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List of Nigeria’s Most Influential Pentecostal Churches
List of Nigeria’s Biggest and Most Influential Pentecostal Churches
1. Redeemed Christian Church of God
This is Nigeria’s biggest church and also the most influential. With well over 2 million members worldwide, the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) is so big that in many major cities of Nigeria especially in the south Western States (Lagos in particular), you can hardly move 200 meters along any major road without sighting one of their branches. The church’s headquarters at Redemption camp has one of the largest prayer grounds and church auditorium.
2. Living Faith Church (winners chapel)
This church popularly called winners chapel is so big that its members probably are as many as the RCCG although the church is not as influential as RCCG in south western Nigeria it has branches in all the states of Nigeria and in many countries all over the world. Also attached to this church is Covenant University and a number of other institutions including schools and colleges.
3. Christ Embassy
Christ embassy is not as large as say deeper life or mountain of fire but is a highly influential church especially with the youth. The church has branches all over Nigeria and in many countries all over the world.
4. DayStar Christian Center
Headed by Sam Adeyemi, Daystar church claims it is raising role models. It is a very influential church also targeting the young and the young at heart.
5. The Lord’s Chosen Charismatic Revival Ministries
This church is very massive and influential with close to a million members. It is especially popular with Igbo speaking folks of South Eastern Nigeria. Lord’s chosen has a lot of influence among traders within the Lagos metropolis and in the eastern parts especially Onitsha and Nnewi, it also has a large operational base in Lagos.
6. Fountain of Life Church
This church co-founded by Taiwo and late Bimbo Odukoya is influential with young and upwardly mobile professionals living in Lagos Nigeria. The church has a lot of following among them highly educated and successful business folks.
7. Covenant Christian Center
Popular televangelist Poju Oyemade is senior pastor of this church whose television programme Insights for living is very popular in Lagos Nigeria. Poju is especially noted for his emphasis on breaking down situations of life and relating them to scripture.
8. Synagogue Church of All Nations
Highly influential among foreign evangelists and tourists, SCOAN as it is also known is headed by Popular Ikotun Egbe based Prophet TB Joshua. This church is noted for its miracles and spectacles that have been controversial over the years.
9. Latter Rain Assembly
Pastor Tunde Bakare, one time vice presidential aspirant of the Congress for Progressive Change, this former muslim is perhaps Nigeria’s most controversial pastor noted for his outspokenness.
10. House on The Rock
The senior pastor of this church Paul Adefarasin is noted for his flamboyance and eloquence. Handsome and fashionable his Television program something is about to happen is influential with many Lagos Nigeria residents. He is also famous for his annual gospel concert ‘the experience’.
11. The Redeemed Evangelical Mission
Former president of Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria Mike Okonkwo is head of the church. It has been around for some time although not as influential as many already mentioned but the church has a strong presence in the Nigerian Pentecostal society.
12. King’s way International Christian Center (KICC)
London Based KICC is influential in Europe and Africa. In Nigeria it doesn’t have a strong presence but overall, a powerful Televangelism programme broadcast worldwide is a notable achievement.
13. Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM)
Controversial church with unorthodox praying style, this church is very big with many members who live aesthetic lives such as not wearing jewellery, wearing simple clothing and avoiding occasions for indulgence perhaps too much for less liberal Christians.
14. Deeper Life Gospel Church
Just like MFM, this church encourages members to be simple in their dressing and lifestyle. Members are known for not watching TV. It has a large church following especially in the south west of Nigeria.
15. Celestial Church of Christ
White garment wearing church whose members often move about bare-footed on their way to and from church, mostly Yoruba Speaking church in south west Nigeria.