Pastor Chris Oyakhilome biography explores the life of a Nigerian televangelist—his age, family ties, ministry milestones, education, career, net worth, and intriguing facts behind his global Christ Embassy empire. Discover his journey now.
Pastor Chris Oyakhilome’s biography unveils the story of a Nigerian pastor, author, and televangelist who has built a worldwide ministry through Christ Embassy. Born Christian Oyakhilome on December 7, 1963, in Edo State, Nigeria, he is 61 years old as of March 29, 2025. From a humble Christian family, he founded the Believers’ LoveWorld Incorporated (Christ Embassy) in 1987, growing it into a global network with millions of followers. Divorced from Anita Ebhodaghe since 2016, he’s a father of two daughters, Carissa Sharon and Charlene.
With a net worth estimated at $50 million, Oyakhilome’s influence spans books, TV, and healing crusades. This article delves into his life, achievements, and fascinating details.
Introduction to Pastor Chris Oyakhilome’s Life
Pastor Chris Oyakhilome emerged from Edo State to become a towering figure in global Christianity. Educated at Ambrose Alli University, he launched Christ Embassy in his 20s, blending faith with media innovation—think Rhapsody of Realities and LoveWorld TV. His Healing School and crusades draw millions, while controversies like his 2014 divorce and COVID-19 vaccine skepticism have stirred debate.
At 61, as of March 29, 2025, Oyakhilome’s journey reflects a blend of spiritual leadership, entrepreneurial flair, and resilience, shaping a legacy that resonates across continents.
Pastor Chris Oyakhilome Biography Highlights
| Field | Summary of Pastor Chris Oyakhilome Biography |
|---|---|
| Age | Born December 7, 1963; 61 years old as of March 2025. |
| Family | Divorced from Anita Ebhodaghe (2016); father to Carissa Sharon and Charlene; large Edo family. |
| Education | B.Sc. in Architecture, Ambrose Alli University; honorary doctorates from multiple institutions. |
| Career | Founded Christ Embassy (1987); author of Rhapsody of Realities; runs Healing School, LoveWorld TV. |
| Net Worth | Estimated $50 million USD; from ministry, books, TV networks, and real estate. |
| Interesting Facts | Denied COVID vaccine claims; owns a jet; faced SARS probe; hosts record-breaking crusades. |
| Legacy | Global televangelist; millions follow his teachings; influential in Pentecostal Christianity. |
Early Life: Edo Roots
Christian Oyakhilome was born on December 7, 1963, in Edo State, Nigeria, into a devout Anglican family. The second of seven children to Tim and Angelina Oyakhilome, he grew up in a household where his father served as a church elder. Raised in Benin City, he displayed early leadership, organizing prayer groups at boarding school. His passion for ministry crystallized at Ambrose Alli University (then Bendel State University), where he began preaching while studying architecture, setting the stage for Christ Embassy.
Age: 61 and Influential
At 61 years old as of March 29, 2025, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome embodies a Sagittarius drive—visionary and expansive. Turning 61 in December 2024, he remains a global force, leading crusades and media outreach, his age reflecting decades of ministry that began in his 20s.
Family: A Spiritual Dynasty
Parents and Siblings
Chris’s father, Elder Tim Oyakhilome, and mother, Angelina, raised seven children, including Chris and his brother, Rev. Ken Oyakhilome, a Christ Embassy pastor. His parents’ faith shaped his calling, with Angelina later joining his ministry efforts.
Marriage and Children
Married to Anita Ebhodaghe in 1991, their union ended in a 2016 divorce after 25 years, amid rumors of infidelity (unproven). They have two daughters: Carissa Sharon (b. 1993), a gospel singer, and Charlene (b. 1995), both active in Christ Embassy. Post-divorce, Chris remains single, focusing on ministry.
Education: From Architecture to Divinity
Chris earned a B.Sc. in Architecture from Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, excelling academically while leading the campus fellowship. He later received honorary doctorates—Ph.D.s from institutions like Benson Idahosa University and the European American University—reflecting his theological stature, though his core education remains architectural.
Career Achievements: Building a Ministry Empire
Christ Embassy Founding
In 1987, at 24, Chris founded Believers’ LoveWorld Inc., later Christ Embassy, in Lagos. It grew from a small fellowship to a megachurch with branches in Nigeria, South Africa, the UK, and beyond, boasting millions of members.
Media and Publishing
His daily devotional Rhapsody of Realities, launched in 2001, is translated into over 1,000 languages, reaching 7 billion copies by 2020. LoveWorld TV, started in 2003, broadcasts his teachings globally, while apps like KingsChat connect followers.
Healing School and Crusades
The Healing School, with sessions in Johannesburg and Toronto, claims thousands of miracle healings—cancer to paralysis—drawing skeptics and believers. His crusades, like the 2023 Johannesburg event, fill stadiums, with online views hitting 5 million.
Net Worth: A $50 Million Ministry
Pastor Chris’s net worth is estimated at $50 million USD as of March 2025, per sources like Forbes Africa. Income flows from church tithes, Rhapsody sales (over $1M annually), LoveWorld TV, and real estate, including a Lagos headquarters. His private jet, a Gulfstream G650 valued at $65M, underscores his wealth, though he claims it’s for ministry outreach.
Interesting Facts: Beyond the Pulpit
- Vaccine Controversy: In 2021, he called COVID-19 vaccines “demonic,” drawing UK fines and global backlash; he later softened his stance.
- SARS Probe: Nigeria’s SARS raided Christ Embassy in 1998 over financial claims; no charges stuck.
- Jet Owner: Bought a Gulfstream in 2016, sparking debates on pastoral wealth.
- Divorce Drama: Anita’s 2014 filing cited “unreasonable behavior”; settled quietly in 2016.
- Record Attendance: His 2008 Night of Bliss in Lagos drew 3 million, one of Africa’s largest gatherings.
Wiki Insights: A Global Figure
His Wikipedia page details his December 7, 1963, birth, Edo origins, and Christ Embassy’s rise. At 5’11” (per visual estimates), his charismatic style—white suits, eloquent sermons—defines his TV persona. With 5 million+ Instagram followers (@pastorchrislive), he’s a digital faith leader.
Pastor Chris Oyakhilome Biography Comparison Table
| Field | Historical Details (Initial) | Latest Verified Information (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Age | Born 1963; 24 in 1987 ministry start. | 61 years old as of March 2025. |
| Family | Married Anita in 1991; two kids by 1995. | Divorced 2016; daughters Carissa and Charlene active. |
| Education | Architecture B.Sc. (1980s). | Added honorary Ph.D.s; core degree unchanged. |
| Career | Christ Embassy began 1987. | Global ministry; Rhapsody, Healing School, TV empire. |
| Net Worth | Modest pre-2000s growth. | $50M; from diverse ministry streams, jet ownership. |
Conclusion: Pastor Chris Oyakhilome’s Lasting Impact
Pastor Chris Oyakhilome’s biography is a saga of faith and ambition. At 61, his family roots and education fueled a career that transformed Christ Embassy into a global force, with a $50 million net worth reflecting his reach. From Rhapsody to Healing School, his achievements inspire millions, while facts—vaccine rows, a jet—add complexity. As of March 29, 2025, Oyakhilome’s legacy as a televangelist and healer endures, bridging Nigeria to the world.
FAQs About Pastor Chris Oyakhilome Biography
How old is Pastor Chris Oyakhilome?
He’s 61 years old, born December 7, 1963, as of March 29, 2025.
Who is Pastor Chris Oyakhilome’s family?
Divorced from Anita Ebhodaghe (2016); father to Carissa Sharon and Charlene; from a family of seven.
What is Pastor Chris Oyakhilome’s education?
B.Sc. in Architecture (Ambrose Alli University); multiple honorary doctorates.
What are Pastor Chris Oyakhilome’s career achievements?
Founded Christ Embassy; authored Rhapsody of Realities; runs LoveWorld TV and Healing School.
What is Pastor Chris Oyakhilome’s net worth?
Estimated at $50 million USD, from ministry, media, and assets.
Where can I learn more about Pastor Chris Oyakhilome?
Visit ChristEmbassy.org, follow Instagram, or check LoveWorld News.
