Bhengu’s decolonisation vision of the gospel in South Africa: An analysis of the National Church

Abstract

This article analyses Nicholas Bhengu’s vision for decolonising the gospel in South Africa and throughout Africa when Europe colonised Africa in the 17th-century. The article addresses spiritual renewal that is fundamental to Bhengu’s decolonisation endeavour in South Africa and the rest of Africa. Bhengu also addresses the threats of communism, nationalism and Islam. To achieve his goal, Bhengu launched the Back to God Crusade in October 1950 in East London, South Africa. His ultimate goal with this spiritual renewal vehicle was the continent of Africa and Africans. He called Africa to go back to God, using slogans such as ‘Jesus for Africa’, ‘Africa for Jesus’ and ‘Cape to Cairo’. Although the bedrock of his decolonisation was spiritual renewal, he also focused on education for the youth, socio-economic development and entrepreneurial skills for women. The National Church thesis presented at the General Conference Plenary Session of the Assemblies of God on 10 October 1955 forms the basis of his vision. At this conference, Bhengu called for African leadership to take charge of the evangelisation of Africa instead of missionaries. The thesis points to Bhengu’s foresight into the socio-political and geo-economic future of the continent, which is unfolding in sub-Saharan African countries such as Ghana, Kenya and Tanzania. The study method includes Bible texts, literature review, analysis of Bhengu’s thesis on the National Church and his Farewell Message to the Church.

Intradisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary implications: The purpose of the study is to challenge South Africa’s political leaders and government to re-examine the effects of colonisation on various disciplines, which include, the socio-economic, political strategies and policies for true liberation by recognising the spiritual renewal project advocated by Bhengu in their approach to governance and development of the country and its people.