God in the city : Pentecostalism as an urban phenomenon in Kenya

Abstract

This article focuses on contemporary Kenyan Pentecostal Christianity, and depicts it as an urban phenomenon geared to meet the needs of urban Kenyans, particularly those from the middle and working classes. It explores the origins and characteristics of the Deliverance Church of Kenya (DCK), one of the largest Pentecostal churches in Kenya, and one which has penetrated major towns and urban centres in the country. The article also discusses important features of modern Pentecostalism and argues that these features only favour urban environments. The article argues that Kenyan Pentecostalism has learned not only to survive in whatever socio-cultural and economic circumstances it finds itself, but has also, in fact, learned to thrive in such circumstances. Moreover, in its quest for relevance in rapidly changing times, Kenyan Pentecostalism has established a niche for itself in urban Kenya. The article concludes that Pentecostalism, as a modern and urban movement, caters for the needs of upwardly mobile youth and helps to expose and connect them to the modern world of commodities, media and financial flows – without being overwhelmed by it.