The history of the churches in Nigeria is not something very easy to say the whole thing. The reason is not far-fetched. But the tact and influence of missionaries in Africa, including Nigeria make us surrender to their religions. This is the example that the church is expected to set.
The church should influence the evils and fools of society and replace them with good and right paths or meet the needs of people without bias. Those are the objectives of the church. You can search more history, objectives, mission, vision, and ministries of each church identified in this article.
You can visit their sites or search on Google where you can locate “Wikipedia” for further studies. This article lists and writes briefs of both Orthodox churches and Pentecostal churches for further research about the churches in Nigeria. You can read similar posts on our church ministry page of the site.
A. Briefs of Top Orthodox Churches/Centers
The Orthodox Churches are the oldest churches brought by the missionaries or colonial masters in Nigeria. These kinds of churches are the first churches inherited when we were colonized. That is why up till now. The churches are still controlled by the body, not owned by a particular person.
The authorities are lifted from the decision of the body headed by a leader, not by a person (the Founder or Overseer) as in the Pentecostal churches. The following are lists of orthodox churches in Nigeria.
1. Roman Catholic Church (Mission)
Roman Catholic Church is one of the orthodox churches in Nigeria. It is the oldest and largest church. As we know the Orthodox in Nigeria was established by missionaries but Ignatius Ayau Kaigama is the General Overseer. The church has branches and centres across the nation.
2. Anglican Church in Nigeria (Mission)
Anglican Church in Nigeria is one of the largest orthodox churches in Nigeria. The church is also called the dominion of God. The church was established in 1867 in London. The church has a lot of branches, pastors, chaplains, and leaders in Nigeria.
3. Methodist Church Nigeria (Mission)
Methodist Church Nigeria was established in 1842 by British missionaries. The church is one of the orthodox oldest churches in Nigeria. The church has headquarters at Marina in Lagos. Methodist Church Nigeria is overseen by Prelate Samuel Chukwuemeka Kanu Uche, JP. The church has a lot of branches across the nation and abroad.
4. Nigerian Baptist Church (Convention)
The Nigerian Baptist Convention was established in 1850/1914 by the Southern Baptist Convention missionaries. The church is one of the orthodox oldest churches in Nigeria. The convention has headquarters in Lagos. Nigerian Baptist Convention is currently overseen by Rev. Dr. Isreal, Akanji. The convention has a lot of churches across the nation and abroad.
5. Presbyterian Church (Assemblies)
Presbyterian Church got its name from the Presbyterian form by assemblies of elders. The Church was established by Saint Columbia in Scotland in 1707. It is one of the Orthodox Churches.
B. Briefs of Top Pentecostal Churches/Centers
The Pentecostal Churches are new-mode of churches these days owned by a person called the Founder. It is the ministries of one person that are worked upon to become a church. The Founder may be a General Overseer or he/she may choose to elect the one that will be a General Overseer. All the authorities are drafted by the Founder or General Overseers, not by the body as in the Orthodox churches.
6. Redeemed Christian Church of God
Redeemed Christian Church of God was established around 1952 by the founder, Rev Josiah Akindayomi. It is one of the largest Pentecostal churches in Nigeria. Its headquarters is located in Lagos but it has numerous branches and preaching stations or centers across the nation and abroad. The current General Overseer is named Pastor Enoch Adeboye.
7. Celebration Church International
Celebration Church International is another Pentecostal Church established in 2012 by the founder, Emmanuel Iren. Its headquarters was located in Lagos but it has branches and centers across the nation. The name of the General Overseer is Emmanuel Iren.
8. Christ Apostolic Church
Christ Apostolic Church was established around 1941 by the founder, Apostle Joseph Ayo Babalola. It is one of the largest Pentecostal churches in Nigeria. Its headquarters is located in Lagos but it has numerous branches and preaching stations or centers across the nation and abroad. CAC has different prophets in churches established.
9. The Apostolic Church Nigeria
The Apostolic Church was established around 1918 by a prayer group called “Precious Stone” in Ijebuode. The leader of the Apostolic Church is Joseph Shadare. It is one of the largest Pentecostal churches in Nigeria. Its headquarters is located in Lagos but it has numerous branches and preaching stations or centers across the nation and abroad. The Apostolic Church has different prophets in churches established.
10. Evangelical Church Winning All
Evangelical Church Winning All was established in 1954. It’s one of the oldest Pentecostal churches in Nigeria. The church was founded by three ministers: Walter Gowans Thomas Kent and Rowland Bingham. The church has branches across the nation. The name of the General Overseer is Rev. Dr. Stephen Panya Baba.
11. The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army was established in 1912 by the Founders, William Booth. The church is one of the oldest churches in Nigeria. Its headquarters is located in Lagos but it has branches and centers across the nation. The church’s General Overseer is Colonel Victor Leslie.
12. Living Faith Church Worldwide
Living Faith Church Worldwide was established around 1981 by the founder, David Oyedepo. It is one of the largest Pentecostal churches in Nigeria. Its headquarters is located in Ota Ogun State but it has numerous branches and preaching stations or centers across the nation and abroad. The current General Overseer is named David Oyedepo.
13. Church of the Lord
Church of the Lord was established in 1925. It’s one of the oldest Pentecostal churches in Nigeria. The church was overseen by Josiah Ollunowo Ositelu. Its headquarters is located at Ogere and has branches across the nation.
14. The New Covenant Church
The New Covenant Church was established in 1986 by the Founder, Moses Rev. Paul Jinadu. The church has its headquarters in Ibadan and branches and centres across the nation and abroad. The General overseer is Rev. Paul Jinadu. Apart from the Founder, There are pastors under him.
15. Cherubim and Seraphim
Cherubim and Seraphim were established in 1925 by the Founder, Moses Orimolade. It is one of the oldest white-garment churches in Nigeria. The church has its headquarters in Lagos and branches and centres across the nation and abroad. Apart from the Founder, There are prophets under him.
16. Mountain of Fire and Miracles
Mountain of Fire and Miracles was established around 1989 by the founder, Dr Daniel Olukoya. It is one of the largest Pentecostal churches in Nigeria. Its headquarters is located in Lagos but it has numerous branches and preaching stations or centers across the nation and abroad. The current General Overseer is named Pastor Dr. Daniel Olukoya.
17. Celestial Church of Christ
Celestial Church of Christ was established in 1947 by the Found, Samuel Bilehou Joseph Oshoffa. It is one of the oldest white-garment churches in Nigeria. The church has its headquarters in Cotonou and branches and centres across the nation and abroad. Apart from the Founder, There are prophets under him.
18. Salvation Ministries
Salvation Ministries is another Pentecostal Church established in 1997 by the founder, Pastor David Ibiyeomie. Its headquarters was located in Port-Harcourt but it has branches and centers across the nation. The name of the General Overseer is David Ibiyeomie.
19. Christ Embassy
Christ Embassy was established in 1990. It is one of the largest Pentecostal churches in Nigeria. The church was founded by Chris Oyakilome. The church has branches across the nation. The name of the General Overseer is Chris Oyakilome. The church headquarters is located in Lagos, but it has various branches and centres across the nation and abroad.
20. Deeper Christian Life Ministry
Deeper Christian Life Ministry was established around 1982 by the founder, William Kumuyi. It is one of the largest Pentecostal churches in Nigeria. Its headquarters is located in Lagos but it has numerous branches and preaching stations or centers across the nation and abroad. The current General Overseer is named William Kumuyi.
21. Full Life Christian Centre
Full Life Christian Centre was established in 2000 by the Founder, Rev. Ntia I Ntia. The church is another Pentecostal church in Nigeria. Its headquarters is located in Akwa Ibom State but has branches and centers across the nation. The General Overseer of the church is Rev. Ntia I Ntia.
22. Royal House of Grace International Church
Royal House of Grace International Church was established in 1992 by the Founder, Apostle Zilly Aggrey. The church is another Pentecostal church in Nigeria. Its headquarters is located in Port-Harcourt but has branches and centers across the nation. The General Overseer of the church is King David Zilly Agrey.
23. Word of Life Bible Church
Word of Life Bible Church was established in 1987 by the founder, Ayo Oritsejafor. The church is one of the oldest churches in Nigeria. Its headquarters is located in Warri but it has branches and centers across the nation. The church’s General Overseer is Ayo Oritsejafor.
24. Assemblies of God Church
Assemblies of God Church is another Pentecostal Church established in 1934 by the founder, Rev. Chidi Okoroafor. Its headquarters was located in Enugu but it has branches and centers across the nation. The name of the General Overseer is Rev. Chidi Okoroafor.
25. Livinspring Intl Chapel Nigeria
Living Spring Intl Chapel Nigeria was established by the Founder, Pastor Femi Emmanuel. The church is another Pentecostal church in Nigeria. Its headquarters is located in Ibadan but has branches and centers across the nation. The General Overseer of the church is Femi Emmanuel.
26. Church of Nigeria
The Church of Nigeria was established in 1842 by the Founder, Henry Thousand. The church is one of the oldest churches in Nigeria. Its headquarters is located in Badagry, but it has branches and centres across the nation and abroad. The General Overseer of the church is Henry Ndukuba.
27. The Latter Rain Assembly
The Latter Rain Assembly was changed to Dominion Hall, Citadel Global Community Church in April 2019 by the Founder, Pastor Tunde Bakare in Lagos. Its headquarters was located in Lagos but it has branches and centers across the nation. The name of the General Overseer is Pastor Tunde Bakare.
28. The African Church
The African Church was established in 1901 by the Founder, Jacob Kehinde Coker. It’s one of the oldest Pentecostal churches in Nigeria. The church was overseen by Emmanuel Josiah Udofia. Its headquarters is located in Lagos and it has branches across the nation.
29. The Lord’s Chosen
The Lord Chosen is another Pentecostal Church established in 2002 by the Founder, Lazarus Muoka. Its headquarters was located in Mushin, Lagos but it has branches and centres across the nation. The name of the General Overseer is Lazarus Muoka.
30. Foursquare Church
Foursquare Church is a church whose mission is to help people. It was established by the assembly of certain pastors, chaplains, and missionary workers. They render help to people in hospitals, the needy, and so on.
Conclusion
We believe that the reviews of the Orthodox and Pentecostal churches above will help a lot and motivate you to study further about the history and what the church stands for. You can continue further studies. The growth of the church is also important to know the importance of the list above.
