Seminar on ‘Determinants & Implications of Pentecostal Movement in Africa’

DePECOS Institutions and Development Research Centre (DIaDeRC) collaborates with Covenant University Centre for Economic Policy and Development Research (CEPDeR) to host a Seminar on Determinants & Implications of Pentecostal Movement in Africa: Evidence from Nigeria.

We are excited to announce that after four insightful working visits to one of the most ambitious church auditorium projects in Africa, the 100,000-seating capacity 'The Ark' of the Living Faith Church, Winners’ Chapel International, Canaanland, Ogun State, Daniel J. Sonnenstuhl, a visiting doctoral scholar from the University of Chicago and Fellow at CEPDeR, Covenant University, is set to present preliminary findings from the study.

Join us for this seminar, jointly organized by two esteemed research-based institutions (DIaDeRC and CEPDeR) where Daniel will share his valuable data and insights collected from this massive construction project.

The summary of the Hybrid event are stated herein:

Date: Monday, July 15, 2024

Time: 2 pm (GMT+1, Lagos, Nigerian Time)
Venue: Seminar Room, School of Postgraduate Studies, Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria
It will be streamed via Zoom and other selected media platforms (YouTube)

Details on the event & registration info are HERE 

This is the Direct Zoom Registration LINK

Brief Bio of PresenterFeatured Image for Seminar on Determinants and Implications of Pentecostal Movement in Africa
Daniel Sonnenstuhl is a PhD student at the Harris School, interested in public, behavioural and especially development economics. His current research investigates the impact and popularity of Christianity, cultural norms and their implications, as well as potential demand channels for self-employment. His current research projects are based in Nigeria. Previously, he studied at University College London and worked at the University of British Columbia, researching topics on public economics.

Short Abstract
The global spread of Pentecostalism is a striking example of religious dynamism. Millions of people have converted to a Pentecostal denomination, and many devotees spend a significant amount of monetary and temporal resources on church activities. Pentecostalism is especially booming in West Africa, where it has evolved into an important part of private and social life. In this project, we leverage the partnership with one of the largest Nigerian Pentecostal denominations to illuminate people’s motivations to join Pentecostal churches and the ensuing impacts on their lives. Relying on the denomination’s quasi-random proselytization activities, we can combine church records and survey data to estimate causal effects.