ghana through the provision of education, healthcare and advocacy especially for the vulnerable in society. The study also indicates that AOGG has experienced a tremendous growth during the period of the Decade of Harvest (from 1990-2000) but later slowed down because most of the congregations turned their attention and finances to church buildings and projects other than missions and were in case sometimes seen as old fashioned by the younger generation. The study also reveals that there have been numerous constitutional debates that have shaped the AOG church in Ghana. In terms of challenges, the study revealed that the church is confronted with financial problems and issues relating to the choice of leaders for various leadership positions. Therefore, by way of engagement with its user community, the study recommends the teaching of AOGG history in AOGG bible colleges, strengthening of departments and AOGG investment in missions should be prioritised. In addition, that the AOGG should resource its agencies enabling them to become more efficient in fulfilling the socioeconomic goals of the church. As the first comprehensive historical study of one of the largest Ghanaian Pentecostal denominations, it makes a significant contribution to our understanding of Pentecostalism in Ghana and, by extension, West Africa.
Copyright and Licenscing
© 2014 Paul Frimpong-Manso
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