Pentecostal Experiences in the Ministry of Ignatius (Engenas) Lekganyane (1885–1948) in the Zion Christian Church in South Africa,

Abstract

Ignatius Lekganyane (1885–1948), popularly known as Engenas Lekganyane, was the founder and bishop of the Zion Christian Church (ZCC) in South Africa (SA) which he led from its inception in 1924 until he died in 1948. Historians and theologians have studied the life and ministry of Lekganyane; however, what remains under-researched are the links between his ministry and the Pentecostal movement. This article discusses a study that aimed to bridge this gap by using a literature review in qualitative research to trace the Pentecostal experiences in the life and ministry of Lekganyane using the ecclesiastical history framework. In simple terms, Lekganyane’s Pentecostal experiences were traced to analyse the ZCC’s historical implications. This was achieved by conducting a biographical study of the life and ministry of Lekganyane from an early age until he died in 1948. The article discusses Lekganyane’s Pentecostal background by linking his ministry with Pentecostal leaders and movements of the early 20th century. The article also discusses the main Pentecostal characteristics identified in his life and ministry, including Spirit baptism, prophecy, divine healing and triple immersion baptism. The rationale behind the loss of the Pentecostal flavour in his life and ministry was discussed in detail. Furthermore, the article looks at the ZCC’s historical implications of the Pentecostal influence in the life and ministry of Lekganyane in order to offer recommendations for further studies.