Why I renamed popular RCCG in Lagos— Adeboye

Pastor E. A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), has officially renamed the RCCG Apapa Family to The Favoured Family.

The announcement came on Sunday during his second visit to Trinity Towers, the headquarters of the RCCG City of David parish, where the Apapa Family is based. Pastor Adeboye, who arrived at the venue with his wife, Pastor (Mrs.) Folu Adeboye, stated that the decision was based on divine instruction.

During his sermon, which was drawn from 2 Kings 2:19-24, Pastor Adeboye explained the spiritual significance of the name change, emphasizing the need for a fresh outpouring of grace. He used the biblical symbolism of salt and a new cruse to illustrate the transformation, stating that the salt signifies the restoration of taste, removal of bitterness, protection from demonic influences, and accelerated progress. The new cruse, according to him, represents a fresh start, a revival of lost glory, and a renewed commitment to spiritual fervor. He assured members that those who had grown spiritually lukewarm would experience a rekindling of their passion for God’s work.

The RCCG Apapa Family has a long history dating back to 1991 when it began with a single parish at Roxy Cinema, Apapa, under the leadership of Pastor Tony Rapu, with just 50 members. Within five years, the family had grown to over 45 parishes within and outside Nigeria, with a workforce exceeding 500 people. Over the years, various pastors have contributed to its expansion. After Pastor Tony Rapu, Pastor Eskor Mfon took over and continued the growth of the Apapa Family Churches. Following Pastor Mfon’s passing, Pastor Idowu Iluyomade was appointed as the new Head of the Apapa Family. On September 1, 2024, Pastor Kayode Pitan succeeded Iluyomade in that role.

Despite the change in name, the core vision of the family remains unchanged. The Favoured Family remains dedicated to making heaven, leading as many people as possible to Christ, and raising leaders who exemplify excellence, faithfulness, character, and integrity. It also continues to focus on evangelism, the establishment of God’s kingdom, and demonstrating the relevance of Christianity through contemporary and creative expressions of faith. With this transformation, members believe they are stepping into a new season of grace, revival, and divine favor under the continued guidance of Pastor Adeboye.