It is generally understood that Christianity is not an indigenous religion in Nigeria. It was introduced to the areas now known as present day Nigeria by the Europeans,most especially the missionaries. Ever since then, the religion has continually spread all over the land to become one of the major religions in Nigeria and it is estimated that more than 40% of the Nigeria populace are Christians, a percentage slightly surpassed by Islam.
Though the earliest churches in Nigeria are of European origin, a large number of churches in Nigeria today were founded by Indigenous Nigerians whose goal is to ensure that many more Nigerians irrespective of tribe and locality come to embrace Christianity and the everlasting hope of salvation the religion offers.
Below are the 15 of the most popular churches founded by indigenous Nigerians in no particular order:
The Redeemed Christian Church of God
It was founded in 1952 by the late Rev Josiah Akindayomi with Pastor Enoch Adeboye as the General Overseer. The Redeemed Christian Church of God is believed to possess the highest population in Nigeria as far as Pentecostal churches are concerned.
2. Living Faith Church Worldwide
It was founded in 1981 by Bishop David Oyedepo who is also the General Overseer. This church is also known as Winners Chapel International and its headquarter is located in Ota, Ogun state.
3. Christ Embassy
Founded in 1990 by its General Overseer, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome. There are many branches of the church in Nigeria and its headquarters is located in Lagos.
4. Mountain of Fire and Miracle Ministry
Founded in 1989 by Dr. Daniel Olukoya. It was founded in Yaba, Lagos and presently has thousands of branches spread across the nation.
5. Deeper Life Christian Ministry
It was founded by pastor William Folorunsho Kumuyi in 1982 and is among the most reputable churches in Nigeria.
6. The Commonwealth of Zion Assembly
It was founded in 1999 by Reverend Biodun Fatoyinbo. It is also known as Coza ministries, a name derived from the church’s acronym.
7. Daystar Christian Center
It was inaugurated in 1995 by Samuel Adeyemi and its headquarters is in Lagos.
8. Cherubim and Seraphim
It was founded by Moses Orimolade Tuno in 1925. Cherubim and Seraphim is one of the oldest indigenous churches in Nigeria.
9. The Christ Apostolic Church
It was formally founded in 1941 by Joseph Ayo Babalola with Pastor A.O Akinosun as the General Overseer. This church is known to be the first Aladura Pentecostal Church in Nigeria.
10. Salvation Ministries
Founded in 1997 by David Ibiyeomie who also serves as the General Overseer. Salvation Ministries has its headquarters in Port Harcourt.
11. The Lord’s Chosen
Founded by Lazarus Muoka in 2002. The church broke out from the Catholic Church and has its headquarters in Lagos.
12. Celestial Church of Christ
Founded in 1947 with Samuel Bilehou Joseph oshoffa as the General Overseer. Though it was founded in Benin republic from where it spread to Nigeria and other parts of West Africa, the founder,Oshoffa is a Nigerian by origin. The white garment church whose worshipers are known for being barefooted while in their church attire is one of the most popular in Nigeria.
13. HOUSE ON THE ROCK
It was founded in 1994 by Paul Adefarasin. House on the Rock is a prominent multi-ethnic Christian Church headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria. The ministry is popular for its annual musical concert, The Experience, which features local and international gospel musicians.
14. LATTER RAIN ASSEMBLY
Also known as End-Time Church, Latter Rain Assembly was founded in 1989 by Pastor Tunde Bakare who is currently its serving overseer.
.15. THE SYNAGOGUE CHURCH OF ALL NATIONS
The Synagogue Church Of All Nations was founded by Temitope Balogun Joshua, popularly referred to as Prophet T. B. Joshua. The church is generally popular for the miracles, healing and the prophetic gift the founder possesses.
Note that this list does not represent all the popular churches founded by Nigerians as there are many others not included in the list and the definition of popularity varies and is relative. Do you agree with the list? Your opinion and comments would be appreciated.
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