Welcome to this post about Most Popular Churches in Nigeria and their Founders, via Afrokonnect. Nigeria is a country in West Africa where people’s daily lives are greatly influenced by their spirituality and faith. Nigeria is home to more than 200 million people who belong to a wide variety of cultures, ethnic groups, and religious traditions. With about half of the people identifying as Christian, Christianity in particular is widely practiced in the nation.
The Christian faith has been an integral part of Nigerian society for centuries, with various denominations and churches sprouting up across the country. Some of these churches have their roots in foreign missionary work, while others were founded by Nigerian nationals who felt called to spread the message of Christianity.
One of the most striking aspects of Nigerian Christianity is the sheer size and influence of its churches. Many of these institutions have become veritable empires, with thousands of members, sprawling campuses, and a wide range of social and community programs. These churches have played a significant role in shaping Nigerian society, providing a sense of community and belonging for millions of people.
But what makes these churches so popular? Is it their charismatic leaders, their vibrant worship services, or their commitment to social justice? Whatever the reason, it’s clear that these churches have tapped into a deep well of spirituality and faith that runs through the heart of Nigerian culture.
In this article, we’ll be counting down the top 20 most popular churches in Nigeria, exploring their histories, their teachings, and their impact on Nigerian society. From the Redeemed Christian Church of God to the Catholic Church, we’ll be examining the churches that have helped shape the spiritual landscape of Nigeria.
Top 20 Most Popular Churches in Nigeria
20. Synagogue Church of All Nations
The late Prophet T.B. Joshua established the well-known Christian organisation known as the Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN) in 1987. SCOAN has amassed millions of followers worldwide and is a global phenomenon, with its headquarters located in Ikotun, Lagos. The church is renowned for emphasising spiritual development, healing, and miracles.
Prophet T.B. Joshua, who died in 2021, was a televangelist and charismatic leader who became well-known throughout the world for his prophetic work. Additionally, he founded the well-known Christian television network Emmanuel TV, which carries SCOAN’s services and ministries all over the world.
Notable Features:
- Healing and Miracles: SCOAN is famous for its healing and miracle services, where Prophet T.B. Joshua and other ministers pray for the sick and afflicted.
- Emmanuel TV: The church’s television network broadcasts its services, ministries, and outreach programs to a global audience.
- Humanitarian Work: SCOAN is involved in various humanitarian projects, including disaster relief, education, and healthcare initiatives.
19. Daystar Christian Centre
Daystar Christian Centre is a vibrant and modern church founded by Pastor Sam Adeyemi in 1995. With its headquarters in Lagos, Daystar has become a popular destination for Christians seeking a contemporary and dynamic worship experience.
The church is known for its western-style worship services, which feature a blend of music, drama, and inspirational teaching. Daystar’s TV programs, which air on various networks, have also become popular for their motivational content and business coaching.
Notable Features:
- Western-Style Worship: Daystar’s services are characterized by contemporary music, drama, and multimedia presentations.
- TV Programs: The church’s TV shows feature inspirational teaching, business coaching, and motivational content.
- Leadership Development: Daystar offers various training programs and conferences focused on leadership development and personal growth.
18. Salvation Ministries
Pastor David Ibiyeomie established the rapidly expanding congregation known as Salvation Ministries in 1997. Salvation Ministries, which has its main office in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has grown to be a significant Christian force in Nigeria.
The church is well-known for its broadcast lectures and spirit-filled worship sessions, which are carried on a number of television and radio networks. With thousands of people attending its services each week, Salvation Ministries boasts a sizable and devoted membership base.
Notable Features:
- Spirit-Filled Worship: Salvation Ministries’ services are characterized by vibrant worship, prayer, and inspirational teaching.
- Broadcast Teachings: The church’s teachings are aired on various radio and television networks, reaching a wide audience.
- Community Outreach: Salvation Ministries is involved in various community outreach programs, including education, healthcare, and social welfare initiatives.
17. Fountain of Life Church
Fountain of Life Church is a popular church founded by the late Pastor Taiwo Odukoya and his wife, Pastor Bimbo Odukoya, in 1994. After the passing of the founding pastors, their son, Pastor Odukoya, took over as the lead pastor.
The church is known for its dynamic worship services and inspirational teaching. Fountain of Life Church has a strong focus on family, youth, and community development, with various programs and initiatives aimed at promoting spiritual growth and social welfare.
Notable Features:
- Dynamic Worship: Fountain of Life Church’s services are characterized by vibrant worship, music, and inspirational teaching.
- Family and Youth Focus: The church has a strong emphasis on family and youth development, with various programs and initiatives aimed at promoting spiritual growth and social welfare.
- Community Outreach: Fountain of Life Church is involved in various community outreach programs, including education, healthcare, and social welfare initiatives.
16. Dunamis Church
Pastor Paul Enenche and his wife, Dr. Becky Enenche, established the contemporary pentecostal ministry known as Dunamis International Gospel Centre, or Dunamis Church. The church is well-known for its uplifting sermons and lively worship sessions.
Due to its enormous auditorium, the Glory Dome, which can accommodate over 100,000 worshippers, Dunamis Church has become well-known throughout the world. A worldwide audience can watch the church’s services live on multiple television networks.
Notable Features:
- Glory Dome: Dunamis Church’s massive auditorium is one of the largest in Nigeria, seating over 100,000 worshippers.
- Vibrant Worship: The church’s services are characterized by dynamic worship, music, and inspirational teaching.
- Global Broadcast: Dunamis Church’s services are broadcast live on various television networks, reaching a global audience.
15. Cherubim and Seraphim (C & S)
The Cherubim and Seraphim (C & S) church was founded in 1925 by Rev. Moses Orimolade Tuno, making it one of the oldest Protestant churches in Nigeria ¹. This white garment church has a huge membership across Nigeria and is popularly known by its acronym C and S or “Kerubu” by locals.
Origins
Rev. Moses Orimolade Tuno, the founder, was a prince from Ikare in Akoko Division of Ondo State, born in the 1870s with an invalid leg ². He became a traveling preacher, and his ministry was marked by tremendous signs and wonders. In 1924, he arrived in Lagos, where he met Christianah Abiodun Akinsowon, a teenage girl who had fallen into a trance after witnessing a Catholic procession ².
Beliefs and Practices
The C & S church emphasizes healing, miracles, and spiritual growth. They believe in the use of water and oil for healing, and their services include prayers for the sick, fasting, and the use of incense ¹. They also celebrate various anniversaries, such as Holy Michael’s Anniversary and Holy Gabriel’s Anniversary.
14. The Nigerian Baptist Convention
Founded in 1994, the Nigerian Baptist Convention (NBC) is the second-largest denomination affiliated with the 1850-founded World Baptist Convention. NBC has multiple chapters around Nigeria and has one of the largest memberships in the nation. RECOMMENDED: Top 10 Richest Pastors in Nigeria and their estimated Net Worth.
13. The Lord’s Chosen Charismatic Revival Movement
After leaving the Catholic Church, Pastor Lazarus Muoka created the Lord’s Chosen Charismatic Revival Movement in 2002. This church is well-known for its fervent belief in miracles, vigorous prayer life, and armour vest. New branches are appearing, and its membership is expanding quickly.
12. Celestial Church of Christ
The most well-known white garment church is the Celestial Church of Christ, which was established in Port Novo, Benin Republic, by Joseph Bilewu Oshoffa. It is currently led by Rev. Mathew Oshoffa, the founder’s twentieth son, and has a large membership in West African nations.
11. Commonwealth of the Zion Assembly (COZA)
Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo established the Commonwealth of Zion Assembly (COZA), a pentecostal church of the new generation, in 1999. The majority of its adherents are young people, making it the church of the youth, as it is commonly known by its abbreviation, Coza.
Top 10 Most Popular Churches in Nigeria
10. Methodist Church of Nigeria
The Methodist Church of Nigeria is one of the oldest churches in Nigeria, with its roots dating back to 1842 when British missionaries introduced Methodism to the country. The church’s worship style and settings are similar to those of the Catholic and Anglican churches.
Notable Features:
- Rich History: The Methodist Church of Nigeria has a rich history spanning over 180 years.
- Similarities with Catholic and Anglican Churches: The church’s worship style and settings are similar to those of the Catholic and Anglican churches.
- Current Leadership: The church is currently headed by the prelate, Dr. Samuel Chukwuemeka.
9. Christ Apostolic Church
The Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) is one of the oldest charismatic pentecostal churches in Nigeria, founded by Joseph Ayo Babalola in 1941. The church has widespread popularity and hundreds of branches, particularly in the southwestern part of Nigeria.
Notable Features:
- Charismatic Pentecostalism: The CAC is known for its charismatic pentecostalism, emphasizing the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
- Widespread Popularity: The church has widespread popularity and hundreds of branches across Nigeria.
- Current Leadership: The church is currently headed by Pastor Akinosun, although it has many sub-groups and factions with their own leaders.
8. Christ Embassy International
Christ Embassy International, also known as Love World International, was founded in 1990 by Pastor Chris Oyakhilome. The church has millions of members nationwide and is known for promoting gospel artists.
Notable Features:
- Millions of Members: Christ Embassy International has millions of members nationwide.
- Promoting Gospel Artists: The church is known for promoting gospel artists, such as Frank Edwards and Sinach.
- Headquarters: The church’s headquarters is situated in Lagos, with several branches across the country.
7. Mountain of Fire and Miracle Ministries
The well-known church Mountain of Fire and Miracle Ministries (MFM) was established in 1989 by Dr. David Olukoya. The church is well-known for its strong Christian worship, prayers, and emphasis on spirituality.
Notable Features:
- Emphasis on Spirituality: MFM places a strong emphasis on spirituality, aggressive Christian worship, and prayers.
- Hundreds of Branches: The church has hundreds of branches across Nigeria.
- Current Leadership: The church is currently headed by Dr. David Olukoya.
6. The Apostolic Church
One of Nigeria’s oldest indigenous pentecostal congregations, the Apostolic Church was established in 1931 by Pastor Gabriel Olutola. With hundreds of branches across and abroad, the church has millions of members.
Notable Features:
- Oldest Indigenous Pentecostal Church: The Apostolic Church is one of the oldest indigenous pentecostal churches in Nigeria.
- Millions of Members: The church has millions of members nationwide.
- Campground: The church owns a campground that can accommodate over 100,000 worshippers.
5. Deeper Life Bible Church
Deeper Life Bible Church is one of the most recognizable churches in Nigeria, with branches in even the remotest villages. Founded in 1973 by Pastor W.F. Kumuyi, the church boasts hundreds of thousands of congregations. Its members are known for their conservative lifestyle, particularly their dressing.
Notable Features:
- Conservative Lifestyle: Deeper Life Bible Church members are known for their conservative dressing and lifestyle.
- Widespread Presence: The church has branches in almost every part of Nigeria, including remote villages.
- Headquarters: The church’s headquarters is situated in Gbagada, Lagos, and receives over 40,000 weekly worshippers.
4. Living Faith Church Worldwide (Winners Chapel)
Living Faith Church Worldwide, also known as Winners Chapel, is one of the top churches in Nigeria. Founded in 1983 by Bishop David Oyedepo, the church boasts millions of congregations with hundreds of branches scattered around the country and worldwide.
Notable Features:
- Millions of Congregations: Winners Chapel has millions of congregations worldwide.
- Canaan Land: The church’s headquarters, Canaan Land, sits on 10,500 acres of land and has over 50,000 weekly worshippers.
- Global Presence: Winners Chapel has branches in many countries around the world.
3. The Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion
The Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, is one of the most popular churches in Nigeria. Similar to the Catholic Church in terms of settings, the Anglican Church was formerly the Church of England but broke away to become the Church of Nigeria.
Notable Features:
- Formerly Church of England: The Anglican Church in Nigeria was formerly part of the Church of England.
- Similar to Catholic Church: The church’s settings and traditions are similar to those of the Catholic Church.
- Current Primate: The church is currently headed by its primate, the Most Revered Nicholas Okoh.
2. The Redeemed Christian Church of God
The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) is undoubtedly the biggest pentecostal congregation in Nigeria. Founded in 1952 by Rev. Josiah Akindayomi, the church has Pastor Enoch Adeboye as its present general overseer.
Notable Features:
- Largest Pentecostal Congregation: RCCG is the largest pentecostal congregation in Nigeria.
- Thousands of Branches: The church has close to a thousand branches scattered throughout the country.
- Global Presence: RCCG has branches in many countries around the world.
1. The Catholic Church
The Roman Catholic Church is the oldest, most popular, and one of the biggest churches in Nigeria. With at least a diocese or two in every state, the church has a widespread presence across the country.
Notable Features:
- Oldest Church in Nigeria: The Catholic Church is the oldest church in Nigeria.
- Widespread Presence: The church has at least a diocese or two in every state in Nigeria.
- Global Leadership: The church’s headquarters is in Rome, with Pope Francis as its global leader.
Conclusion about Most Popular Churches in Nigeria and their Founders
Nigeria, with its rich spiritual tradition, is home to a number of prominent churches that have formed the country’s religious landscape. Each of these churches has made a substantial contribution to the spiritual development of the nation, from the earliest, such as the Methodist Church of Nigeria and the Catholic Church, to more recent pentecostal organisations, such as the Living Faith Church Worldwide and the Redeemed Christian Church of God.
These churches have not only provided a sense of community and belonging for millions of Nigerians but have also played a vital role in promoting education, healthcare, and social welfare. Many of these churches have established schools, hospitals, and other social institutions that cater to the needs of their members and the wider community.
Nigeria’s religious freedom and tolerance are demonstrated by the variety of its churches. These churches all strive to proclaim the gospel of love, hope, and redemption, despite any differences in doctrine and practice.
These churches will continue to play a crucial role in forming the spiritual and social fabric of Nigeria as it develops and grows. These churches can contribute to the creation of a more peaceful and successful society for all Nigerians by advancing the ideals of equality, justice, and compassion.
