A global ministry with a vision for world evangelization and strong emphasis on miracle services.
Religion: Christianity
Denomination: Evangelical
Founder: Chris Oyakhilome
Founded: 1990
Location: Lagos, Nigeria
Size: Approximately 5 million members
Website: loveworldusa.org
Christ Embassy, also recognized as LoveWorld Incorporated or Believers’ LoveWorld, is c a prominent Christian denomination and megachurch founded by Pastor Chris Oyakhilome in 1987. Originating in Lagos, Nigeria, Christ Embassy has since expanded its reach globally, establishing branches across five continents, including in countries such as Canada, Nigeria, South Africa, the United States, and the United Kingdom.
The church’s foundation traces back to a prayer group initiated by Oyakhilome at Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, while he was a student of architecture. This group eventually blossomed into the global ministry it is today, marking its 30th anniversary in November 2017. Christ Embassy has made significant strides in spreading its influence through a vast array of conferences, including the International Pastors and Partners Conference (IPPC) and the International Cell Leaders’ Conference (ICLC), among others.
Internationally, Christ Embassy has faced various challenges and controversies. In the United Kingdom, the church was subjected to a financial management inquiry by the Charity Commission, leading to the appointment of an interim manager to oversee its operations from August 2014 until 2016. Moreover, the Sydney branch in Australia was temporarily closed in August 2021 for conducting an illegal in-person service during a COVID-19 lockdown, amidst the pastor’s discouragement of vaccine uptake.
Christ Embassy’s media outreach is notably extensive, featuring seven television channels, including LoveWorld TV and LoveWorld SAT. This network provides a platform for Oyakhilome’s teachings, which are characterized by faith healings and miracles, attracting millions of viewers worldwide. However, its UK channel faced sanctions for spreading misinformation about COVID-19.
Beyond its religious and media activities, the church is also known for its humanitarian efforts. Through the Innercity Missions for Children and other initiatives, Christ Embassy has aimed to provide support to vulnerable communities. Furthermore, its publishing arm, LoveWorld Publications, disseminates millions of copies of “Rhapsody of Realities,” a monthly devotional, furthering its global outreach.
The church’s history is deeply intertwined with Oyakhilome’s early ministry work during his university days, notably through the formation of the Youths For Christ fellowship, which later evolved into Believers Loveworld Inc. This expansion was significantly propelled by the establishment of the ministry’s television presence, which gained prominence across Africa before facing regulatory challenges in Nigeria in 2004. LoveWorld’s television channels, notably LoveWorld SAT, marked the inception of 24-hour Christian broadcasting in Africa.
image via Facebook
