HISTORY OF CPCI
Calvary Pentecostal Church International (CPCI) is a Christian ministry founded upon a series of spiritual experiences, visions, and leadership transitions that began in the late 1970s and culminated in its formal establishment on June 10, 1984. The church traces its origin to divine revelations received by its founder, Rev Johnson Omoniyi Faboyede, alongside a ministry journey shaped by service, mentorship, separation, and eventual expansion into a multi-branch, international Christian organization.
THE FOUNDATIONAL YEARS (1979–1982)
Following his graduation from Life Bible College and Theological Seminary, Ikorodu, on September 22, 1979, the founder sought spiritual direction through a period of prayer and fasting lasting seven days. During this period, he received divine instruction to return to his former church, where he resumed ministry on December 1, 1979, as Assistant Pastor under Pastor James Olanrewaju Oloruntola, then General Overseer of Calvary Apostolic Church (later Calvary Gospel Church).
This period of service lasted approximately four years and six months, during which the ministry experienced growth under collaborative leadership. The founder has consistently acknowledged this period as formative in his spiritual development.
DIVINE REVELATION AND THE BIRTH OF VISION (1982)
On June 18, 1982, the founder reported receiving a divine revelation concerning the establishment of Calvary Pentecostal Church International. This vision served as the spiritual blueprint for the future ministry.
In the vision, he witnessed both symbolic and instructional elements, including:
A divided former church environment, indicating spiritual conflict and transition
Key individuals who would later become foundational ministers
Symbolic representations of ministry growth and challenges
A “beautiful farm” symbolizing a flourishing ministry
A “wilderness farm” symbolizing decline in another ministry context
A vision of vast cities and nations, interpreted as global expansion
The revelation emphasized future growth, spiritual conflict, divine protection, and worldwide reach.
TRANSITION FROM FORMER MINISTRY (1984)
By early 1984, tensions emerged within the former ministry, resulting in doctrinal disagreements and administrative separation. On June 10, 1984, the founder was formally released from service in what was described as a send-off service.
Following this transition, he received spiritual confirmation to proceed with the establishment of a new ministry. This moment is regarded as the official spiritual turning point leading to the birth of Calvary Pentecostal Church International.
ESTABLISHMENT OF CALVARY PENTECOSTAL CHURCH INTERNATIONAL (1984)
Immediately after his departure, the founder returned home without formal organizational arrangements. The early phase of the ministry began informally as individuals who had been impacted by his teaching and ministry began to gather around him.
The first gathering of followers included ministers and workers who later became foundational leaders of the church. Early meetings emphasized prayer, unity, and doctrinal grounding.
The ministry was formally understood to be founded under the leadership of the Holy Spirit, with the founder serving as a human instrument of leadership.
EARLY STRUCTURE AND CONSOLIDATION
In the formative months, the ministry operated from various residential and fellowship locations in Lagos, gradually stabilizing at Jacob Street, Fadeyi, which became one of the early headquarters.
A foundational leadership council was later established following a prayer retreat at Foursquare Camp, Ajebo (near Ibadan), where key ministers were set apart for administrative and spiritual responsibilities.
The church also reaffirmed doctrinal commitment using 1 Corinthians 3:11–15 as a foundational scripture for ministry integrity and spiritual construction.
GROWTH AND EXPANSION
From its early base in Lagos, Calvary Pentecostal Church International expanded steadily across Nigeria and beyond. Growth was characterized by:
Establishment of multiple branches in Lagos State
Expansion into Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo, Ekiti, Kwara, Abia, Rivers, Cross River States
Establishment of campus fellowships in tertiary institutions
International expansion into Ghana and Canada in the early years.
The church attributes its expansion to what it describes as divine instruction and spiritual mandate for global reach.
EDUCATIONAL AND THEOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT
The ministry established Calvary Bible College and Theological Seminary as its training arm for ministers and church workers.
The institution functions as an interdenominational training center with multiple campuses across Nigeria, including Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Rivers, Ekiti, and Kwara States.
The college has trained hundreds of ministers who now serve in various Christian ministries globally.
CALVARY CITY VISION
A significant developmental milestone is the acquisition of land at Falafonmu near Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, designated as “Calvary City.”
The project represents the long-term vision of establishing a centralized spiritual, administrative, and developmental hub for the ministry.
DOCTRINAL FOUNDATION AND SPIRITUAL IDENTITY
Calvary Pentecostal Church International identifies its doctrinal foundation as rooted in:
The authority of Scripture
The centrality of Jesus Christ
Dependence on the Holy Spirit
Commitment to evangelism and discipleship
Holiness and spiritual integrity
The ministry emphasizes continuity with biblical foundations and adherence to what it describes as divine revelation guiding its establishment.
NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL PRESENCE
Calvary Pentecostal Church International maintains a wide network of branches across Nigeria, with presence in:
Lagos State (largest concentration of branches)
- Ogun State
- Oyo State
- Osun State
- Ondo State
- Ekiti State
- Kwara State
- Abia State
- Rivers State
- Cross River State
- Federal Capital Territory (Abuja)
International branches exist in:
- Ghana
- Canada
- United Arab Emirate
This expansion reflects the ministry’s transition from a local fellowship to an international Christian organization.
LEADERSHIP AND MINISTERIAL LEGACY
The early leadership structure included founding fathers and pioneer ministers who played key roles in establishing doctrinal stability, evangelism, and church planting.
These ministers provided foundational support during periods of persecution, organizational instability, and expansion.
The church continues to recognize both early and current leaders as instrumental in its development.
CURRENT EXPANSION AND FUTURE OUTLOOK
Calvary Pentecostal Church International continues to expand through church planting, theological training, campus ministries, and infrastructural development.
Key ongoing projects include:
- Expansion of Calvary City
- Construction of larger worship auditoriums
- Growth of Bible College campuses
- Strengthening international missions
The ministry maintains a vision of global evangelization and continued church growth.
Calvary Pentecostal Church International emerged from a combination of spiritual conviction, doctrinal transition, and visionary leadership. From its beginnings in 1984 to its current international presence, the church has developed into a structured Christian organization with extensive geographical reach and theological training systems.