For several years, a strange and controversial phenomenon has spread in the province of Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is known as the “I will inhabit” phenomenon, where some young people in Kinshasa take over “awakening” churches and transform them into permanent residences.
This practice, which was once marginal, is currently experiencing unprecedented growth, sparking controversy among the population. Many criticize these houses of prayer for becoming mere sources of income for their leaders, at the expense of spirituality and true faith.
According to some young people in Kinshasa interviewed by Kilalopress.net, the idea of living in a church represents an opportunity to find an easy means of subsistence. They go to these places of worship in hopes of securing positions such as technicians, choir leaders, or maintenance workers, in order to make the house of God their permanent residence. This practice has been around for over a decade, but it has become so widespread that it now raises many questions.
As this practice continues to grow, Kinshasa is witnessing a worrisome proliferation of so-called “awakening” churches. While some consider this a normal phenomenon, others point out the profit-oriented nature of most of these houses of prayer. According to testimonies gathered by our editorial team, many church leaders are more interested in accumulating wealth than in the spiritual well-being of their followers.
However, a believer, wishing to remain anonymous, asserts to Kilalopress.net that the establishment of a church should be the result of a divine calling and spiritual revelation. Many young residents of the Mont-Ngafula district denounce the fact that church leaders are only seeking to enrich themselves at the expense of their followers. This proliferation of “awakening” churches is primarily driven by lucrative ambitions, leaving little room for true spirituality and faith.
Apart from concerns related to spirituality, the proliferation of these churches also poses practical problems for the population of Kinshasa. The city is now inundated with an exorbitant number of these churches, which often contribute to noise pollution in many neighborhoods and avenues. This situation has a negative impact on the quality of life for residents who experience these disruptions on a daily basis.
Féret-lumbu-Gédéon from Kinshasa.
