Women’s leadership and empowerment in a black Pentecostal church in South Africa

Abstract

This practical theological study explores women’s leadership and empowerment within African Pentecostal churches, specifically investigating Black Pentecostalism’s stance on gender equity, women’s empowerment, and the challenges posed by resistance to change. It also addresses the persistent marginalisation of women and the barriers to their ordination as pastors. Rooted in a reflective theory of practice, this research examines Christian praxis about human experience, aiming to articulate women’s lived experiences and analyse the causes and implications of their non-ordination within South African Pentecostal churches. It also examines the evolving relationship between African Pentecostalism and gender, focusing on how contemporary Pentecostal movements engage with women’s empowerment while raising awareness and promoting social justice activism to eliminate systemic prejudice and amplify women’s voices. It employs a qualitative methodology, utilising a descriptive narrative case study approach with 24 senior pastors from the Assemblies of God Back to God (BTG) denomination across various provinces in South Africa. Though BTG serves as a case study, the research situates itself within the broader discourse on gender dynamics in African Pentecostalism. The study critically explores how Pentecostal theological frameworks, ecclesial structures, and socio-cultural contexts influence women’s roles in leadership and agency. Thematic analysis is facilitated. Atlas.Ti software was applied to identify patterns in leadership perspectives, institutional practices, and theological justifications regarding women’s ordination. Findings reveal significant tensions between progressive theological visions advocating gender inclusion and entrenched patriarchal interpretations that limit women’s ministerial agency. While some Pentecostal leaders acknowledge the need for change, structural inefficiencies, rigid biblical hermeneutics, and prevailing cultural norms continue to obstruct meaningful transformation. The study suggests that meaningful change may require considerable time and effort, especially due to inefficiencies and leadership styles within African Pentecostal churches. By positioning gender as a critical lens for examining power dynamics in Pentecostal ecclesiology, this research contributes to the scholarly discourse on religion and social justice. It underscores the urgent need for sustained theological reflection and institutional reform to challenge systemic inequalities and foster inclusive leadership within African Pentecostal churches.