Pastor Chris Oyakhilome biography reveals the inspiring story of the Christ Embassy founder—his age, net worth, ex-wife Anita, daughters Sharon and Charlene, global ministry, and life journey.

Who is Pastor Chris Oyakhilome?

Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, born Christian Oyakhilome on December 7, 1963, is a Nigerian pastor, author, televangelist, and president of LoveWorld Incorporated, a Christian ministry based in Lagos. Known globally as Pastor Chris, he has built one of the most influential Christian ministries in the world through Christ Embassy, reaching millions of followers across multiple continents.

He is the founder of Christ Embassy, a large congregation with branches in several countries, and the author of the daily devotional Rhapsody of Realities. His ministry has become synonymous with healing crusades, prosperity teaching, and innovative use of media to spread the Christian gospel. As a televangelist, his programs reach audiences through multiple satellite television channels, online platforms, and massive physical gatherings that attract millions of participants.

Oyakhilome has also organised mass rallies, and his “Healing School” was held periodically every year in Nigeria and South Africa and now holds “Healing Streams Live Healing Services.” His influence extends beyond the pulpit into publishing, media broadcasting, humanitarian work, and Christian education, making him one of the most recognized spiritual leaders in contemporary Christianity.

At 61 years old as of 2025, Pastor Chris continues to lead a global movement that combines faith with modern technology, entrepreneurship with spiritual teaching, and personal prosperity with divine purpose. His journey from a university campus fellowship to building a multimillion-dollar ministry empire represents one of the most remarkable success stories in modern Christian evangelism.

Quick Facts About Pastor Chris Oyakhilome

Early Life & Family Background

Birth and Childhood

Chris Oyakhilome was born on 7 December 1963 to Tim and Angelina Oyakhilome in Edo State, Nigeria. He was raised in a devout Christian household where faith and spirituality formed the foundation of family life. His father, Elder Tim E. Oyakhilome, was a pioneer of the Assemblies of God Church in Benin City, Nigeria, instilling strong Christian values in all his children from an early age.

Growing up in Benin City, young Chris displayed early signs of spiritual leadership and an unusual passion for ministry. His upbringing in a religious family environment meant that church activities, prayer meetings, and Bible study were integral parts of his childhood. This early exposure to Christian teachings and church administration would later prove invaluable in his own ministry work.

Family Structure and Siblings

He is the third child of seven children and the first of two sons. Being part of a large family taught him important lessons about community, leadership, and responsibility from an early age. He has five sisters and all of his siblings play active roles in LoveWorld and Christ Embassy.

His siblings are Beayeta Akhuemokhan (née Oyakhilome), Mercy Oyakhilome, Kenneth Oyakhilome, Linda Okocha (née Oyakhilome), Kathy Woghiren (née Oyakhilome) and Lovelina Osazuwa (née Oyakhilome). The strong family bonds formed during childhood continue to this day, with many of his siblings holding significant positions within the Christ Embassy organization.

His brother, Reverend Ken Oyakhilome, serves as pastor of Christ Embassy’s Houston branch and is a member of the Christ Embassy Central Executive Council. His sister, Kathy Woghiren, directs the LoveWorld Music and Arts Ministry and chairs the LoveWorld Records Label, demonstrating how the entire Oyakhilome family has contributed to building the ministry empire.

Spiritual Foundation

The spiritual atmosphere in the Oyakhilome household created a nurturing environment for Pastor Chris’s calling. His parents’ dedication to Christian service and their active involvement in church leadership provided him with firsthand experience of what committed ministry looked like. These formative years shaped his understanding of faith, service, and the power of organized Christian ministry.

Education and Academic Journey

University Education

After his primary and secondary education, he attended Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria, where he obtained a Bachelor of Science in Architecture degree. His choice to study architecture might seem unrelated to his eventual career path, but the analytical thinking and structural planning skills learned during this period would later benefit his ability to build and organize a global ministry network.

During his university years at what was then called Bendel State University, Pastor Chris’s spiritual calling became increasingly clear. While other students focused solely on their academic pursuits, he began organizing prayer meetings and Bible study groups that would eventually transform into something much larger.

Campus Ministry Beginnings

Chris entered ministry while still a student at Ambrose Alli University, AAU. At the time, the Believers’ LoveWorld Fellowship (now Loveworld Incorporated) was known as Youths For Christ (YFC). What started as a small group of students gathering for prayer and fellowship quickly gained momentum as Pastor Chris’s teaching gifts became evident.

YFC grew and later became the largest fellowship on campus. This early success demonstrated his ability to connect with young people and communicate spiritual truths in ways that resonated with his generation. The campus fellowship served as a training ground where he developed his teaching style, leadership abilities, and organizational skills.

Honorary Degrees

Later in his career, Pastor Chris received recognition for his contributions to ministry and society through honorary degrees. AAU also awarded him an honorary Doctor of Science award. He also has an honorary doctorate in divinity from the Benson Idahosa University. These academic honors acknowledged both his spiritual leadership and his impact on society through various humanitarian initiatives.

Ministry Journey: From Campus Fellowship to Global Empire

Foundation of Christ Embassy

In 1989, Chris established Believers LoveWorld Incorporated (BLW) alongside Christ Embassy. The church’s headquarters were in Lagos. This marked the official beginning of what would become one of the largest and most influential Christian ministries in the world. The transition from campus fellowship to formal church establishment required vision, courage, and unwavering faith in his divine calling.

Upon graduation in 1987, he started a church in Benin City and in 1989 established Christ Embassy, centred in Lagos. The early years required tremendous sacrifice and dedication as he worked to build the foundation of what was then a relatively unknown ministry. Starting with a small congregation, Pastor Chris focused on teaching biblical principles, conducting healing services, and building a community of believers.

Global Expansion

As of February 2023, there were BLW Campus Fellowships and Christ Embassy Churches in higher institutions and major cities around the world. The ministry’s growth from a single church in Lagos to a global network with presence in multiple countries represents one of the most impressive expansion stories in modern Christian ministry.

Oyakhilome’s ministry has spread to the United Kingdom, the United States, Ghana and South Africa, and has “healing school” sessions in South Africa, Lagos, and Canada. This international presence allows the ministry to reach diverse populations and cultures, adapting its message while maintaining core spiritual principles.

Ministry Philosophy

Christ Embassy is a Pentecostal church, formerly known as Believers’ Love World Incorporated. It follows an American megachurch model of large auditoria and stresses success and material blessing. The ministry’s emphasis on prosperity theology teaches that God desires believers to prosper in all areas of life—spiritual, physical, and financial.

Oyakhilome’s teaching is that prosperity is a blessing of God. This prosperity theology encourages followers to give money as seeds, teaching that those who donate to his ministry will also be rewarded with wealth and health and escape poverty. While this teaching has attracted millions of followers, it has also generated controversy and criticism from those who question the emphasis on material blessing.

Marriage, Divorce & Family Life

Marriage to Anita Ebhodaghe

Chris Oyakhilome married Anita Ebhodaghe on 2 February 1991. They met as students at the university. Their love story began during their university days when both were involved in campus ministry activities. Anita was also a pastor in Christ Embassy and was widely known as Pastor Anita.

For over two decades, Pastor Chris and Anita presented a united front in ministry, serving together and building Christ Embassy into a global organization. Anita played a significant role in the ministry’s growth, particularly in areas of pastoral care and women’s ministry. Together, they co-authored the internationally successful devotional “Rhapsody of Realities.”

Children

They later had two daughters, Sharon and Charlene. Both daughters were raised within the Christ Embassy community and have remained involved in ministry activities despite their parents’ divorce. The family appeared to embody the ideal Christian household, making their eventual separation all the more shocking to ministry followers.

Carissa Sharon Oyakhilome was born on August 11th, 1993 and was followed by Charlene Oyakhilome on May 14th, 1995. As the daughters of such prominent spiritual leaders, Sharon and Charlene grew up in the spotlight of Christian ministry, attending ministry events and being groomed for future leadership roles.

Divorce

The couple filed for divorce on 9 April 2014. The news sent shockwaves through the Christ Embassy community and the broader Christian world, as the couple had been viewed as role models for Christian marriage. After 23 years of marriage, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome became separated from his then-wife Anita Ebhodaghe in 2014. The divorce was final in February 2016.

It is believed that geographical distance played a role in the divorce between the two. While Pastor Chris Oyakhilome spent the vast majority of his time in Nigeria as the founder and leader of Christ Embassy, his then-wife Anita Ebhodaghe was in London, the United Kingdom most of the year. This physical separation, combined with the pressures of leading a global ministry, created strains that the marriage ultimately could not withstand.

Life After Divorce

Pastor Chris Oyakhilome is not married. He is dedicated solely to his service within Christ Embassy. Since the divorce, Pastor Chris has remained single and focused entirely on ministry work. He has maintained relationships with his daughters and continues to support their endeavors.

Daughters’ Current Activities

Sharon, the elder daughter, has become particularly prominent within the ministry. The eldest, Carissa Sharon Oyakhilome, has become part of the music ministry of her father’s church, the LoveWorld Music and Arts Ministry. Under the stage name CSO, she writes and sings gospel songs. Her musical talents have made her a rising star in Christian gospel music.

On 6 October 2018, Pastor Benny Hinn officiated the wedding ceremony of Oyakhilome’s first daughter, Sharon, to Phillip Frimpong; a Ghanaian, with former President Olusegun Obasanjo as chairman of the occasion. The grand wedding at LoveWorld Arena demonstrated the family’s continued prominence despite the divorce. While he was present at the wedding, Anita Ebhodaghe did not show up on her daughter’s big day.

Charlene, the younger daughter, has chosen a more private path. The youngest, Charlene Oyakhilome is into gospel music but prefers to stay away from the limelight, so information about her is scarce. Despite her lower public profile, she remains connected to the Christ Embassy community and supportive of her father’s ministry.

Career Timeline & Major Milestones

Net Worth & Financial Profile

Estimated Wealth

In 2011, Forbes estimated Oyakhilome’s wealth as between $30 million and $50 million. More recent estimates place his net worth anywhere from $50 million to $150 million USD, reflecting the continued growth of his ministry and associated business ventures over the past decade and a half.

The variation in estimates reflects the difficulty in accurately assessing the wealth of religious leaders whose personal finances are often intertwined with ministry assets. Some sources focus on personal assets while others include the value of ministry infrastructure and operations in their calculations.

Sources of Income

Pastor Chris’s wealth comes from multiple revenue streams including:

Ministry Donations and Offerings: As the head of a global megachurch with millions of members, Christ Embassy receives substantial donations and tithes from congregants worldwide.

Publishing Empire: One of his most notable achievements is the daily devotional Rhapsody of Realities, which he co-authored with his former wife, Pastor Anita Oyakhilome. This devotional has been translated into over 7,000 languages, making it one of the most widely distributed Christian publications in the world. The sales and distribution of this devotional generate significant revenue.

Television Broadcasting: Oyakhilome also founded a Christian-based television network, which broadcasts worldwide from Africa. The LoveWorld TV network includes multiple channels that reach audiences globally, generating income through various means including partnerships and content licensing.

Conferences and Events: Oyakhilome also hosts Higher Life conferences in Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, the UK, the US, and Canada, and organised the Night of Bliss South Africa event at the FNB Stadium in Johannesburg. These large-scale events attract thousands of participants who pay for registration, travel, and accommodations.

Real Estate and Investments: His ministry owns significant real estate holdings including church buildings, the massive LoveWorld Convocation Arena, and other properties across multiple countries.

Lifestyle and Assets

Reports indicate that Pastor Chris owns luxury properties in Lagos and potentially other locations, a private jet used for international ministry travel, and a collection of luxury vehicles. However, he maintains that his wealth is a testimony to God’s blessing and is used primarily for advancing ministry work and humanitarian causes.

Major Achievements & Contributions

Rhapsody of Realities

The daily devotional “Rhapsody of Realities” stands as one of Pastor Chris’s most significant contributions to Christian literature. Distributed in over 7,000 languages and reaching millions of readers daily across the globe, it has become a staple resource for Christians seeking daily spiritual guidance and inspiration.

Healing Ministry

Pastor Chris’s Healing School and Healing Streams Live Healing Services have become internationally recognized programs. These events attract massive crowds seeking physical healing, spiritual deliverance, and miraculous interventions. Testimonies of healings from these services are widely circulated through ministry media channels.

Media Innovation

The establishment of LoveWorld TV represented a pioneering move in Christian broadcasting from Africa. The network’s multiple channels broadcast 24/7, reaching audiences on every continent and making Pastor Chris’s teachings accessible to millions who might never attend a physical church service.

Global Ministry Network

Building Christ Embassy into a truly global network with functional churches and ministries in over 100 countries represents an organizational and leadership achievement of massive proportions. The ministry operates with sophisticated administrative structures while maintaining spiritual focus.

Literary Contributions

Beyond Rhapsody of Realities, Pastor Chris has authored numerous books on faith, healing, prosperity, and Christian living. These publications have sold millions of copies worldwide and have been translated into multiple languages.

Philanthropy & Humanitarian Work

Chris Oyakhilome Foundation International (COFI)

Oyakhilome operates the Inner City Mission Project, which works to assist orphaned and indigent children in inner cities in several countries. The organisation is under the auspices of the Chris Oyakhilome Foundation International, which works to help the poor and those in the inner cities.

The organisation sends relief materials to countries when disasters strike and works with government organisations to improve social well-being. COFI has been involved in disaster relief efforts following natural catastrophes, providing food, shelter, medical care, and other essential supplies to affected communities.

Supported Organizations

Other agencies supported by Chris Oyakhilome Foundation International (COFI) include the Volunteer Medical Corps, Trauma Care International Foundation, Inner City Mission for Children, Future Africa Leaders Foundation, and the Bible for All Mission. These organizations address various social needs including healthcare, education, youth development, and scripture distribution.

Educational Initiatives

The Future Africa Leaders Foundation focuses on identifying, supporting, and mentoring young Africans who demonstrate leadership potential. Through scholarships, training programs, and mentorship opportunities, the foundation aims to develop the next generation of African leaders across various sectors.

Medical Outreach

The Volunteer Medical Corps and Trauma Care International Foundation provide free medical services to underserved communities. These initiatives have conducted medical missions in numerous countries, offering treatments, surgeries, and healthcare education to thousands of people who otherwise lack access to quality medical care.

Controversies & Challenges

UK Charity Commission Investigation

In an inquiry started in 2013, the UK Charity Commission found there was “serious misconduct and/or mismanagement” in the administration of the “Christ Embassy”, a charity associated with Oyakhilome and his church’s activities.

An interim manager was appointed to review the activities and governance of the charity, leading to a report that “the board of trustees appears to be fragmented” and “appear to have little appreciation of their roles, duties and obligations as Trustees.” The interim manager served until the appointment of a new board of trustees in 2016.

COVID-19 Vaccine Controversy

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Pastor Chris made controversial statements questioning the safety and necessity of vaccines. These statements led to regulatory action, with broadcasting authorities fining LoveWorld TV for spreading misinformation about the pandemic and vaccines. The controversy highlighted tensions between religious freedom, public health, and media responsibility.

Prosperity Gospel Criticism

Congregational spaces are reserved for worship and not for community engagement work, and has been criticised for “opulence amid poverty”. Critics argue that the prosperity gospel emphasis on financial giving and material blessing can exploit vulnerable followers and create unrealistic expectations about the relationship between faith and wealth.

Money Laundering Allegations

Pastor Chris has faced allegations related to financial impropriety, including a $35 million money laundering investigation. While charges were ultimately dropped, the incident raised questions about financial transparency and accountability in large ministry organizations.

Legacy, Influence & Impact

Transforming African Christianity

Pastor Chris has played a significant role in shaping contemporary African Christianity, particularly in how technology and media are used for evangelism. His model of combining traditional church services with satellite broadcasting, online platforms, and massive stadium events has been replicated by many other ministers.

Global Reach

With Christ Embassy churches and BLW Campus Fellowships in over 100 countries, Pastor Chris’s influence extends to every continent. His teachings have shaped the faith journeys of millions of believers from diverse cultural, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.

Youth Empowerment

Through campus fellowships and youth-focused programs, Pastor Chris has invested heavily in raising up young Christian leaders. Many current pastors, ministry leaders, and Christian entrepreneurs trace their spiritual foundation to involvement with Christ Embassy campus fellowships.

Publishing Impact

Rhapsody of Realities remains one of the most distributed pieces of Christian literature globally. The devotional’s accessibility in thousands of languages has made it a daily companion for believers in remote villages and major cities alike.

Media Ministry Model

The LoveWorld TV network demonstrated that African-based Christian media could achieve global reach and professional quality comparable to Western Christian broadcasting. This has inspired numerous other African ministers to invest in media ministries.

Interesting Facts About Pastor Chris

Digital Currency Pioneer

Pastor Chris’s ministry introduced “Espee,” a digital currency for use within the LoveWorld community, making him one of the first religious leaders to embrace cryptocurrency and blockchain technology for ministry purposes.

Music Industry Impact

Through LoveWorld Music and Arts Ministry, Pastor Chris has nurtured numerous gospel artists who have gone on to international recognition. The ministry’s music label has produced countless worship albums and songs that are sung in churches worldwide.

Family Ministry Dynasty

With multiple siblings holding key leadership positions in Christ Embassy, the Oyakhilome family represents a ministry dynasty similar to famous Christian families like the Osteens or the Copelands.

Architectural Background

His training in architecture proved valuable in designing and constructing the massive LoveWorld Convocation Arena and other ministry facilities. The arena can accommodate tens of thousands of people and represents one of the largest religious structures in Africa.

Technology Adoption

Pastor Chris has consistently been an early adopter of new technology for ministry purposes, from satellite television in the early 2000s to live streaming, social media, and mobile apps, always seeking new ways to reach audiences with his message.

Conclusion

Pastor Chris Oyakhilome’s biography represents the story of a man who transformed a campus prayer group into a global ministry empire reaching millions. From his birth in Edo State, Nigeria, to becoming one of the world’s most recognized televangelists, his journey encompasses tremendous success, significant controversy, personal challenges, and undeniable impact on contemporary Christianity.

His contributions through Christ Embassy, Rhapsody of Realities, healing services, television broadcasting, and humanitarian work have touched countless lives across the globe. Whether viewed as a spiritual giant or a controversial prosperity preacher, his influence on modern Christianity, particularly in Africa, cannot be denied.

At 61, Pastor Chris continues to lead with vision and energy, expanding his ministry’s reach through new technologies and platforms. His legacy will likely be debated for generations, with supporters praising his faith-building ministry and critics questioning his theological emphasis and financial practices. Regardless of perspective, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome has undeniably left an indelible mark on 21st-century Christianity.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is Pastor Chris Oyakhilome’s current net worth?

In 2011, Forbes estimated Oyakhilome’s wealth as between $30 million and $50 million, though more recent estimates place his net worth between $50 million and $150 million USD depending on the source and methodology used.

2. Is Pastor Chris Oyakhilome married?

Pastor Chris Oyakhilome is not married. He is dedicated solely to his service within Christ Embassy. He divorced his wife Anita Ebhodaghe in 2016 after 25 years of marriage.

3. How many children does Pastor Chris have?

They later had two daughters, Sharon and Charlene, both of whom remain involved in Christ Embassy activities and ministry work.

4. What is Rhapsody of Realities?

The daily devotional Rhapsody of Realities, which he co-authored with his former wife, Pastor Anita Oyakhilome, has been translated into over 7,000 languages, making it one of the most widely distributed Christian publications in the world.

5. Where is Christ Embassy headquartered?

In 1989, Chris established Believers LoveWorld Incorporated (BLW) alongside Christ Embassy. The church’s headquarters were in Lagos, Nigeria, where the main ministry operations are based.

6. How old is Pastor Chris Oyakhilome?

Chris Oyakhilome was born on 7 December 1963, making him 61 years old as of 2025.

7. What happened to Pastor Chris’s marriage?

The couple filed for divorce on 9 April 2014 and the divorce was finalized in February 2016 after 25 years of marriage, reportedly due to geographical distance and other marital challenges.