T. B. Joshua

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T. B. Joshua – Life, Ministry & Famous Quotes

Explore the life, ministry, controversies, and famous quotes of T. B. Joshua (1963–2021), Nigerian pastor, televangelist, founder of SCOAN, and global charismatic leader.

Introduction

Temitope Balogun Joshua, better known as T. B. Joshua (born June 12, 1963 – died June 5, 2021), was a Nigerian charismatic pastor, televangelist, author, and humanitarian. He founded the Synagogue, Church of All Nations (SCOAN) in Lagos, and his ministry reached millions via Emmanuel TV and other media channels. He remains a controversial and polarizing figure—admired by many for his healing and prophetic claims, criticized by others for alleged abuses and unverifiable prophecies. This article delves into his background, ministry, influence, criticisms, legacy, and some of his most cited quotes.

Early Life & Background

T. B. Joshua was born on June 12, 1963, in Arigidi-Akoko, in Ondo State, Nigeria.

His family was of modest means.

In his youth, he had a reputation among local children as the “small pastor” because of his love for the Bible and desire to preach.

He later claimed certain miraculous or symbolic events around his birth and early life (e.g. being in the womb for 15 months, surviving a quarry explosion near his home) — stories that his followers often recount as part of his prophetic persona.

Ministry, Achievements & Activities

Founding SCOAN & Emmanuel TV

In 1987, Joshua founded the Synagogue, Church of All Nations (SCOAN) in Lagos, Nigeria.

He also launched Emmanuel TV, a Christian television network, broadcasting his sermons, healing sessions, deliverance services, and testimonies to global audiences.

Under his leadership, SCOAN became a pilgrimage destination for many from across Africa and beyond, drawing visitors who sought healing, prophecy, deliverance, and miracles.

Humanitarian & Social Projects

Joshua and his ministry were involved in a variety of charitable and humanitarian activities. Some of the more publicized include:

Scholarship programs: sponsoring Nigerian students (including at advanced levels) for higher education.
Delivering aid and infrastructure support: reports exist of donations such as transformers to communities, electricity restoration, relief during disasters, and medical outreach.
Rehabilitation initiatives: the church purportedly ran programs to rehabilitate repentant armed robbers, militants, or marginalized individuals.

Because of these works, he gained certain honors: in 2008, he was awarded the Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR) by the Nigerian government.

Influence & Reach

By the peak of his influence, T. B. Joshua had amassed a substantial following across Africa, Latin America, and beyond.

His social media presence was large: Emmanuel TV and related platforms reached millions of viewers.

Because of his large public profile, his ministry was sometimes compared to “religious tourism” — with international visitors traveling to Lagos to attend church services or claim healing.

Controversies & Criticism

T. B. Joshua’s life and ministry were not without controversy. Several issues associated with him are frequently debated:

Prophecy & Miracles

Many followers believed in his prophetic gifts, miracles, healings, and spiritual revelations. His church often presented testimonies of dramatic physical healings.

Critics, however, challenged the verifiability of many such claims, accusing him of vague prophecy, after-the-fact reinterpretation, or exploitation of suffering.

Allegations of Abuse & Investigations

Posthumously, Joshua and SCOAN faced serious allegations of sexual abuse, misconduct, coerced abortions, and cover-ups over extended periods. A BBC investigation in 2024 reported various abuses, including claims of rape, forced abortions, and victim intimidation within his church complex.

These allegations have significantly complicated his legacy and raised concerns about accountability, transparency, and the protection of vulnerable congregants in charismatic ministries.

Institutional Conflicts & Church Denunciations

Some Christian leaders and denominations in Nigeria publicly opposed him. For instance, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and Pentecostal bodies at times dissociated from SCOAN or issued warnings about his practices.

In 2010, the Cameroonian government denied entry or blacklisted him, citing concerns about his methods.

Additionally, questions were raised about the wealth accumulation of his ministry, and rumors circulated over ownership of private jets or assets (which the church often denied).

Death & Succession

T. B. Joshua passed away on June 5, 2021, in Lagos, Nigeria, shortly after conducting an evening service.

Following his death, in September 2021, his widow Evelyn Joshua was formally named Senior Pastor and leader of SCOAN.

The church continues to mark his birthday annually and maintain his media and humanitarian projects.

Legacy & Influence

T. B. Joshua’s legacy is complex and contested. Some of his lasting influences include:

Media evangelism: His model of combining church services with television, online streaming, and international broadcasting influenced many modern charismatic pastors.
Charismatic movement in Africa: He became a reference point in African Pentecostal and charismatic circles.
Pilgrimage and religious tourism: SCOAN drew international visitors, contributing to a form of religious pilgrimage in Nigeria.
Humanitarian profile: His social outreach and high-profile charitable projects shaped how some ministries pair spiritual preaching with social impact.
Contestation over accountability: The allegations and investigations around his ministry have become part of broader debates about oversight, transparency, and protection in charismatic and evangelical movements.

His reputation remains divided: to his supporters, he is a prophet, miracle-worker, and global spiritual force; to critics, a controversial figure whose ministry had serious ethical and accountability gaps.

Selected Quotes by T. B. Joshua

Below are some of the more often cited quotes attributed to T. B. Joshua:

“Except for the grace of God, I would be nobody — and that grace is the opposite of merit — human labour, education or human wisdom.”
“When it comes to power, God Himself is the power. God often uses foolish things to confound the wise.”
“A man of purpose focuses on his destination, not his situation. Don’t let your situation mislead you!”
“If you have not tasted poverty, you will not be able to manage blessing when it comes. If you have not tasted humiliation, you will not be able to manage honour when it comes.”
“Let us leave tomorrow’s trouble for the One who bore our troubles on the cross.”
“Your success and happiness depend on your willingness to help others solve their problems.”
“Each day has its own destiny. Yesterday is history, today is opportunity while tomorrow is mystery.”
“I am not moved by what people say or do concerning my relationship with God. I submit myself to His direct will.”

These quotes reflect recurring themes in his message: dependence on divine grace, purpose over circumstance, suffering and honor, service, spiritual steadfastness, and endurance.

Lessons & Reflections

From the life of T. B. Joshua, one may draw several lessons (while also weighing the controversies):

Power and humility: He often emphasized that spiritual power belongs to God, not human merit.
Endurance in adversity: His quotes and ministry stressed perseverance through trials.
Service orientation: The idea that success is tied to helping others is a prominent motif in his teachings.
Caution about charismatic authority: The controversies around his ministry highlight the necessity of accountability, transparency, and protecting vulnerable followers in any religious leadership structure.
Legacy is multifaceted: Great influence does not mean unblemished record — the tension between commendation and criticism is part of assessing any public figure, especially in spiritual domains.