The Wealth Profile Of The Synagogue, Church Of All Nations (Scoan)
The Synagogue, Church of All Nations (SCOAN) is not just a religious institution—it is a global movement that has touched the lives of millions through its healing ministries, evangelism, and philanthropic efforts. Founded by the late Prophet T.B. Joshua in 1987, SCOAN has risen from a small prayer group in Lagos, Nigeria, to one of the most recognized and influential churches in Africa and beyond.
Though known primarily for its spiritual impact, SCOAN also stands out for its considerable wealth and expansive influence across nations. In this article, we delve deep into the wealth profile of SCOAN—examining its sources of income, real estate investments, international branches, media presence, philanthropic ventures, and financial structure.
The Origins of SCOAN’s Financial Strength
From its early days, SCOAN grew rapidly in both spiritual authority and financial capability. Prophet T.B. Joshua’s reputation for miraculous healings and prophetic insight drew attention from within Nigeria and internationally. As the number of followers swelled, so did the church’s financial base. The growth was largely organic, driven by word-of-mouth, televised services, and the fervent testimonies of those who claimed to have experienced supernatural breakthroughs through the ministry.
Unlike many modern megachurches that actively solicit offerings through prosperity preaching, SCOAN's appeal lay in its message of deliverance, healing, and hope for the afflicted—making it a destination for the sick, desperate, and spiritually hungry from all over the world.
1. Revenue from Tithes, Offerings, and Seed Faith
The primary source of revenue for SCOAN is tithes and offerings contributed by its faithful members and global audience. With weekly services at the Lagos headquarters attracting tens of thousands of worshippers—and millions more through Emmanuel TV and online streaming—the church receives significant donations.
Visitors often donate generously after receiving healing, prophecy, or deliverance. “Seed faith” offerings, given with the hope of receiving divine blessings, also play a key role in revenue generation. SCOAN’s international reach ensures a continuous inflow of financial support from diaspora communities and international believers.
2. Emmanuel TV: A Global Media Powerhouse
A critical pillar in SCOAN’s financial and evangelical outreach is Emmanuel TV, the church's 24/7 Christian television station. It broadcasts live services, prophetic messages, healing videos, and testimonies. With its captivating programming, Emmanuel TV commands a global audience across Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
While SCOAN does not overtly commercialize its television content, Emmanuel TV facilitates indirect revenue generation by encouraging online donations, promoting the church's international branches, and increasing pilgrimage to the Lagos headquarters. The network's reach also enhances the church’s brand value and credibility in the eyes of viewers and potential donors.
3. Religious Tourism: A Spiritual and Economic Engine
SCOAN is one of Nigeria's top religious tourism destinations. Before the passing of Prophet T.B. Joshua in 2021, the church reportedly attracted thousands of foreign visitors weekly, especially from nations like South Africa, Ghana, Zimbabwe, the UK, and the USA. According to Nigerian tourism authorities, SCOAN was responsible for over 60% of religious tourism into Lagos at its peak.
These visitors spend money on flights, hotels, taxis, food, and local tours—contributing heavily to the Lagos economy. The church itself benefits directly through bookings, offerings, and accommodation charges for international guests staying in the church’s lodges.
4. Real Estate Holdings
SCOAN’s Lagos headquarters is a sprawling compound located in the Ikotun-Egbe area. It houses the main church auditorium, guest accommodations, dining facilities, administrative buildings, media offices, and residential quarters for church staff. The compound spans a large land area in one of the busiest and most valuable regions of Lagos.
In addition to its Lagos property, the church also owns international real estate. In the U.S., SCOAN USA Inc. is registered as a 501(c)(3) religious organization, with plans to acquire land in New York for a worship center and mission house. These international branches not only support the ministry's outreach but also serve as valuable real estate assets.
5. Educational and Training Programs
While not as widely publicized as some Pentecostal educational ventures, SCOAN offers discipleship programs and training for aspiring ministers, both locally and internationally. These programs are typically residential, with disciples living within church premises, sometimes for years, to learn under the leadership of the church’s core pastors.
While not commercialized like traditional Bible schools, the scale of these programs adds to the church’s operational structure and serves as an internal training system that fuels long-term growth—both spiritual and institutional.
6. Philanthropy and Humanitarian Initiatives
One of the defining legacies of Prophet T.B. Joshua was his commitment to charitable works. SCOAN’s humanitarian outreach is vast and well-documented. The church has donated food, clothing, and medical supplies to orphanages, the disabled, disaster victims, and internally displaced persons in Nigeria and abroad.
In Sierra Leone, during the 2014 Ebola outbreak, T.B. Joshua donated over $50,000 in cash and 4,000 bottles of anointing water—a symbolic spiritual remedy widely accepted by his followers. During COVID-19 lockdowns, the church also distributed palliatives to vulnerable families and provided scholarships to underprivileged students.
These philanthropic efforts, while driven by spiritual compassion, also contribute to the church’s brand equity and societal influence.
7. International Branches and Diaspora Revenue
SCOAN’s global network includes branches in countries like South Africa, Ghana, the UK, and the USA. These branches serve local congregations while also generating revenue through offerings, local events, and fundraising campaigns.
In the U.S., SCOAN USA Inc. has an online donation platform and is involved in community outreach and evangelism. These foreign operations are crucial in maintaining SCOAN’s international presence and financial flow.
8. Financial Transparency and Public Scrutiny
Despite its popularity, SCOAN has often operated under a veil of financial secrecy. In Nigeria, religious organizations are not mandated to publicly declare their financial accounts. However, in countries like the U.S., where SCOAN operates registered nonprofit entities, there are certain reporting requirements.
For example, Charity Navigator lists SCOAN USA Inc., but notes the organization has not been rated due to a lack of publicly available financial documentation. The absence of transparency has occasionally raised concerns among critics and international regulators, especially regarding how funds are managed and distributed within the church.
Post-T.B. Joshua Era: Continuity and Change
Since the passing of T.B. Joshua in 2021, his wife, Evelyn Joshua, has taken over the leadership of SCOAN. Under her administration, the church has undergone some restructuring. While attendance and international visibility may have reduced somewhat in the immediate aftermath, SCOAN remains financially stable and continues its operations across the globe.
Mrs. Evelyn Joshua has also emphasized transparency, digital evangelism, and continuity of the late Prophet’s philanthropic work. The future of SCOAN’s wealth profile will largely depend on how it adapts to modern financial practices, regulatory expectations, and generational changes in spiritual engagement.
Conclusion: A Spiritual Movement with Economic Clout
The Synagogue, Church of All Nations (SCOAN) stands as a remarkable example of how a spiritual movement can evolve into a global institution with significant wealth and influence. Through diverse income streams—ranging from tithes and offerings to real estate, media, religious tourism, and diaspora engagement—SCOAN has built a financial empire that sustains its ministry and global outreach.
While the issue of transparency remains a point of debate, there is no denying SCOAN’s impact on religious tourism, philanthropy, and spiritual revival across continents. As it transitions into its next chapter, the church’s ability to maintain financial health while staying true to its core mission will be the key to its continued relevance and prosperity.
