An African Instituted Church with a focus on prophetic-charismatic movements and divine healing.
Foundation and Early Development
The Celestial Church of Christ (CCC) is an African Instituted Church founded by Rev. Samuel Biléhou Joseph Oshoffa on September 29, 1947, in Porto-Novo, Benin (formerly Dahomey). Born in 1909 to a Christian family with Methodist roots, Oshoffa worked as a carpenter and trader before experiencing a life-changing divine revelation in 1947. According to church lore, Oshoffa became lost in the forest of Dahomey for three months, during which he received spiritual visions and instructions to establish a new church.
The foundation of the CCC is intertwined with claims of divine guidance and miraculous events. During a solar eclipse, Oshoffa reportedly encountered a winged angel bathed in intense light, delivering a message from God. This message instructed him to embark on a mission of preaching to the world, particularly focusing on nominal Christians who sought help from fetish priests and dark powers. Oshoffa’s mission was to be supported by miraculous works of divine healing performed in the name of Jesus Christ.
The church’s name, “Celestial Church of Christ” (Eglise du Christianisme Celeste in French, and Ijo Mimo ti Kristi lati orun wa in Yoruba), was revealed through Alexander Yanga, an early follower and beneficiary of Oshoffa’s divine healing. Yanga, while in a trance for seven consecutive days, reportedly saw the church’s name written on a rainbow and transcribed it, officially naming the new religious movement.
Beliefs and Practices
The Celestial Church of Christ’s beliefs and practices center around the leadership of the Holy Spirit, which is believed to guide the church’s tenets, mode of worship, and service hymns. The CCC’s theology is primarily based on the Bible but also incorporates elements of African spirituality and mysticism. Members adhere to strict codes of conduct, including abstaining from idolatry, tobacco and alcohol consumption, pork, and wearing specific colors like black and red.
The church is known for its distinctive mode of worship, characterized by vibrant music, energetic dancing, and spontaneous prayers. Services feature specific seating arrangements, with separate sections for male and female members. The use of white candles is prominent, symbolizing purity and spiritual cleanliness. Women are required to cover their heads within the church and are restricted from entering the altar area or leading worship.
The CCC observes various holy rites and sacraments essential to its form of worship, such as Baptism, Holy Communion, Annual Washing of Feet, and Harvest Thanksgiving Service. The church also places great emphasis on spiritual gifts, particularly prophecy and divine healing. Members believe that God communicates directly with the faithful through visions, dreams, and prophetic utterances. Healing services are a regular feature of church life, with members seeking divine intervention for physical, emotional, and spiritual ailments.
Organizational Structure and Leadership
The Celestial Church of Christ is organized with a hierarchical structure. At the top is the Pastor, considered the spiritual leader and head of the church worldwide. The founder, Samuel Bilehou Oshoffa, served as the first Pastor and is revered as a great prophet. Below the Pastor are other clergy members, including Evangelists, Prophets, and Shepherds, each with specific roles and responsibilities within the church.
The leadership structure ensures the maintenance of doctrine and practices, with the church’s administration headquartered in Ketu, Lagos, Nigeria. The hierarchy extends to various levels, including shepherds, district supervisors, regional heads, and heads of dioceses. This organizational framework has allowed the CCC to maintain consistency in its practices while expanding globally.
Demographics and Global Reach
The Celestial Church of Christ has a significant following, especially in Benin and Nigeria, and has established parishes and dioceses worldwide. In 2001, it was reported to be the second-largest church in Benin, with nearly half a million followers. The church’s expansion beyond West Africa has led to the establishment of parishes in Europe, North America, and other parts of the world, often serving diaspora communities but also attracting converts from diverse backgrounds.
As the CCC has grown, it has faced challenges in adapting to different cultural contexts while maintaining its distinctive identity. The church has embraced modern technology and social media to reach new audiences and maintain connections with its global membership, utilizing online services, live-streamed events, and digital resources.
Significant Events and Practices
One of the notable events in the CCC calendar is the Imeko Convocation, an international event held every December in Imeko, Nigeria. This event is considered a pilgrimage, with members encouraged to attend as part of their spiritual journey. Imeko is believed to be a New Jerusalem for the church, as declared by Oshoffa.
The CCC’s architecture reflects its beliefs, with temples of worship facing east and altar stands typically featuring seven candle holders representing the seven spirits of Jehovah. During certain weekly services, an alternate altar with three candles is used.
Other important observances include the Founder’s Day and various regional and international conventions that bring members together for worship and fellowship. The Annual Harvest Thanksgiving is one of the most significant events in the CCC calendar, during which members offer gratitude to God for the year’s blessings.
Social Impact and Controversies
The Celestial Church of Christ has demonstrated a commitment to social and charitable activities through various initiatives, including educational programs, healthcare services, and support for the underprivileged. The church operates several schools and clinics, providing essential services to communities in Nigeria and beyond.
However, the CCC has also faced controversies throughout its history. In France, it has been suspected by anti-cult associations of cultic deviations and has been linked to incidents of violence. Critics have accused the church of promoting syncretism, blending Christian beliefs with traditional African religious practices in a way that some consider incompatible with orthodox Christianity. Concerns have also been raised about the church’s emphasis on spiritual warfare and exorcism, which can sometimes lead to practices viewed as potentially harmful or exploitative.
Despite these challenges, the Celestial Church of Christ continues to grow and evolve. Its emphasis on divine guidance, prophetic messages, and miraculous healing remains central to its identity and appeal to followers. The church’s ability to adapt to changing times while maintaining its core beliefs and practices has contributed to its ongoing expansion and influence in the global religious landscape.
image via Wikimedia
