Many influential pastors In Nigeria have built large congregations and impacted millions of lives in the country, and beyond.
However, in this guide, we’ll share with you ten of the most powerful and prominent pastors in Nigeria, and you’ll learn more about their backgrounds, ministries, and contributions to the country’s spiritual space.
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Who Are The Most Powerful Pastor In Nigeria?
Here are some of the most powerful, and influential pastors in Nigeria:
- Pastor Enoch Adeboye – The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG)
- Bishop David Oyedepo – Living Faith Church (Winners Chapel)
- Pastor Chris Oyakhilome – LoveWorld Incorporated (Christ Embassy)
- Pastor Paul Adefarasin – House on the Rock
- Pastor Sam Adeyemi – Daystar Christian Centre
- Bishop Mike Okonkwo – The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM)
- Pastor Daniel Olukoya – Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM)
- Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor – Word of Life Bible Church
- Apostle Joshua Selman – Eternity Network International
- Apostle Johnson Suleman – Omega Fire Ministries
1. Pastor Enoch Adeboye – The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG)
Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, born on March 2, 1942, in Ifewara, Osun State, Nigeria, is a highly respected pastor and the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG). Growing up in poverty, he often shared that he wore his first pair of shoes at the age of 18.
Despite these early challenges, Adeboye excelled in his education, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from the University of Ife in 1967, followed by a Master’s degree in Hydrodynamics and a Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics from the University of Lagos.
Adeboye’s spiritual career began in 1973 when he sought divine healing for his daughter at an RCCG parish, leading to his commitment to Christ.
In 1977, he was ordained as a pastor under the mentorship of Reverend Josiah Olufemi Akindayomi, the founder of RCCG.
After Akindayomi died in 1981, Adeboye took over as the church leader, guiding it to incredible growth, with RCCG now present in over 198 countries.
A key part of his legacy is the Holy Ghost Services (HGS), which began in the 1980s and continues to attract millions of worshippers, including the record-breaking Holy Ghost Congress in 1998 with over seven million attendees.
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2. Bishop David Oyedepo – Living Faith Church (Winners Chapel)
Bishop David Olaniyi Oyedepo, born on September 27, 1954, in Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria, is one of the most influential Christian leaders in Nigeria.
He is the founder of Living Faith Church Worldwide, also known as Winners’ Chapel. Oyedepo grew up in a mixed-religious home, with a Muslim father and a Christian mother. Raised by his grandmother, he was introduced to Christian teachings through her prayers.
At 15, Oyedepo gave his life to Christ, and in 1981, he had a life-changing 18-hour vision where he received “The Liberation Mandate” to free the world from oppression through faith.
This led to the founding of the Living Faith Church in Kaduna. In 1983, he and his wife, Faith, were ordained by Pastor Enoch Adeboye of the Redeemed Christian Church of God.
Under his leadership, Living Faith Church grew rapidly, and by 1999, it completed the Faith Tabernacle in Ota, which holds 50,000 people.
Today, the church has branches in over 45 countries. Oyedepo is also the chancellor of Covenant and Landmark Universities.
With a net worth exceeding $150 million, he is known for his prosperity teachings, healing ministry, and his many books.
3. Pastor Chris Oyakhilome – LoveWorld Incorporated (Christ Embassy)
Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, born on December 7, 1963, in Edo State, Nigeria, is a leading pastor, televangelist, and author.
He is the founder and president of LoveWorld Incorporated, also known as Christ Embassy. Growing up in a Christian family, Pastor Chris was inspired by his parents’ strong spiritual values.
He began at Bendel State University, where he founded the Youth for Christ fellowship. In 1987, this group transformed into Christ Embassy, launching his ministry.
Since then, Christ Embassy has grown into a global church with millions of members worldwide. Pastor Chris is known for innovative evangelism, including his healing services and the “Atmosphere for Miracles” program.
He is also the author of “Rhapsody of Realities,” a popular devotional translated into over 8123 languages, and hosts the global television network Loveworld TV. His annual mass rallies and healing schools in Nigeria and South Africa draw thousands seeking prayer and healing.
Aside from ministry, Pastor Chris is a philanthropist, founding the Inner City Mission for Children to support disadvantaged children and the International School of Ministry to train future pastors.
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4. Pastor Paul Adefarasin – House on the Rock
Pastor Paul Adefarasin, born on January 25, 1963, is a powerful Nigerian pastor, author, and televangelist. He is best known as the founder and senior pastor of House on the Rock, one of Nigeria’s largest and most influential Pentecostal churches.
Adefarasin’s journey to ministry was seen by personal challenges, including a struggle with substance abuse in his youth, which led to a transformative encounter with God and a dedication to Christ.
However, he attended St. Saviour’s School in Ikoyi, Igbobi College in Yaba, and later studied Architecture at the University of Miami.
While in the U.S., he was a youth pastor. After returning to Nigeria in 1994, he founded House on the Rock, starting with a small gathering in his mother’s living room. The church has since grown into a megachurch with over 50 branches across Africa and Europe.
Apart from his pastoral role, Pastor Adefarasin is also a philanthropist, founding The Rock Foundation to support healthcare, education, and marginalized communities.
He also hosts “The Experience,” a large annual gospel concert. Pastor Adefarasin has published over 20 books and continues to inspire through his teachings and charitable work.
5. Pastor Sam Adeyemi – Daystar Christian Centre
Pastor Sam Adeyemi, born on February 3, 1967, in Yagba, Kogi State, Nigeria, is a well-known pastor, motivational speaker, and author.
He is the founder and senior pastor of Daystar Christian Centre, one of Nigeria’s largest and most influential churches.
Pastor Adeyemi grew up in a Christian home, which inspired his passion for faith and service. He later moved to Kogi State, and his interest in leadership and personal growth developed.
Pastor Adeyemi studied Civil Engineering at Kwara State Polytechnic before pursuing a Master’s degree in Leadership Studies at the University of Exeter in the UK.
He earned a Doctorate in Strategic Leadership from Regent University in the USA in 2017. In 1995, after a period of prayer and fasting, Pastor Adeyemi founded Daystar Christian Centre.
The church quickly grew and is known for its practical teachings on personal empowerment and success, based on biblical principles.
He is also the president of Success Power International, a platform dedicated to motivating individuals through seminars, publications, and media.
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6. Bishop Mike Okonkwo – The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM)
Bishop Mike Okonkwo, born on September 6, 1945, in Ogbunike, Anambra State, Nigeria, is a highly respected pastor and the Presiding Bishop of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM).
His spiritual journey began in November 1970, leading him to join the United Church of Christ (UCC) and become ordained in 1971.
After feeling a divine call, he founded TREM in 1981. Under him, the church has grown to over 180 branches in Nigeria and several international locations.
Bishop Okonkwo is known for his dynamic preaching style and his focus on the “Power in the Word,” inspiring many through his teachings.
He also reaches people through television, radio programs, and conferences. Bishop Okonkwo is also committed to social causes.
Together with his wife, Bishop Peace Okonkwo, they lead the Women of Global Impact program, providing free cervical screenings and supporting vulnerable communities.
Bishop Okonkwo has also played a part in the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), serving as its first National General Secretary and later as Deputy National President.
With over 30 years of ministry, he continues to impact lives through his church and outreach programs, promoting balanced Christianity and social change.
7. Pastor Daniel Olukoya – Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM)
Pastor Daniel Kolawole Olukoya, commonly known as D.K. Olukoya, was born on July 15, 1957, in Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria is one of the most influential pastors in the country.
He grew up in a devout Christian family, with his father being both a police officer and a pastor. This early influence shaped Olukoya’s faith and spiritual journey. Olukoya is highly educated.
He earned a first-class degree in Microbiology from the University of Lagos (UNILAG) and went on to complete a Ph.D. in Molecular Genetics at the University of Reading in the UK.
However, he returned to Nigeria and worked at the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research. In 1989, while still working as a scientist, Olukoya felt a divine calling and started a prayer group at home, which later grew into Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM).
The church grew rapidly and became known for its focus on powerful prayer, spiritual warfare, and deliverance. By 1994, MFM had become a formal church. Pastor Olukoya is also an accomplished author, having written over 250 books on faith and spiritual growth.
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8. Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor – Word Of Life Bible Church
Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, born on November 10, 1949, in Lagos, Nigeria, is the founding Senior Pastor of Word of Life Bible Church (WLBC) in Warri, Delta State.
His spiritual career began in 1972 after a life-changing conversion during an evangelical crusade. He studied at the All Nations for Christ Bible Institute, Nigerian Baptist Seminary, and Morris Cerullo’s School of Ministry in California, USA.
During this time, he received a vision to preach to thousands, leading to the establishment of WLBC in 1987. Since then, WLBC has become one of Nigeria’s largest Pentecostal churches, with a 35,000-seat auditorium.
Known for powerful worship services, WLBC focuses on salvation, deliverance, and healing. Pastor Oritsejafor has organized large crusades that have reached millions.
He was the president of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) from 2005 to 2010 and became the first Pentecostal leader to head the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in 2010.
9. Apostle Joshua Selman – Eternity Network International
Apostle Joshua Selman Nimmak, born on June 25, 1980, in Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria, is a leading gospel preacher and the founder of Eternity Network International (ENI).
Known for his revelatory teachings, he has impacted many lives across Nigeria and beyond. Selman developed a strong passion for spiritual matters early on, and his faith deepened after a transformative encounter with Christ during his teenage years.
Selman studied Chemical Engineering at Ahmadu Bello University, where he began preaching to fellow students. In 2011, he founded Eternity Network International in Zaria.
The ministry’s weekly program, Koinonia, focuses on worship, teaching, and fellowship, drawing large numbers of believers seeking spiritual growth.
His ministry emphasizes supernatural and spiritual empowerment, with many healing services and prophetic meetings. In addition, Selman is a prolific author, sharing resources to help others grow spiritually.
10. Apostle Johnson Suleman – Omega Fire Ministries
Apostle Johnson Suleman, born on March 24, 1971, in Benin City, Nigeria, is the founder of Omega Fire Ministries International (OFM), based in Auchi, Edo State.
Raised in a Muslim family, his strong Christian faith began in his youth, following prophetic experiences that led him to believe in a divine calling.
Suleman’s ministry began in 1994 and took off after he founded OFM in 2004, during his time as an assistant pastor at Armor of God Church in Lagos.
Apostle Suleman is well-known for his powerful preaching and prophetic ministry that has attracted thousands to his healing services and annual prophetic gatherings.
He is also the CEO of Celebration TV and Hossana Oil and Gas Company and has authored several books on faith.
Despite facing controversies, Suleman remains influential, known for his philanthropic work and dedication to spiritual empowerment. He is married to Dr. Lizzy Johnson Suleman, and they have six children.