This article examines the role of prophecy in the growth and expansion of the Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN) in Nigeria. The article argues that the Church in Africa is growing in leaps and bounds-unprecedented in the history of Christianity since its introduction in the 19 th century. This growth and development, however, is taking place mainly in the New Religious Movements particularly the Pentecostal-charismatic Churches because of their emphasis on the prophetic ministry of the Church characterised by performance of healing miracles and predicting the future. A good example is the Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN) of Prophet TB Joshua. Taking this as a case study, the article argues that Prophet Joshua's success and that of his church is found in the fact that they have taken the message of the prophets very seriously and that the modus operandi and modus vivendi of Joshua and SCOAN are reminiscent of the prophetic traditions of Elijah and Elisha in ancient Israel.

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This paper examines the voicelessness of theology and religious studies in post-independence Africa. It investigates the possible factors that have led to this phenomenon and explores ways and means whereby theology and religious studies can once again regain their rightful position not only in the academia, but also in society as a whole. It argues that unless theologians and religious educators make a radical U-turn to transform theology and religious studies into something meaningful and attractive, these two subjects will continue to be relegated to a second-class category of academic disciplines with disastrous consequences for theological and religious educators, as well as theological institutions.

Theological education is of crucial importance in the mission of the Church in Southern and Central Africa. This paper discusses the changes that have taken place in theological education in post‐independence Africa. The author argues that theological education during the colonial period was Euro‐centric. As a result, it did not respond adequately to the pressing problems faced by the African people such as colonial oppression, poverty, patriarchy and others. However, the situation has changed dramatically in modern times. Theological educators have realized the significance and importance of context in theological education. They are, thus, seriously taking into account the political, social, economic and religious context in which the African people live today. This has led to the creation of different theologies that are in line with modern and post‐modern challenges facing the African people thereby making the church both relevant and necessary.

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