Pentecostal Missiology: Encountering Wounded Society through a Scholarship of Engagement

Abstract

A scholarship of engagement is an approach that connects knowledge systems to the challenges facing society in a meaningful way. This article reviews the literature on Pentecostal missiology to make a new contribution through a scholarship of engagement. Previous studies on Pentecostal missiology have focused on how Pentecostals conduct their mission and very little on how they engage societal problems. This leaves a gap in how Pentecostal missiology as a discipline engages wounded society, particularly in a South African context. Wounds found within South African society, such as gender-based violence, crime, effects of COVID-19, corruption, climate change, and economic crises are highlighted. This article aims to illustrate that Pentecostal missiology must be aware of societal wounds to be able to truly engage with wounded societies. The study challenges Pentecostal missiologists to not only focus on Pentecostal missions inwardly but to also engage society and its challenges through a scholarship of engagement.