Redeemed Christian Church of God facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Redeemed Christian Church of God |
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| Abbreviation | RCCG |
| Type | Christianity |
| Classification | Protestant |
| Orientation | Holiness Pentecostal |
| Scripture | Bible |
| Theology | Evangelical |
| Governance | Synod |
| General Overseer | Enoch Adejare Adeboye |
| Region | Worldwide, especially Nigeria |
| Headquarters |
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| Founder | Josiah Akindayomi |
| Origin | 1952 Lagos, Nigeria |
| Congregations | 51,580 (2021) |
| Members | 9,938,617 (2021) |
| Tertiary institutions | Redeemer's University |
The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) is a very large Christian church. It started in Ebute Metta, Lagos, Nigeria. The RCCG is a Holiness Pentecostal church. It has churches in 197 countries and territories around the world. It is one of the biggest Christian groups globally. The church has over 9 million members worldwide.
After its founder, Josiah Akindayomi, passed away in 1980, Pastor E.A. Adeboye became the new leader. He took on the role of General Overseer in 1981. Pastor Adeboye was a university lecturer before this.
How the RCCG Started and Grew
The RCCG was founded in 1952. Its founder was Rev. Josiah Olufemi Akindayomi. He lived from 1909 to 1980.
Pastor Adeboye joined the church in 1973. He was a mathematics lecturer at the University of Lagos. He first helped by translating Akindayomi's sermons. He translated from the Yoruba language to English language.
Adeboye became a pastor in 1975. He was officially named the church's leader in 1981. This happened after Akindayomi's wishes were read. In 1990, the Redeemed Christian Church of God Bible School was opened.
The RCCG has grown a lot. It is known as one of Africa's fastest-growing religious groups. It aims to become a global faith. The church's goal is to have at least one member in every household worldwide.
In 2008, the RCCG had over 14,000 churches in Nigeria. It also had five million members there. By 2024, the church was active in more than 190 countries.
How the Church is Organized
The international church is set up in different areas. Local churches are grouped into regions. In Nigeria, there are 59 regions as of August 2024. The church is also organized in many other parts of the world.
The RCCG holds special spiritual events. One is the "Holy Ghost Service." This event happens on the first Friday of every month in Nigeria. Other big events include the annual "Holy Ghost Convention" in August. There is also the "Holy Ghost Congress" in December.
What the RCCG Believes
The RCCG website explains its core beliefs. They believe in the Bible and the Holy Trinity. They also believe that the devil exists. The church teaches that God created humans in His own image.
They believe in repenting from sins. They also believe in being cleansed from sins by God's grace. Other beliefs include sanctification and water baptism. They also believe in Holy Spirit baptism and making things right (restitution). The church teaches that God can heal people without medicine. This happens through His divine help, often through prayer.
See also
- List of the largest evangelical churches
- List of the largest evangelical church auditoriums
- Worship service (evangelicalism)
- Christ Apostolic Church
- The Redeemed Evangelical Mission
