Traditions of the Origin and Growth of Indigenous Prophetic Church Movements in Nigeria

Abstract

Abstract Indigenous prophetic church movements constitute a significant portion of Christianity in Africa and a unique spirit in African Christianity. Garrick Braide was the first to lead such a group in Nigeria in 1915. The Christ Apostolic Church is an ancient indigenous church in Nigeria; however, it appears that the church faces problems generated by the apparent confusion about the origin of the church. This confusion is evident in the 2018 centenary anniversary of the church, contrary to the Golden Jubilee organized in 1980. Similarly, the leaders often claim that CAC is the first indigenous Pentecostal church in Nigeria, whereas it is on record that Christ Army Church was established in 1916 by Braide and his followers. As a result, urgent need was required to interrogate the traditions of origin of these two indigenous church movements and their prophets.The findings revealed that Braide’s Christ Army Church preceded the Christ Apostolic Church of Babalola.