About
Family church in London
Our story
The history of Christ’s Chosen Church of God international holds great teachings and testimony for any believer who understands the steadfastness, uprightness, and uncompromising nature of God. The history of the church shows the awesomeness and the mighty working power of the Holy Spirit.
The church was born with the name, “St. Joseph Apostolic” into a Nigeria world in which the people’s struggle was mainly political and against colonial rule. Nigeria was forming and the organising political scene was filled with negotiation both at home for party supremacy and in Britain for national recovery, alongside this struggle, the conventional churches also had this struggle largely about their character, their method and rituals.
Converts came to the church not only from the cracks on the conventional churches, but also from the strongholds of worshipers in the heathen environs. More and more homes were getting disillusioned with idol worshiping and were increasingly finding solace in the lord Jesus. In a short time, St. Joseph’s Apostolic Church spread branches all over Bendel (then part of We stem Region of Nigeria).
The leader of this new church was Joseph Ikechukwu Anyanwu, known more by his faithful as, “the Elect of God” He soon dropped ‘Anyanwu’ from his name and retained his first name because, according to him, it was Joseph Ikechukwu that God called, not Anyanwu. He was a man of exceptional ability.
Ajagbodudu in Sapele area of old Bendel State, ( now Delta State) was where the earliest root of the church was planted. It was the village where Joseph Ikechukwu was called in 1949 from his daily labour in palm oil production to the vineyard of God.
The rules and Conducts of St. Joseph’s Chosen church of God was presented In 1964 as the constitution of the church
By 1967 the ministers of God in the Service of the church had increased greatly. The classifications only seek to highlight the trends in the church’s career plan. The ministers in the active service, who benefited from this plan and survived the founding rigors of the time, rose to be the ones blessed with leadership positions in later years.
The years of Ikechukwu ascendancy, ending in 1967, were the glorious years in the history of St. Joseph’s Chosen Church Of God. Thereafter, it faced a withered state, a parting of the ways, then a metamorphosis upon which Christ’s Chosen Church of God became a rejuvenation.
Apostle Joseph Ikechukwu however succumbed to the tempting of the Devil during the period of the Nigeria Civil War of 1966 – 1969. In order not to mislead the flock of Christ by strange and ungodly doctrine of polygamy, the Church hierarchy was force into a prolonged legal battle with Ikechukwu. The name Christ’s Chosen Church of God International was the divine product of the legal Victory.
Meanwhile, after the 1970 excommunication order on Ikechukwu and through the directive of the Holy Spirit, a new leader was chosen for the church and appointed Apostle in 1971. The man Samuel Eriamiatoe Agbonifo who took over rule until 1992 when he joined the saint Triumphant. Technically & legally speaking, Samuel Agbonifo thus became the founding Spiritual leader of Christ’s Chosen Church of God International. As spiritual Leader, he governed the church as chairman, church council with councilors who were very vibrant and robust. The man, most Snr. Apostle Samuel Agbonifo was a well-traveled missionary who took the church for the first time to Asia and Europe.
From 1993 to 1st May, 2003, another technocrat, by the name Joseph Omosefe Eguasa ruled the church. As leader of the church, he was known and addressed as ‘His Grace Most Snr. Apostle Prof. Joseph Omosefe Eguasa, JP Spiritual leader and Chairman church Council. In his time, the church expanded nationwide and internationally, opening an Apostolate in Canada and more than 300 branches in Nigeria. As part of his work, he opened six schools, Nursery, Primary and secondary known as Christ’s Chosen Group of Schools, three in 1997 and the other three in 2000.
Building on the vision of Apostle Agbonifo who had given the church a big Cathedral, Apostle Egusa purchased a large expanse of land adjoining the cathedral complex and subsequently did the foundation laying in the year 2002 for an ultra-modern 60,000 seater auditorium. He was 86 years when he completed his work on the 1st of May 2003, His Grace Most Snr. Apostle Prof. Peter Osagiede JP., Apostle Eguasa’s deputy, took over officially August 2003 as spiritual leader and chairman church council. His period witnessed the growth in the overseas apostolate, a revival in the youth and women fellowships of the church and the commencement of construction work in the auditorium project started by Apostle Eguasa. A well – traveled missionary, Apostle Osagiede died at the age of 67 years on the 24th of June, 2007.
As God will have it Most Snr Apostle Dr Joshua Edenabuohien Osemwegie Osasuyi JP MFR at the age of 71 took over as Spiritual Leader / General Overseer and Chairman Church Council on Saturday, 1st September 2007. As part of his reform agenda, the title “His Grace” used by previous Spiritual Leaders was scrapped. Also, the widows of all the previous spiritual leaders who should have received their pay for five years are now on the pay roll of the church for life.
Today, the church has an imposing Global Office built and commissioned by this great man of God at one international headquarters in Km 8 Benin Agbor Road, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria.
Apostle Osasuyi has also built a magnificent axis at Abuja for the Christ’s Chosen Group of Schools at Gwaripa in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Mission
We hold great teachings and testimony for any believer who understands the steadfastness, uprightness, and uncompromising nature of God. The history of the church shows the awesomeness and the mighty working power of the Holy Spirit.
Statement of faith
Christ’s Chosen Church of God Worldwide believe in God the Father, Jesus the Son and the Holy Spirit. Matthew 28:19.
- We believe in the Theocratic government of God. Isaiah 9:6-8.
- We believe in preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God and praying for the sick and casting out demons everywhere as was done by our Lord and master Jesus . Matthew 24:14.
- We believe in the baptism of water by immersion only. Matthew 3:8.
- We believe in the baptism of the Holy Ghost. Joel 2:28.
- We believe in the administration and gift of the Holy Spirit. 1Corth. 12:4-13.
- We believe in diverse gift of ministry given by Jesus Christ. Eph. 4:7-8.
- We believe in the celebration of the Lord’s Supper to be conducted in the evening time only. Matthew 26:26-28.
- We believe in divine healing. Exodus 15:26.
- We believe in the hopelessness and inability of man to save himself. Romans 3:23.
- We believe in the confession and repentance from sins. Proverb 28:13.
- We believe in the fruit of the Holy Ghost as well as in the gifts. Galatians 5:22-23.
- We believe that there is a devil who is the head of all evil spirit fighting against God and His children. Ephesians 6:12-13.
- We believe in church discipline as a means of correcting erring members and ministers who breach her rules and law. 1Corth. 5:11-13.
Christ’s Disciples’ Seminary
Christ’s Disciples’ Seminary is a Theological Institute established by God Himself just as He (the Lord) did established the church (Christ’s Chosen Church of God) with a particular focus. The church that gave birth to the school is Apostolic and Pentecostal in nature and cell. Her commission is to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ to every creature all over the world and teach them to observe all that Jesus had taught and to make them carry out the responsibility of evangelizing the world. The seminary thus has the golden commission:
Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.” Matthew 28: 19 – 20.
A brief history
The seminary is as old as the church that gave birth to her, except that at the beginning the training was mainly informal with the students moving along with their itinerant master, the founder of the church, in the course of fulfilling the great commission given by Jesus Christ.
Today, the seminary has evolved and come to be organized into a formal institution of training Gospel-Teachers, Pastors, Evangelist, Apostles, and other church administrators according to how each person is called and gifted by the Holy Ghost.
The vision
Bearing in mind the motto of this seminary i.e. “Go ye therefore and teach all nations,” the student Pastors are trained to have the vision of going into every nook and cranny of the world to save souls for Christ wherever they are sent. The vision is to depopulate the Kingdom of Satan while the kingdom of God is populated. To achieve this objective of saving people from the hand of Satan, the students are trained to:
Be well grounded in the world of God.
Be great men of prayers.
Be men of God who can fast effectively anytime the occasion demands. This is to make them be spiritually strong.
Be men of God both in words and actions.
Administration
The day-to-day running of the school is taken care of by the Rector. He is assisted by the Registrar and the House Master. The Executive Director of the seminary who in – turn represents the interest of the President of the Seminary.
The students are given a code – of – conduct and daily routine, which serve as guidelines on students’ behavior and daily activities. This is because the seminary operates a boarding system. This is to make for training in self – discipline.
Financial obligations
However, the students as occasion warrants are expected to pay school fees which are reviewed.
Admission requirements
The first and most important requirement is the CALL OF GOD. The church, which owns and runs the seminary, is a Pentecostal evangelical church. Any would-be-minister therefore must be sure the he is definitely called by God into the ministry. He must be convinced beyond doubt through personal revelations that he will be a ready vessel of honour for God after his training. It is difficult, in fact impossible, for anyone who cannot swim to save a drowning person. Therefore he must first be born again. Others who need training in theology and may not want to be ministers may also apply.
Academic Requirement: – Course are taken at college level. Therefore a minimum of five (5) credits at S.S.C.E. / G.C.E. Ordinary Level (O/L) or its equivalent is necessary for a student to benefit from class work. Only holders of BSc/BA or their equivalents are qualified to be admitted. However, school certificate holders who are children renowned ministers may be admitted.
Class attendance
There is a class attendance register. Any student found to have scored less than eighty –percent (80%) attendance in class work may not be allowed to graduate at the end of the course with his mates.
Certification
At the end of the course, students are awarded a DIPLOMA CERTIFICATE IN THEOLOGY.
Practical and field training
Internally, the Cathedral station or any other one chosen by the school authorities serves as a practicing part in the services where their masters observe and correct them where necessary during class time. Also within class work period the students conduct chapel service where they receive a critical watch from their masters.
At least two times a week students go out for house-to-house evangelism for practice soul winning exercises.
Also for a period of two or three months in the year, students move out of the seminary town to conduct practical evangelism.
They also go out with the church’s revival units under supervision.
However no students is allowed to go out at will without due permission by the school authorities.
Duration of the course
The course last normally for two years. Initially students study in the class for two full years and go out for practical and return to the class occasionally as it is. He himself has been saved and knows how to set about saving others from their sins;
He has received “the key of St. Peter” – the keys of setting people free and binding Satan – (Matthew 16: 15–19).
He knows his area of call and is working devotedly with all his heart, mind, soul and strength to achieve the purpose of his calling.
Leadership
JUSTIFICATION
A conference speaker once said “To be unheard of and to exist without any meaningful documentation of your healthy existence is a life without a substance”. The man Apostle David E.O. Unuefe Ikhuiwu has lived being heard by his generation and is worthy of a meaningful documentation. His life is that with a substance qualifiable with the standard rule of indispensability.
IDENTIFICATION
The man Senior Apostle David E.O. Unuefe Ikhuiwu is an African Canadian. A pioneer Missionary to the North America born on the 16th June 1947 at Iguogie, in Benin City. He hails from Obrumudu-Oghara Ethiope West Local Government Area of Delta State. From nothing and a very humble beginning, he has become a beacon of light and hope to this generation through the matchless grace of God.
POSITIONS HELD
Position held in the Lord’s vineyard include a Seminarian, Gospel Teacher, Anointed Teacher, Appointed Pastor, Appointed Apostle, and Ordained Apostle, Station, Group, District, 1st Lagos Divisional Head, 1st Benin Area Superintendent. Administrator to Uselu Division and Powerline Division at various times. Western Zonal Head including the Northern Division and Auchi, A Baptist, one time Director of Manpower, Development and Training, one time Executive Chairman of Christ’s Chosen Group of Schools, one time Rector of the Disciples Seminary of Christ’s Chosen Church of God. One time member of the Disciplinary Committee and the incumbent Chairman of the Disciplinary Committee. A Justice of Peace, an Ambassador for Peace, the current 1st Vice Chairman, Church Council and Director of Administration. He is a Life member and Special Member of the Bible Society of Nigeria.
EXPERIENCE
Having pursued personal dreams in the circular realm, he was in 1969 called by God to a full time service in the ministry. He answered the divine call with all submission and has since remained in the great institution of “GOSPELLING”, preaching Christ, his resurrection and his second coming with the mighty power of the Holy Spirit bearing him witness with great harvest of signs and wonders following. On this platform, Apostle David E.O. Unuefe Ikhuiwu has an outstanding record of 49 years post call experience. During these years he has been very active in taking the gospel to those that have not received him and winning many to Christ and thus expanding the body of Christ
SCHOOLS/COLLEGES ATTENDED
A. BDC School
B. Edokpolor Grammar School, Benin City.
C. Christ’s Disciples Seminary, Benin City.
D. Pre-ministerial and Christian Workers Bible College, Miracle Valley, Arizona USA, by correspondence
QUALIFICATION OBTAINED
A. First School Leaving Certificate
B. General Certificate of Examination (G.C.E) O/L
C. Diploma in Theology (Dip Th)
D. Bachelor of Theology (B.Th.)
E. Doctorate in Divinity
MISSIONS
Apostle Dr. David E.O. Unuefe Ikhuiwu in the light of the Great Commission has served as a missionary to Canada from 1995 – 1999. London 2004, Italy and others.
SEMINAR AND WORKSHOP ATTENDED
National Conferences, Conventions, Refresher Courses e.t.c
PAPERS DELIVERED
1. Ministerial Ethics
2. The Call of God
3. It takes a crucified Man to Preach a Crucified Christ
4. The Trials and Temptation’s of a minister’s wife and how to overcome them
5. Spiritual Growth
6. Management of People in the Building of the Church
7. The Usher and His Role in the Building of the Church
8. Excellence in Academics and Life Vocations
-3-
9. Immorality in High Places and its Consequence
10. The place of money in Building of the Body of Christ.
11. They that know their God shall be strong and shall do exploit
12. The Attributes of a Conqueror
13. The Role of Officers/Elders in Church Development
14. How to contact God’s Gift
15. Neglect not your Gift
16. God’s ideal marriage
17. How to spice your marriage. To mention but a few.
HOBBIES
A. With his vast understanding of the human psychology and insight in the deep things of the spirit, he delights greatly in the counseling of people, encouraging and empowering them through Christ to break every heavy yoke and live in the fullness of the divine nature of God and in the liberty wherein God has set them free.
B. With a rich appetite for academics he enjoys reading to know his master more and stand perfect in his service of him who has called him.
C. Still in the vein above he lives more with his pen and paper – he is a writer
CONCLUSION
This citation of Apostle David Unuefe Ikhuiwu is not exhaustive, but stands to portray him as a man of Godly Strength, Character and Courage. An achiever in his field of specialization, a source of inspiration in the present generation and a leader with the sense of prosperity.
A man of love, a conflict resolutionist, a man of patience, humility and dedication, a man who has passion for souls. He is married with children and grand children.
Today, by the special grace of God, he has been found worthy by God to occupy the office of Spiritual Leader and General Overseer of Christ’s Chosen Church of God International after 49 years of service in the Lord’s Royal Vineyard.
Ladies and gentlemen, I now present to you Senior Apostle Dr. David Ejomeyomwin Osagie Unuefe-Ikhuiwu JP, AFP, the husband of Senior Rev. Mrs Matilda Unuefe-Ikhuiwu, a father, a grandfather, and an astute administrator as the Spiritual Leader and General Overseer of Christ’s Chosen Church of God International.
SENIOR APOSTLE DR. DAVID E.O. UNUEFE IKHUIWU JP, AFP
Looking for a family church in London? Visit us at Christ's Chosen Church Of God