Prophetic Ritual Paraphernalia and Healing Praxis in South African Pentecostalism: A Scoping Review Protocol

This study is a scoping review aimed at exploring the body of knowledge related to the use of prophetic paraphernalia and healing practices in South African Pentecostalism. In the past few years, the prophetic aspects of African Pentecostalism have involved the use of more material objects, including the usage of anointing oils, holy water, handkerchiefs, wristbands, stickers, sand, powders, and many other things. Despite the generally accepted position on these items within the Pentecostal circle, there are a number of concerns regarding their biblical validity, financial aspect, power, and abuse. The aim of this work is to gather and present the existing literature on the topic of prophetic symbolism in healing ministries. The research will adopt the scoping review approach developed by Arksey and O’Malley along with the updated procedures and techniques of Levac et al. and PRISMA-ScR reporting standards. Thus, the project will employ the systematic process of studying and reviewing the appropriate scholarly and non-scholarly sources upon the subject (2010-2026). The methodology used will be based on the PCC model where the population studied will consist of Pentecostal pastors, prophets, church members, and the relevance of using prophetic ritualistic objects in South African Pentecostalism and Neo-Pentecostalism. The review will analyse the different prophetic objects used for healing and deliverance and will specifically outline the biblical, theological, and cosmological grounds for their usage. Furthermore, the function of these objects in the context of Pentecostalism shall be examined as well as the relevant theological, ethical, and pastoral issues concerning their utilisation. The anticipated outcomes of the study are expected to include detailed mapping of the existing literature on the paraphernalia used in prophetic rituals, better understanding of the theological and practical implications of the process of healing in African Pentecostalism and identification of areas that need further academic examination. The research results will be of benefit for the development of Practical Theology, African Theology, Pentecostal Studies, and the study of material religion through evidence-based discussion of the existing discourse. Moreover, the research will help to develop theological scholarship, church leadership, and faith communities by promoting critical reflection on the responsible and biblically informed use of prophetic ritual practices within contemporary Pentecostal ministry.