Adeboye joined the RCCG in 1973 and served as an interpreter before he was ordained a pastor in the church by Pa. Josiah Akindayomi (of blessed memory) in 1975. The octogenarian became general overseer (GO) of the church in 1981. The GO is the most senior pastor in the church.
A former university lecturer, Adeboye dumped academics to serve the Lord full-time.
It became the perfect match as Adeboye blossomed on a personal scale. In 2008, the revered cleric was named one of the 50 most powerful people in the world by internationally acclaimed US magazine, Newsweek. Today, he is considered one of the world's most influential spiritual leaders and is often acknowledged for the great contributions he has made to Christendom.
Ifewara, Osun-born Adeboye ranks low on the flamboyance roll-call of the West African nation's mega televangelists, but he is arguably the most popular.
Adeboye's numerous followers include national leaders, such as Nigeria's former vice president, Professor Yemi Osinbajo; a former government official, Laolu Akande; as well as industry executives - many of whom often turn to him for advice.
Despite his congregation's remarkable growth, Adeboye has no plans of slowing down.
In a past interview with CNN, Adeboye stated his intention to have churches in every nation.
He said:
"We want to reach the whole world. (We) want to have churches in every nation and have members in every family in the whole world and that iswhere we believe God will take us before I leave this world."
In general election campaigns in Nigeria, some candidates have made it their duty to visit Adeboye's worship sessions and to be seen praying and shaking hands with him.
The church has also expanded over the years. Before Adeboye emerged as GO, the RCCG was not well-known. But currently, it has over 35,000 parishes globally and is present in no less than 197 countries.
In Nigeria's southern region, it is rare to find a street without an RCCG church.
