Top 10 Largest Churches in Nigeria 2025

Largest Churches in Nigeria

Nigeria is home to some of the most beautiful church buildings in the world with millions of worshippers every week. The top 10 largest churches in Nigeria 2025 show that Christians in the country have great beliefs. It is also a major feat of architecture. Believers flock to the mega churches scattered all over Africa and beyond. We visit the Glory Dome in Abuja and Faith Tabernacle in Ota.

Quick Overview: Top 5 Largest Churches in Nigeria

Here are the top 5 largest churches by seating capacity:

  1. Glory Dome (Dunamis) – 100,000 seats
  2. Faith Tabernacle (Winners Chapel) – 50,400 seats
  3. The Apostolic Church, Ketu – 100,000 seats
  4. Prayer City (MFM) – 100,000 seats
  5. Hand of God Cathedral – 120,000 seats

Why Nigeria Has Such Large Churches

Nigeria has over 100 million Christians, making it one of the largest Christian populations worldwide. These mega churches serve multiple purposes beyond worship – they function as community centers, educational hubs, and social gathering spaces. The massive auditoriums accommodate the huge crowds that gather for weekly services, special crusades, and annual conventions.

1. Glory Dome – Dunamis International Gospel Centre

  • Location: Airport Road, Abuja
  • Seating Capacity: 100,000
  • Founded: 1996
  • Senior Pastor: Dr. Paul Enenche

The Glory Dome which is located at the Dunamis International Gospel Centre in Abuja is the biggest church auditorium in Nigeria and one of the biggest church auditoriums in the world. The structure has 100,000 seats. In a big 1987. The dome structure is large enough so that there are no pillars inside. So all people can see clearly.

Opened in November 2018, this beautiful yellow dome is located in Lord’s Garden along Airport Road. The assembly consumed four years to complete from the year 2014 to the year 2018 and was completed without any loans taken. Its roof is yellow coloured and has a span of 228 metres and a cover of 22,148 square metres. It also covers over two hectares (five acres) without an interior column.

The sound and light systems are high-tech and there are five major entrances and two long galleries and a large pulpit. Apart from the main hall, there are Rose of Sharon Gardens, Still Water Restaurant, Destiny Christian Academy and minister’s accommodation.

2. Hand of God Cathedral – Salvation Ministries

  • Location: Igwuruta, Rivers State
  • Seating Capacity: 120,000
  • Founded: 1995
  • Senior Pastor: Pastor David Ibiyeomie

The Hand of God Cathedral, located in Igwuruta, Rivers State, Nigeria, is the headquarters of Salvation Ministries, led by Pastor David Ibiyeomie. This church building is one of the largest church auditoriums in the world, with a capacity of 120,000 people.

The cathedral’s unique design is inspired by a hand reaching down from heaven. The building features a five-finger layout, with each finger acting as a worship area for 20,000 people. The center part, called the “palm,” is a large, column-free space that allows everyone to have a clear view.

Spanning about 55,000 square meters (equivalent to eight soccer fields), the complex includes an eight-story administrative block for offices and media facilities. The interior boasts beautiful golden chandeliers, organ pipes, and detailed altars that create an atmosphere of reverence and grandeur.

3. Faith Tabernacle – Living Faith Church Worldwide (Winners Chapel)

  • Location: Canaanland, Ota, Ogun State
  • Seating Capacity: 50,400
  • Founded: 1983
  • Presiding Bishop: David Oyedepo

Faith Tabernacle was reputed to be the world’s largest church in terms of capacity. It covers about 70 hectares and is built inside the complex called Canaanland. This evangelical megachurch serves as the international headquarters of Living Faith Church Worldwide, commonly known as Winners Chapel.

The foundation laying took place on August 29, 1998. In 1999, the Faith Tabernacle was inaugurated with 50,400 seats. What makes this achievement remarkable is that church pastors and members of Winners’ Chapel who were professionals commenced Direct Labour construction of the Faith Tabernacle, Ota and completed it at the total cost of N900,000,000 – entirely debt-free.

The church holds four services every Sunday and maintains around 350 shuttle buses to transport congregants from various locations. The annual Shiloh convention attracts millions of participants from around the world, making it one of Africa’s largest Christian gatherings.

4. Prayer City – Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM)

  • Location: Lagos-Ibadan Expressway
  • Seating Capacity: 100,000
  • Founded: 1989
  • General Overseer: Dr. Daniel Olukoya

Prayer City, located along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in Nigeria, is one of the largest church auditoriums in the country, with a capacity to hold 100,000 worshippers. It is part of the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM), founded by Dr. Daniel Olukoya in 1989.

MFM is renowned for its powerful prayer services, deliverance programs, and miracle crusades. The Prayer City complex serves as the international headquarters and hosts various religious gatherings throughout the year. The main auditorium can seat 100,000 people, making it one of the largest in Nigeria. It is conveniently located at Kilometre 1 on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

The ministry focuses on spiritual warfare, deliverance, and breakthrough prayers. Prayer City has become a destination for Christians seeking divine intervention, healing, and spiritual breakthrough from across Nigeria and beyond.

5. The Apostolic Church – Ketu, Lagos

  • Location: Ketu, Olorunda, Lagos State
  • Seating Capacity: 100,000
  • Commissioned: 2011

The Apostolic Church, located in Ketu, Olorunda has a sitting capacity of 100,000 worshippers and was commissioned in 2011. This massive structure represents one of the oldest Pentecostal denominations in Nigeria, originally founded in 1918.

One of the oldest Pentecostal churches in Nigeria, founded in 1918, The Apostolic Church has a massive auditorium in Ketu that can accommodate 100,000 people. It took 25 years to complete this impressive structure.

The church has deep historical roots in Nigerian Christianity and has played a significant role in the growth of Pentecostalism across West Africa. The Ketu complex stands as a testament to the church’s growth and commitment to serving the large Christian population in Lagos.

6. The Arena – Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG)

  • Location: Redemption Camp, Lagos-Ibadan Expressway
  • Seating Capacity: Variable (can accommodate millions during special events)
  • Founded: 1952
  • General Overseer: Pastor E.A. Adeboye

The Arena, also called the Redemption Camp Arena, is the biggest church auditorium in Nigeria. It is located in the Redemption Camp of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. This auditorium can hold over 9 million people during major events.

The RCCG, founded in 1952 by Pa Josiah Akindayomi, has grown to become one of the fastest-growing churches in Nigeria. Headed by Pastor Enoch Adeboye, one of Nigeria’s most respected men of God, RCCG has grown to be a household name both within and outside the country.

The Redemption Camp spans thousands of hectares and functions like a small city, complete with banks, schools, hospitals, and residential areas. The annual Holy Ghost Congress attracts millions of participants from around the world, making it one of the largest Christian gatherings globally.

7. Deeper Life Bible Church

  • Location: Gbagada, Lagos
  • Seating Capacity: 30,000
  • Founded: 1973
  • General Superintendent: Pastor W.F. Kumuyi

Established in 1973 by Pastor William Folorunsho Kumuyi, Deeper Life is known for its conservative teachings. Its main auditorium in Gbagada has a capacity of 30,000, with an underground parking space for over 200 cars.

Deeper Life Bible Church is one of the oldest Pentecostal churches in Nigeria and is known for strict adherence to biblical commandments and conservative Christian dress codes. Today, Deeper Life can boast of a membership base of 700,000 followers with branches all over the country.

The church emphasizes holiness, biblical teaching, and practical Christian living. Pastor Kumuyi’s expository teaching style has attracted believers who seek deep understanding of God’s word.

8. House on the Rock Church

  • Location: Victoria Island, Lagos
  • Seating Capacity: 20,000+
  • Founded: 1994
  • Senior Pastor: Pastor Paul Adefarasin

House on the Rock has become one of Lagos’s most influential churches, particularly among young professionals and the middle class. House on the Rock is the last on our list of churches in Nigeria with the highest population this 2025 with about 495,000 members as its congregation size.

The church is known for its contemporary worship style, excellent production quality, and practical life-applicable messages. Pastor Adefarasin’s leadership has attracted a diverse congregation, and the church has expanded to multiple locations across Nigeria and internationally.

9. Christ Embassy (Believers’ LoveWorld)

  • Location: Various locations, with headquarters in Lagos
  • Seating Capacity: 30,000
  • Founded: 1987
  • Senior Pastor: Pastor Chris Oyakhilome

Also known as Believers Love World, it is one of the megachurches with 30,000 capacity worshippers. Christ Embassy has grown to become a global ministry with presence in multiple countries.

The church is known for its emphasis on healing, prosperity, and faith-building messages. Pastor Chris Oyakhilome’s teachings through various media platforms have reached millions worldwide. The ministry operates television stations, publishes magazines, and organizes large-scale crusades.

10. Daystar Christian Centre

  • Location: Oregun, Lagos
  • Seating Capacity: 15,000
  • Founded: 1995
  • Senior Pastor: Pastor Sam Adeyemi

Pastor Sam Adeyemi has built DCC that it has become popular among the youths and his Sunday services are attended by virtually 100,000 members. Daystar is also among the churches that has the largest auditorium in Nigeria.

Daystar Christian Centre is particularly popular among young professionals and entrepreneurs. The church focuses on success principles, leadership development, and personal growth. Pastor Adeyemi’s motivational teaching style combines biblical principles with practical life applications.

Comparison of Nigeria’s Largest Churches

When examining these mega churches, several patterns emerge:

  • Geographic Distribution: Most of these large churches are concentrated in Lagos and Abuja, Nigeria’s commercial and political centers respectively.
  • Construction Timeline: Many were built or significantly expanded in the 1990s and 2000s, coinciding with Nigeria’s economic growth and democratic transition.
  • Architectural Innovation: These churches showcase impressive engineering achievements, with several featuring dome structures and column-free designs.
  • Multi-purpose Facilities: These complexes consist of educational institutions, hospitals, banks, and residential areas apart from areas of worship.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who has the biggest church in Nigeria?

The Glory Dome at Dunamis International Gospel Centre in Abuja holds the record as the biggest church auditorium in Nigeria, with a seating capacity of 100,000 people. However, if considering overall event capacity, RCCG’s Arena can accommodate millions during special gatherings.

Which is the second largest church in Nigeria?

Faith Tabernacle (Winners Chapel) is considered the second-largest by regular seating capacity with 50,400 seats, though several other churches like The Apostolic Church Ketu and Prayer City also claim 100,000+ capacity.

Which church has the largest congregation in the world by membership?

While seating capacity varies, RCCG claims to be one of the fastest-growing churches globally with millions of members across thousands of branches worldwide.

What are the top 10 biggest churches in terms of architecture?

The top architectural marvels include Glory Dome (dome structure), Hand of God Cathedral (five-finger design), Faith Tabernacle (rapid construction achievement), and Prayer City (strategic highway location).

Which church took the shortest time to build?

Faith Tabernacle holds the record for rapid construction, completed within 12 months despite its massive size – a feat experts considered miraculous given that similar projects typically require 3+ years.

How do these churches fund such massive projects?

Most of these churches built their facilities debt-free through congregational giving, business ventures, and careful financial management. For example, both Glory Dome and Faith Tabernacle were constructed without taking loans.

Are visitors welcome at these mega churches?

Yes, all these churches welcome visitors for regular services. Many offer special programs for first-time guests and have provisions for different language groups and international visitors.

Conclusion

The top 10 largest churches in Nigeria 2025 aren’t just any type of buildings; they represent the effective, colourful and deep Christian faith of the people of Nigeria as well as the community building that goes on in these houses of God. The Glory Dome, The Apostolic Church, and other mega churches have contributed significantly to the religious development of Nigeria.

These large buildings provide space for millions to pray. They offer services like education and healthcare too. As Nigeria’s Christians continue to grow, these churches are playing increasingly significant roles in national development and international Christian missions.

Which of these magnificent churches would you most like to visit? Share your thoughts in the comments below and let us know about your experiences with Nigeria’s mega churches.

Want to learn more about Nigerian Christianity? Check out our related articles on [Top Christian Universities in Nigeria] and [Most Influential Pastors in Africa 2025].