The Wealth Profile Of Christ Apostolic Church (Cac)
Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) stands as a pillar in the Nigerian Pentecostal landscape. Established over a century ago, it has become not just a spiritual home to millions but also a formidable socio-economic force. CAC is widely acknowledged as Nigeria’s first indigenous Pentecostal church, born from the faith and resilience of the Aladura Movement and officially founded in 1941 after separating from The Apostolic Church.
Over the decades, CAC has expanded across all states in Nigeria and abroad, building an empire of churches, schools, real estate, publishing ventures, and more. This post delves into the comprehensive wealth profile of CAC—exploring how the church generates and manages its resources, the institutions it operates, and its socio-economic impact in Nigeria and beyond.
A Brief Historical Background
The roots of Christ Apostolic Church can be traced back to 1918 with the emergence of a spiritual revival led by Joseph Ayo Babalola, a man regarded today as the church’s founding father. The movement emphasized holiness, divine healing, prophetic utterances, and intense prayer—principles that remain central to the church today.
In 1941, CAC officially became independent, separating from The Apostolic Church due to doctrinal disagreements. From that moment forward, the church pursued its mission with autonomy, laying the foundation for what would become one of the most influential indigenous churches in Nigeria.
Membership and Organizational Structure
CAC is estimated to have over five million members in Nigeria alone, with many more spread across the African diaspora. The church has a highly structured leadership model. At the top is the General Executive Council, followed by regional councils and zonal or district leadership, with local assemblies forming the grassroots base.
This well-coordinated structure allows for efficient administration, fundraising, and mobilization of resources at every level of the church. It's also a key reason for the church's sustained financial stability over the decades.
Real Estate Holdings and Infrastructure
One of CAC’s most significant assets lies in its vast real estate portfolio. Across Nigeria and other parts of the world, the church owns thousands of properties. These include places of worship, clergy residences, prayer camps, guest houses, event halls, schools, and hospitals.
A prominent indicator of CAC’s wealth is its ₦3 billion administrative secretariat currently under construction along the Ibadan-Ife Expressway. The facility, once completed, will serve as the central administrative hub of the church and stand as a symbol of its long-term strategic planning and financial capability.
The church also owns several large prayer camps and convention grounds, such as the Oke-Oye site in Ilesa, Osun State, and the historic Oke Aanu (Mountain of Mercy) in Ibadan, where hundreds of thousands gather for spiritual retreats annually.
Educational Institutions
CAC’s contribution to education is both impactful and financially strategic. It operates a range of schools from primary to tertiary levels. The crown jewel of its educational efforts is Joseph Ayo Babalola University (JABU)—Nigeria’s first entrepreneurial university located in Ikeji Arakeji, Osun State.
Founded in 2004, JABU has become a major center for higher learning, offering programs in sciences, humanities, law, agriculture, and more. The university also serves as a revenue-generating enterprise, bringing in tuition fees and research grants that contribute to CAC’s financial portfolio.
In addition to JABU, CAC runs numerous secondary schools and seminaries, ensuring the dual goal of spiritual formation and academic excellence is achieved.
Printing and Publishing Ventures
Another notable revenue stream for CAC is its publishing and printing business. The church operates a dedicated printing press known as the CAC Printing Press, which produces books, devotional materials, church bulletins, and official manuals.
These materials are widely circulated among members and used in worship services, conventions, and training sessions. The CAC Press not only promotes doctrinal consistency but also generates steady income for the church while reducing the cost of outsourcing publishing work.
Tithes, Offerings, and Donations
As is common with most Christian denominations, Christ Apostolic Church depends significantly on financial support from its members. Tithes and offerings collected during weekly services, annual conventions, and special programs are a consistent and significant revenue stream.
The church also receives donations and endowments from wealthy members and benefactors—both local and abroad. These funds are usually earmarked for special projects such as building new worship centers, financing community outreaches, and supporting education initiatives.
International Presence
While CAC remains predominantly Nigerian, its global presence is growing. The church has established branches in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, and various other countries. These branches serve the Nigerian diaspora and have become self-sustaining arms of the church’s operations.
International branches not only expand CAC’s reach but also serve as important sources of foreign currency donations and international partnerships. They also increase the church’s visibility in global Christian conversations, making CAC a recognized name in the wider Pentecostal movement.
Community Development and Social Welfare
The wealth of CAC is not confined to church growth and infrastructure; the church is also involved in numerous community development projects. From healthcare missions to educational scholarships and disaster relief initiatives, CAC is committed to improving the lives of the people it serves.
Some districts operate health clinics, maternity centers, and welfare departments that provide free or subsidized services. In rural communities, the church supports local agriculture and youth skill acquisition programs—helping to reduce poverty and unemployment.
Digital Expansion and Technology Integration
In recent years, CAC has embraced digital transformation. The church now uses digital platforms to broadcast services, share devotional materials, and collect offerings online. Through websites, apps, and social media, the church stays connected with its members around the world, creating new digital revenue channels and engaging younger demographics.
Challenges and Financial Transparency
As with many large religious organizations, CAC faces challenges around financial transparency and accountability. However, the church has put structures in place—such as audit committees and finance departments—to ensure that funds are appropriately managed and allocated.
Continued growth will likely depend on how well the church can institutionalize its operations, increase transparency, and embrace sustainable financial practices.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Faith and Prosperity
From humble beginnings to becoming a multi-million-naira institution, Christ Apostolic Church is a shining example of how faith, vision, and organization can yield both spiritual and material success. With a growing membership, robust real estate assets, thriving educational institutions, and a committed leadership, CAC remains a major force in Nigeria’s religious and socio-economic landscape.
Its influence spans beyond the church walls—impacting education, healthcare, youth development, and community empowerment. As it continues to evolve with modern trends and expand globally, CAC’s wealth—both spiritual and financial—appears poised for continued growth.
