An investigation into the challenges confronting women-led ministries within Pentecostalism

African Journal of Pentecostal Studies

 
 
Field Value
 
Title An investigation into the challenges confronting women-led ministries within Pentecostalism
 
Creator Khosa-Nkatini, Hundzukani P.
 
Subject Theology An investigation into the challenges confronting women-led ministries within Pentecostalism
Description Background: Women-led ministries within Pentecostal churches continue to face significant barriers despite the early inclusivity of the Azusa Street Revival. Patriarchal interpretations of Scripture, restrictive cultural norms and historical biases continue to influence leadership spaces, limiting women’s visibility and authority in ministry.Objectives: This study investigates the challenges confronting women-led ministries within Pentecostalism, with particular focus on the South African and broader African contexts. It explores how gender, culture and theology intersect to shape the lived experiences of women in ministry.Method: A qualitative approach was employed, using literature analysis and theological reflection to examine the structural, cultural and doctrinal factors that sustain gender inequality in Pentecostal leadership.Results: Findings of this study reveal that although women contribute significantly to spiritual leadership, pastoral care, community development and church growth, their leadership continues to be restricted. Theological barriers, patriarchal church governance, limited access to theological training and sociocultural expectations continue to hinder their advancement. Despite these challenges, women demonstrate resilience and innovation within ministry spaces.Conclusion: The study calls for a critical re-evaluation of doctrinal interpretations and church policies to promote inclusive leadership.Contribution: This study contributes to scholarly discourse by highlighting the need for transformative theological frameworks that affirm the gifts, calling and leadership of women in the Pentecostal churches.
 
Publisher AOSIS
 
Contributor
Date 2026-01-31
 
Type info:eu-repo/semantics/article info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion — —
Format text/html application/epub+zip text/xml application/pdf
Identifier 10.4102/ajops.v3i1.101
 
Source African Journal of Pentecostal Studies; Vol 3, No 1 (2026); 10 pages 3005-6136 3105-434X
 
Language eng
 
Relation
The following web links (URLs) may trigger a file download or direct you to an alternative webpage to gain access to a publication file format of the published article:

https://ajops.org/index.php/ajops/article/view/101/332 https://ajops.org/index.php/ajops/article/view/101/333 https://ajops.org/index.php/ajops/article/view/101/334 https://ajops.org/index.php/ajops/article/view/101/335
 
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Rights Copyright (c) 2026 Hundzukani P. Khosa-Nkatini https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
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