The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) is one of the largest and fastest-growing Pentecostal churches in Nigeria and the world today. It has a presence in over 190 countries worldwide and is known for its strong emphasis on prayer, evangelism, and community outreach.
RCCG has touched the lives of millions of people around the world, and its impact continues to grow under the leadership of Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, popularly known as Pastor E. A. Adeboye.
The story of RCCG began in 1952 when a young man named Josiah Akindayomi, who was a devout member of the Cherubim and Seraphim church, had a vision in which he was called to start a church. This vision led him to begin a prayer fellowship, which he named the Glory of God Fellowship. This fellowship grew rapidly, and by 1973, it had become a full-fledged church with branches in various parts of Nigeria. However, Akindayomi continued to seek God’s direction for the church, and in 1979, he had another vision in which he saw a man wearing a flowing beard and carrying a Bible. The man instructed Akindayomi to ordain him as the next leader of the church.
The man in the vision turned out to be Enoch Adejare Adeboye, who was then a mathematics lecturer at the University of Lagos. Akindayomi immediately invited Adeboye to join the church and made him the General Overseer. Under Adeboye’s leadership, RCCG experienced phenomenal growth, with membership increasing from a few thousand to millions of people around the world. Adeboye’s dynamic preaching style, his emphasis on prayer and fasting, and his commitment to community outreach all contributed to the church’s growth.
One of the key factors in RCCG’s growth has been Adeboye’s vision for the church. He has a strong desire to see the church become a global force for good, and he has worked tirelessly to achieve this vision. He has traveled extensively around the world, preaching the gospel and establishing new branches of the church in different countries. Today, RCCG has a presence in over 190 countries, and its membership continues to grow.
Another factor that has contributed to RCCG’s growth is its focus on prayer. Adeboye is a strong advocate of prayer and fasting, and he has led the church in many prayer initiatives over the years. One of the most notable of these initiatives is the annual Holy Ghost Congress, which is held every December in Nigeria. This event attracts millions of people from around the world and is a time of intense prayer and worship.
In addition to prayer and evangelism, RCCG is also known for its community outreach programs. The church has established various initiatives to help the less privileged in society, including the poor, the sick, and the homeless. Some of these initiatives include free medical clinics, schools, and vocational training programs. RCCG is also involved in disaster relief efforts, providing assistance to victims of natural disasters and other crises.