Church Profile: Harvesters International Christian Centre (Hicc)

Hey you, yes you! Have you ever walked into a church and immediately felt like, “Ah, this place gets me”? The music, the people, the vibe—everything just clicks? That’s the magic of Harvesters International Christian Centre (HICC). It’s not just another place where people gather every Sunday wearing their best suits and gele. No, HICC is more like that friend who knows the Bible and the latest Afrobeat lyrics. The one who can pray with you and gist with you at the same time. The church is young, vibrant, deeply spiritual, and driven by purpose—and today, I’m going to give you the full gist.

So buckle up, grab a cup of tea or malt (whatever works), and let me take you through the beautiful, faith-fueled journey of Harvesters—a church that started small but is now making waves across continents.

Humble Beginnings with a Heavy Vision

Every great movement starts with a moment of obedience. For HICC, that moment was December 13, 2003. A young man named Bolaji Idowu, full of faith and vision, decided it was time to plant something new in Lagos—something different from the traditional “thou shalt not” style of ministry.

Armed with a handful of people and a whole lot of fire, Pastor Bolaji started the church with a mission that was as audacious as it was beautiful: “Changing lives.” Simple, right? But oh, how powerful.

It wasn’t in a fancy cathedral or some grand auditorium. No bells and whistles. Just purpose, people, and God. And from those early days, you could already feel that something special was cooking.

The Man Behind the Mission – Pastor Bolaji Idowu

Now, let’s talk about the man steering this ship. Pastor B, as he’s fondly called, isn’t your typical preacher. He doesn’t talk at you; he talks with you. His sermons are a blend of humor, deep scripture, real-life stories, and the kind of wisdom that makes you nod repeatedly like you’re listening to your favorite playlist.

He’s transparent, relatable, and unapologetically passionate about Jesus and people. You’ll hear him talk about personal growth, emotional healing, money management, and even dating—all wrapped in biblical truth. And it’s not uncommon for people to say, “That message was just for me.”

His daily Next Level Prayers at 6:30 am have become a global phenomenon. People from Lagos to London log in with faith and fire, declaring breakthroughs, healings, and restoration. Lives are being changed, destinies realigned, and testimonies are rolling in like traffic on Third Mainland Bridge during rush hour (but in a good way).

The Culture – People, Purpose, Passion

Walk into a Harvesters church on any Sunday and you’ll feel it immediately: this place is alive. It’s a fusion of worship, word, and warmth. From the greeters at the door who smile like they’ve known you forever, to the worship team that brings heaven down, and the message that hits you like a holy hammer—everything works in sync.

What stands out most is the people-centric culture. You don’t just attend service; you become part of a family. There’s intentional effort to make sure everyone—from the first-timer to the long-time member—feels seen, valued, and empowered.

And this isn’t just something they say on banners. You’ll find people forming lifelong friendships, business partnerships, and even marriages (yes, many relationships have been ‘harvested’ here—pun fully intended!).

Not Just Sunday Christians – Real-Life Empowerment

Let’s be honest: a lot of people go to church, feel blessed for two hours, then return to their chaos with no real change. But that’s where HICC is different. This church isn’t just about what happens on stage on Sunday morning; it’s about what happens in your life after the service ends.

Through initiatives like Harvesters Skill Acquisition Programme (HSAP), thousands of people have learned real-life skills—from photography and digital marketing to baking and fashion design. The goal? To equip people not just spiritually, but professionally and financially. It’s like church meets TEDx meets Masterclass.

They also provide free counseling, mental health support, business mentorship, and even scholarships. And let me tell you, when a church is praying for you, teaching you, and helping you secure the bag—you know you're in the right place.

Small Groups, Big Impact

Ever felt lost in a crowd? HICC tackles that head-on with interest-based small groups—what they call Clusters. Whether you love books, fitness, crypto, parenting, or prayer, there’s a cluster for you.

And these aren’t just “fellowship meetings.” They’re communities. You laugh together, pray together, grow together. It’s in these small groups that people get discipled, supported, and sometimes, rescued. You’re never alone.

Even if you’re not the "super spiritual" type, there’s space for you here. Just come as you are—whether you speak in tongues or still ask “is it Genesis or Revelation?”

Youth Magnet – Why Young People Flock In

In case you haven’t noticed, Harvesters is Gen Z and Millennial central. You’ll find creatives, tech bros, campus students, fashionistas, entrepreneurs, and even “woke” folks all worshipping side-by-side.

Why? Because it speaks their language. The vibe is youthful but rooted. Trendy, yet truthful. The church uses media wisely—everything from Instagram reels to YouTube sermons to TikTok nuggets—meeting young people where they are.

It’s not about watering down the gospel. It’s about presenting it in a way that hits home. The result? Young people are getting saved, finding purpose, and stepping into leadership—both in church and in the world.

Social Impact – Church That Gives Back

HICC is not one of those churches that only shows up in designer robes and private jets. Nope. This church shows up for the people. During the COVID-19 lockdown, they provided over 50,000 meals, rent relief, and even converted church facilities into isolation centers. That’s not just talk—that’s action.

Their ongoing community outreach programs support widows, orphans, low-income families, and young entrepreneurs. Whether it's building boreholes in underserved areas or helping small businesses stay afloat, they believe church isn’t just about lifting hands—it’s about lifting lives.

Worship That Feels Like Heaven

Let’s talk about the music. If you’ve ever been in a Harvesters service during worship, you know exactly what I’m talking about. The music isn’t just “good.” It’s an experience.

From heartfelt gospel to contemporary anthems, the worship team is always on fire. You’ll cry, dance, shout, and sometimes just stand still—completely awed by God’s presence. It’s a perfect blend of spiritual depth and creative excellence.

And if you’re a creative person, this church has space for your gifts—media, music, dance, tech—you name it.

Multicampus Growth – From Lagos to the World

What started with a few people in Lagos has now grown into a multicampus church, with branches in several parts of Nigeria and even internationally—including London!

The beauty? Each campus maintains that same vibe: welcoming, spirit-filled, and relevant. Whether you’re attending in Lekki or Ikeja, Port Harcourt or online, you’re guaranteed to feel right at home.

And let’s not even start on their online church. It’s sleek, interactive, and engaging. The online community is so robust that sometimes it feels like a whole church on its own.

The Harvest Is Plenty – But So Is The Future

So where is HICC going from here? Only God knows how far—but if the past is any indication, the future is bright.

Plans are already in motion for bigger spaces, more global outreaches, and new initiatives that merge faith, tech, and entrepreneurship. They’re not just building a congregation; they’re building a movement.

And if you ask Pastor B what drives him, he’ll probably say something like: “We’re just getting started.”

Final Thoughts – A Church for the Now Generation

If you’ve read this far, then I’m guessing something in your spirit is stirred. Maybe you’re looking for a church that teaches the word but also speaks your language. Maybe you’re tired of religious performance and ready for real connection. Or maybe you’re just curious.

Wherever you are on your journey, here’s what I can confidently say: Harvesters is the real deal. It’s a church with heart, with vision, with soul. Whether you’re broken, searching, skeptical, or just tired, there’s a seat for you. And not just a seat—there’s a place for you to grow, serve, and thrive.

So if you ever find yourself near a Harvesters campus—or scrolling through YouTube on a Sunday morning—take a moment and plug in. You might just find what your soul has been looking for.

And if you’re already a member? Well, you already know—God is doing something powerful here.

Thanks for reading! Have you attended a Harvesters service before? What was your experience like? Drop your thoughts in the comments. Let’s keep the conversation going!