Proclaiming the Gospel
We do believe in the importance of Good News of salvation which is given to every human being through the Lord Jesus Christ. The gospel is proclaimed not only through words, but also through the lifestyle of every believer. We see it as our duty to preserve the power, purity, significance and soundness of the Gospel.
Faith teaching
For believers in Christ something bigger is important than just intellectual agreement with certain dogmas and principles of christian faith teaching. We believe that a christian must have personal faith in the written Word of God, he must try to live according to his faith and build live relationships with the Lord
Life in Spirit
The nature of the Lord is unchangeable and He still works in christians’ lives the same way as in the times of apostles. The guidance and leadership He provides through the Spirit who gives us power and grace for life and ministry, strengthens us in our infirmities, guides and leads us, sanctifies and comforts, heals and transforms.
Mission
We devote ourselves to the involvement and fulfillment of the Great Commandment of Jesus Christ, which is spoken to us in the Bible in Matthew 28:18-20 and Mark 16:15-18. We believe it is important to support missions, run humanitarian and social work, plant churches in our countries as well as abroad.
Unity
We devote ourselves to the involvement and fulfillment of the Great Commandment of Jesus Christ, which is spoken to us in the Bible in Matthew 28:18-20 and Mark 16:15-18. We believe it is important to support missions, run humanitarian and social work, plant churches in our countries as well as abroad.
Welcome to us, welcome home!
What is Word of Life? Since Word of Life first saw the light of day on 24 May 1983, we have dreamed, built, developed and shaped a church that loves Jesus and loves people. What we long for most is to be a warm and outgoing church and a place where people, young and old, can feel right at home and included in the Christian community. If your heart’s desire is to be able to grow as a person, both in your faith in Jesus and in your creativity, then this is the place to be. Currently, we have about 3,000 signed-up church members in Uppsala. Word of Life is a “faith movement” church.
Word of Life’s vision & work
Our work is many-faceted, not only here in Uppsala, but also across the rest of Sweden and globally. Our goal is to bring the love of Jesus to as many people as we can. The words we received from the Lord at the outset and which have led us in all we do are these: “Equip God’s people with His Word of Faith. Show them their spiritual weapons. Teach them how to use them and send them out in victorious battle for the Lord.” These words find their expression in everything we do – in our local church with all its activities, our social work amongst refugees, the homeless and the needy in Uppsala, in our missions work and our Bible schools as well as our humanitarian aid work in many countries of the world.
At present, there are Word of Life congregations in three locations in Sweden, the mother church in Uppsala led by Senior Pastor Jan Blom, a church in Jönköping led by pastor Eddie Stigson and another in Gothenburg led by pastor Lennart Fjell. Over the years, we have also established an extensive international network within which we have planted more than a thousand churches, are running many Bible schools, constantly run pastors’ and leadership training courses, are sending television broadcasts, carrying out missions work, and doing humanitarian work among the needy and in the wake of natural disasters. All the time, we see how God leads us onward in our work and how He opens new and exciting doors and opportunities on the mission field.
Our work overseas
The Christian community knows no national boundaries. Since 2012, we have named our international network, Word of Life International (WOLI) which embraces Word of Life’s various centres around the world. Together, these centres represent Sweden, Armenia, Georgia, Russia/Siberia, Vietnam, Azerbaijan, India, other European countries, as well as nations in Africa and Central Asia. WOLI works primarily with faith teaching, preaching the Gospel, spiritual life, missions, and unity.
MINISTRIES
Learn How We Reach People for Christ Word of Life is organized into four major branches of ministry. Youth and Family Camps, Bible Institutes, World Missions, and Local Church Youth Ministries. Our scope of ministry gives us the unique opportunity to minister to people at every age and stage of life.
Support the Ministry
“DEEPEN YOUR FAITH”
A collegiate-level program offering intensive Biblical study for students who have graduated High School. Hands-on ministry training and personal discipleship from the faculty and staff help students discover God’s unique plan for their life. We don’t believe in just learning God’s Word we believe in using it to impact people for Christ.
Our camps are packed with exciting activities, bible-based teaching, and powerful experiences for all ages. Families come to visit our camping areas and retreat centers to encounter God and grow closer together. Students experience God’s Word in new ways being challenged in their faith while having a summer they will never forget.
“SHARE YOUR FAITH”
Ready to share your faith with the world? Our missions organization can help you get involved in the work of mission in 70 different countries. We have missions trips for both students and adults from work trips to ministry trips. Or join our more than 1700 missionaries preaching the Gospel to unreached people in countries around the world.
A youth organization dedicated to helping the local church evangelize and disciple students. They provide Bible-based curriculum for all ages, Gospel events, leadership training, and one-on-one coaching with youth ministry coaches. Their passion is to help churches throughout the country have dynamic children and student ministries.
Word of Life Church is a non-denominational Christian church located in Saint Joseph, Missouri, USA. Established by Pastor Brian Zahnd in November 1, 1981, it is now a congregation with over 4000 active members with numerous outreaches and programs reaching people from all walks of life, around the globe. Word of Life Church should not be confused with Word Of Life Fellowship, Inc, which is a youth ministry unaffiliated with Word of Life Church.
Pastor Brian Zahnd
Brian Zahnd is the founder and senior pastor of Word of Life Church. His vision based on five words «Cross, Mystery, Eclectic, Community, Revolution» drives his love for the community and the church congregation itself and also accounts for his dynamic preaching and teaching style. Brian also travels extensively ministering in churches, conferences, and crusades across America and internationally.
History
Word of Life Church was founded on November 1, 1981 by Brian and Peri Zahnd with a handful of young people and a vision to win souls to Jesus Christ. Brian became a Christian at the age of fifteen as a result of the Jesus Movement, and became known as the high school Jesus freak, carrying his Bible to school every day and sharing with anyone who would listen. He immediately began conducting several Bible studies a week and was soon one of the main leaders at a Christian coffeehouse that brought in different bands to a dilapidated downtown building every Saturday night.
At age 22, he realized that most of his flock didn’t go anywhere to church on Sundays and purchased a dilapitated former Methodist church building at Eleventh and Sycamore in St. Joseph, Missouri at a low price of $6,500 (in borrowed money) to start what would become Word of Life Church. The stained glass windows were full of holes from rocks that had been thrown by neighborhood toughs, the attic was full of squirrels, and the basement littered with liquor bottles from the winos who had slept there. In addition, the steeple had been struck by lightning and fallen off. Growth was slow during the first years of Word of Life Church. There were some Friday night services where fewer than 10 people attended, and attendance on Sunday mornings was rarely more than fifty. On April 1, 1986, Pastor Brian claimed he received a «word from God» to «Preach faith and your church will grow», an experience which has reportedly led to the church’s growth. It was during these early days that Brian and Peri formed the visions and values that characterize the church today.
In 1989, Word of Life Church moved to a new location at 3131 Frederick Avenue in Saint Joseph and renovated an office building for their ministry facility. During this time the church began to experience tremendous growth. In less than two years, the auditorium was expanded three times and eventually accommodated 1,000 people.
In 1996, Word of Life Church moved to its present ministry complex. That facility, located in the middle of a cornfield in the heart of America, features a 2,500 seat auditorium, Solomon’s Porch, a full time bookstore and coffee shop, and The Upper Room, a 24-hour prayer and worship center.
In May of 2006, Word of Life Church completed construction of the 23,000 square foot Millennium Youth Center which provides a state-of-the-art facility for Millennium Youth Church (high-school age) and for Elevation Student Ministries [ [http://www.elevateyoursoul.net Elevation Student Ministries ] ] (college and young adult).
ee also
*Brian Zahnd
*The Upper Room Prayer and Worship Center
References
External links
* [http://www.wolc.com/ Word of Life Church Internet site]
* [http://www.brianzahnd.com/ Daily blog of Pastor Brian Zahnd]
* [http://www.elevateyoursoul.net/ Elevation student ministries]
Wikimedia Foundation.
2010.
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Word of Life Bible Church | |
|---|---|
Worship service in 2015 |
|
 |
|
| Location | Warri, Delta |
| Country | Nigeria |
| Denomination | Non-denominational, Pentecostal |
| Weekly attendance | 30,000 |
| Website | ayo-oritsejafor.org |
| History | |
| Founded | November 15, 1987 |
| Founder(s) | Ayo Oritsejafor |
| Specifications | |
| Capacity | 35,000 |
| Clergy | |
| Senior pastor(s) | Ayo Oritsejafor and Helen Oritsejafor |
 |
Word of Life Bible Church (WLBC) is a Pentecostal Christian megachurch located in Warri, Delta, Nigeria. It is one of the largest congregations in Nigeria, averaging about 30,000 attendees per week.[1] The church now has congregations in over 70 locations worldwide.[2][3]
The senior pastor is Ayo Oritsejafor with his wife, Helen, who serves as co-pastor.[4][5]
History[edit]
International Gospel Centre (IGC) Building in Warri, Nigeria
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.[6] 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.[7] In 1982, Ayo and Stella created and hosted a television program, called the Hour of Deliverance,[8] 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,[9][10] Ayo remarried in April 1997 to Helen, who became the co-pastor.[5]
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,[11] 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,[6] 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.[12]
Beliefs[edit]
Word of Life Bible Church believes that the Holy Bible consisting of 66 books is the inspired, authoritative and infallible word of God and center its teachings on this belief.[13] The church also holds in account the belief in the Trinity.[14]
From the commands found in the Bible, the church believe:
- In Repentance towards God. Acts 3:19.
- In Justification and Regeneration. John 3:3.
- In Restitution where possible. Luke 19:8-9.
- In Sanctification (Holiness). I Thess. 4:3.
- In 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 to Heaven. Acts 1:9-11.
- In Eternal Heaven and Eternal Hell. Rev. 14:1-11.
- That the 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 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.[14] It is also known, before every sermon is given by the senior pastor, for a confession that the congregation repeats in unison;
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[edit]
Word of Life Bible Church offers several types of services, ministries, fellowships and outreaches depending on its parishioners’ age, marital status and peculiar needs.[15] 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,[16][17] Women and Men’s Fellowship for couples and adults from age thirty six and above.[18][19][20][21]
Services[edit]
- 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.[22]
Television[edit]
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.[8]
Education[edit]
Several educational institutions are associated with the church, including Eagle Heights International Schools,[23] a Bible school called International School of Ministry — a private Christian college located in Warri, Nigeria.[24] This college offer diplomas in Bible and ministry-related studies. In addition, the church in May 2014,[25] started construction of its university called Eagle Heights University located in Omadino, Delta.[26][27][28]
Major Events[edit]
Jubilee Word Festival[edit]
This is the major conference hosted by Word of Life Bible Church every year in November.[29] 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.[30]
Let God Arise[edit]
Let God Arise is a conference that runs through out the month of August, with different guest speakers. It has been going on every year since it begun.
Yadah[edit]
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.[31][32]
See also[edit]
- Christianity in Nigeria
- List of the largest evangelical church auditoriums
- Evangelical Churches
- List of churches in Nigeria
- List of the largest churches in Nigeria
References[edit]
- ^ «World Megachurches». leadnet.org.
- ^ «Pastor Oritsejafor’s Church Set To Inaugurate 80 Branches Worldwide». Gbaramatu Voice News. June 7, 2018. Archived from the original on February 14, 2019. Retrieved February 12, 2019.
- ^ «Pastor Oritsejafor 5 Interesting Things You May Not Know About Word of Life Bible Church». Pulse Nigeria. Retrieved February 11, 2019.
- ^ «The Pastors». Word of Life Bible Church.
- ^ a b «WLBC Co-Pastor». Word of Life Bible Church. Archived from the original on April 24, 2012. Retrieved February 13, 2019.
- ^ a b «Contact Information.» Word of Life Bible Church. June 28, 2011. Retrieved on February 13, 2019.
- ^ Eyoboka, Sam (November 11, 2012). «Why I left Church of God Mission». Vanguard News. Archived from the original on July 27, 2017. Retrieved February 13, 2019.
- ^ a b «Hour Of Deliverance». www.ayo-oritsejafor.org. Archived from the original on April 24, 2012.
- ^ «Stella Oritsejafor’s Death». Vanguard News.
- ^ «Nigeria Top Founders Remarried». The Nation. April 8, 2018. Archived from the original on April 8, 2018. Retrieved February 14, 2019.
- ^ «Inside Ayo Oritsejafor’s Ministry». Encomium Magazine. September 2, 2014. Archived from the original on April 5, 2018. Retrieved February 13, 2019.
- ^ «World Megachurches». leadnet.org.
- ^ «Common Seal». WLBC. Retrieved February 13, 2019.
- ^ a b «Who We Are». ayo-oritsejafor.org. Archived from the original on March 30, 2012. Retrieved February 13, 2019.
- ^ «About WLBC». Word of Life Bible Church. Retrieved February 13, 2019.
- ^ «WLBC Youth Ministry». Archived from the original on April 24, 2012.
- ^ «Action Youth for Christ Fellowship». WLBC. Retrieved February 13, 2019.
- ^ «WLBC Men’s Ministry». Archived from the original on April 24, 2012.
- ^ «Men Alive». WLBC. Retrieved February 13, 2019.
- ^ «WLBC Women’s Ministry». Archived from the original on April 24, 2012.
- ^ «Daughters Of Sarah». WLBC. Retrieved February 13, 2019.
- ^ «WLBC Campus Services.» Word of Life Bible Church. April 24, 2012. Retrieved on February 13, 2019.
- ^ «Eagle Heights International Schools». WLBC. Retrieved February 13, 2019.
- ^ «International School Of Ministry». WLBC. Retrieved February 13, 2019.
- ^ «Jonathan To Perform Ground Breaking Ceremony At Oritsejafor’s New University». Information Nigeria. May 19, 2014. Archived from the original on February 1, 2016. Retrieved February 13, 2019.
- ^ «Eagle Heights University». WLBC. Retrieved February 13, 2019.
- ^ «Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor Builds Private University.» Encomium Nigeria. May 30, 2014. Retrieved on February 13, 2019.
- ^ «Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor Opens New University».Nigeria School. Retrieved on February 13, 2019.
- ^ «Jubilee Word Festival 2011». Vanguard Nigeria. Retrieved November 27, 2011.
- ^ Eyoboka, Sam. «Jubilee Word Conference Opens». Vanguard Nigeria. Retrieved November 8, 2008.
- ^ «Word of Life Holds Largest Gospel Music Concert In Niger-Delta». Vanguard Nigeria. December 26, 2018. Archived from the original on January 12, 2019. Retrieved February 14, 2019.
- ^ «WLBC YADAH 2018». Fresh Angle Nigeria. Retrieved February 14, 2019.
External links[edit]
- Word of Life Bible Church
Coordinates: 5°31′42.6″N 5°44′03.0″E / 5.528500°N 5.734167°E