Pentecostalism, gender and leadership roles in West Africa: Reimagining and negotiating patriarchal religious constructs

The article examines the intersections of Pentecostalism, gender, and leadership amongst West Africa Pentecostals, focusing on how women in Nigerian Pentecostal churches have negotiated religious and cultural patriarchal structures. Although Pentecostal theology tends to be based on biblical literalism and authoritative men, it also provides a spiritual and social platform, which can empower women. Based on the idea that Pentecostalism and its expression represents an ‘imaginary social space with practical ramification,’ the article explores how, on one hand, this symbolic realm can reproduce patriarchy, and on the other, allow women to assume new leadership positions. We argue that breaking down institutional and theological boundaries is not merely a question of fairness but a key issue in the Spirit-led redefinition of African Pentecostal leadership. Based on an ethnographic case study of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) in Lagos and London, the article highlights how African Pentecostal women employ spiritual capital, prophetic authority, and maternal representation to seek legitimacy in patriarchal systems. Using an interdisciplinary methodology that combines feminist theology, social feminism, and structural functionalism, the article highlights the creative negotiation of authority by women through transnational networks, missionary, and philanthropic activities.