It is not uncommon to have white preachers dominate the entire religious scene. However, it becomes amazing to see African preachers causing waves. This now happens even up to the international level. It is clear that the days of having just white preachers have faded.
Some years ago, when you mentioned preachers only certain names were listed. In this list, you will rarely find a black. I even observed that in the book, God’s Generals by Roberts Liardon, there’s not a single black! Isn’t that surprising?
But the tide has changed! Let me give you a quick list of top five African preachers causing waves in the world.
- Number one on the list is Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye of the Redeemed Christian Church of God. This mathematician turned pastor took up the mantle of leadership from the founder of the church in 1981. Before this time, the church had less than forty branches. But as at March 2017, it has spread to about 196 nations of the world. It is quite certain that it would have increased to more than 200 nations with millions of members around the world.
During the church’s monthly Holy Ghost service, the number of worshippers is estimated to be in millions.
2. Another would be Bishop David Olaniyi Oyedepo. Fondly called Bishop Oyedepo, he is the founder and senior pastor of the Living Faith Church Worldwide. He is a man who is very passionate about winning souls for the Lord. He has been severally sighted on the streets doing evangelism. This, for many preachers, would be considered something too low to stoop down to.
David Oyedepo is another African preacher reputed to have the largest church auditorium in the world. The capacity of the auditorium is estimated to be 50,000. On a single Sunday, the church runs four services. Besides, the church has her presence in other African nations. It also has branches in developed countries. It is also worthy to note that the church currently runs two standard universities – Covenant University and Landmark University.
In addition, Oyedepo is one of the employers of labour. In other words, his organization pays salaries to more than three thousand, five hundred people today.
David Oyedepo’s Net Worth
According to Forbes magazine, David Oyedepo is reputed to be the one of the top richest pastors in the world with a net worth of over $150 million.
3. The third person would be Pastor Chris Oyakhilome.
Chis Oyakhilome is the founder and president of LoveWorld Incorporated also known as Christ Embassy. Pastor Chris also has passion for seeing souls saved and filled with the Holy Spirit. Furthermore, he manifests the gifts of healing in his meetings. Through these meetings, sick people come to be healed.
One thing that qualifies Oyakhilome to be a part of this list is, among other things, his philanthropic works. Pastor Chris, as fondly called, works to assist orphaned and poor children in inner cities in many countries. The organization which oversees this is Inner City Mission Project. They send relief materials to countries affected by disasters. In addition, they work with government agencies to improve social wellbeing.
Pastor Chris Oyakhilome has written several books that have been translated into many different languages.
It is worthy to note that having a lot of money or big congregation is not a yardstick for making impact. It is living a life of Christ and winning souls for Jesus Christ that really matters.
You may also want to read: What We Heard About Prophet T. B. Joshua |Let’s Recap
4. Uebert Angel
The Zimbabwean prophet Uebert Angel would be number 4 on this list. Uebert’s ministry which started in 2007 has now become one of the biggest in Africa. Uebert Angel is a British-Zimbabwean businessman. He founded Spirit Embassy, a Pentecostal ministry in the United Kingdom. Aged 42, he is also the Presidential Envoy and Ambassador at Large for the country of Zimbabwe to Europe and the Americas. Uebert is making serious waves in the African continent.
I would have added Prophet T.B. Joshua on this list, but he’s no more. So, Dr. Uma Ukpai would replace T.B. Joshua on this list. Rev. Uma Ukpai is one of the African preachers causing waves in Nigeria and in the world at large. This anointed man of God is an evangelist and Christian leader. He is also the founder and president of Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association based in Akwa Ibom in Nigeria. Uma Ukpai has a vision to bring total liberation to Africa and the world at large. Signs and wonders always ‘greet’ Uma Ukpai’s ministry. He is a man with a very ‘strange’ anointing.
Uma Ukpai’s Lagos Crusade
As a result of Uma Ukpai’s Greater Lagos for Christ Crusade of 1985, the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) was born. Today, he is one of the grand patrons and a member of the National Advisory Council of PFN.
Must Read: Top Five African Preachers Causing Waves in the World