Black Pentecostals- A quiet revolution

When the Windrush Generation arrived in Britain during the 1950s and 60s, they came not only in search of work but also brought with them their deep faith. Among this group were Anglicans, Baptists, and Methodists, but it was the smaller yet significant community of Pentecostals that would go on to establish Caribbean Christianity in Britain. In doing so, they became one of the most transformative religious movements in the country.

Upon arriving in Britain, one of the first actions Pentecostals took was to reach out to fellow Christians who had been marginalized by mainstream English churches, offering a warm welcome. By focusing on shared beliefs rather than doctrinal differences, they were able to forge spiritual alliances, extend their influence, and attract a broad audience to their faith. On weekends, they held ‘open-air’ services, often near busy markets and street corners where Caribbean communities gathered. These services introduced a new form of worship to Britain and became the first public expression of Caribbean Christianity, marked by spirited singing and passionate preaching.

As a child, I often accompanied my father to these open-air services, playing the accordion while he preached. Though I was too young to fully understand their significance, my father recognized their impact and regularly took me along. These services were more than acts of worship—they were bold declarations of faith, powerful expressions of identity, and demonstrations of resilience, providing the Caribbean community with a platform to proclaim their message.

More Than Churches

In Britain, churches became the heart of the Caribbean community. They were not just places of worship but also social and cultural hubs where people could form relationships, seek support, and address both spiritual and practical concerns. The role of the pastor often extends beyond religious duties, reaching out to meet the needs of the wider community. Even Caribbean women, who operated partners—a traditional saving scheme—often found their way into church, where they were trusted for their integrity.

This unique blend of spirituality and practical care, especially in the face of adversity, provided a moral compass, bolstered religious commitment, and nurtured ambition and determination. At the same time, it created a legacy that continues to influence today. Through liturgy and cultural practices, churches helped young people embrace their Caribbean identity while navigating the complexities of cross-cultural life. Churches also provided refuge from the social turmoil and racism of the time, offering guidance to help them navigate British society. Although conflicts sometimes arose—both within the church and society at large—the church’s steadfast sense of right and wrong, combined with its survival strategies, provided young people withthe stability they needed to thrive. Today, this legacy lives on in the form of Caribbean Christian leaders who were shaped by this environment.

The Change

For many years, Caribbean Christians maintained a quiet presence in Britain. On Sundays, they were visible, dressed in their finest clothes as they made their way to church, embodying dignity and devotion. Apart from this, they largely kept to themselves, focusing on building their families and nurturing their faith rather than engaging with mainstream society. However, things began to change in the 1960s with the rise of gospel music and the global success of Edwin Hawkins’s "Oh Happy Day."

Gospel music, a cultural phenomenon, drew public attention to Caribbean churches, as it was from these churches that the music originated. This shift in perception was significant—before this, Black people in Britain were primarily seen through the lens of socio-economic struggles and racial discrimination. But the public profile of gospel music, amplified by frequent television and radio appearances of gospel choirs, introduced a new narrative. Documentaries exploring Caribbean churches and their broader cultural impact began to emerge, further elevating their role in British society.

The Influence

Today, Black Pentecostals represent a significant force within British Christianity, with over 4,000 churches and more than 300,000 members. Many of these congregations trace their roots to Caribbean denominations such as the New Testament Church of God and the Church of God of Prophecy. They stand as enduring testaments to the transformative influence of Caribbean Christianity in Britain.

Perhaps the greatest impact of Caribbean Christians has been on the evolution of the English evangelical tradition. The energy, informality, and community-focused nature of their faith inspired many English churches to modernize their worship practices. For instance, they discarded the traditional pews, modernized their services, and created spaces for a more relaxed and informal worship experience. The organ, long a staple of Anglican hymnody, was set aside in favour of modern instruments, such as acoustic guitars, flutes, and pianos, which led to the development of a new, softer, folk-rock style of English Christian music. Prominent figures such as Graham Kendrick, Matt Redman, and Tim Hughes emerged from this evolution.

While English evangelicals admired the worship style of Caribbean Pentecostals, their sense of 'Englishness' meant they could only express their faith in a way they considered culturally appropriate—reserved and distinct from the boldness of Caribbean worship. However, they deeply respected Caribbean Pentecostals' unwavering faith, commitment to biblical principles, and reverence for Scripture—qualities that contrasted with the uncertainty that often plagued their own faith.

The Legacy

Today, Caribbean Christianity in Britain, and its unique expression of faith, extends to a new generation of Black Christians, including an emerging wave of African believers, expanding both its reach and membership. Many Africans, unlike Caribbeans, pursue a form of evangelism called "Reverse Mission." The goal of Reverse Mission is to re-evangelize Britain, following the same path that the country once took in bringing Christianity to Africa. The Redeemed Christian Church of God, the leading church in this endeavor, with over 8,000 parishes and 80,000 members, aims to have a church within a 10-minute walking distance of every place in the UK.

This ambitious goal is met with skepticism by some, but what stands clear about African Christianity is its boldness and confidence. Africans believe in a 'big God,' one who can make all things possible. This belief drives them to hold grand services, build massive churches, and maintain an unwavering belief that what they cannot accomplish, God will fulfill.

Today, Caribbean Christians have forged a new path in British Christianity. Their steadfast faith and dedication have left an indelible mark not only on the religious landscape but also on the country's cultural and social fabric. The growing number of young people attending their churches is a testament to the influence of religion, with it now being seen as a vibrant and relevant part of life. Caribbean Christianity is a story of faith in action—a legacy of transformation. It will continue to inspire future generations, while African Christians are poised to build on this foundation, enriching British Christianity through unwavering faith, adherence to Scripture, and an exemplary life of godliness.