GlenChristian Oyakhilome, popularly known as Pastor Chris, is a Nigerian pastor, author, televangelist, and the founder and president of LoveWorld Incorporated, also known as Christ Embassy. Born in Edo State, Nigeria, he has built one of the most influential Christian ministries in Africa and beyond, reaching millions through teachings, media, and humanitarian efforts. His work emphasizes faith, healing, the power of the Holy Spirit, and practical Christian living.
Pastor Chris leads a global network of churches, campus fellowships, and programs that focus on spiritual growth, evangelism, and community development. Through his daily devotional Rhapsody of Realities, television networks, healing services, and books, he has touched lives across continents. His ministry combines dynamic preaching with practical initiatives in education, health, and poverty alleviation.
Pastor Chris Oyakhilome Early Life
Pastor Chris Oyakhilome was born on 7 December 1963 in Edo State, Nigeria, to Tim and Angelina Oyakhilome. He is the third of seven children and the first son. His family has deep Christian roots. His father, Elder Tim E. Oyakhilome, was involved in church leadership, including with the Assemblies of God, and both parents instilled strong faith values at home.
Edo State, located in southern Nigeria, is known for its rich cultural heritage, diverse ethnic groups like the Bini (Edo) people, and historical significance as the heart of the ancient Benin Kingdom. The state features vibrant traditions, arts, and a mix of urban and rural communities. Pastor Chris hails from this environment, which shaped his early worldview. Growing up in a Christian household with active church involvement provided a foundation for his later calling. His siblings include Beayeta Akhuemokhan, Mercy Oyakhilome, Kenneth Oyakhilome, Linda Okocha, Kathy Woghiren, and Lovelina Osazuwa. Many of them hold active roles in the LoveWorld ministry today.
As a child, Pastor Chris showed interest in spiritual matters. He grew up participating in church activities and developed a passion for prayer and studying the Bible. The supportive family atmosphere encouraged education and faith, preparing him for future leadership. Edo State’s cultural emphasis on community and respect for elders likely influenced his approach to ministry, which stresses family, mentorship, and collective growth.
Pastor Chris Oyakhilome Education
Pastor Chris attended Edo College, a prominent secondary school in Benin City, Edo State. He performed well academically and earned a scholarship to Bendel State University (later renamed Ambrose Alli University) in Ekpoma. There, he studied Architecture and graduated with a first degree (B.Sc.) in 1987.
While at university, he did not limit himself to academics. He founded the Youth For Christ fellowship, which grew into the largest student Christian group on campus. This experience marked the beginning of his public ministry, as he organized prayers, teachings, and outreaches that drew many students. The university years honed his skills in leadership, communication, and organizing large groups, skills that proved vital later.
He later received honorary doctorates, including a Doctor of Divinity (D.D.) from Benson Idahosa University and a Doctor of Science (D.Sc.) from Ambrose Alli University, his alma mater. In 2023, he was named Chancellor of Weldios University. These recognitions reflect his contributions to education, theology, and societal development.
Pastor Chris Oyakhilome Career
Early Ministry
Upon graduating in 1987, Pastor Chris began full-time ministry. He initially started a church in Benin City before moving to Lagos in 1989, where he formally established Christ Embassy (LoveWorld Incorporated). What began as a small fellowship quickly expanded due to his clear teaching style and emphasis on the Holy Spirit, healing, and victorious living.
His early work focused on campus fellowships. The Believers’ LoveWorld Campus Fellowships spread to universities across Nigeria and internationally. This youth-oriented approach helped the ministry connect with a new generation seeking practical faith.
Growth of Christ Embassy and LoveWorld
Christ Embassy grew rapidly into a major Pentecostal ministry with branches in Nigeria and many other countries. The church emphasizes the “higher life” in Christ, faith confessions, and the supernatural power of God. Services feature vibrant worship, teaching, and testimonies of changed lives.
LoveWorld Incorporated operates multiple arms, including television networks like LoveWorld TV (UK), LoveWorld SAT (South Africa), LoveWorld Plus (Nigeria), and others. Pastor Chris pioneered 24-hour Christian broadcasting from Africa in 2003. These platforms air teachings, music, and programs that reach global audiences daily.
Healing Ministry and Healing School
A key part of Pastor Chris’s work is the Healing School, which holds sessions in locations like Nigeria, South Africa, and Canada. Participants from around the world attend for teachings on divine health and experience prayer for healing. Testimonies include recoveries from various conditions, attributed to faith and the power of God. The school also produces materials and hosts live healing services that attract millions online.
Healing Streams Live Healing Services are virtual events where viewers participate from home and report miracles. These programs demonstrate the ministry’s focus on practical results of faith.
Publishing and Rhapsody of Realities
Pastor Chris is a prolific author. His most famous work is Rhapsody of Realities, a daily devotional launched in 2001. It has been translated into over 8,000 languages and dialects, with billions of copies distributed worldwide. Often called the “Messenger Angel,” it provides daily Bible-based readings, prayers, and confessions. The ReachOut World campaign distributes it free to reach new people.
Other books include Recreating Your World, Gates of Zion, Your Rights in Christ, None of These Diseases, The Power of Tongues, How to Pray Effectively, The Power of Your Mind, and many more. These cover topics like faith, prayer, the Holy Spirit, healing, and Christian living. LoveWorld Publishing handles production and global distribution.
Media and Digital Outreach
Pastor Chris hosts programs like Atmosphere for Miracles and Your LoveWorld Specials. He uses social media, the KingsChat app, and online platforms for daily engagement. These tools allow real-time interaction, prayer, and teaching distribution.
Humanitarian and Philanthropic Work
Through the Chris Oyakhilome Foundation International (COFI), the ministry runs several initiatives. The Inner City Mission for Children, founded in 2004/2005, provides education, food, shelter, and care to underprivileged children in over 130 countries. Its slogan “Every child is your child” drives efforts to build schools, feed millions, and support orphans.
The Volunteer Medical Corps (VMC) mobilizes Christian health workers for relief in crisis areas, offering medical care, training, and support. Other arms include Trauma Care International Foundation and Future Africa Leaders Awards (FALA), which recognize and mentor young leaders.
These efforts combine evangelism with practical help, addressing physical and spiritual needs.
International School of Ministry and Other Programs
The International School of Ministry trains pastors and leaders. Large events like the International Pastors and Leaders Conference (IPPC) and Higher Life conferences bring thousands together for teaching and fellowship.
Pastor Chris Oyakhilome Awards
Pastor Chris has received several honors:
- Honorary Doctorate in Divinity (D.D.) from Benson Idahosa University.
- Honorary Doctorate of Science (D.Sc.) from Ambrose Alli University.
- Named Chancellor of Weldios University in 2023.
These awards recognize his theological contributions, educational impact, and global ministry.
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Pastor Chris Oyakhilome Personal Life
Pastor Chris married Anita Ebhodaghe on 2 February 1991. They met as students. Anita, also known as Pastor Anita, played a significant role in the early UK ministry. They have two daughters: Carissa Sharon (born 1993) and Charlene (born 1995). The couple divorced in 2016 after separation in 2014. The divorce was handled privately, and both have continued their individual paths while maintaining family ties. The daughters have pursued their own endeavors, with Sharon involved in music and ministry-related activities.
Pastor Chris maintains a focus on ministry and family values in his teachings. He has not remarried publicly. His personal life reflects dedication to his calling while navigating public interest in his family matters.
Conclusion
Pastor Chris Oyakhilome continues to lead LoveWorld Incorporated with a vision to reach every person with the gospel. His emphasis on faith, healing, media innovation, and humanitarian work has created a lasting impact. Through consistent teaching and global outreach, he inspires believers to live purposefully and victoriously. His legacy includes transformed lives, established institutions, and a model of Spirit-led ministry that extends far beyond Nigeria.
FAQs
What is Pastor Chris Oyakhilome’s date of birth?
Pastor Chris Oyakhilome was born on 7 December 1963.
Where was Pastor Chris Oyakhilome born?
He was born in Edo State, Nigeria.
What is the name of Pastor Chris Oyakhilome’s church?
His ministry is LoveWorld Incorporated, commonly known as Christ Embassy.
Who is Pastor Chris Oyakhilome’s wife?
He was previously married to Anita Ebhodaghe (now Anita Schafer). They divorced in 2016.
How many children does Pastor Chris Oyakhilome have?
He has two daughters: Carissa Sharon and Charlene Oyakhilome.
What is Rhapsody of Realities?
It is a daily devotional written by Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, translated into thousands of languages and distributed globally.
What universities did Pastor Chris Oyakhilome attend?
He attended Edo College and graduated with a degree in Architecture from Ambrose Alli University (formerly Bendel State University).
What are some of Pastor Chris Oyakhilome’s books?
Notable titles include None of These Diseases, The Power of Tongues, How to Pray Effectively, and many others, alongside the Rhapsody of Realities series.
What humanitarian organizations does Pastor Chris Oyakhilome support?
He supports the Inner City Mission for Children, Volunteer Medical Corps, and other arms under the Chris Oyakhilome Foundation International.
Where can one watch Pastor Chris Oyakhilome’s teachings?
Teachings are available on LoveWorld TV networks, the KingsChat app, YouTube, and official ministry websites.
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