Jesus Business in the DR Congo: Revival Churches, Churches of Lullaby

The DR Congolese revival churches serve as a forum for a rather unique religious discourse centered on very specific concerns: the salvation of the soul, physical health, protection against evil spirits, and the material and social well-being of the leaders and their followers. However, given the behavior of many "men of God," the revival churches have become churches that lull the Congolese people into complacency, with self-proclaimed pastors promising them a better future life in the Kingdom of Heaven in exchange for offerings, tithes, and acts of thanksgiving. Pastors often take advantage of their congregants' faith or naivety to live a life of luxury, buy beautiful villas, and send their wives and children abroad, while many of their followers languish in poverty. In the DRC as well, pastors become accomplices of politicians, to whom they bring the votes of their congregants during election campaigns. Pastors are also accused of destabilizing married women and families whose children are labeled as witches and "delivered" in exchange for money.