History of Revivals That Shaped the Modern Church in Nigeria

 

Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa and also the country with the highest number of Christians on the continent. About 88.4 million people out of its total population identify as Christians, followed closely by the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Nigeria is also home to some of the largest church auditoriums in the world. These include:

• The Hand of God Cathedral by Salvation Ministries, which can accommodate about 120,000 worshippers at a time.
• The Ark by Living Faith Church, which can host approximately 109,000 worshippers.
• The Glory Dome by Dunamis International Gospel Centre, with a capacity of about 100,000 worshippers.

With thousands of churches scattered across Nigeria, the number of worshippers continues to grow daily. However, the success and growth of Christianity in Nigeria did not happen overnight. Just as the disciples of Jesus led revivals that spread Christianity worldwide after His ascension, certain men paid the ultimate price to lead powerful revivals that ignited the fire we see today.

The Role of Sydney Granville Elton

In 1937, an Englishman named Sydney Granville Elton left his home country of England with a divine mandate for the Christian Church in Nigeria. He was thirty years old and an elder at the Apostolic Church in Shrewsbury. He was sent as a missionary to Nigeria by the Apostolic Church headquarters in Penygroes, Wales. His initial task was to do what missionaries were known for—establish and oversee schools and churches.

However, upon arriving in Nigeria, Elton found himself caught up in the sweeping revival movement that had begun in 1918, at the close of World War I, and continued until the late 1930s. This revival gave birth to the first indigenous African churches, culminating in what became known as the Aladura Movement (1918-1930). These indigenous churches sprang up among the Yoruba people in southern Nigeria.

The Aladura Movement and Indigenous Churches

Some of the prominent indigenous churches that emerged from this revival include:

• The Precious Stone or Diamond Society, founded in Ijebu-Ode in 1918 by Joseph Bayo Shadare.
• The Cherubim and Seraphim Society, established in Lagos in 1925 by Moses Orimolade and Christiana Akinsowon.
• The Church of the Lord (Aladura), founded in 1930 by Josiah Oluwalowo Oshitelu in Ogere.

These churches were characterized by a prophetic-healing form of Pentecostalism, often referred to as "spiritual churches." They emphasized visions, dreams, prophecies, trances, speaking in tongues, water baptism by immersion, holiness, and the manifestations of the Holy Spirit through charismatic gifts and miraculous signs.

Other Major Revivals in Nigeria

The Garrick Sokari Braide Revival (1914)

In 1914, Sokari Garrick Braide, a catechist in the Anglican Communion, pioneered a healing revival in the Niger Delta. His ministry caused a great awakening, leading to an increase in church growth. After his death, the revival led to the formation of the Christ Army Church, which flourished in eastern Nigeria.

The Spirit Movement Revival (1927)

In 1927, a revival known as the Spirit Movement broke out among the Annang and Ibibio people in present-day Akwa Ibom State. This revival led to a great harvest of souls and increased the missionary work of the Qua Iboe Mission. As a result, the mission expanded into Igala land in 1934 and later into Bassa land in 1936.

The Joseph Babalola Revival (1930)

In 1930, another powerful revival ignited in Ilesha, with Joseph Ayo Babalola as the key figure. This Babalola revival was the most significant in Nigeria’s church history until the Charismatic Revival of the 1970s. The movement resulted in a massive increase in Christianity and ultimately led to the founding of the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC).

The Assemblies of God Revival (1934)

In 1934, a fresh Holy Spirit outpouring occurred in Old Umuahia, about three kilometers from the present-day Abia State capital. This revival eventually led to the establishment of the Assemblies of God Church in Nigeria in June 1939.

The Latter Rain Revival and Expansion (1948-1953)

By February 1948, a spiritual awakening known as the Latter Rain Revival began in North Battleford, Canada. By 1953, the revival had reached Nigeria, igniting a new wave of spiritual reawakening, particularly in the western part of the country. The ripple effects of these revivals spread across different regions, even reaching northern Nigeria.

The Impact of These Revivals

These waves of revival led to an explosion of churches, ministries, Bible colleges, television ministries, and Christian institutions. The Christian influence extended into various sectors, giving rise to:

• Microfinance banks
• Hospitals and clinics
• Campsites and guest houses
• Christian-owned hotels
• Water and beverage companies
• Christian schools and universities
• Printing and publishing firms
• Fast food chains and eateries

This revival movement helped shape Christianity in Nigeria into a powerful force that influences not only spiritual life but also economic and social development.

Key Figures Who Revived Christianity in Nigeria

Several men played significant roles in these revivals:

• Joseph Bayo Shadare – Founded the Precious Stone or Diamond Society in Ijebu-Ode (1918).
• Moses Orimolade and Christiana Akinsowon – Established the Cherubim and Seraphim Society in Lagos (1925).
• Josiah Oluwalowo Oshitelu – Founded The Church of the Lord (Aladura) in Ogere (1930).
• Sydney Granville Elton – Arrived in Nigeria in 1937 with a divine mandate to raise a new breed of Christian leadership.
• Benson Andrew Idahosa – Founded the Church of God Mission International.
• Rev. Josiah Olufemi Akindayomi – Established The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) in 1952. After his passing, Enoch Adeboye became the General Overseer in 1981.
• Joseph Ayo Babalola – Became the first General Evangelist of the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC).

The growth of Christianity in Nigeria is the result of God’s divine movement through revivals and the labor of dedicated men and women of faith. From the early 20th century to today, the impact of these revivals continues to shape the spiritual landscape of the country. Nigeria remains a beacon of Christian faith, sending missionaries across the world and upholding a strong Christian presence in Africa and beyond.

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