AFRICAN CHURCHES AND THE FUTURE

African Christianity in Britain dates back to the early 20th century with the establishment of some of the first African-led churches on British soil. One of the earliest was a mission founded by Nigerian Daniel Ekarte in Liverpool. In 1906. Another was a Pentecostal church in Peckham, South London, founded by Ghanaian schoolteacher Kwame Brem-Wilson. Eight decades later, a new wave of Africans began arriving in Britain. Many of them were Christians, and like West Indians before, they were taken aback by the secular and sometimes godless environment they found themselves in. It didn’t take long, however, for them to start establishing their churches, and in so doing, create a distinct brand of Christianity that reflected their cultural and spiritual backgrounds.

Since the 1980s, African churches have begun appearing in Britain, particularly in urban areas, significantly influencing British Christianity. For instance, in London, church attendance rose by 16 percent from 2005 to 2012, increasing from just over 620,000 to more than 720,000. As a result of this growth, Black churchgoers now constitute 48 percent of the Christian population in London, with the London Borough of Southwark serving as the focal point, hosting approximately 240 Black-majority churches and over 20,000 congregants.

This expansion of African churches has challenged a long-standing belief that Christianity in Britain was in terminal decline. Defying expectations, Africans converted former warehouses, bingo halls, and abandoned buildings into places of worship. They transformed these spaces, creating new environments that blended tradition with innovation. They embraced advanced technology and incorporated modern staging, lighting, and sound to craft modern worship experiences. Furthermore, they leveraged digital tools, including websites and YouTube channels, to live-stream their services and reach a wide audience. Additionally, they believed that potential members were likely to have had an online experience of the church before setting foot through the doors. Therefore, engaging with people where they were, rather than where they were assumed to be, is what is important.

At the heart of the philosophy of African churches is the concept of "Reverse Mission." It's an idea, rooted in the missionary tradition, that proposes a reversal of roles. Just as English missionaries went to Africa to spread Christianity, Africans now believe it's their duty to bring Christian renewal back to Britain, "bring Britain back to God" - the argument goes- to counter the country's rampant slide to secularism.

The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), which started in London in 1988 with just a few members, is committed to this mission. Currently, it boasts a membership of 80,000 across more than 800 parishes. Its goal is to have a church branch within a 10-minute walking distance of any location in the country. Similarly, Kingsway International Christian Centre, which began as a small church in East London, now occupies an expansive five-acre site in Chatham, Kent, demonstrating its aim to make Christianity a contemporary visual expression of faith.

The concept of "Reverse Mission" remains an uncertain goal, and efforts to evangelise Britain are likely to face resistance, especially from local Christians who may not appreciate the notion that they require evangelisation. They claim that both English culture and liturgy are less vibrant and emotional compared to African Christians, and it is this cultural difference which may pose the most significant challenge.

Another challenge that African churches will encounter in the future is known as 'the generational shift.' Similar to how the second and third generations of Caribbeans in Britain have moved away from their parents' worship styles, it's believed that African children are likely to follow suit. Some are already doing this by seeking multicultural and modern forms of worship, aligning themselves with Britain's diverse culture. This implies that African churches risk losing generations of their young people unless they adapt to the demographic, social, and cultural changes occurring in Britain.

Pastor Agu Iruku, leader of the Redeemed Christian Church of God in the UK, acknowledges this need for change. He believes that churches must become more open, inclusive, and reflective of the multicultural reality of cities like London. According to Pastor Iruku, "If the church doesn't change, it will be irrelevant in five to ten years." His church has already embarked on a program of transformation to ensure it remains relevant for future generations.

Identity is another challenge that African churches must address to maintain their impressive growth. Young people are increasingly reconnecting with their cultural heritage through music, literature, fashion, and various forms of self-expression. This presents an opportunity for African churches to engage with and embrace while also preserving their unique Christian identity. Doing this is crucial if African churches are to stay relevant to future generations.

Ultimately, the growth of African churches in Britain is not just about numbers; it’s more about their ability to thrive within a complex, multicultural, and increasingly secular society. The challenge is there: how to balance tradition and modernity, culture and faith, in a rapidly changing world. It is only by achieving this balance that African churches will continue to flourish, and with their deep sense of Christianity and bold expression of it, help to reshape the broader Christian community in Britain, creating spaces where faith and culture intersect in meaningful and transformative ways.