CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Introduction

This chapter presents a review of existing literature relevant to the study titled "The Role of
Pentecostalism on Evangelism in Gilgil Town: A Case Study of the Full Gospel Churches of
Kenya, Gilgil Town." The chapter is organized into theoretical and empirical reviews that
analyze past studies and frameworks related to Pentecostalism, evangelism, and church growth.
It seeks to provide a scholarly foundation upon which the study is built, highlighting gaps in
existing literature and supporting the conceptual framework. The review begins with key
theoretical perspectives, followed by an analysis of previous empirical studies that relate to the
factors under investigation. Finally, the chapter presents a summary of the literature, identifies
research gaps, and outlines the conceptual framework guiding the study.

2.2 Theoretical Review

This section provides a detailed discussion of the theoretical foundations relevant to this study. It
highlights the key concepts, principles, and perspectives that support the examination of
Pentecostalism and its influence on evangelism, particularly in the context of the Full Gospel
Churches of Kenya (FGCK) in Gilgil Town. These theories guide the interpretation of data and
the overall understanding of the relationship between church doctrine, practice, and evangelistic
success.

2.2.1 Pentecostalism

Pentecostalism is a dynamic and fast-growing movement within Christianity that emphasizes the
work of the Holy Spirit, personal salvation, spiritual gifts, and a strong evangelical mission. In
the context of this study, Pentecostalism represents the foundation upon which the evangelistic
strategies of the Full Gospel Churches of Kenya (FGCK) in Gilgil Town are based. It is
characterized by Spirit-filled preaching, healing, prophecy, and a vibrant worship culture, all of
which contribute to active evangelism.

Globally, Pentecostalism emerged in the early 20th century during the Azusa Street Revival in
the United States. Since then, it has grown into a major Christian movement influencing millions
across North America, Latin America, Asia, and Africa. It is marked by its emphasis on direct
personal experience with God, emotional worship, and the practice of spiritual gifts such as
speaking in tongues, healing, and prophecy. Its growth has been attributed to its adaptability,
grassroots structures, and the emphasis on empowerment of ordinary believers for ministry.

In Africa, Pentecostalism has rapidly expanded and become a dominant religious force. It has
been embraced due to its emphasis on personal transformation, healing, and the promise of
spiritual and material breakthroughs. Many African Pentecostal churches are deeply embedded in
local contexts, offering relevant spiritual and social solutions to their congregants. The
movement has reshaped traditional religious practices and challenged older, more established
denominations.
In Kenya, Pentecostalism began gaining momentum in the 1970s and 1980s through revival
movements, with churches such as FGCK becoming key players. FGCK operates with a mission-
centered approach, prioritizing evangelism and spiritual empowerment. In Gilgil Town,
Pentecostalism influences church programs, outreach strategies, and community involvement.
The experiential and participatory nature of Pentecostal worship, coupled with focused
evangelistic missions, has enabled churches like FGCK to reach diverse populations. This study
explores how Pentecostalism, through its beliefs, practices, and structures, plays a central role in
advancing evangelism in Gilgil Town.

2.2.2 Evangelism Strategies

Evangelism, in Pentecostal contexts, refers to the proactive efforts of sharing the Christian faith
with the aim of converting individuals and expanding the church. Pentecostal evangelism is often
vibrant and highly participatory, utilizing various strategies to reach the unchurched. These
include crusades, open-air meetings, media broadcasts, one-on-one outreach, and church planting
initiatives. Theologically, evangelism is seen as a divine mandate to spread the gospel to all
nations.

Globally, Pentecostal evangelistic strategies have been characterized by innovative methods that
make use of technology, mass mobilization, and emotionally engaging messages. Television,
radio, and internet platforms have become key evangelism tools in countries such as Brazil,
South Korea, and Nigeria. Pentecostals tend to emphasize direct encounters with God, healing
testimonies, and the power of the Holy Spirit as part of their evangelistic appeal.

In Africa, Pentecostal evangelism has transformed the religious landscape. Churches organize
massive crusades that attract thousands, offering healing, deliverance, and salvation. These
events often become social and spiritual gatherings, creating communal identity among
believers. Additionally, Pentecostal churches have embraced local music, language, and
storytelling to contextualize the gospel.

In Kenya, and specifically in Gilgil Town, FGCK implements a range of evangelistic strategies
to reach the local community. These include street preaching, home visits, social media
engagement, and small fellowship groups. The church integrates prayer, fasting, and deliverance
into its outreach, creating a holistic approach to soul-winning. Evangelism is not just an event
but a lifestyle encouraged among members. This study examines how these strategies contribute
to the growth and influence of FGCK in the Gilgil region.

2.2.3 Contextualization of the Gospel

Contextualization refers to the process of adapting the gospel message to fit the cultural,
linguistic, and social realities of a specific community without compromising biblical truths. In
Pentecostal circles, contextualization ensures that evangelism resonates with the lived
experiences of the target audience. It acknowledges that people are more likely to receive the
gospel when it is communicated in familiar terms and settings.
Internationally, Pentecostal missionaries have embraced contextualization to gain access and
acceptance in diverse societies. For example, in Latin America and parts of Asia, Pentecostalism
often reflects indigenous cultural elements such as music, language, and symbols. This approach
fosters acceptance and increases receptivity.

Across Africa, contextualization has been vital to the success of Pentecostal evangelism. African
Pentecostal churches often incorporate local music, proverbs, community structures, and even
attire into their services. The gospel is preached in local dialects and sermons are tailored to
address immediate social concerns such as poverty, disease, and family issues.

In Kenya, FGCK contextualizes its evangelism by using local languages, engaging in

community-based outreach, and drawing from everyday life experiences. In Gilgil Town, where
diverse ethnic groups coexist, the church utilizes Swahili and other local dialects during services
and outreach. Testimonies from local members and use of relatable life examples in sermons
make the message more authentic. By contextualizing the gospel, FGCK enhances its impact and
fosters deeper connections with the community.

2.3 Empirical Review (analyzes previous empirical studies in order to provide an answer to a
specific research topic)

2.3.1 Evangelism in Pentecostal Churches

Empirical studies have consistently shown that Pentecostal churches adopt dynamic and
community-oriented approaches to evangelism. According to Asamoah-Gyadu (2005),
Pentecostal evangelism in sub-Saharan Africa is characterized by emotional worship, open-air
crusades, and the use of media to reach both believers and non-believers. These strategies are
rooted in a theology that emphasizes the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. A study by
Kalu (2008) highlighted how Pentecostal churches in Nigeria, Kenya, and Ghana have
experienced tremendous growth through decentralized evangelism methods such as home
fellowships and one-on-one witnessing. Similarly, Anderson (2013) notes that the success of
Pentecostal evangelism often stems from its ability to adapt to local needs, making the gospel
message more accessible. In the case of FGCK in Gilgil Town, these evangelism methods are
actively practiced, though limited literature exists to document their specific effectiveness in this
region. This study seeks to fill that gap.

2.3.2 Impact of Pentecostal Evangelism

The impact of Pentecostal evangelism has been widely studied across various contexts. Research
by Burgess and van der Maas (2010) shows that Pentecostalism leads to significant church
growth, not just numerically but also spiritually, through emphasis on discipleship and
community involvement. In Kenya, Njoroge (2017) found that churches employing Pentecostal
evangelism techniques experienced higher rates of conversion and member retention due to their
emphasis on spiritual healing, prophecy, and personal testimony. Moreover, Pentecostal
evangelism often inspires community engagement, such as youth programs, health initiatives,
and financial empowerment workshops, which make churches socially relevant (Maxwell, 2006).
While these studies affirm the success of Pentecostal evangelism elsewhere, there remains a
scarcity of location-specific evidence regarding its tangible impact in semi-urban towns like
Gilgil, a gap this research aims to address.

2.3.3 Challenges in Evangelism

Despite its dynamic methods, Pentecostal evangelism faces several challenges. A study by
Gifford (2009) noted that traditional beliefs and social expectations often lead to resistance
against conversion, especially in African communities with strong ancestral ties. Similarly,
Musyoka (2015) found that financial constraints in rural and semi-urban Kenyan churches hinder
evangelistic activities such as media outreach and crusades. Additionally, Pentecostal churches
often operate independently, leading to a lack of coordinated strategies for evangelism (Gitonga,
2013). In Gilgil Town, FGCK faces similar challenges, including limited resources, competition
from mainstream denominations, and insufficient infrastructure. These obstacles reduce the
church’s capacity to maintain consistent outreach programs, thereby affecting church growth.
Empirical data specific to Gilgil is lacking, reinforcing the importance of this study.

2.3.4 Opposition and Lack of Trained Evangelists

The shortage of trained evangelists remains a major bottleneck in sustaining Pentecostal

evangelism. According to Währisch-Oblau (2009), many Pentecostal congregations rely on lay
evangelists who lack formal theological education, leading to inconsistent messaging and
reduced effectiveness. Oduyoye (2011) also highlights that gender dynamics and hierarchical
leadership structures in some churches further limit who can be trained and sent out. In the
Kenyan context, Kilonzo (2018) notes that churches in small towns often depend heavily on
pastors who juggle multiple roles, stretching them too thin to effectively manage outreach.
FGCK in Gilgil reflects these trends, where evangelism often depends on a small number of
committed individuals with limited institutional support. This study will examine whether
improved training and mentorship could enhance FGCK’s evangelistic outcomes in Gilgil Town.

2.4 Literature Summary and Research Gaps

Existing literature affirms the effectiveness of Pentecostal evangelism strategies in driving

church growth, especially when rooted in the Church Growth Theory. Studies highlight the role
of personal testimonies, leadership, contextual evangelism, and discipleship in fostering both
numerical and spiritual expansion. However, most of the studies are broad and focus on national
or regional levels.

Research Gaps Identified:

Limited empirical studies focused on evangelism challenges in small urban towns like Gilgil.
Lack of specific analysis on the role of local culture in influencing evangelism outcomes in
FGCK.
Inadequate data on how media limitations affect outreach in financially strained
congregations.
This study seeks to bridge these gaps by focusing specifically on FGCK in Gilgil Town.

2.5 Conceptual Framework

The conceptual framework is based on the Church Growth Theory and demonstrates the
relationship between key influencing factors and the growth of the church in FGCK Gilgil Town.

Key Influencing Factors:

Evangelism strategies (crusades, door-to-door, media outreach)

Contextualization of the gospel
Leadership and discipleship programs
Resource availability (financial/material)

Church Growth in FGCK Gilgil Town:

Numerical increase in church membership

Spiritual maturity and commitment among believers
Expansion through church planting

Contextual Challenges Affecting Church Growth:

Community resistance
Cultural beliefs
Access to resources and public perception