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Do not fill this in! {{Use mdy dates|date=December 2018}} {{Infobox church | name = Word of Life Bible Church | img = WorshipatWLBC.jpg | caption = Worship service in 2015 | location = [[Warri]], [[Delta State|Delta]] | denomination = [[Non-denominational Christianity|Non-denominational]], [[Pentecostal Christianity|Pentecostal]] | attendance = 30,000 | founded date = November 15, 1987 | founder = [[Ayo Oritsejafor]] | capacity = 35,000 | seniorpastor = [[Ayo Oritsejafor]] and Helen Oritsejafor | pastor = | country = Nigeria | website = {{URL|https://ayo-oritsejafor.org}} | logosize = 235 | logo = WLBC Logo.jpg }} '''Word of Life Bible Church (WLBC)''' is a Pentecostal [[Christianity|Christian]] [[megachurch]] located in [[Warri]], [[Delta State|Delta]], Nigeria. It is one of the [[List of the largest evangelical church auditoriums|largest congregations]] in Nigeria, averaging about 30,000 attendees per week.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://leadnet.org/world/|title= World Megachurches|website= leadnet.org |date= October 10, 2023}}</ref> The church now has congregations in over 70 locations worldwide.<ref name="WLBC Inaugurate 80 Branches">{{cite news|title=Pastor Oritsejafor's Church Set To Inaugurate 80 Branches Worldwide|work=Gbaramatu Voice News|url=https://www.gbaramatuvoicenews.com/pastor-oritsejafors-church-set-to-inaugurate-80-branches-worldwide/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190214135749/https://www.gbaramatuvoicenews.com/pastor-oritsejafors-church-set-to-inaugurate-80-branches-worldwide/|archive-date=February 14, 2019 |accessdate=February 12, 2019 | date=June 7, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pulse.ng/communities/religion/pastor-oritsejafor-5-interesting-things-you-may-not-know-about-word-of-life-bible/dcsqf2e|title=Pastor Oritsejafor 5 Interesting Things You May Not Know About Word of Life Bible Church|website=Pulse Nigeria|date=July 6, 2018 |accessdate=February 11, 2019}}</ref> The senior pastor is [[Ayo Oritsejafor]] with his wife, Helen, who serves as co-pastor.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ayo-oritsejafor.org/pastor.php |website=Word of Life Bible Church |title=The Pastors}}</ref><ref name="Helen Becomes Co-Pastor">{{cite web |url=http://www.ayo-oritsejafor.org/aboutpastorhelen.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120424012531/http://www.ayo-oritsejafor.org/aboutpastorhelen.htm |archive-date=2012-04-24 |website=Word of Life Bible Church |title=WLBC Co-Pastor |access-date=February 13, 2019}}</ref> ==History== [[File:WordofLifeBibleChurch.jpg|thumb|right|International Gospel Centre (IGC) Building in Warri, Nigeria]] [[File:Ayo Oritsejafor at WLBC.jpg|thumb|upright 0.8|Ayo Oritsejafor at Word of Life Bible Church, February 14, 2016]] Word of Life Bible Church started on November 15, 1987, by [[Ayo Oritsejafor]] and his first wife, Stella, inside a warehouse in Plot 12, Enerhen, Uvwie, central district of Delta.<ref name="Contact Information">"[https://web.archive.org/web/20110628161201/http://www.ayo-oritsejafor.org/contact.php Contact Information]." ''Word of Life Bible Church''. June 28, 2011. Retrieved on February 13, 2019.</ref> Ayo was a Church of God Mission International pastor, under the leadership of Archbishop B.A. Idahosa, but after receiving a mandate from God, he founded Word of Life Bible Church as a Bible believing church for all who seek God.<ref name="Oritsejafor’s Journey">{{cite news| title = Why I left Church of God Mission | work = Vanguard News | url = https://www.vanguardngr.com/2012/11/why-i-left-church-of-god-mission-pastor-oritsejafor/ | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170727153725/http://www.vanguardngr.com/2012/11/why-i-left-church-of-god-mission-pastor-oritsejafor/ |archive-date=July 27, 2017 |accessdate=February 13, 2019 |first=Sam | last=Eyoboka |date=November 11, 2012}}</ref> In 1982, Ayo and Stella created and hosted a television program, called the ''Hour of Deliverance'',<ref name="WLBC TV Ministry">{{cite web|url=http://www.ayo-oritsejafor.org/tv.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120424012819/http://www.ayo-oritsejafor.org/tv.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=2012-04-24|title= Hour Of Deliverance |website= www.ayo-oritsejafor.org}}</ref> which later became the church's television broadcast which could be seen in many parts of the world. By 1994, the church attendance was estimated over three thousand, prompting the acquisition of a large piece of property in Ajamimogha, Warri. Thereafter, construction of its new auditorium called the International Gospel Centre commenced at the church permanent headquarters. Upon Stella Oritsejafor's death in March 1996,<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.vanguardngr.com/2012/11/why-i-left-church-of-god-mission-pastor-oritsejafor/|publisher=Vanguard News|title= Stella Oritsejafor's Death}}</ref><ref name="Pastor Ayo Remarries">{{cite news|title=Nigeria Top Founders Remarried|work=The Nation|url= http://thenationonlineng.net/nigerias-top-church-founders-remarried/|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180408085317/http://thenationonlineng.net/nigerias-top-church-founders-remarried/|archive-date=April 8, 2018|accessdate=February 14, 2019 |date=April 8, 2018}}</ref> Ayo remarried in April 1997 to Helen, who became the co-pastor.<ref name="Helen Becomes Co-Pastor"/> Under Ayo and Helen Oritsejafor, Word of Life Bible Church's congregation increased almost fivefold. Attendance increased to 8,000 weekly, prompting the completion of its new auditorium. In 2000, the church relocated to the International Gospel Center,<ref name="Inside International Gospel Centre (IGC) ">{{cite news| title = Inside Ayo Oritsejafor's Ministry|work=Encomium Magazine|url=http://encomium.ng/inside-bishop-ayo-oritsejafors-n120-billion-ministry/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180405122738/http://encomium.ng/inside-bishop-ayo-oritsejafors-n120-billion-ministry/|archive-date=April 5, 2018 |accessdate=February 13, 2019 | date=September 2, 2014}}</ref> which was officially opened on November 19, 2000, by Dr. [[Morris Cerullo]]. It is a 35,000-seat facility in southwest Delta State along 118/120 Ajamimogha,<ref name="Contact Information"/> that has over five times the capacity of its former tabernacle. In 2001, the weekly worship attendance of the church in Warri averaged 30,000.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://leadnet.org/world/ |title= World Megachurches |website= leadnet.org|date= October 10, 2023 }}</ref> ==Beliefs== Word of Life Bible Church believes that the [[Bible|Holy Bible]] consisting of 66 books is the inspired, authoritative and infallible word of God and center its teachings on this belief.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ayo-oritsejafor.org/church.php|title=Common Seal|publisher=WLBC|accessdate=February 13, 2019}}</ref> The church also holds in account the belief in the [[Trinity]].<ref name="WLBC Mission">{{cite web|url= http://www.ayo-oritsejafor.org/ourmission.htm|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120330100458/http://www.ayo-oritsejafor.org/ourmission.htm|url-status= dead|title=Who We Are|archive-date=March 30, 2012 |accessdate=February 13, 2019|website=ayo-oritsejafor.org}}</ref> From the commands found in the Bible, the church believe: * In Repentance towards God. Acts 3:19. * In Justification and [[Regeneration (theology)|Regeneration]]. John 3:3. * In Restitution where possible. Luke 19:8-9. * In [[Baptism with the Holy Spirit#Sanctification|Sanctification]] [[Christian perfection|(Holiness)]]. I Thess. 4:3. * In [[Baptism with the Holy Spirit|Baptism of the Holy Spirit]] with the evidence of speaking in tongues and in the gift of the Holy Spirit. Mk. 16:17-18. * In Water [[Baptism]] by Immersion. Acts 8:38, 39. * In Divine Healing. Isaiah. 53:5. * In the second coming of Jesus Christ as literal and visible as His First [[Ascension of Jesus#Christian theology|ascension to Heaven]]. Acts 1:9-11. * In Eternal [[Heaven in Christianity|Heaven]] and Eternal [[Hell#Christianity|Hell]]. Rev. 14:1-11. * That the [[Eucharist#Communion|Lord's Supper]] should be observed by all believers in accordance with I Cor. 11:23-28. * That excerpts where otherwise provided for in Scriptural marriage is binding for life. Matt. 11:9, I Cor.7:15. * That [[Tithe#Pentecostal Churches|Tithing]] is a command to all believers. Mal. 3:7-10. The church is known for its Word of Life, Faith and Deliverance based teaching.<ref name="WLBC Mission"/> It is also known, before every sermon is given by the senior pastor, for a [[Confession (religion)|confession]] that the congregation repeats in unison; {{cquote|This is my Bible, it is the word of God, I believe I am what it says I am, I believe I have what it says I have, and I believe I can do what it says I can do, because it is the word of God, neighbor do you believe it? Because I do. Amen.}} ==Church organization== Word of Life Bible Church offers several types of services, ministries, fellowships and outreaches depending on its parishioners’ age, marital status and peculiar needs.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ayo-oritsejafor.org/church.php|title=About WLBC|publisher=Word of Life Bible Church|accessdate=February 13, 2019}}</ref> In order to reach its members with the message of Jesus, the church operates five core fellowships; Children Evangelical Ministry (CEM), Teen's Fellowship known as “Action Teens for Christ Fellowship” (ATCF), for teenagers, WLBC Youths for singles within the age bracket of twenty to thirty five,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ayo-oritsejafor.org/action_youths.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120424012512/http://www.ayo-oritsejafor.org/action_youths.htm|url-status=dead|title=WLBC Youth Ministry|archive-date=April 24, 2012 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://ayo-oritsejafor.org/aycf.php|title=Action Youth for Christ Fellowship|publisher=WLBC|accessdate=February 13, 2019}}</ref> Women and Men's Fellowship for couples and adults from age thirty six and above.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.ayo-oritsejafor.org/men_alive.htm|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120424012951/http://www.ayo-oritsejafor.org/men_alive.htm|url-status= dead|title=WLBC Men's Ministry|archive-date=April 24, 2012 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url= http://ayo-oritsejafor.org/menalive.php |title=Men Alive|publisher=WLBC|accessdate=February 13, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.ayo-oritsejafor.org/webpage.php?yID=4|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120424013052/http://www.ayo-oritsejafor.org/webpage.php?yID=4|url-status= dead|title=WLBC Women's Ministry|archive-date=April 24, 2012 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://ayo-oritsejafor.org/dos.php|title=Daughters Of Sarah|publisher=WLBC|accessdate=February 13, 2019}}</ref> ===Services=== *Children Evangelical Ministry: Children *Main Service: All Youths and Adults *WLBC Campus: The Church operates campus services for in-university, colleges, and polytechnic young adults across Nigeria.<ref>"[https://web.archive.org/web/20120424012841/http://www.ayo-oritsejafor.org/webpage.php?yID=2 WLBC Campus Services]." ''Word of Life Bible Church''. April 24, 2012. Retrieved on February 13, 2019.</ref> ===Television=== The church's weekly services are broadcast on African Broadcasting Network, as well as local channels in Nigeria and through a live internet feed. Hour of Deliverance is the television ministry of Word of Life Bible Church. It airs thrice a day, seven days a week, and is available in over 95 percent of Nigeria and in most other nations across Africa, Asia and Europe. The broadcast features Ayo and Helen's sermons.<ref name="WLBC TV Ministry"/> ===Education=== Several educational institutions are associated with the church, including Eagle Heights International Schools,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ayo-oritsejafor.org/ehis.php|title=Eagle Heights International Schools|publisher=WLBC|accessdate=February 13, 2019}}</ref> a Bible school called International School of Ministry - a private Christian college located in Warri, Nigeria.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ayo-oritsejafor.org/isom.php|title=International School Of Ministry|publisher=WLBC|accessdate=February 13, 2019}}</ref> This college offer diplomas in Bible and ministry-related studies. In addition, the church in May 2014,<ref name="WLBC University Ground Breaking">{{cite news|title=Jonathan To Perform Ground Breaking Ceremony At Oritsejafor's New University|work=Information Nigeria|url=http://www.informationng.com/2014/05/jonathan-to-perform-ground-breaking-ceremony-at-oritsejafors-new-university.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160201134910/http://www.informationng.com/2014/05/jonathan-to-perform-ground-breaking-ceremony-at-oritsejafors-new-university.html|archive-date=February 1, 2016|accessdate=February 13, 2019|date=May 19, 2014}}</ref> started construction of its university called Eagle Heights University located in Omadino, Delta.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://ayo-oritsejafor.org/ehu.php |title= Eagle Heights University|publisher=WLBC|accessdate=February 13, 2019}}</ref><ref>"[http://encomium.ng/pastor-ayo-oritsejafor-builds-n2-5-billion-private-university-in-warri/ Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor Builds Private University]." ''Encomium Nigeria''. May 30, 2014. Retrieved on February 13, 2019.</ref><ref>"[https://www.nigeriaschool.com.ng/pastor-ayo-oritsejafor-to-open-new-university-called-eagle-heights-university/ Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor Opens New University]".''Nigeria School''. Retrieved on February 13, 2019.</ref> ==Major events== ===Jubilee Word Festival=== This is the major conference hosted by Word of Life Bible Church every year in November.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/11/as-jubilee-2011-endsgod-is-poised-to-shake-nigeria/|title=Jubilee Word Festival 2011|publisher=Vanguard Nigeria|accessdate=November 27, 2011}}</ref> The conference is uniquely tag with a theme with which the church runs with throughout the following year. Jubilee Word Festival marks the end of the church year.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://allafrica.com/stories/200811100307.html|title=Jubilee Word Conference Opens|publisher=Vanguard Nigeria|accessdate=November 8, 2008|first=Sam|last=Eyoboka }}</ref> ===Let God Arise=== Let God Arise is a conference that runs throughout the month of August, with different guest speakers. It has been going on every year since it began. ===Yadah=== Yadah is a musical concert held in Delta with gospel artiste from Nigeria and around the world attending. It is a free event hosted by Word of Life Bible Church every year since its inception on December 23, 2018, at the International Gospel Centre.<ref name="YADAH 2018">{{cite news|title=Word of Life Holds Largest Gospel Music Concert In Niger-Delta|work=Vanguard Nigeria|url= https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/12/word-of-life-holds-largest-gospel-music-concert-in-niger-delta/|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190112171719/https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/12/word-of-life-holds-largest-gospel-music-concert-in-niger-delta/|archive-date=January 12, 2019|accessdate=February 14, 2019 |date=December 26, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://freshangleng.com/6079/warri-resonates-as-gospel-mega-artistes-converge|title=WLBC YADAH 2018|date=December 20, 2018 |publisher=Fresh Angle Nigeria|accessdate=February 14, 2019}}</ref> ==See also== {{Portal|Christianity|Nigeria|Evangelical Christianity|}} * [[Christianity in Nigeria]] * [[List of the largest evangelical church auditoriums]] * [[List of the largest evangelical churches|Evangelical Churches]] * [[List of churches in Nigeria]] * [[List of the largest evangelical church auditoriums|List of the largest churches in Nigeria]] ==References== {{Reflist|2}} ==External links== {{Commons category}} * [https://ayo-oritsejafor.org Word of Life Bible Church] {{Coord|5|31|42.6|N|5|44|03.0|E|display=title}} {{Megachurches}} [[Category:1987 establishments in Nigeria]] [[Category:Christian organizations established in 1987]] [[Category:Pentecostal denominations established in the 20th century]] [[Category:Pentecostal denominations]] [[Category:Evangelical megachurches in Nigeria]] [[Category:Christian denominations established in the 20th century]] Summary: Please note that all contributions to Christianpedia may be edited, altered, or removed by other contributors. 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