Full List of Churches in Nigeria & Founders
Nigeria is a religious country with a diverse range of churches. Christianity is the most popular religion in Nigeria, with over 80% of the population identifying as Christian. There are many different denominations of Christianity in Nigeria, including both orthodox and Pentecostal churches.
This blog post will provide a full list of churches in Nigeria, along with their founders. The list will include both orthodox and Pentecostal churches. The list is not exhaustive, but it does include some of the largest and most influential churches in Nigeria.
THE HISTORY OF CHRISTIANITY IN NIGERIA
Christianity was introduced to Nigeria in the 15th century by Portuguese missionaries. However, it did not become widely accepted until the 19th century, when British missionaries began to arrive in the country.
The early British missionaries were focused on converting the Yoruba people of southwestern Nigeria. They established schools and hospitals, and they translated the Bible into Yoruba. As a result, many Yoruba people converted to Christianity.
In the early 20th century, Pentecostalism began to spread in Nigeria. Pentecostal churches emphasize the importance of personal spiritual experience and the power of the Holy Spirit. Pentecostal churches have grown rapidly in Nigeria, and they now make up a significant portion of the Christian population.
THE ROLE OF CHURCHES IN NIGERIAN SOCIETY
Churches play an important role in Nigerian society. They provide social services, such as education and healthcare, and they help to promote social cohesion. Churches also play a role in political and economic life in Nigeria.
For example, many churches in Nigeria have been involved in providing relief to victims of natural disasters and conflicts. Churches have also been involved in advocating for social justice and human rights.
In addition, many churches in Nigeria are involved in business and commerce. Some churches own schools, hospitals, and other businesses. This gives churches a significant amount of economic power, which they can use to influence society.
FULL LIST OF NIGERIAN CHURCHES AND THEIR FOUNDERS
Here are the list of major churches in Nigeria and their founders
| Church | Founder(s) |
|---|---|
| Roman Catholic Church (Mission) | Missionaries |
| Anglican Church in Nigeria (Mission) | Missionaries |
| Methodist Church Nigeria (British missionaries) | British Missionaries |
| Nigerian Baptist Convention (SBC missionaries) | Southern Baptist Convention missionaries |
| Redeemed Christian Church of God | Rev. Josiah Akindayomi |
| Living Faith Church Worldwide | David Oyedepo |
| Christ Apostolic Church | Joseph Ayo Babalola |
| Deeper Christian Life Ministry | William Kumuyi |
| Cherubim and Seraphim | Moses Orimolade Tunolase |
| Mountain of Fire and Miracles | Dr. Daniel Olukoya |
| The Apostolic Church Nigeria | Emmanuel Segun Awojide |
| The Lord’s Chosen | Lazarus Muoka |
| Church of the Lord | Josiah Ollunowo Ositelu |
| Celestial Church of Christ | Samuel Biléhou Joseph Oshoffa |
| Salvation Ministries | Pastor David Ibiyeomie |
| Full Life Christian Centre | Rev. Ntia I. Ntia |
CATHOLIC CHURCH IN NIGERIA
The Catholic Church in Nigeria is part of the worldwide Catholic Church, under the spiritual leadership of the Pope, the curia in Rome, and the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN). The church is the largest Christian denomination in Nigeria, with a significant number of followers across the country. The Catholic Church in Nigeria has played a vital role in the development of the country’s education and healthcare systems.
FOUNDER: JESUS CHRIST
The Catholic Church in Nigeria was founded by Jesus Christ himself via his apostles. Although, Rev. Fr. John Cross Anyogu who was ordained as a priest in 1930. He was the first indigenous Nigerian to be ordained as a priest and played a significant role in the establishment and growth of the church in the country. Rev. Fr. John Cross Anyogu was a scholar and a theologian who contributed immensely to the development of the church’s teachings and doctrines.
Today, the Catholic Church in Nigeria has over 50 million members, with 9 Latin rite ecclesiastical provinces, each under a Metropolitan Archbishop, with a total of 44 suffragan dioceses. The current president of the CBCN is Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, Archbishop of Owerri Archdiocese. The church continues to play a vital role in the spiritual and social development of the country.
ANGLICAN CHURCH IN NIGERIA
The Anglican Church in Nigeria is the second-largest province in the Anglican Communion, with a membership of over 18 million as of 2016. It was established in the middle of the nineteenth century by Christian freed slaves who arrived in Nigeria. The Church Missionary Society played a significant role in establishing the church’s evangelistic ministry, particularly in the south.
FOUNDER: SAMUEL AJAYI CROWTHER
The founder of the Anglican Church in Nigeria is Samuel Ajayi Crowther. He was born in Osogun, in what is now southwestern Nigeria, in 1809. Crowther was captured by slave traders at the age of 12 and sold to Portuguese slave traders who took him to Brazil. He was later rescued by the British Royal Navy and returned to Sierra Leone, where he was educated and trained as a missionary.
Crowther was ordained as a deacon in 1843 and later as a priest in 1864. He became the first African bishop of the Anglican Church when he was consecrated as the Bishop of the Niger in 1864. Crowther was a prolific translator, and he translated the Bible into Yoruba, Igbo, and Nupe.
Today, the Anglican Church in Nigeria has 14 provinces, each headed by an archbishop. The church has 161 dioceses, each with a bishop, and the Primate of All Nigeria is chosen from the 14 archbishops and becomes the bishop of one of the dioceses in his province.
CHERUBIM AND SERAPHIM CHURCH
The Cherubim and Seraphim Church is a prominent African initiated church in Nigeria. The church is also known as the C&S movement, and it is believed to have been founded by Moses Orimolade Tunolase. The church is one of the oldest and largest indigenous churches in Nigeria.
FOUNDER: MOSES ORIMOLADE TUNOLASE
Moses Orimolade Tunolase was born in Ikare-Akoko, Ondo State, Nigeria, in 1879. He was a carpenter by trade and was known for his healing powers. In 1925, he claimed to have received a divine revelation from Jesus Christ, directing him to establish a new church. He named the church the Seraphim Church, after the angel of the same name.
In 1927, the name of the church was changed to the Cherubim and Seraphim Church, following another divine revelation. The church grew rapidly, and by the 1950s, it had spread to other parts of Nigeria and other countries in West Africa.
The Cherubim and Seraphim Church is known for its emphasis on spiritual healing and the use of music and dance in worship. The church also has a strong belief in the power of dreams and visions to facilitate the connection between God and humanity.
Overall, the Cherubim and Seraphim Church has had a significant impact on the religious landscape of Nigeria and West Africa. Today, it remains one of the largest and most influential African initiated churches in the region.
THE REDEEMED CHRISTIAN CHURCH OF GOD
The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) is a Pentecostal megachurch and denomination in Lagos, Nigeria. The church was established by Rev. Josiah Olufemi Akindayomi in 1952 before the emergence of its current general overseer, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, one of Nigeria’s most respected religious leaders.
FOUNDER: REV. JOSIAH OLUFEMI AKINDAYOMI
Rev. Josiah Olufemi Akindayomi was the founder of RCCG. He was born in 1909 in Ondo State, Nigeria, and was raised in a Christian family. He was a devout Christian and a member of the Cherubim and Seraphim Church before he founded RCCG.
In 1947, he had a vision in which he saw himself preaching to multitudes of people. This vision inspired him to start a church. He started RCCG in 1952 in a small room in Lagos with only a few members.
Under his leadership, the church grew rapidly, and he established branches in different parts of Nigeria. He was a man of prayer and fasting and believed in the power of God to heal and perform miracles.
Rev. Akindayomi passed away in 1980, and his successor, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, took over the leadership of RCCG. Today, RCCG has over 14,000 churches and five million members in Nigeria and 80 countries around the world.
In conclusion, RCCG is one of the richest churches in Nigeria, and its founder, Rev. Josiah Olufemi Akindayomi, played a significant role in its establishment and growth.
LIVING FAITH CHURCH WORLDWIDE
Living Faith Church Worldwide, also known as Winners’ Chapel, is an international Evangelical charismatic Christian denomination. The headquarters of the church is located in Ota, Nigeria. The organization has since become a global network of churches with over 6 million members in 147 countries.
FOUNDER: BISHOP DAVID OYEDEPO
Bishop David Oyedepo is the founder of Living Faith Church Worldwide. He was born on September 27, 1954, in Osogbo, Nigeria. He received his education at Kwara State Polytechnic and later at the University of Ilorin, where he earned a degree in Architecture.
Bishop Oyedepo started his ministry in 1981, when he founded the Living Faith Church, also known as Winners’ Chapel. The church started in a small town in Ogun State, Nigeria, with just a few members. Today, it has grown to become one of the largest churches in Nigeria and the world.
Bishop Oyedepo who is one of the richest pastors in the world, is a renowned preacher and teacher of the Word of God. He is also a prolific author, with over 70 books to his credit. He is known for his teachings on faith, prosperity, and the power of the spoken word.
Under his leadership, Living Faith Church Worldwide has become a leading voice in the Christian world, with a strong emphasis on evangelism, discipleship, and social responsibility. The church runs several educational institutions, including Covenant University, which is ranked as one of the best universities in Nigeria.
In conclusion, Living Faith Church Worldwide, founded by Bishop David Oyedepo, is a global network of churches with millions of members around the world. Bishop Oyedepo is a renowned preacher and teacher of the Word of God, and his teachings have impacted millions of people around the world.
MOUNTAIN OF FIRE AND MIRACLES
Mountain of Fire and Miracles (MFM) is a Pentecostal denomination that was founded in Yaba, Lagos, Lagos State, Nigeria in 1989. The church has expanded and now has branches in several countries.
FOUNDER: DR. DANIEL KOLAWOLE OLUKOYA
Dr. Daniel Kolawole Olukoya, popularly known as “DKO”, is the founder of Mountain of Fire and Miracles. He received a degree in Microbiology from the University of Lagos and a Ph.D. in Molecular Genetics from the University of Reading, United Kingdom.
Dr. Olukoya is also the author of several books on deliverance, including the popular prayer book known as “The Prayer Rain”. He is known for his teachings on spiritual warfare and deliverance, which have helped many people overcome various challenges in their lives.
Under Dr. Olukoya’s leadership, Mountain of Fire and Miracles has grown to become one of the largest churches in Nigeria, with branches in several countries around the world. The church is known for its emphasis on prayer, fasting, and deliverance, and has helped many people overcome various spiritual and physical challenges.
In conclusion, Mountain of Fire and Miracles is a Pentecostal denomination founded by Dr. Daniel Kolawole Olukoya in 1989. The church is known for its teachings on spiritual warfare and deliverance, and has helped many people overcome various challenges in their lives.
CHRIST EMBASSY
Christ Embassy is a popular Pentecostal church in Nigeria that was established in 1990 by Pastor Chris Oyakhilome. The church has its headquarters in Lagos, Nigeria and has grown to become a global network of churches with congregations in many countries. As of 2019, the church had 145 branches on five continents.
FOUNDER: PASTOR CHRIS OYAKHILOME
Pastor Chris Oyakhilome is a Nigerian pastor, teacher, healing minister, television host, and bestselling author. He was born on December 7, 1963, in Edo State, Nigeria, and is the founder and president of Believers’ Loveworld Incorporated, also known as Christ Embassy.
Under Pastor Chris’s leadership, Christ Embassy has become one of the fastest-growing churches in Nigeria, with a membership base of up to 1 million. The church’s auditorium is among the largest in Nigeria, able to hold up to 300,000 persons during vigils or even prayer crusades.
Pastor Chris is also known for his philanthropic work and has established several charitable organizations to help the less privileged in society. He is a respected figure in Nigeria and has received several awards for his contributions to society.
In conclusion, Christ Embassy is a popular Pentecostal church in Nigeria that was founded by Pastor Chris Oyakhilome in 1990. The church has grown to become a global network of churches with congregations in many countries, and Pastor Chris is a respected figure in Nigeria known for his philanthropic work and contributions to society.
DEEPER LIFE BIBLE CHURCH
Deeper Life Bible Church is an international Pentecostal Christian denomination with its headquarters in Gbagada, Lagos. The church was founded in 1973 by Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi, who is the current General Superintendent of the church.
FOUNDER: PASTOR WILLIAM FOLORUNSO KUMUYI
Pastor Kumuyi was born on June 6, 1941, in Erin-Ijesha, Osun State, Nigeria. He became a Christian in 1964 and was ordained in 1966. He later obtained a degree in Mathematics from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria, and a postgraduate diploma in Education from the University of Lagos, Nigeria.
Pastor Kumuyi started Deeper Life Bible Church in 1973 with just 15 members. Today, the church has grown to become one of the largest Christian denominations in Nigeria with over 900,000 members in attendance.
Under Pastor Kumuyi’s leadership, Deeper Life Bible Church has become known for its emphasis on holiness, sound biblical teaching, and evangelism. The church has also established several Christian schools, hospitals, and other social welfare programs across Nigeria and other parts of the world.
In conclusion, Deeper Life Bible Church has become a prominent Christian denomination in Nigeria, with a strong emphasis on biblical teaching and social welfare programs. Pastor Kumuyi’s leadership has been instrumental in the growth and success of the church.
SYNAGOGUE CHURCH OF ALL NATIONS
The Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN) is a Christian megachurch located in Lagos, Nigeria. The church was founded by Prophet T.B. Joshua in 1987, after he received a divine anointing and covenant from God in a heavenly vision.
FOUNDER: PROPHET T.B. JOSHUA
Prophet T.B. Joshua was born on June 12, 1963, in Arigidi, Nigeria. He started his ministry in 1987 when he founded the Synagogue Church of All Nations. He was known for his prophetic abilities and his charitable works, which included providing aid to the less privileged, orphans, and widows.
Under his leadership, the church grew to become one of the largest and most influential churches in Nigeria. It attracted followers from all over the world, who came to witness the miracles and healing that occurred within the church.
Prophet T.B. Joshua passed away on June 5, 2021, at the age of 57. His death was mourned by many, including his followers, who saw him as a spiritual leader and mentor. Despite his passing, the church continues to operate and carry out its mission of spreading the gospel and providing aid to those in need.
THE CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES FACING CHURCHES IN NIGERIA
Churches in Nigeria face a number of challenges. One challenge is the high level of poverty and inequality in the country. Many Nigerians are struggling to make ends meet, and they may not be able to afford to tithe or donate to their churches.
Another challenge is the rise of secularism in Nigeria. Some Nigerians are becoming less religious, and they may be less likely to attend church or participate in religious activities.
However, churches in Nigeria also face a number of opportunities. One opportunity is the growing middle class in Nigeria. The middle class is more likely to be educated and affluent, and they may be more likely to attend church and donate to their churches.
Another opportunity is the increasing urbanization of Nigeria. As more Nigerians move to cities, they may be more likely to join churches that offer social services and support networks.
The Impact of Churches on the Economy and Education in Nigeria
Churches have had a significant impact on the economy and education in Nigeria. Many Nigerian churches own schools and hospitals, and they provide scholarships to students. Churches also play a role in promoting entrepreneurship and economic development.
For example, some churches in Nigeria have established microfinance programs to help poor people start businesses. Churches have also been involved in providing vocational training to young people.
In addition, churches in Nigeria have played a role in promoting education. Many churches have established schools, and they provide scholarships to students. Churches also play a role in advocating for better education policies.
Overall, churches have had a positive impact on the economy and education in Nigeria. They have provided social services, promoted entrepreneurship, and advocated for better policies.
