Introduction
In July 1909, a child was born into the Akindayomi family in Ondo State, Nigeria. Despite being raised in an environment of idol worship, he felt a deep yearning to understand a greater power—”The God who created the earth and everyone on it.” This quest for spiritual truth led him on a remarkable journey that would ultimately culminate in the founding of one of the most influential Christian organizations in the world.
Early Spiritual Journey
The young Akindayomi began his spiritual journey by joining the Church Missionary Society, where he was baptized in 1927. However, he remained spiritually unsatisfied and, in 1931, joined the Cherubim and Seraphim church. During his time there, he began to hear an inner voice calling him to become a servant of God. Initially resistant to this calling, Akindayomi experienced a series of business failures, leading him into debt and despair. This period of struggle marked the beginning of a deeper relationship with God, where he eventually surrendered to the divine will.
Calling and Divine Confirmation
Akindayomi’s surrender to God’s will was accompanied by a series of confirmations through Bible passages—Jeremiah 1:4-10, Isaiah 41:10-13, and Romans 8:29-31—that assured him of God’s provision. He accepted that he would not receive any salary from that point on, relying solely on God’s grace for his needs. His marriage in 1941 and continued worship at the Cherubim and Seraphim church were significant milestones in his life, but by 1952, Akindayomi grew increasingly concerned that the church was straying from the true Word of God. This concern prompted him to leave the church and start a house fellowship called the Glory of God Fellowship at Willoughby Street, Ebute-Metta, Lagos. The fellowship began with nine members but quickly grew as news of the miracles occurring in their midst spread.
Founding of the Redeemed Christian Church of God
A pivotal moment in Akindayomi’s spiritual journey came when he received a vision in which the words “The Redeemed Christian Church of God” appeared on a blackboard. Despite being illiterate, he was supernaturally able to write these words down. God revealed to him that this church would reach the ends of the earth and that it would be standing when the Lord Jesus Christ returned in glory. God also established a covenant with Akindayomi, promising to meet all the needs of the church if its members served Him faithfully and obeyed His Word. The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) was officially founded in 1952, and the fellowship continued to grow, eventually relocating to its current headquarters at 1-5 Redemption Way, Ebute-Metta, Lagos.
The Transition of Leadership
In the early 1970s, God revealed to Akindayomi that his successor would be a young, educated man who was not yet a member of the church. When Enoch Adejare Adeboye, a university lecturer in Mathematics, joined the church in 1973, Akindayomi recognized him as the chosen successor. Adeboye became involved in the church, initially serving as an interpreter for Akindayomi’s sermons. In 1975, he was ordained as a pastor. Before his death at the age of 71, Akindayomi shared details of the divine covenant and God’s plans for the church with Pastor Adeboye. Despite the heavy responsibility, Adeboye accepted the role, and after Akindayomi’s passing, his appointment was formalized according to Akindayomi’s sealed pronouncement.
Global Expansion and Influence
Under Pastor Adeboye’s leadership, the RCCG experienced exponential growth. From its humble beginnings, the church expanded to over 20,000 parishes in Nigeria alone. The RCCG also established a significant international presence, with parishes in various African countries, Europe, North America, the Caribbean, South America, the Middle East, and Australia. By July 2011, there were approximately 600 parishes in North America.
Impact and Legacy
Today, the RCCG continues to witness God’s marvelous deeds worldwide. One of the church’s most well-known programs is the Holy Ghost Service, a monthly all-night miracle service held at the Redemption Camp along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. With millions of attendees, the service has become a global event, with Pastor Adeboye leading similar services in London, Washington, D.C., Toronto, and other major cities around the world.
Conclusion
The journey of Pa Akindayomi, from a young boy seeking to know the true God to the founder of the RCCG, is a testament to the power of faith, obedience, and divine calling. The RCCG’s global impact, under the continued leadership of Pastor Adeboye, reflects the enduring legacy of Pa Akindayomi’s covenant with God and his unwavering commitment to spreading the gospel to the ends of the earth.