Pastoral care in African-initiated churches – a case study of the Redeemed Christian Church of God In the London borough of Southwark and implications for pastoral care of Africans in the Church of England

Adams, Olugboyega Adeoye (2019). Pastoral care in African-initiated churches – a case study of the Redeemed Christian Church of God In the London borough of Southwark and implications for pastoral care of Africans in the Church of England. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

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Abstract

African Initiated Churches (AICs) in Diaspora have attracted a variety of scholarly interests. The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), founded in Lagos, Nigeria, in 1952, has founded branches in major cities worldwide. This study evaluated pastoral care practices in RCCG congregations in the London Borough of Southwark and Yoruba majority congregations in the Church of England (CofE) Dioceses of Southwark and London that are led by Yoruba and non-African CofE clergy to identify good practices that CofE and other churches can embrace to improve pastoral care of African congregants, particularly new migrants. The study concluded that the pastoral care approach adopted by the RCCG congregations in the UK is largely influenced by Yoruba culture; it is communal and proactive. It is also contextual, holistic in addressing the existential needs of their congregants. All CofE participants expressed serious concern about lack of training in intercultural pastoral care to facilitate effective care of African congregants. The study concluded that the communal-proactive-holistic contextual pastoral care approach of the RCCG congregations challenges traditional Eurocentric perspectives of pastoral care. AICs in Diaspora are God’s gifts to the World Church to enhance the understanding of intercultural pastoral care through the care of migrants.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

Supervisor(s):