GlenPastor Matthew Abiodun Ashimolowo is a Nigerian-born British Pentecostal pastor, author, televangelist, and founder of Kingsway International Christian Centre (KICC), one of the largest churches in Western Europe. Born in Nigeria and now based in the United Kingdom, he has built a global ministry that emphasizes faith, personal development, prosperity through biblical principles, and community outreach. His journey from humble beginnings in a Muslim family in northern Nigeria to leading a megachurch with thousands of members and international influence demonstrates resilience, vision, and dedication to spiritual growth.
Ashimolowo’s teachings focus on practical application of scripture to everyday life, including family, finances, and leadership. Through books, television programs like Winning Ways, and large conferences, he has reached millions across continents. His work extends beyond the pulpit to education, humanitarian efforts, and business, making him a prominent voice in global Christianity.
Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo Early Life
Pastor Matthew Abiodun Ashimolowo was born on March 17, 1952, at the military hospital in Zaria, Kaduna State, northern Nigeria. His original name was Ahmed Abiodun Ashimolowo, given in line with his family’s Muslim faith. He is of Yoruba descent, with roots in Osun State, specifically from areas like Ode-Omu or Odo Ewu near Ile-Ife. His father, Lt. Salau (or Salako) Ashimolowo, was a Yoruba soldier in the Nigerian Army, and his mother was Aishat Ashimolowo. He was the fourth of five children.
Life in the army barracks shaped his early years. The family moved frequently due to his father’s postings. Ashimolowo spent his first 14 or 15 years in the north, where he learned Hausa as his first language before picking up Yoruba, English, and even some Igbo. This multicultural exposure in a diverse barracks environment helped him connect with people from different backgrounds later in life. The family faced significant hardship, especially after his father’s death during or around the Biafran War period. His mother struggled with health issues, including depression, and the children experienced poverty. They often wore second-hand clothes (known locally as “okirika” or “bend down boutique”), hawked goods like bread for years, and sometimes lived with relatives who treated them poorly.
Background
Ashimolowo has openly shared stories of extreme lack, such as borrowing clothes for school events or going without proper meals. These experiences instilled in him a deep understanding of struggle and later fueled his messages on overcoming adversity and achieving success through faith and hard work. Despite the challenges, he attended army children’s schools, which provided structure and discipline. He completed his O’Levels and showed academic promise, even participating in school activities like drama.
Raised in a Muslim household in a predominantly Islamic region, he followed Islamic practices initially but felt an inner longing for more. His conversion to Christianity came around age 20 in 1972. While in a somewhat intoxicated state, he picked up a gospel tract, read it, and invited Jesus into his heart. This pivotal moment changed his life. He adopted the name Matthew and began a new spiritual journey. A relative later invited him to Christ Apostolic Church in Modakeke, Ile-Ife area, where he grew in faith.
Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo Education
Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo pursued formal preparation for ministry after his conversion. He entered Foursquare Gospel Church Bible School (seminary) in Ikorodu, Lagos, around January 1974. This training lasted about two years, and he graduated in 1976. The Bible school provided him with foundational knowledge in scripture, pastoral work, and Christian doctrine.
His education combined academic learning with practical ministry exposure. Before and during this period, he engaged in soul-winning and church activities. The training equipped him for leadership roles that followed. Ashimolowo has often reflected on how this period, combined with self-study and life experiences, prepared him for larger responsibilities. He did not pursue traditional university education at that time, as his calling shifted focus toward full-time ministry.
Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo Career
Early Ministry in Nigeria
Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo began his pastoral work soon after Bible school. In December 1976, he became assistant pastor at Foursquare Gospel Church in Somolu, Lagos. He served there for four years before becoming the resident pastor. During this time, he grew the congregation significantly, reaching over 2,000 members. He also spoke at universities and colleges, building a reputation as a dynamic preacher and teacher.
His early ministry involved evangelism, mentoring, and practical teaching. He balanced church duties with personal business efforts, drawing from childhood trading experiences to support himself and his family.
Move to the United Kingdom and Foursquare Work
In 1984, the Foursquare denomination sent Ashimolowo to London as a missionary under a “reverse missions” initiative. He arrived on February 11, 1984, with his family to establish or pastor a branch. Starting with a small group of about 11 adults, he faced cultural adjustments in a colder climate and society. He pastored the Foursquare church in the UK for eight years, growing it while adapting his approach to the local context.
Founding and Growth of Kingsway International Christian Centre (KICC)
In 1992, after a period of prayer and seeking direction, Ashimolowo founded Kingsway International Christian Centre (KICC) on September 6, 1992 (or around September 13 for services). It started with approximately 300 adults and 100 children in a rented hall at Holloway Boys’ School in North London. The vision was “to grow up, grow big, and grow together,” emphasizing excellence, destiny fulfillment, and raising champions.
Growth was rapid. Within a year, they acquired a three-storey building on Darnley Road in Hackney that seated about 1,000. By 1995, attendance reached around 3,000, requiring multiple services. The church expanded to other London locations, including Hackney Empire and a large facility on Waterden Road. Conferences like International Gathering of Champions drew large crowds.
Under his leadership, KICC acquired Prayer City, a 24-acre facility with multiple buildings in Buckmore Park, Chatham, Kent, in 2012-2014. Dedicated debt-free, it became the headquarters, supporting larger gatherings and ministries. KICC now has numerous branches in the UK and internationally, with strong presence in Nigeria (headquartered in Maryland, Lagos, with many branches), Ghana, and other nations. Sunday attendance at the main site has reached up to 12,000 or more.
Media and Teaching Ministry
Ashimolowo’s media work amplifies his reach. His program Winning Ways airs on radio (Premier Radio, Spirit FM) and television (TBN, KICC TV, DSTV channels, and others) across Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and beyond, potentially reaching over 100 million homes. KICC launched its own TV channel, one of the first church-owned in the UK. His preaching style is energetic, practical, and focused on prosperity theology, positive prayer, leadership, and overcoming challenges.
Authorship and Publications
Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo is a prolific author with over 70 to 100 books published. Topics cover prayer, marriage, wealth creation, leadership, and personal development. Notable titles include The Power of Positive Prayer Bible, What’s Wrong With Being Black?, Tongues of Fire (which won the Nigeria Booksellers Award), It’s Not Over Till It’s Over, The Anointing of the 24-Hour Miracle, 55 Reasons Why Leaders Fail, Be the Best, and books on money and marriage like 31 Secrets of a Successful Marriage. Many have been translated and continue to sell globally.
Business and Entrepreneurial Ventures
Ashimolowo engages in business, including real estate, media ministries, and other enterprises. He views entrepreneurship as compatible with faith and encourages believers to create wealth. His personal income comes from book royalties, speaking, and businesses rather than solely church funds. He has developed projects in Nigeria, including support for Kings University in Ode-Omu, Osun State.
Humanitarian and Community Work
KICC and Ashimolowo support extensive outreach. In Nigeria, efforts include annual widow support (over 17,000 helped yearly, including Muslim widows since 2006), free medical surgeries and drugs worth hundreds of millions of naira through Christ Compassion to the Rural World (CCRW) crusades, food relief, pastor training, and COVID donations. Kings University adds an educational legacy. These demonstrate practical compassion alongside gospel preaching.
Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo Awards and Recognitions
Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo has received several honors. He won the Nigeria Booksellers Award for Tongues of Fire. He has been recognized as one of the most influential black persons in the UK public sector/religion category by leading publications. Media outlets frequently seek his comments on faith and society. His church growth impact and global evangelism have earned widespread acknowledgment.
Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo Personal Life
Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo married Yemisi Ashimolowo on August 29, 1981, after a principled courtship. Yemisi serves alongside him in ministry. They have two sons, Tobi and Tomi, both graduates. Tobi has taken on pastoral roles at KICC. The family emphasizes strong values, and Ashimolowo often shares lessons from his marriage and parenting.
He maintains ties to Nigeria while leading from the UK, speaking multiple Nigerian languages and promoting unity.
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Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo Ministry Philosophy and Impact
Ashimolowo teaches that faith should produce tangible results in life. He stresses vision, excellence, re-engineering mindsets, and breaking cultural limitations. His “reverse mission” story highlights Africans bringing vibrant faith to Europe. KICC’s growth from small beginnings to a megachurch inspires many leaders.
Challenges, including past financial scrutiny by UK authorities in the mid-2000s (which led to repayments and governance changes), tested the ministry but it recovered and expanded. Ashimolowo has reflected on lessons from these experiences.
Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo Legacy in Nigeria and Globally
In Osun State and beyond, Ashimolowo’s investments in education (Kings University), welfare, and crusades leave a lasting mark. His story from poverty to global influence motivates many. KICC continues to plant churches and run impactful programs.
Conclusion
Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo’s life illustrates transformation through faith, hard work, and vision. From barracks poverty and conversion to founding a major international ministry, he has touched countless lives with practical biblical teaching and compassion. His ongoing work in media, books, education, and outreach ensures his influence extends far into the future.
FAQs
Who is Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo?
Pastor Matthew Abiodun Ashimolowo is the founder and senior pastor of Kingsway International Christian Centre (KICC), a prominent megachurch based in the UK with global reach.
When and where was Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo born?
He was born on March 17, 1952, in Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria.
What is Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo’s state of origin?
His state of origin is Osun State, Nigeria, with Yoruba roots from areas near Ile-Ife such as Ode-Omu.
How many books has Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo written?
He has authored over 70 to 100 books on faith, prayer, leadership, marriage, and prosperity.
What is KICC?
Kingsway International Christian Centre is the church founded by Ashimolowo in 1992, now one of the largest in Western Europe with branches worldwide and facilities like Prayer City in Kent.
Is Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo married?
Yes, he has been married to Yemisi Ashimolowo since 1981. They have two sons.
What are some of Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo’s notable achievements?
Founding KICC, building a large media ministry, authoring many books, establishing educational initiatives like Kings University, and extensive humanitarian work in Nigeria.
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