Pastor Chris (Christian) Oyakhilome is a name that resonates across continents—not just as a preacher, but as a writer, the president of LoveWorld Incorporated, and a global spiritual icon. Born on December 7, 1963, in Edo State, Nigeria, to Tim and Angelina Oyakhilome, he grew up in a large, closely-knit family as the third of seven children. From early on, his life bore the marks of someone destined for impact, eventually becoming one of the most influential and widely recognized Christian leaders of his time.
His journey into ministry began during his university years at what was then Bendel State University (now Ambrose Alli University), where he studied architecture. It was there he founded the Youth for Christ fellowship, which would later evolve into Believers’ LoveWorld Incorporated; popularly known today as Christ Embassy. Since its founding in 1987 in Lagos, Christ Embassy has expanded into a global movement with millions of followers and over 100 branches across Nigeria, the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, South Africa, and beyond.
Renowned for his powerful preaching, healing ministry, and passionate outreach, Pastor Chris has authored several impactful books, most notably Rhapsody of Realities, a daily devotional read by millions around the world. Through platforms like LoveWorld TV and online streaming, his voice reaches audiences in virtually every corner of the globe. He is also the visionary behind the globally broadcast Healing Streams Live Healing Services, events known for miraculous testimonies and spiritual renewal.
But beyond the pulpit, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome is a man of deep conviction, intellectual depth, and extraordinary vision. With a strong foundation in both education and faith—including an honorary doctorate in Divinity from Benson Idahosa University—he continues to shape the lives of countless individuals through his teachings, media outreach, and humanitarian efforts. His biography is not just a record of events, but a testament to a life lived with purpose, passion, and a relentless drive to share the gospel.
Read Also: Bishop David Oyedepo Biography
Early Life and Family Background
Pastor Chris Oyakhilome was born on December 7, 1963, in Edo State, Nigeria. He was raised in a big, loving Christian family. His parents, Tim and Angelina Oyakhilome, were both strong believers who taught their children to follow God. His father, Tim, was one of the first pastors in the Assemblies of God Church in Benin City. This helped shape Pastor Chris’s faith from a very young age.
He is the third child out of seven and the first son in the family. He has one brother and five sisters. All of his siblings are part of his ministry today, working in different parts of Christ Embassy. His brother, Reverend Ken Oyakhilome, is a pastor at the Christ Embassy branch in Houston, USA. His sister, Kathy Woghiren, plays a big role in the church’s music department. She leads the LoveWorld Music and Arts Ministry and helps new gospel musicians grow and share their gifts.
Pastor Chris grew up with a heart for God. Even as a child, he was known for being serious about his faith. He attended Edo College for his early education, and later went to Bendel State University (now called Ambrose Alli University) in Ekpoma. There, he studied Architecture and earned his first degree. It was also during this time that he began his journey into ministry, a path that would later touch millions of lives around the world.
Today, Pastor Chris is also a proud father of two daughters, Carissa Sharon and Charlene. His daughter Sharon, also known as CSO, is a gospel singer who performs with the LoveWorld Music and Arts Ministry, just like her aunt Kathy.
From his early days in Edo State to becoming a global faith leader, Pastor Chris’s story shows how strong family values and a deep belief in God can shape a person’s life forever.
Education
Pastor Chris Oyakhilome loved learning from a young age. He went to a school called Edo College in his home state of Edo, Nigeria. He was a smart student and worked hard in his classes.
Because of his good grades, he got a scholarship to study at Bendel State University. This school was later renamed Ambrose Alli University, and it is in a town called Ekpoma. There, Pastor Chris studied Architecture, which is the art of designing buildings and structures.
Read Also: Pastor Kunle Ajayi Biography
Starting the Ministry and Embracing Technology
While studying architecture at Bendel State University (now Ambrose Alli University), Pastor Chris Oyakhilome felt a strong call to spread the word of God. So, he decided to start a student group called Youth for Christ. He led the group, where he taught his fellow students about the Bible and how to live a Christian life.
The group grew quickly, and before long, Youth for Christ became the biggest fellowship on campus. Many students joined, and the fellowship helped lay the foundation for what would become Christ Embassy, which Pastor Chris officially started in 1987.
As Pastor Chris’s ministry grew, he realized the power of technology to share God’s message with even more people. He was quick to embrace new opportunities, and in no time, he launched LoveWorldSAT, the first African Christian TV station that broadcasted 24 hours a day to the world. This allowed people from many countries to watch Pastor Chris’s teachings.
In 2017, Pastor Chris teamed up with his friend, Pastor Benny Hinn, to create a new TV channel called LoveWorld USA. This channel helps spread the gospel across the United States and beyond, just like LoveWorldSAT did for the rest of the world.
Pastor Chris’s use of technology has helped his ministry reach millions of people globally, showing that faith can be shared in many ways, even through television!
Expanding the Ministry Worldwide
After founding Christ Embassy in 1987, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome worked hard to spread his message beyond Nigeria. His goal was to share God’s word with people all over the world.
Read Also: Sonnie Badu Biography
Growing the Church Globally
Pastor Chris started by establishing churches in different countries. Today, Christ Embassy has branches in nations like the United Kingdom, the United States, Ghana, South Africa, and Canada. This growth allowed more people to learn about God’s love and teachings.
Reaching Millions Through Television
Understanding the power of media, Pastor Chris launched several television channels to reach a wider audience. In 2003, he started the first 24-hour Christian network from Africa, broadcasting to the world.
Channels like LoveWorld TV in the UK, LoveWorld SAT in South Africa, and LoveWorld Plus in Nigeria began airing programs that included teachings, music, and live events. These channels made it easier for people everywhere to connect with his ministry.
Uniting Believers Online
With advancements in technology, Pastor Chris embraced the internet to bring believers together. He organized online prayer events, such as the Global Day of Prayer, where millions joined in prayer from their homes. This use of online platforms helped maintain a sense of community among followers worldwide.
Read Also: Gabriel Eziashi Biography
Publishing Inspirational Materials
Pastor Chris is also a prolific author. He wrote a daily devotional called Rhapsody of Realities, first published in 2001. This book offers daily spiritual guidance and has been translated into over 7,000 languages, making it accessible to readers globally.
Through these efforts, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome expanded his ministry from a local church in Nigeria to a global movement, touching the lives of millions with his teachings and initiatives.
Media and Outreach
Pastor Chris Oyakhilome uses many ways to share the message of Jesus with people all over the world. One big way he does this is through the LoveWorld Television Ministry, which he started to reach people right from their homes.
He uses satellite TV, the internet, and other digital platforms to broadcast church services, teachings, and special programs. This means that even if someone lives far away, they can still listen to his messages from their phone, computer, or TV.
Pastor Chris also travels and hosts big conferences and crusades in different countries like Nigeria, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and the United States. These events bring thousands—and sometimes even millions—of people together to worship, pray, and hear the word of God.
He is also the author of a very popular daily devotional called Rhapsody of Realities. This little book helps people read and understand the Bible every day. It is printed in hundreds of languages and is read by millions of people around the world.
Read Also: Nathaniel Bassey Biography
With the help of media and technology, Pastor Chris has been able to teach and encourage people from many different places, making sure no one is left out of hearing the good news of Jesus.
Personal Life
Pastor Chris Oyakhilome was once married to Anita Ebhodaghe. They met while studying at university and got married on February 2, 1991. Anita was also a pastor in Christ Embassy and was known by many as Pastor Anita. Together, they had two daughters named Carissa Sharon and Charlene.
After being married for many years, Pastor Chris and Anita decided to go their separate ways. They filed for divorce in 2014, and it was finalized in 2016. Since then, Pastor Anita has no longer been a part of Christ Embassy.
Even though his marriage ended, Pastor Chris remains very close to his children. His older daughter, Carissa Sharon—also known as CSO—is a gospel singer. She got married in 2018 to a man named Phillip Frimpong, and they had a daughter in 2021. Charlene, his second daughter, lives a more private life but also shares her father’s strong faith.
Pastor Chris is known for keeping most of his personal life out of the public eye. He focuses more on his ministry and helping others. But even with his quiet personal life, people around the world still admire him for his strong faith and leadership.
As of 2011, Forbes estimated his net worth to be between $30 million and $50 million, thanks to his books, TV stations, and ministry work. He continues to live a life dedicated to sharing God’s message with others.
Read Also: Moses Bliss Biography
Philanthropy and Humanitarian
WorkInnerCity Mission for ChildrenPastor Chris Oyakhilome truly cares about people, especially children living in poverty. That’s why he started the InnerCity Mission for Children. This special program helps poor children around the world by giving them food, education, medical care, and a safe place to stay. The goal is to help these kids have a better future, no matter where they come from.
The InnerCity Mission works in many countries across Africa, Asia, and even Europe. They give children school supplies, meals, and the support they need to dream big. Pastor Chris believes that when you help a child, you help build a better future for the whole world.
Other Outreach Programs and Charitable Projects
Pastor Chris doesn’t stop at just helping children. Through his foundation—Chris Oyakhilome Foundation International (COFI)—he has started many other programs to support people in need. COFI gives scholarships to students, free medical care to the sick, and food to families during tough times like natural disasters or the pandemic.One of their projects was building a brand-new waiting area for the immigration office in Ikeja, Nigeria. They also donated a generator to help the office run better. In 2022, COFI gave out over 63 million milliliters of blood to hospitals across Africa. They also held special Christmas events for families and hosted the Future Africa Leaders Awards to support young African leaders.
Impact in Africa and Beyond
Pastor Chris’s kind heart and generosity have made a big difference not just in Nigeria, but all over the world. Whether it’s helping children go to school, feeding hungry families, or bringing healing through his services, Pastor Chris is using his blessings to bless others.
Read Also: Mercy Chinwo Biography
His net worth—estimated to be in the tens of millions of dollars—has helped fund these amazing projects. But more than money, it’s his love for people and his faith in God that drives his mission. He teaches that giving is a way of life, and his actions show that every day.
Controversy
Like many well-known leaders, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome has faced some criticism and controversy over the years. Some people have disagreed with his teachings and views on certain topics.
One of the main issues is his belief in faith healing. Pastor Chris has said that people can be healed from serious diseases, including HIV/AIDS, through prayer and faith. While many of his followers believe in these miracles, some health experts worry that people may stop using medicine or treatments because of this.
He has also been linked to what is called the “prosperity gospel”. This is a message that says if you give money to God’s work—like donating to the church—you will become rich and healthy. Some people say this teaching takes advantage of those who are struggling. But Pastor Chris has said that true success comes from growing spiritually and following God’s rules, not just from having a lot of money.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Pastor Chris got into more trouble. He shared videos that said the virus might be connected to 5G networks and a group called the “New World Order”, which are ideas many people believe are false. He also spoke against vaccines, including ones for COVID-19, malaria, and other diseases. Because of this, some people accused him and his church of spreading misinformation—that means sharing things that are not true and could be harmful.In 2021, a TV station connected to his ministry, Loveworld Television Network, was fined £125,000 in the UK for making false claims about COVID-19. This was a big concern for health officials who were trying to keep people safe.
Reason Also: Top 10 Richest Pastors in Nigeria
Even though Pastor Chris has done a lot of good through his church and charity work, these controversies have made some people question his messages and actions. Still, many of his followers continue to support and trust him
Books Authored by Pastor Christian Oyakhilome
Pastor Chris Oyakhilome is not just a preacher—he’s also a best-selling author who has written many books to help people grow in their faith and understand the Bible better. One of his most popular books is Rhapsody of Realities, a daily devotional read by millions of people around the world. It’s printed in many languages and shared online, helping people learn about God every single day.
Pastor Chris has written over 30 books! His books teach about prayer, healing, the Holy Spirit, faith, and how to live a better life with God. Some of his earliest books include Recreating Your World, Gates of Zion, and Your Rights in Christ, all published in 1998. These books talk about how Christians can live powerful, joyful lives through Jesus.
He also wrote The Power of Tongues and Praying the Right Way, which teach how to pray effectively. Another favorite is How To Make Your Faith Work, which helps people understand how to trust God more in everyday life.
Some of his other books are:
- The Seven Spirits of God (2006)
- Healing From Heaven (2010)
- The Power of Your Mind (2016)
- Prophecy (2005)
- Join This Chariot (2002)
Conclusion
Pastor Chris Oyakhilome has touched the lives of millions around the world through his powerful teachings, healing ministry, and deep love for helping others. From founding Christ Embassy to writing books that inspire faith, his journey shows how one person’s belief in God can create a big impact.
Whether it’s through his daily devotional Rhapsody of Realities, his Healing Streams events, or the many charitable works done through his foundation, Pastor Chris continues to reach people with messages of hope, healing, and love.
Read Also: Top 10 Prosperity Preachers
Even though he has faced some controversies, Pastor Chris remains focused on his mission—to spread the Gospel and make life better for others. His life reminds us that with faith, kindness, and purpose, we can truly make a difference in the world.
