Beyond the Prosperity Gospel: Moral Identity Work and Organizational Cultures in Pentecostal-Charismatic Churches in Indonesia

This chapter discusses identity work and organizational culture in two Pentecostal-Charismatic churches in Indonesia. Studies on Pentecostal-Charismatic Christianity in Asia point to the close relationship between its prosperity gospel, late modern capitalism, and the rise of middle classes. Much less is known about the moral implications of the newfound religion at a personal and societal level. Based on ethnographic research in the churches and discussions with its members and pastors, the chapter unravels such moral implications through a closer examination of some Pentecostal rituals: leadership and the calling, cell group meetings, social mission activities, and praying and worship services. These rituals support two forms of moral re-embedding: a re-embedding in the family of co-believers and a re-embedding in wider society.