Celebrating Bishop David Oyedepo at 71: from humble beginnings to record-breaking faith, his principles, quotes & The Ark — a legacy in motion.
Introduction
September 27, 2025 marks the 71st birthday of one of Africa’s most influential Christian leaders: Bishop David Olaniyi Oyedepo. His life is a tapestry of faith, grit, vision, and results. As the church he founded prepares to unveil its magnum opus — The Ark — now edging toward world-record status — it’s fitting to reflect on the journey, principles, and lesser-known stories of the man behind the movement.
May this article serve not only as a tribute, but as a source of inspiration and a roadmap to greatness for many.
The Humble Beginning: Roots That Grounded a Giant
Origins & family background
Born on September 27, 1954 in Osogbo, Nigeria (though hailing from Omu-Aran, Kwara State), Oyedepo grew up in a mixed-religious household.
His father, Ibrahim, was a Muslim healer; his mother, Dorcas, was Christian (affiliated with the Cherubim & Seraphim Movement). Grandmother’s impact & early spiritual discipline Though born into religious complexity, his grandmother—who raised him in Osogbo—became his spiritual anchor.
She introduced him to morning prayers and taught him the principles of faith and tithing.
Born again & mentorship At age 15 (in 1969), under the influence of a teacher named Betty Lasher, he accepted Christ and deepened his spiritual walk.
Education & early career
He studied Architecture at Kwara State Polytechnic, and later earned a PhD in Human Development from Honolulu University. Before launching fully into ministry, he worked briefly with the Federal Ministry of Housing in Ilorin.
From these beginnings, it’s clear: he wasn’t handed greatness; he built it.
The Vision & Mandate: The Birth of a Kingdom Movement
The 18-hour vision (May 1981) Oyedepo often recounts that in May 1981, over an 18-hour encounter, he saw visions of oppressed and broken people groaning for deliverance. God’s word to him was:
“The hour has come to liberate the world from all oppressions of the devil by the preaching of the Word of Faith; and I am sending you to undertake this task.”
It was this revelation — known as The Liberation Mandate — that birthed what would later become the Living Faith Church Worldwide.
Founding & early steps
He began with a weekly fellowship called Faith Liberation Hour. The church formally planted its first branch in Kaduna in December 1983.
In 1983, he and his wife were ordained by Pastor Enoch Adeboye. Later, in 1989, under divine direction, he moved operations to Lagos to reach a broader audience.
Canaanland & Faith Tabernacle In 1998, the church acquired some 530 acres at Ota, Ogun State, to build its headquarters — now known as Canaanland.
There, he commissioned and built the Faith Tabernacle, a 50,000-seat auditorium, in just 12 months, debt-free, and without a single external supporting pillar.
It was once recognized by Guinness as the largest church auditorium in the world.
This was the foundation upon which a movement would be built.
Principles, Strength & Results: The DNA of His Success
The explosive growth and impact of his ministry did not happen by chance. Here are some key principles and strengths that define Bishop Oyedepo’s legacy — and the results those choices have borne.
1. Unwavering Vision + Generational Thinking
He treats his projects as generational achievements, refusing to compromise quality for speed. In June 2025, he announced postponement of The Ark’s dedication, stating:
“Don’t sacrifice excellence for time.”
He emphasized that resources were not lacking but that the work needed to reflect generational excellence.
2. Faith-driven financing & resource alignment
A repeated testimony from his ministry is: “Resources have been chasing the work, not the work chasing the resources.”
Projects like the Ark are being built debt-free.
3. Local content & African excellence
He insists on using mostly African contractors and labor in major projects, pushing for local excellence in global benchmarks.
4. Intentional leadership development & education
Beyond church growth, he founded Dominion Publishing House, Covenant University, Landmark University, Faith Academy, and the Word of Faith Bible Institute — ensuring that the next generation of leaders is grounded in truth and excellence.
5. Consistency, discipline, and spiritual fundamentals
He’s often quoted on spiritual discipline — prayer, tithing, study, and perseverance. These are not optional add-ons but foundational to his leadership ethos.
6. Boldness to dream the impossible
He dares to build what others think cannot be built (e.g., no pillars, gargantuan auditoriums, record-breaking sanctuaries). His courage motivates others to enlarge their vision.
✨ You’re Invited! ✨
Join us at Solemn Faith Int’l Church – Home of Praise for the KABOD 2025 Glory Convention 🎉
📅 Date: 30th September – 5th October 2025
📍 Venue: Road 21, Plot 14, F.H. Estate, Woji, Port Harcourt, Rivers State
🔥 Theme: ELEVATION (Psalm 67:6-7)
With powerful ministers of God:
- Pst. Victor Godfrey (Gospel Min.)
- Pst. Samuel Akoh (LFC Rumukpolu)
- Pst. Praise Olufemi (Living Faith, Woji)
- Pst. David Majiyebo (DLC South South)
- Pst. Isaac Ndubuisi (LFC Woji) Precious Milla (Gospel Min.)
Special highlights:
✅ Free Medical Check-Up – Sat. 4th Oct
✅ Celebration Service – Sun. 5th Oct
⏰ Service Times:
- Tue 30th Sept: 5:30PM
- Wed 1st Oct: 9:00AM
- Thur 2nd Oct: 5:30PM
- Fri 3rd Oct: 5:30PM
- Sat 4th Oct: 9:00AM (Medical Outreach)
- Sun 5th Oct: 9:00AM (Celebration Service)
📞 Info: 0703 016 6995
💡 You are a Divine Project, Jesus is Lord! ✝️
The Record-Breaking Church: From 50,000 to The Ark
Bishop Oyedepo’s ministry is known for setting (and shattering) records. Let’s look at how “records” became a staple of his church’s narrative — and the latest frontier: The Ark.
Faith Tabernacle’s record The 50,000-seat Faith Tabernacle was once listed as the largest single church auditorium.
Global expansion & membership Living Faith Church Worldwide (Winners’ Chapel) operates in over 300 cities and in numerous countries across Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Americas. Membership is often reported in the millions — the church is estimated to have over 6 million members globally.
The Ark Project:
The next frontier Today, the church is erecting a sanctuary known as The Ark, designed to house 100,000 seats (or more) and to break multiple Guinness World Records. Some sources claim it may break at least 10 Guinness records upon completion. The Ark is being powered by 32 transformers alone. Every detail — from escalators to the support infrastructure — is given high priority. However, in June 2025, the dedication was postponed to allow more time for flawless execution.
If The Ark is realized in full, it will not only be a colossal house of worship — it may very well become one of the greatest architectural-spiritual landmarks anywhere.
Amazing Things You Probably Didn’t Know
🎯 Publishing powerhouse His Dominion Publishing House has produced over 70 books, magazines and mini-books, reaching millions globally.
🎯 Airline operations & jets Oyedepo’s ministry possesses multiple private jets and has operated mission aircraft to support its global missions.
🎯 Elite academic influence As chancellor of Covenant University and Landmark University, he has influenced thousands of students across Nigeria and Africa.
🎯 First buildings built debt-free The Faith Tabernacle was completed without a single debt or loan — a feat rarely seen in megachurch construction.
🎯 Shiloh gathering His annual conference, Shiloh, draws tens of thousands of believers from around the globe to Canaanland each December — a spiritual pilgrimage many look forward to yearly.
Unseen sacrifices Few outside the inner circle know the personal sacrifices — sleepless nights, spiritual battles, financial pressures — that have accompanied every bold step. His openness about failure, doubt, and human struggle often goes unpublicized.
Inspirational Quotes to Ignite Your Destiny
“The greater your vision, the deeper your suffering; but the sharper your vision, the lighter your load.”
“No voice can hold dominion over you except the God-voice.”
“Don’t sacrifice excellence for time.” (Quoted in reference to The Ark project)
“Resources have been chasing the work, not the work chasing the resources.”
“When you start doing what you are called to do — not what you want to do — then all the forces of Heaven conspire on your behalf.”
These quotes reflect a spiritual posture of greatness, authenticity, and persistence. They are more than words — they are life principles in motion.
Why His Life Matters for You
You don’t need to come from greatness to do greatness His trajectory from modest background to global influencer is proof that faith + discipline + vision outperforms pedigree.
Dream big — but build in seasons His refusal to rush The Ark’s dedication teaches patience, precision, and generational thinking.
You can build influence beyond a pulpit His impact in education, publishing, real estate, and leadership shows that ministry can be holistic. Leverage local capacity By prioritizing African contractors and workers, he uplifts local economies.
You, too, can influence your ecosystem. Your integrity is your legacy Transparency, debt-free projects, and spiritual consistency have undergirded his reputation even in a landscape of scandals.
Conclusion:
To 71 and Beyond, On this 71st birthday, we don’t merely celebrate years lived — we celebrate mountains moved, souls transformed, institutions birthed, records challenged, and a future still unfolding. Bishop David Oyedepo’s life is not just a biography, but a blueprint: you too can go from seed to forest.
As The Ark edges toward completion and the world watches, may his life galvanize yours. Raise your vision. Brace for higher standards. Dream beyond limitations.
Happy 71st Birthday, Bishop David Oyedepo.
May your legacy continue to blaze trails — and may many more be kindled by its fire.
Living Faith Worldwide AKA Winners Chapel
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