“God created the earth and everyone on it.” That is what Josiah Olufemi Akindayomi yearned to know. Today, we stand before The Redeemed Christian Church of God in Philadelphia. Its roots trace back to Akindayomi’s divine pursuit.
The Redeemed Christian Church of God’s story began in 1952 in Nigeria. Reverend Josiah Olufemi Akindayomi sought a deeper connection with God. He felt a greater power existed beyond the nature worship of his community. His search led him to the Church Missionary Society. There, he was baptized in 1927.
Still spiritually unfulfilled, he joined the Cherubim and Seraphim Church in 1931. Akindayomi heard a voice saying, “You will be my servant.” He ignored it for seven years. His business ventures failed. He became dependent on God’s grace. This marked the beginning of his relationship with God.
Akindayomi yielded and asked for confirmation. He received it through Jeremiah 1:4-10, Isaiah 41:10-13, and Romans 8:29-31. God assured him He would provide for his needs. Akindayomi married in 1941 and continued worshipping with the Cherubim and Seraphim. By 1947, he grew concerned about the church’s practices. In 1952, he left.
Akindayomi started a house fellowship called the Glory of God Fellowship. It began with nine members. News of miracles spread and the fellowship grew. Akindayomi, who couldn’t read or write English, received a vision. The words “The Redeemed Christian Church of God” were written on a blackboard. Supernaturally, he wrote them down.
God told him the church would spread worldwide. When Jesus appeared in glory, He would meet the church. God established a covenant. He would meet the church’s needs if members served Him faithfully. The Redeemed Christian Church of God was born from this covenant.
The church met at 9 Willoughby Street. Later, they acquired land and relocated. In the early 1970s, God told Akindayomi about his successor. This young educated man was not yet a member. In 1973, Enoch Adejare Adeboye joined the church. Akindayomi recognized him as the one God had spoken about.
Adeboye translated Akindayomi’s sermons from Yoruba to English. He was ordained a pastor in 1975. Akindayomi shared details of the covenant with Adeboye. Josiah Akindayomi died at 71. Adeboye’s appointment was formalized after his burial.
Since 1981, the church has grown. There are over 2000 parishes in Nigeria. The church has spread to other African nations. It exists in Europe, including England, Germany, and France. In the United States, parishes are in various states. These include Dallas, New York, and here in Philadelphia. The church is also in the Caribbean.
Today, The Redeemed Christian Church of God continues to grow. It offers an all-night miracle service. It is held on the first Friday of each month. The average attendance is about 500,000. This service now takes place worldwide. It is a testament to its global impact.
The Redeemed Christian Church of God Premier Chapel is located at 1916 Welsh Road, Suites B-C. The church continues to serve its community in Philadelphia. It carries on the legacy of Reverend Josiah Olufemi Akindayomi.