[The Church Blog] Some Nigerian Churches and what we know them for

One of the key things that characterises Christianity in Nigeria is diversity. The diversity of doctrine, belief and operations. And because variety is the spice of life, these various beliefs have helped to give us a rich and wholesome Christian experience in Nigeria.

Please note that this is not an attempt to trivialise these ministries but is a humour based attempt at describing the key happenings that characterise the operation and activities in these ministries. These churches have been arranged in no particular order. So, enjoy!

  1. REDEEMED CHRISTIAN CHURCH OF GOD

“Let somebody shout hallelujah!!”

You see it’s hard to define RCCG in a few sentences and the reason is simple; they have been able to cross some cultural boundaries that hold some churches down. The opening of many model RCCG churches around Nigeria has helped to open up the audience reach for the church. Millennial, Old school, Career Professional, Entrepreneur, Gospel Minister, there’s always a RCCG customised for you. One thing however that we can attribute RCCG to is online controversy – in a good light though. Somehow, it would seem that Twitter Nigeria is just waiting for that next tweet from the General Overseer Worldwide of the ministry, Pastor E.A. Adeboye that they would jump on and make an issue out of. But, like the biblical house founded upon the rock, RCCG has always sailed through. From “get a wife that can pray more than 1 hour” to the high fees paid at their missionary schools, to the time of “my wife washes my clothes” and many others. It’s possible that the controversy that their message attracts somehow gives the church another level of publicity. They used to be really keen on so many things like dressing, jewellery e.t.c but not anymore. Give this first slot to RCCG, they really deserve it.

  1. LIVING FAITH CHURCH

This church is popularly known as Winners Chapel and is led worldwide by Bishop David and Faith Oyedepo. Are you looking for a church where you can practice radical faith like never before, Living Faith Church might just be your bus stop. If you have a colleague who regularly brings anointing oil to work, a list of prayer points, takes some time out during work hours to blast in tongues, he or she might just be from Winners Chapel. The wordplay of their pastor is just on point. If you attend many of these new age churches and are used to chants like “Rhema” “Word” “Preach it” and you have the opportunity to attend Living Faith Church, you would make such chants till you get fed up as every single sentence from Bishop Oyedepo is always a hit. Delivered with a high level of authority and revelation.

  1. DAYSTAR CHRISTIAN CENTRE.

Talk of Class, Quality, Elegance and Grace, then you have Daystar Christian Centre. This is the hub of Leadership around Africa. Their members are the ones that work at many of these big corporations within and outside Nigeria. If you know any top officer or worker who doesn’t take bribe, does his/her work efficiently, commands a great level of respect at the office and is very humble, there’s a very high chance that he/she attends Daystar. Daystar is an “Executive Church” for the posh, prim and proper. If you are looking for a job, just go for one of their services and go with all your necessary documents because you’d be surprised the calibre of persons who will be seated in the same auditorium as you. And their music group is undoubtedly one of the best in Africa. Argue with your music director. They are the ones behind one of the biggest and well-refined carols around here. This church is led by Pastor Sam and Nike Adeyemi (I’m sure that name strikes a chord).

  1. MOUNTAIN OF FIRE AND MIRACLES MINISTRIES (MFM)

Are your village people doing you? Have they locked your destiny with a padlock? Do you sense that your neighbour has taken your picture to a native doctor and that’s the reason behind your stagnancy in life? Say no more! You need MFM in your life. MFM is one of those churches you don’t want to have near your house except you have soundproof doors, windows and walls. They murder demons, devils and principalities anyhow. You should think twice if you’re a demon and are thinking of attending MFM one of these days. We recently noticed MFM is gradually beginning to host worship and praise concerts and have a less than average presence online [A least they are there]. This church is led by Dr. D.K and Pastor Mrs. Olukoya.

  1. DEEPER LIFE BIBLE CHURCH

By their fruits you shall know them – long skirts, baggy trousers, big shirts and the always reserved set of people. In fact, they have a fashion line dedicated to their ministry. LOL. These ones were the foundation of the “Television-is-the-devils-box” doctrine, no instruments and spiritual dressing. Their pastors dress, speak and probably talk in like manners. One thing though, bible teaching in deeper life is taking seriously which is quite commendable.  Although one can tell with recent happenings that deeper life is gradually getting some deeper stuff as they have active social media accounts, they broadcast their services live online. They now hold praise concerts and for one of the editions, Frank Edwards was the headlining artiste. This Church was founded by Pastor Williams and Late Mrs. Kumuyi. By the way, have you seen their headquarters building at Gbagbada; it’s a masterpiece!

  1. HOUSE ON THE ROCK

How can we even forget House on the Rock? When you’re talking of praise concerts and word conferences, they will be first on the list. After successfully hosting The Experience, The African Praise Experience, Sprit Life Conference, Word Conference and a few others for several years now, one would know that this is a church committed to excellence. They’ve also been steadfast at giving us good music for years now. This church is definitely a grooming ground for anyone who nurtures a career in music as she plays home to popular singers like Timi Dakolo, Nikki Laoye, Sammie Okposo and a host of others. This church is led by Pastor Paul and Ifeanyi Adefarasin.

  1. CHRIST EMBASSY

Like House on the Rock, this is one of the centres of Spirit-filled gospel music both within and outside Nigeria. After grooming stars like Frank Edwards, Sinach, Eben and many others, aspiring music ministers have since found their way to Christ Embassy to at least, have a touch with this God that helps musicians to “blow”. The excellence of the word and move of the spirit with which Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, the senior pastor operates is envied by all. Christ Embassy people are one of the first to fall down at any spirit-manifesting service. They are also unashamed about their faith anywhere. They would gladly speak their tongues to your face. Their pastor’s relaxed hair used to be much of an issue in Nigeria until recently when the “haters” found other things to talk about.

  1. EVANGELICAL CHURCH OF WEST AFRICA (ECWA)

You gotta put a “respek” on this church because they are far older than you know it. This church has existed way before y’all new generation Christians. Although they are not too rigid on doctrine, their gatherings still remain one of the biggest gatherings of females in long skirts and scarves competing strongly with Deeper Life and MFM.

  1. THE ELEVATION CHURCH, NIGERIA

This is the younger, trendier and what you would call the Lekki version of Daystar Christian Centre, although they have a centre on the mainland. The pastors, Pastor Godman and Bola Akinlabi were pastors in Daystar Christian Centre for several years before they were led to go start a new church on their own. So, it would be normal to replicate the excellence, love and the debonair culture experienced at Daystar.

  1. COVENANT CHRISTIAN CENTRE

Very similar to House on the Rock Church is Covenant Christian Centre. Although Covenant Christian Centre seems to be a younger version of HOTR with a touch of Winners Chapel. This church also plays host to several top music ministers and their line-up of Music, Political, Faith teachings, Bible and Ministers Conferences is second to none.

C3 as it likes to be called is the brain behind the governance engagement summit, The Platform and the West African Faith Believers Convention (WAFBEC) –  arguably the most in-depth Word of Faith Conference in Africa at the moment.

So, that’s it guys. What did we miss out and what would you love to add? Drop them in the comment box below.

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