Who We Are

Who We Are

Celestial Church of Christ

Celestial Church of Christ is a spiritual, world-wide, united, indivisible Holy Church which came into the world from heaven by DIVINE ORDER on the 29th of September 1947 in Porto Novo, Republic of Benin through the founder of the Church, the Late Reverend, Pastor, Prophet, Founder Samuel Bilehou Joseph Oshoffa. The Church is well known with Parishes, Dioceses all over the world with its International Headquarters in Nigeria.

The name of the Church, ‘Eglise du Christianisme Celeste‘ in French, ‘Celestial Church of Christ‘ in English, and ‘Ijo Mimo ti Kristi lati orun wa’ in Yoruba was revealed by the Holy Spirit through a Alexander Yanga who was one of the early followers of Rev. Samuel Biléhou Joseph Oshoffa healed by him through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Yanga was in a trance for seven consecutive days, at the end of the seventh day, he reportedly saw the name of the church boldly written on the rainbow. He accordingly asked for a piece of chalk and, looking at the rainbow, wrote the name of the church as shown to him, Eglise du Christianisme Céleste, which means “Celestial Church of Christ.

After this divine revelation proclaimed the name of Oshoffa’s religious movement, his followers soon began to identify themselves as Celestians

Our Vision

Evangelize the world

At El-Bethel Parish, we envision a world where the transformative power of God’s Word reaches every heart and every nation. We are dedicated to evangelizing communities near and far, proclaiming the life-changing message of Jesus Christ with boldness, love, and compassion. Our mission is to disciple believers in truth, nurture spiritual growth, and equip every member to share the Gospel with clarity and passion. Through vibrant worship, faithful teaching, and impactful outreach, we strive to ignite a movement of faith that transcends boundaries, restores hope, and brings the light of Christ into the darkest places. We see a church united in purpose, a community alive in spirit, and a generation empowered to carry God’s Word to the ends of the earth—so that every soul may know the saving grace, love, and redemption found in Jesus Christ. Together, we will proclaim the Gospel, expand God’s kingdom, and be a beacon of hope, truth, and transformation in a world longing for His presence.

Our Core Doctrine

THE CHURCH IS UNDER THE ABSOLUTE DICTATE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

It is hereby emphasized for note that:

The name of the Church, The tenets and mode of worship of the Church, and The service hymns of the Church, which formed the doctrine of the church were all revealed through the Holy Spirit as promised by our Lord Jesus Christ (see John 14:25,26) thus: “These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you. But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you”.

It is ordained by the Holy Spirit that:

Members of Celestial Church of Christ are forbidden to engage or participate in:

  1. Any form of idolatry, fetish ceremony or cults, black magic and charms.
  2. Cigarette or tobacco smoking or snuffing or any type of weed smoking or snuffing is forbidden to members of the Celestial Church of Christ.
  3. Consumption of any form of alcohol, wine or any strong drink that can intoxicate is forbidden to members of Celestial Church of Christ as the odour of all these – cigarettes, tobacco, alcohol, etc. – are repugnant to the presence of the Holy Spirit.
  4. Consumption of pork or any food offered as sacrifice to idols or other powers of darkness is forbidden to members of Celestial Church of Christ; Members are forbidden to wear apparels made of black or red materials except for professional reasons.
  5. Members should not wear shoes when wearing their sutana or within the premises of the Church.
  6. Members should not wear shoes when wearing their sutana or within the premises of the Church.
  7. Male and female members are forbidden to sit together side by side within the Church and its premises.
  8. Female members cannot enter the Sanctuary without appropriately covering their heads.
  9. Female members during menstruation are not allowed to come within the precincts of the Church until after their sanctification after seven clear days; and where the menstruation extends beyond seven days, two clear days should be allowed for after stoppage before sanctification.
  10. Female members are forbidden from entering the altar area or leading the congregation in worship.
  11. In Celestial Church of Christ, only white candles are to be used. Coloured candles are strictly forbidden.
  12. Fornication and adultery are forbidden in the Celestial Church of Christ.
  13. Holy is the Celestial Church of Christ and all who worship in her should endeavour to be clean in body and in soul.

Mode of worship includes the setting of the Altar, and the seat therein, the number of candles used for various types of services and the seating arrangement in particular, it should be noted that the seating arrangements was revealed through a Prophetess who under the influence of the Holy Spirit in the wilderness on Friday 5th of October, 1947, sketched the seating arrangement using oranges.

There are a number of Holy Rites or Sacrament within the form of worship in Celestial Church of Christ utmost importance. Members shall avail themselves of the opportunity to partake in these rites or sacraments: Baptism, Holy Communion, Annual Washing of Feet, Annual Pilgrimage to Imeko, Ogun State, Nigeria at Christmas Eve, Annual Harvest Thanksgiving Service, and Holy Mary’s Day.

Our Leadership

Our Staff

S.B.J. Oshoffa

Founder, Celestial Church of Christ

Rev. Emmanuel M. Oshoffa

Head Pastor, C.C.C. Worldwide