The 7 Biggest Churches In Africa: A Look Into The Continent's Mega Churches

Africa is home to some of the largest Christian congregations in the world, with numerous megachurches drawing tens of thousands of worshippers every week. These churches are not only significant in size but also in influence, often playing vital roles in the religious and social lives of their communities. Below, we explore some of the biggest churches in Africa, highlighting their origins, locations, and the massive number of congregants they attract.

1. Deeper Life Bible Church - Nigeria

Founded in 1973 by Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi, the Deeper Life Bible Church is the largest in Africa in terms of weekly attendance. Located in Gbagada, Lagos, Nigeria, this church boasts a weekly congregation of around 65,000 people. It began as a small Bible study group of 15 university students but has since grown into a global movement with millions of adherents worldwide.

2. Living Faith Church (Winners Chapel) - Nigeria

Living Faith Church, popularly known as Winners Chapel, is another colossal church headquartered in Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria. Founded by Bishop David Oyedepo in 1981, the church has a weekly attendance of about 50,000 people. Its annual event, Shiloh, draws even larger crowds, making it one of the most attended Christian gatherings in Africa. The church has a global presence with branches in over 65 countries.

3. Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) - Nigeria

The Redeemed Christian Church of God, established in 1952 by Rev. Josiah Akindayomi, is one of Nigeria's most prominent churches. With a weekly attendance of around 50,000 at its Redemption Camp along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, RCCG is not just a church but a global movement with millions of members worldwide. The church's influence extends beyond spiritual matters, often engaging in extensive charity work and social initiatives across Nigeria and beyond.

4. Apostolic Church - Nigeria

The Apostolic Church in Nigeria, headquartered in Ketu, Lagos, is one of the oldest and largest churches on the continent. Founded in 1918, this church has an estimated weekly attendance of 40,000 people. Despite its age, the church remains highly active and continues to attract large numbers of worshippers.

5. United Family International Church - Zimbabwe

Moving away from Nigeria, the United Family International Church (UFIC) in Zimbabwe is the largest church in the country. Founded by Prophet Emmanuel Makandiwa and his wife, Prophetess Ruth Makandiwa, in 2006, UFIC is located in Harare and draws a weekly attendance of around 35,000 people. The church is known for its massive gatherings and significant influence in Zimbabwean society.

6. CRC Christian Church - South Africa

The largest church in South Africa, CRC Christian Church, was founded in 1994 by Pastors At and Nyretta Boshoff in Bloemfontein. The church has a weekly attendance of about 32,000 people. CRC has rapidly expanded across South Africa and even into other countries, making it a notable force in the African Christian community.

7. Dunamis International Gospel Centre - Nigeria

Dunamis International Gospel Centre, led by Dr. Paul Enenche, is another Nigerian megachurch making waves. Located in Abuja, the church's Glory Dome is one of the largest church auditoriums in the world, with a seating capacity of 100,000. The weekly attendance here is around 50,000, and the church continues to grow both in size and influence.

Conclusion

Africa's largest churches are not just places of worship; they are institutions that play significant roles in shaping the continent's religious landscape. These churches not only cater to the spiritual needs of their congregants but also engage in various social and charitable activities that impact millions of lives. Whether through massive gatherings, extensive outreach programs, or global evangelism efforts, these churches continue to be pillars of faith and community in Africa.

As these churches grow, so does their influence, making them essential components of the African Christian experience.