ABSTRACT
Faith-based organizations (FBOs) are increasingly recognized as partners in development by the international community, including the United Nations. The main focus of this chapter is on Pentecostal FBOs of Nigerian provenance. The chapter begins with a general discussion of FBOs and their inclusion in the international development agenda. Here I engage with some of the issues and debates discussed in the literature on FBOs. Second, I examine the Nigerian context and the proliferation of NGOs and FBOs (including Pentecostal FBOs) in recent decades. While many Pentecostal FBOs are informal ministries run by churches, Nigerian Pentecostals are also establishing FBOs of the NGO variety in their quest for recognition and partnership with donor organizations. Finally, the chapter explores some of the key characteristics and motivations of Nigerian Pentecostal churches that help to shape their understanding of development and their developmental activities. Pentecostals and development actors find common ground in their focus on transformation and empowerment. However, Nigerian Pentecostals do not separate religion from development. This holistic approach has the potential to bring them into conflict with secular donor organizations and NGOs. The chapter examines some of the religious assets that Pentecostal churches contribute to their development activities, such as leadership, lay participation, buildings, use of the media, and networks.
