Evangelical Church Winning All

ECWA traces its origins to the missionary work of the Sudan Interior Mission (SIM), established in 1893 by North American missionaries Walter Gowans, Roland Bingham, and Thomas Kent, who aimed to spread Christianity in West Africa.^[1][4] The first evangelical church in the region was founded around 1908, primarily in northern Nigeria.^[1] In 1954, SIM-related churches in Nigeria united to form an independent indigenous body, initially named the Evangelical Church of West Africa, which was renamed the Evangelical Church Winning All in 2011 to reflect its evangelistic mission and global outreach.^[5][6][7]

ECWA grew rapidly in the mid-20th century, particularly in Nigeria's Middle Belt, establishing a significant presence through church planting, education, and healthcare initiatives.^[3] By the late 20th century, it had expanded internationally, establishing congregations in countries such as the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Israel.^[8]

ECWA adheres to evangelical Protestant theology, emphasizing salvation through faith in Jesus Christ, the authority of the Bible, and the call to evangelism.^[2]

Its statement of faith affirms belief in one God existing in three persons (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit), the deity and humanity of Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit's role in empowering believers, and the inerrancy of the sixty-six books of the Old and New Testaments.^[15]

ECWA's worship services often incorporate Hausa-language hymns and sermons, reflecting its strong presence in northern Nigeria.^[16] The denomination opposes the expansion of Sharia law in northern Nigeria, advocating for religious freedom and Christian values in public life.^[5]

Annual themes, set by the General Church Council, guide spiritual focus and are integrated into sermons, conferences, and outreach efforts, addressing contemporary challenges like unity and perseverance.^[17]

ECWA operates a four-tiered hierarchical structure, with its headquarters in Jos, Plateau State, led by a president, currently Rev. Dr. Job Ayuba Bagat Mallam.^[13][14]

The governance structure comprises the General Church Council (GCC), District Church Councils (DCCs), Local Church Councils (LCCs), and Local Church Boards (LCBs), ensuring effective administration across its vast network.^[18][19][20]

- General Church Council (GCC): The GCC is the highest decision-making body, comprising the ECWA Executive, Incorporated Trustees, three delegates from each of the approximately 91 DCCs, and heads of ECWA institutions. It meets annually in Jos to set policies, approve new DCCs, and address denominational issues.^[18][20] In 2019, the GCC approved Yamel-East DCC but rejected Gwantu DCC due to insufficient qualifications.^[19]

- District Church Councils (DCCs): Approximately 91 DCCs oversee LCCs within geographic areas, managing church planting and regional evangelism.^[2][8] Examples include Ilorin DCC and Kano DCC, which faced a leadership dispute in 2018.^[21][22]

- Local Church Councils (LCCs): Approximately 650 LCCs manage clusters of local churches, overseeing pastoral activities and community outreach, led by senior pastors and elders.^[8][17]

- Local Church Boards (LCBs): LCBs oversee individual congregations' daily operations, including worship and community programs, reporting to LCCs.^[21] Ilorin DCC's LCBs grew from serving 7,000 to 21,000 worshippers between 1995 and 2019.^[21]

- International Structure: International DCCs in countries like the US and UK adapt the structure for diaspora communities, maintaining ties with Jos.^[5][23]

ECWA's estimated 8 million members are predominantly in Nigeria's Middle Belt and northern regions, with significant Hausa, Yoruba, and other ethnic groups, including Gbagyi, Nupe and Southern Kaduna such as Atyap, Jju, Jaba etc. .^[8][1] The denomination's use of Hausa as a primary language reflects its strong presence among Hausa-speaking communities, though English is used in urban areas.^[16] Membership has grown significantly, with some churches, like those in Ilorin DCC, reporting 400% growth in recent decades.^[21] Internationally, ECWA serves diaspora communities in 18 countries, including the US, Canada, and UK, though precise membership figures abroad are unavailable.^[5] The denomination appeals to diverse age groups, with youth and women's ministries playing a significant role in community engagement.^[23]

Since 1997, ECWA has adopted annual themes to guide its spiritual and evangelistic activities, set by the General Church Council to address contemporary challenges and unify congregations.^[17] These themes, drawn from biblical verses, shape sermons, conferences, and outreach programs. For instance, the 2020 theme, “Not by Might nor by Power, but by My Spirit” (Zechariah 4:6), guided ECWA's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing faith-based community support through food distribution and virtual services.^[24] Recent themes include:

ECWA has faced significant challenges, particularly in northern Nigeria, where members have been targeted by violence. In April 2024, Rev. Manasseh Ibrahim was killed by bandits along the Birnin Gwari-Kaduna Highway.^[25] In July 2025, Rev. Anthony Lamba and two others were abducted in Kajuru, Kaduna State.^[26] Internally, a 2018 leadership dispute in Kano DCC led to protests in 2025 over a council split, reflecting governance tensions.^[22] ECWA's opposition to Sharia law expansion since 1999 has drawn criticism from some Muslim groups, who view it as confrontational, though ECWA maintains it advocates for religious freedom.^[5][27] The denomination has responded by engaging in interfaith dialogue, notably through the Interfaith Code of Conduct, to promote peace.^[28]

• Serving In Mission
• Bingham University
• ECWA Evangel Hospital, Jos
• ECWA Hospital Egbe, Kogi State
• ECWA Theological Seminary
• Evangelicalism § Africa