Origin Story of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG)

How Did the Redeemed Christian Church of God Begin?

The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) was founded in 1952 by Pa Josiah Akindayomi, a humble, uneducated Yoruba man with deep spiritual hunger and commitment to God. What started as a small fellowship in Lagos, Nigeria, has grown into a global Pentecostal movement with branches in more than 190 nations.

Early Life of Josiah Akindayomi: The Man God Chose

Pa Josiah Akindayomi was born in Ondo State, Nigeria, in 1909. Though he came from an idol-worshiping background, he gave his life to Christ in the 1920s and joined the Cherubim and Seraphim Church, a white-garment prophetic denomination.

Over time, Akindayomi became dissatisfied with doctrinal practices and unscriptural traditions. God began to call him out to establish a new work based solely on the Bible and the power of the Holy Spirit.

Despite being illiterate, Pa Akindayomi was deeply prophetic. In the late 1940s, he began receiving a divine message:

“I will take this church to the ends of the earth.”

Birth of RCCG in 1952

In 1952, Josiah Akindayomi officially left the Cherubim and Seraphim Church and founded what would later be called the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG). He started in 1952 with a few people meeting in his house at 9 Willoughby Street, Ebute Metta, Lagos.

By divine leading, he named it “The Redeemed Christian Church of God,” and God gave him a covenant:

"This church will be known all over the world. I will meet this church at the feet of Jesus when He returns."

A Prophetic Succession: The Rise of Pastor E.A. Adeboye

Before his death in 1980, Akindayomi received a revelation about who would succeed him—a young academic named Enoch Adejare Adeboye, a former mathematics lecturer at the University of Lagos.

Pastor E.A. Adeboye joined RCCG in 1973 as an interpreter for Pa Akindayomi. Unknown to many, God had already chosen him. In 1981, Adeboye became General Overseer (G.O.), a divine appointment that transformed RCCG into a global revival movement.

Global Expansion and Vision

Under Pastor Adeboye's leadership, the church launched the Vision of RCCG, including:

• Planting a church within 5 minutes walking distance in every city and town
• Building model parishes worldwide
• Using media, music, schools, and healthcare to reach nations
• Hosting Holy Ghost Congresses and Festival of Life events globally

RCCG now has tens of thousands of parishes worldwide, including strong presence in the UK, US, Canada, Europe, Asia, and Africa.

 Key Beliefs and Doctrines of RCCG

RCCG stands for:

• Holiness as a lifestyle
• The infallibility of the Bible
• Baptism of the Holy Spirit and gifts
• The Second Coming of Christ
• The call to global evangelism and discipleship

 FAQ:

What was the first RCCG parish?

The first RCCG parish was at 9 Willoughby Street, Ebute Metta, Lagos, in 1952.

Who is the founder of RCCG?

Pa Josiah Akindayomi is the founder, led by the Holy Spirit to start the church.

Is Pastor Adeboye the founder of RCCG?

No, Pastor E.A. Adeboye is the second leader and current General Overseer, appointed by prophecy.

What is RCCG’s mission?

To make heaven, take as many people as possible with them, and live holy lives through the help of the Holy Spirit.