Welcome to RCCG City of Praise, Caterham
Origins and Founder
RCCG traces its roots to Pastor Josiah Akindayomi, born in July 1909 in Ondo State, Nigeria. Despite growing up in a community steeped in idol worship, he felt a deep spiritual yearning for the true God. His journey led him through the Church Missionary Society (baptised in 1927) and later the Cherubim and Seraphim Church (joined in 1931). During this time, he began hearing a divine call: “You will be my servant.” After years of spiritual searching and personal hardship, he surrendered to this call and began a new ministry.
Founding RCCG
In 1952, Pastor Akindayomi formally established the Redeemed Christian Church of God in Lagos. He believed God had given him a vision of a church that would spread across the world. The church began humbly but was rooted in holiness, prayer, and evangelism. Pastor Akindayomi led RCCG until his passing in 1980.
Leadership Transition
Before his death, Pastor Akindayomi had already chosen his successor—Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, a university lecturer and mathematician. Pastor Adeboye became the General Overseer in 1981 and has since overseen RCCG’s explosive growth. Under his leadership, RCCG expanded its reach globally, establishing parishes in Europe, North America, Asia, and beyond.
Global Impact
Today, RCCG is headquartered at Redemption City (formerly Redemption Camp) along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in Nigeria. It boasts over 51,000 congregations and nearly 10 million members worldwide as of 2021. RCCG also runs educational institutions like Redeemer’s University and seminaries such as the Redeemed Christian Bible College.
Core Beliefs and Mission
RCCG is a holiness Pentecostal church with a strong emphasis on Bible teaching, spiritual gifts, evangelism, and personal holiness.
Its vision/mission includes:
Vision
• To make heaven.
• To take as many people as possible with us.
• To have a member of RCCG in every family of all nations.
Mission
• To achieve the vision, holiness will be the lifestyle of members.
• To achieve the vision, the church will plant churches within a five-minute walking distance in developing countries and a five-minute driving distance in developed countries.
• To pursue these objectives until every nation in the world is reached for the Lord Jesus Christ.
We’re so glad you’ve found us! On behalf of everyone at RCCG City of Praise, Caterham, I want to warmly welcome you to our church family. Whether you’re new to the area, exploring faith, or looking for a home church, you’re in the right place.At RCCG City of Praise, we’re passionate about loving God, growing in His Word, and sharing His love with our community.
We believe church should feel like family — a place where you’re known, encouraged, and supported to become all God created you to be.Join us for our Sunday Worship Service, 10:00 am – 12:15 pm, at 39 Weston Drive, Caterham CR3 5XY. You’ll find vibrant worship, practical teaching, and a friendly atmosphere that makes you feel right at home.We look forward to welcoming you in person and sharing in what God is doing here at RCCG City of Praise!
With love and blessings,
Pastor Olatunji Joseph Tijani
Senior Pastor, RCCG City of Praise, Caterham