In life, it is often necessary to challenge and question long-standing systems. The longevity of a tradition does not automatically justify its continued relevance or correctness and this applies to religion as well. We must critically examine historical practices and revisit the early church’s foundations, recognising that colonisers and global powers have shaped Christianity in ways that should be reconsidered. As discussed last week, many brave, influential figures have confronted colonial oppressors and challenged imposed doctrines. For many, this has illuminated the truth of God’s will as revealed in the Bible, often drawing individuals closer to the faith rather than pushing them away. While last week’s focus was North America, this week, I will explore how Christianity has evolved and been embraced in innovative ways across parts of Asia and Latin America.

Dr. David Yonggi Cho, born in 1936, is a highly influential figure in global Christianity, renowned for founding the Yoido Full Gospel Church in Seoul, South Korea. This church has grown into the world’s largest Pentecostal congregation, with over 800,000 members. Dr. Cho’s faith journey began at 17 when a serious illness led him to seek spiritual guidance and experience a profound healing, which solidified his Christian beliefs. His emphasis on the power of the Holy Spirit, including healing and prophecy, resonated deeply in post-war Korea. Despite facing skepticism from traditional Christians and resistance to Pentecostal practices, Dr. Cho’s unwavering faith and innovative methods transformed ministry practices. He pioneered the use of cell groups for church growth and dynamic worship services, strategies that have been widely adopted and reshaped Christian ministry worldwide. Dr. Cho’s ministry was also instrumental in transforming South Korea’s religious landscape after Japanese occupation, significantly advancing Christianity and influencing the region’s contemporary Christian culture.

Secondly, I will examine how the rapid growth of Christianity has similarly unfolded in Latin America. Christianity was introduced to the continent by the Spanish and Portuguese, who established many European cultural practices and traditions, including the Catholic Church. For many indigenous and local people at the time, this version of Christianity was often characterised by suppression and control. Although Catholicism remains the dominant religion in South America, there has been significant growth in other Christian movements that have diverged from the traditional European Christian practices, focusing instead on the Pentecostal origins of the early church and the power of the Holy Spirit.

A contemporary example of this influence is Pastor Guillermo Maldonado. Originally from Honduras, Maldonado converted to Christianity in his early 20s following a profound encounter with God. He founded El Rey Jesús (King Jesus) Ministry in Miami, which has grown into one of the largest Hispanic churches in the U.S., boasting over 20,000 members. Maldonado’s emphasis on the supernatural, miracles, healing and deliverance has faced criticism for deviating from traditional Christian practices. Nevertheless, he remains dedicated to his mission. Maldonado also emphasises that his church is not merely a ‘Spanish church’ but a global ministry with a far-reaching impact beyond just the Spanish-speaking community. Similar to Dr. Cho, his approach reflects a resurgence of the early Pentecostal movement as witnessed in the Bible, bringing a fresh perspective to Christianity in Latin American.

Another modern-day figure whose ministry has particularly blessed me is Pastor Yesenia Then. A prominent pastor, teacher and author from the Dominican Republic, she is known for her dynamic preaching and influential global ministry across Latin America. Through her ministry, Centro Cristiano Soplo de Vida (Breath of Life), she emphasises spiritual growth, restoration and empowerment, reaching audiences worldwide through tours, conferences and various initiatives aimed at spreading the Christian faith in a dynamic way. She leads one of the fastest-growing churches in the Dominican Republic, drawing diverse congregations in her gathering of hundreds for Sunday services. Her profound influence extends to millions who follow her on social media, where she continues to inspire and uplift a global community. 

Many of the fastest-growing churches in Latin America are Pentecostal churches that have historically challenged and diverged from traditional Christian practices. Researchers have observed that Pentecostal worship resonates more with the native people of Latin American nations, as it closely resembles their indigenous forms of expression from before colonisation, characterised by vibrancy and spiritedness. This connection is often cited as a key factor in the rapid growth of these churches (Ashenden, 2022).

I will conclude this series by reflecting on how, like the French singer Simiane mentioned last week, my faith has been profoundly enriched by my experiences within African communities. My Christian roots were established early through attending our local Catholic Church, where my custom to serve in the church began. When I moved out of my parents’ home, I was drawn to another church denomination, discovered through a university friend I met at an African-Caribbean dance society at university. I’ve always been captivated by the vibrancy of African and Caribbean culture, especially in dance. After seeing a clip of the church’s praise and worship on social media, I was similarly attracted to it.

The predominantly African membership of the church did not deter me, as the gospel they preached was inclusively global, and it was evident that the church had a global vision. This vision has since united people from all nations on Sunday mornings, making it a truly multicultural church. My experience of the authentic found in African worship of God has profoundly shaped my understanding of how God should be approached, with passion, vitality, and reverence. I am grateful for those who have come to know God in truth and chose not to suppress their cultural expressions, but rather to use them to enrich the understanding of others. These individuals have opened my eyes to a new perspective on my relationship with God and have helped me grasp the true meaning of joy and liberation.

As I explored successful ministries worldwide, I observed that many experiencing rapid growth follow a similar approach. They draw inspiration from the early Pentecostal movement, reminiscent of the day Apostle Peter preached to thousands of people from all cultural backgrounds and saw 3,000 baptisms in one day, marking the beginning of the Christian Church. Whether in the Western or Eastern hemispheres, these ministries utilise the authenticity of their own cultures to embody that Pentecostal spirit. As I mentioned last week, God never intended for cultural expression to be suppressed rather, our cultural diversity should enrich the Christian body by deepening the experience and understanding of the Gospel. This also demonstrates how the truth of the Gospel transcends borders, uniting us all in its timeless message of love, hope and redemption.

References

Ashenden, G. (2022, December 12). The rise of Protestantism in Latin America. Catholic Herald. https://catholicherald.co.uk/the-rise-of-protestantism-in-latin-america/