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How His Spiritual Background Helped Him
Reverend Dr. Chris Oyakhilome, the General Overseer of Christ Embassy for decades running, has remained one of the most popular and most respected men of God in Nigeria. He has done exceedingly well building his ministry from the very scratch and transforming it into the mega ministry it has become today, flourishing under Loveworld incorporated. He is loved by millions all over the world for his explosive televangelism which highlights lots of miracles that have transformed lives and the very enchanting manner with which he preaches the gospel. You simply can’t help but love to listen to him talk about God. No wonder today, Christ Embassy has spread to virtually every continent of the world, touching lives and winning souls for Christ.
Not many actually know the background of this phenomenal man of God. He is not one of those ‘prophets’ who sprang out of nowhere, Pastor Chris’ antecedents as a strong believer can be traced back to his roots and family. Everyone who knew him back then knew he would end up in the vineyard of God. There was no doubt about his passion for God and where he was going to end up. His background shaped him to become who he is today.
No doubt, Pastor Chris has done well as a minister of God. He has become the spiritual father to millions of followers. Christ Embassy has become a huge Christian family spreading messages of love, hope, and encouragement. Like all supportive families, they are close in many ways. There are some 145 branches of Christ Embassy on five continents. The question is often asked, who are the members of the family of Pastor Chris Oyakhilome? Who were his parents? What kind of Christians were they?
Let us reveal a bit about Pastor Chris Oyakhilome’s background. His father, Elder T.E Oyakhilome, was one of the pioneers of the Assemblies of God Church in Benin City. He was indeed an inspiration to his firstborn son, Pastor Chris. For the young Christian Oyakhilome, growing up in a household that espouses a pure Christian message is a true blessing.
It can be imagined the huge pride his late father must have felt watching his firstborn son spread the Gospel message from within the university campus where he started from, to the global stage whetre he later took his ministry to. His father’s work must have undoubtedly had a great impact on the young Chris. He went on his first crusade at the youthful age of nine.
The commandment to honor your parents is a promise that Chris Oyakhilome has fulfilled. From leading prayer groups at university to delivering sermons to millions, Pastor Chris has honored his father in the spirit of a devout and true Christian.
Pastor Chris honored his mother Angelina when she turned 80 with a celebration in Benin.
Described as the “quintessential matriarch,” she is revered and adored for her fairness and grace. She is a loving mother, grandmother, and mother-in-law who has imprinted her divine grace on her son.
Pastor Chris Oyakhilome started preaching from university by founding a campus fellowship called Youth For Christ at Ambrose Alli University, which became the largest student group, focusing on Bible study, prayer, and evangelism, laying the foundation for his ministry before he established Christ Embassy after graduating, expanding his evangelism from campus to cities and the world.
While studying Architecture, he felt a strong calling and started a prayer group that grew into Youth For Christ, attracting many students. The fellowship became highly popular at Bendel State University (now Ambrose Alli University), gaining significant influence and providing a platform for his dynamic preaching. Oyakhilome was known for deep devotion and prayer, sometimes praying in nature, which built spiritual fervor. The campus movement he founded, focused on Bible study, prayer, and evangelism, became the bedrock for what would become Christ Embassy (Believers’ Loveworld). Upon graduating in 1987, he transitioned this campus ministry into the formal church, starting in Benin City and then relocating to Lagos in 1989 to establish Christ Embassy, which quickly grew globally.
Pastor Chris also got a lot of support from his siblings who joined him in builing his ministry. His parents, Tim Oyakhilome and Angelina had two other children. Pastor Chris’s brother Ken is known respectfully as Reverend Ken. He has imparted much wisdom and changed many lives as an esteemed Pastor of Christ Embassy’s Houston, Texas branch. He is also a member of Christ Embassy Central Executive Council.
Pastor Chris’s sister, Katty Worghiren, is the director of the LoveWorld Music & Arts Ministry (LMAM). She started out as an impressive member of the choir. Her songwriting talent has led to some of the most famous LoveWorld songs. She wrote the anthem “I Believe In Nigeria”.
On composing the final and poignant paragraph of the Believers LoveWorld Anthem, Katty adds this message to show the importance of the Christian family:
“Believer’s LoveWorld we are one big family
You’re my sister you’re my brother
As many of the members of Christ Embassy know, for Pastor Chris Oyakhilome this is a personal family as well as a global family. The immersion of his family in the mission and ministry of the teachings of the Gospel has been described as ntruly inspiring by many.
The marriage of Pastor Chris produced two wonderful daughters. He and his former wife Anita may have chosen to end their union, nevertheless, they love their beautiful daughters Carissa Sharon and Charlene very much. Currently, they both live in London.
Known widely in the gospel singer’s community by her initials CSO, Pastor Chris’s daughter Sharon is a rising gospel star. She was inspired by her father’s teachings and has written the award-winning song “Holy Spirit” as a testament to her deeply felt Christian devotion. She is also an inspiring leader of the Global Youth Leaders Forum and presents many shows on its online channels.
When she found love and got married a few years back, she captured her love in a touching Instagram post: –
“YES! I am engaged to my very best friend! The most amazing and my absolute favorite person…I am so, so blessed I would say yes over and over I love you.”
The ceremony was as beautiful as it was meaningful. Her sister Charlene served as her chief bridesmaid. It is impossible not to be moved by the love emanating from Pastor Chris Oyakhilome’s family.
Pastor Chris Oyakhilome’s Nephew Daysman Oyakhilome Woghiren is one of Africa’s emerging leaders. He is using his talents to inspire young people to be touched by the Word of God. As a businessman and the CEO of Carel Films Enterprise, he is able to spread the Good News using modern communication mediums. He is responsible for the production of over 100 Christian music videos and animations, including “I Know Who I Am” by Sinach, “Kinging” by Rozey, “Igbunu” by Micheal Jaffe, “Untouchable” by TB1, amongst many others.
At the age of 20, he had already won the American Academy of Animations Award three times. He was also the winner of the prestigious Walt Disney Award and nominee for a Future African Leaders Award FALA). His true genius is to make the genius of others shine bright.
In the family of Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ are an integral part of their lives and achievements. Everyone can see that they are steeped in God’s work. And it shows in the way and manner they have conducted themselves while running one of the biggest multi million dollars ministries on the African continent and indeed in the world. Theirs is a closely knit family that is bound together by their passion for the word of God and nothing else!
WALE LAWAL (08037209290)
