Pastor Josiah Akindayomi (1909–1988): The Founder of a Global Church

 

Early Life — A Child of Idolatry

Josiah Olowofela Akindayomi was born in 1909 in Ondo Town, Ondo State, Nigeria, into a deeply traditional and idolatrous family.

His family worshipped traditional deities. His father was a respected farmer and devotee of Ogun, the god of iron. As a child, Akindayomi was dedicated to idols and was expected to become a herbalist.

He received no formal Western education and never attended school. He could not read or write English fluently, though he later learned to read and write in Yoruba. Despite these limitations, God would use him to establish what would become one of the largest Pentecostal churches in the world.

As a young man, he left Ondo and travelled in search of work as a farmer and trader.

Conversion and the Divine Call

In 1927, at the age of 18, Akindayomi joined the Cherubim and Seraphim Church (C&S), the white-garment church founded by St. Moses Orimolade. He was drawn to its emphasis on prayer, healing, and spiritual devotion.

He served faithfully for many years and eventually rose to the position of prophet. He became known for his prophetic ministry, holiness, and commitment to prayer, and was widely called Prophet Akindayomi.

In the 1940s, he began experiencing divine encounters that would change the course of his life. In one vision, he saw a name he could not read. He believed God told him, “This is the name of the church I will use you to found.” Although he could not read English, he understood that the name had been revealed to him by God.

In 1952, he received clear instructions to leave the Cherubim and Seraphim Church. He obeyed, leaving behind his position, resources, and following.

God instructed him to begin a church, but Akindayomi was unsure how to proceed because he could not read the Bible in English. He was then directed to travel to Ibadan to learn to read the Yoruba Bible.

The Foundation of RCCG — 1952

In 1952, at No. 9 Willoughby Street, Ebute-Metta, Lagos, Pastor Akindayomi began a small prayer fellowship called Egbe Ogo Oluwa, meaning “The Glory of God Fellowship.” The group had only nine members: seven women and two men.

The fellowship met in his living room, where members prayed, fasted, and studied the Yoruba Bible.

Later that year, Akindayomi said God revealed the name of the church to him in a vision. Though he could not read English, he believed God helped him write the name:

THE REDEEMED CHRISTIAN CHURCH OF GOD

He also testified that God told him, “My church will go around the world and spread to the ends of the earth.” At the time, such a declaration seemed impossible—a small fellowship of nine people meeting in a modest part of Lagos.

The church was formally established in 1952, with Akindayomi serving as its first pastor and general superintendent.

His Ministry Style — The Covenant Man

Pastor Akindayomi’s ministry was marked by several principles that continue to influence RCCG today.

Holiness and Prayer

He was a man of intense prayer and reportedly spent hours each day seeking God. He taught members to pursue holiness without compromise, avoid unnecessary quarrels, and live disciplined Christian lives. He also discouraged borrowing money and urged members to trust God for their needs.

The Covenant

In the 1960s, Akindayomi entered into a covenant with God. He committed himself to serving God until death if God would preserve RCCG in holiness and make it a model church. He reportedly documented and signed this covenant, which remains an important part of RCCG’s history and identity.

A Love for Education

Although he had little formal education, Akindayomi valued educated people and prayed that God would send capable individuals to help the church fulfil its global mission.

He was known to say, “I cannot read English, but God will bring those who can read to carry this church around the world.” Many believe this prayer was fulfilled through Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye.

Prophetic Ministry

Akindayomi operated in prophecy, healing, and deliverance. He was also known for refusing to charge people for prayers.

Humility

He did not seek titles such as doctor or bishop. He preferred to be called Brother or Pastor and avoided elaborate robes and displays of status.

Under his leadership, the church grew gradually from Ebute-Metta to Mushin, Somolu, and other parts of Lagos.

The Encounter with Adeboye — The Succession Story

One of the most significant events in RCCG’s history occurred in 1973.

A young university lecturer at the University of Lagos, Dr. Enoch Adejare Adeboye, a PhD holder in applied mathematics, visited RCCG for prayer. He came seeking solutions to personal challenges, but God, according to the account, had a greater purpose for his visit.

Akindayomi reportedly looked at Adeboye and declared in Yoruba that the young man would become his successor. Some church members laughed because Adeboye was not yet a member; he was only a visitor.

Akindayomi nevertheless began to mentor him. Adeboye became his interpreter, translating Akindayomi’s Yoruba sermons into English. He was later ordained as a pastor in 1975.

Over time, Adeboye became Akindayomi’s closest assistant and translator. Akindayomi loved and trusted him like a son.

Death and Prophecy Fulfilled

Before his death, Pastor Akindayomi reportedly instructed his leaders that Adeboye should succeed him, even though Adeboye was not the most senior pastor in the church. He is said to have left this instruction in a sealed envelope.

Akindayomi died on November 2, 1988, at the age of 79, following a brief illness. He died after a lifetime of devoted service to God and the church.

According to RCCG’s account, the sealed envelope was opened after his burial. Inside was a written instruction naming Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye as his successor.

In 1981, Pastor Adeboye became the general overseer of RCCG. Under his leadership, the church expanded dramatically. What began as a fellowship of nine members in Ebute-Metta grew into a global Pentecostal movement with thousands of parishes across many nations.

Legacy

He founded RCCG in 1952 with nine members; the church now has millions of members worldwide.

He demonstrated that God can use a person without formal education when that person is fully surrendered to Him.

He established a church built on holiness, prayer, discipline, and covenant.

The Redemption Camp in Ogun State became the international headquarters of RCCG.

His remains are buried at the Redemption Camp in Mowe, Ogun State.

His life reflects the biblical truth that God uses “the foolish things of the world to confound the wise.”

Pastor Josiah Akindayomi had no university degree, vast financial resources, or grand cathedral. What he possessed was faith, obedience, humility, and a deep covenant with God. Through that 

commitment, he laid the foundation for a church that would reach millions of people around the world.