Psalm 150:6 (KJV)
“Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD.”
Living Faith Church- Nigeria and the global Christian community celebrate a remarkable milestone as Living Faith Church Worldwide, popularly known as Winners Chapel, marks its 44th anniversary. With over four decades of transformational ministry, the church has grown from humble beginnings into one of the world’s largest and most impactful Christian organizations.
The Divine Mandate: Birth of a Global Movement (1981)
The story began on May 2, 1981, when Bishop David Olaniyi Oyedepo, then a 26-year-old young man, received a powerful divine vision during an 18-hour encounter with God. In that encounter, he heard the mandate that would shape the future of millions:
“Now the hour has come to liberate the world from all oppressions of the devil, through the preaching of the Word of Faith; and I am sending you to undertake this task.”
This spiritual call led to the birth of Living Faith Church, a mission-centered movement committed to spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ with a focus on faith, deliverance, prosperity, and transformation.
Winners Chapel Early Years and Explosive Growth
The church began official operations on December 11, 1983, with just four members. By 1989, the headquarters was relocated from Kaduna to Lagos, Nigeria, signaling the beginning of an unprecedented wave of revival and growth. Between 1994 and 1999, weekly attendance skyrocketed from 3,500 to over 50,000 as the church’s faith-based teachings resonated with the masses.
A New Era: Canaanland and the Faith Tabernacle
To accommodate the explosive growth, the ministry acquired Canaanland in Ota, Ogun State, in 1998. By 1999, Faith Tabernacle, a 50,000-seat sanctuary (once listed in the Guinness World Records as the largest church auditorium in the world), was completed in just 12 months and dedicated for worship.
Canaanland has since grown into a 5,000-acre multi-purpose estate that includes educational institutions, housing, businesses, and other kingdom-focused facilities.
Global Expansion and Reach
Today, Living Faith Church Worldwide boasts millions of members across over 150 nations, with thousands of church branches under its global network. From Africa to Europe, North and South America, Asia, and the Middle East, the Liberation Mandate has birthed a thriving international presence.
In 1994, the church expanded into 41 African nations. By 2000, it had launched global missions into Europe, the Americas, Asia, and Australia. This strategic expansion was backed by the acquisition of the ministry’s first mission aircraft in 1996.
Shiloh: A Global Prophetic Gathering
One of the most notable annual events hosted by the church is Shiloh, a prophetic convocation that gathers millions of believers across the world in a week-long spiritual feast. Launched in 1999, Shiloh is live-streamed globally, with viewing centers spread across continents, reinforcing the church’s mission to reach the ends of the earth.
Commitment to Education and Youth Empowerment
Living Faith Church is also a pioneer in Christian education and youth development. The establishment of Covenant University in 2002 and Landmark University in 2011 showcases the church’s vision for raising godly leaders in every sphere of life. These institutions consistently rank among the top in Africa, blending academic excellence with spiritual values.
Doctrinal Foundation: The 12 Pillars of Faith
The church’s teachings are anchored on 12 scriptural pillars, revealed to Bishop Oyedepo as the foundation of the ministry. These are:
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Faith
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The Word
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The Supernatural
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The Holy Spirit
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Prosperity
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Prayer
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Healing
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Wisdom
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Success
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Vision
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Consecration
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Praise
Each pillar forms a core part of the church’s message and spiritual emphasis, empowering believers to live victorious lives in Christ.
44th Anniversary Celebration: A Time of Thanksgiving
To mark the 44th anniversary, the church hosted a three-day celebration:
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April 30 (6–8PM): Praise Night
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May 1 (6–8PM): Testimonies Night
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May 2 (10PM–5AM): Liberation Night Vigil
These events are moments of gratitude, worship, and testimonies, reflecting on how God has used the church to transform lives and communities worldwide.
A Grateful Generation
As Living Faith Church Worldwide turns 44, members of the church, fondly known as Winners, around the globe are united in thanksgiving. From healing miracles to poverty-breaking teachings, from church planting to raising future leaders, the impact of this ministry remains undeniably powerful.
Psalm 118:23 (KJV)
“This is the LORD’s doing; it is marvellous in our eyes.”
Happy 44th Anniversary, Winners Chapel!
To God alone be all the glory.