Brief History

Brief History

About the Church

Celestial Church of Christ is a spiritual, united, and global church founded by divine revelation on September 29, 1947, in Porto Novo, Republic of Benin, through the Late Reverend Pastor Prophet Samuel Bilehou Joseph Oshoffa. Since its establishment, the church has grown across nations with parishes, dioceses, and worship centers around the world, while maintaining its international headquarters in Nigeria.

At Mercyland Parish, we remain committed to preserving the spiritual heritage, worship principles, and teachings handed down through the foundation of the church. Mercyland Parish stands as a place of prayer, holiness, deliverance, worship, and hope for all who seek the presence of God.


Our Vision

The vision of the church is to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the world, proclaiming the Kingdom of God and the saving power of our Lord and Savior. Through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the church is called to bring healing to the brokenhearted, freedom to those in bondage, restoration to the hopeless, and spiritual strength to believers.

Mercyland Parish exists to help people encounter God through sincere worship, prayer, evangelism, spiritual growth, and faithful service.


Our Mission

Our mission includes:

  • Worshipping God Almighty in holiness, reverence, and truth.

  • Preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ through evangelism, Bible teachings, prayer programs, and spiritual gatherings.

  • Preparing believers for the second coming of Jesus Christ.

  • Promoting unity among Christians.

  • Encouraging strong Christian family values, peace, and love within homes and communities.

  • Supporting charitable works and helping those in need.

  • Raising spiritually disciplined believers who reflect Christ-like character.


The Divine Calling

The foundation of the church began through a divine encounter received by Reverend Pastor Prophet S.B.J. Oshoffa during a period of spiritual isolation in the forest of Dahomey (now Republic of Benin). During this experience, God called him into a worldwide ministry of evangelism, healing, prayer, and spiritual revival.

Shortly afterward, through divine revelation and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the mission of the church was fully established. The church teaches holiness, faith, prayer, and total dependence on God.


Our Mode of Worship

The worship system of the church was revealed through the Holy Spirit and continues to guide the order of services within the church today. Worship in the church emphasizes:

  • Prayer and holiness

  • Spiritual discipline

  • Reverence before God

  • Inspired worship through hymns and praise

  • Prophetic guidance under the leading of the Holy Spirit

Special services are conducted for occasions such as marriages, naming ceremonies, thanksgiving services, funerals, and other spiritual gatherings according to the church’s established order of worship.


Holy Rites and Sacraments

Members of the church participate in several sacred rites and ordinances, including:

  • Baptism

  • Holy Communion

  • Annual Washing of Feet

  • Harvest Thanksgiving

  • Pilgrimage and Special Spiritual Gatherings

  • Other sacred observances as directed within the church

These rites are observed prayerfully and with deep spiritual significance.


Membership

Membership at Mercyland Parish is open to all who genuinely desire salvation through Jesus Christ and are willing to live according to Christian principles and the teachings of the church.

The church welcomes individuals and families from all backgrounds who seek spiritual growth, fellowship, and a closer relationship with God.

Members are encouraged to live holy lives, avoid practices contrary to Christian faith, and remain committed to prayer, righteousness, and service to God.


Church Administration

The spiritual leadership of the church is headed by the Pastor, with support from various levels of church administration including diocesan, regional, district, zonal, and parish leadership.

At the parish level, the Shepherd and church workers oversee the spiritual growth and welfare of members while ensuring orderliness and unity within the church community.


A Place of Worship, Prayer, and Hope

Mercyland Parish is more than a place of worship — it is a spiritual home where lives are transformed through prayer, faith, and the power of God.

We warmly welcome everyone into this family of faith and pray that God’s grace, peace, and blessings will continually abide with all who worship with us.

“You are members of God’s family… and you belong in God’s household with every other Christian.” — Ephesians 2:19

May the Almighty God strengthen, guide, and bless you always. Amen.