African independent/indigenous churches (AICs) are integral to the mainstream of Christianity, rather than an aberration. This article is an analysis of the images of church and mission of AICs of the pentecostal/prophet-healing type—many of which provide a renewed emphasis on apostolic church images.
Six images of the church are described with illustrative cases: the church as Mt. Zion, the church as the place where the Spirit dwells, the church as diverse gifts but one Spirit, the church as a place of power to protect and heal, the church as a disciplined community, and the church as the deliverer from poverty.
Four images of mission follow: experiencing the Spirit's power, commissioning all believers for mission, healing, and restoring God's creation.
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