Nigerian pastors lead some of the largest congregations in the world and are watched online by millions. Here are the best-known ministers — who they are, the churches they lead and what they are known for.
General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God since 1981. A former mathematics lecturer, he grew RCCG from a small church into a global movement with parishes in well over 100 countries.
RCCGOgun/LagosFounder of Living Faith Church Worldwide (Winners’ Chapel). Built Canaanland in Ota with the Faith Tabernacle, and founded Covenant University and Landmark University.
WinnersOtaFounder of Deeper Christian Life Ministry, known for simple, holiness-focused Bible teaching. A former mathematics lecturer at the University of Lagos.
Deeper LifeLagosGeneral Overseer of Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries. A scientist (PhD in molecular genetics) known for prayer and deliverance ministry.
MFMYabaPresident of LoveWorld (Christ Embassy). Known for the Healing School, LoveWorld TV channels and the “Rhapsody of Realities” devotional.
Christ EmbassyLagosFounder of Dunamis International Gospel Centre in Abuja, with his wife Dr Becky Enenche. Their Glory Dome is one of the largest church auditoriums in Africa.
DunamisAbujaFounder of Salvation Ministries in Port Harcourt, one of the biggest churches in the South-South.
Salvation MinistriesPort HarcourtFounder of Daystar Christian Centre in Lagos, widely known for teaching on leadership.
DaystarLagosFounder of House on the Rock, Lagos, and host of “The Experience”, a huge annual gospel concert.
House on the RockLagosLeader of Koinonia (Eternity Network International), known for teaching meetings that draw large young crowds online and in person.
KoinoniaAbuja/ZariaLead pastor of Celebration Church International, a young church popular with students and young professionals.
Celebration ChurchLagosSenior pastor of Trinity House, Lagos; also a chartered accountant and well-known event host.
Trinity HouseLagos⛪ Catholic and mission church leaders
Leaders of the Catholic, Anglican, Methodist and Baptist churches are elected or appointed for fixed terms, so the names change. The best-known figure in recent decades was Cardinal Francis Arinze, a senior Vatican official born in Anambra State. For the current Archbishop, Primate, Prelate or President of each church, check the church’s official website.
