ABSTRACT
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, prosperity theology had reached its peak, aiding many African Pentecostal movements in attracting large crowds of the faithful searching for divine miracles and improved livelihood. The chapter will provide an overview on the phenomenon of megachurches in East and Southern Africa. It will demonstrate that the development of the megachurch phenomenon in this region is complex and directly and indirectly related to the socioeconomic, political, and cultural history of particular nations. The chapter will specifically explore megachurches in seven African countries: Madagascar, Ethiopia, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Zambia, and South Africa. The origins, nature of liturgy (worship), distinct characteristics, spiritual services, and evangelism styles, technology, and media use of selected megachurches will be examined.
