Church Profile: The Elevation Church (History And Founder Of Tec)

If you’ve lived in Lagos—or anywhere in Nigeria, really—and you haven’t heard about The Elevation Church, I’m tempted to ask, “Where have you been hiding?” Because my dear, TEC is not just a church—it’s an experience, a lifestyle, and for many urban Christians, it’s the place where faith meets real-life matters with a touch of excellence and vibes.

Let me take you on a friendly, no-pressure ride through what makes The Elevation Church (popularly called TEC) one of Nigeria’s most dynamic churches. We’ll talk about its beginnings, leadership, message, vibe, and of course, why young people and professionals are trooping in every Sunday like there’s free shawarma after service (okay, maybe not shawarma, but you get the gist).

Once Upon a Prayer: How The Elevation Church Started

The Elevation Church was founded in 2010 by Pastor Godman Akinlabi, a man with a sharp mind, gentle voice, and fire in his bones. Before launching TEC, Pastor Godman served at Daystar Christian Centre under the mentorship of Pastor Sam Adeyemi—so you know he was groomed under wisdom and leadership.

The dream was simple but bold: to make greatness common. Yes, you heard that right. TEC’s entire mission is built on the belief that every person, no matter their background, can rise above mediocrity and live a purpose-driven life. Now, in Nigeria where mediocrity sometimes gets celebrated with chieftaincy titles, this is a big deal.

They didn’t start in a cathedral, o. In fact, the early days of the church were pretty humble. Picture a group of passionate believers gathering in modest auditoriums, with plastic chairs and portable speakers. But one thing stood out from the very beginning—excellence. Everything was planned, timed, relevant, and deeply spiritual. Even the ushers were smiling like they got paid in dollars (I kid, I kid).

Meet the Visionary – Pastor Godman Akinlabi

Ah, Pastor Godman. The man, the mind, the message.

If you’ve ever listened to this man preach, then you know why so many people stay glued to their seats every Sunday. He doesn’t shout, he doesn’t sprinkle holy water, and he doesn’t crack jokes that make you want to disappear. He just speaks truth—with depth, clarity, and gentleness that pierces the soul like jollof rice hitting a hungry stomach.

What makes him really special is his ability to break down complex biblical truths into practical, everyday lessons. Whether it’s relationships, money, career, or personal growth, Pastor Godman brings Scripture into context like he read your diary last night. And then there’s his wife, Pastor Bolarinwa Akinlabi—fondly called Pastor Bola. A co-pastor, women’s leader, and prayerful powerhouse in her own right.

Together, they lead with balance, wisdom, and a clear vision for developing people—not just spiritually, but holistically.

The Message: Making Greatness Common

Now let’s talk about what TEC actually teaches. If there’s one phrase you’ll hear often in this church, it’s: “Making greatness common.” This is not just a slogan, my people—it’s a culture.

TEC teaches that greatness is not reserved for politicians, celebrities, or people with 15 degrees. Everyone has the potential for greatness in them, and with the right spiritual foundation, mentorship, and application of God’s Word, they can walk into that destiny.

Every Sunday, the messages address real-life issues—marriage, career, parenting, mental health, business, purpose, spiritual growth, and more. And they don’t speak over your head; they break it down so even someone fresh out of NYSC or facing Lagos traffic blues can relate and apply.

Worship With a Touch of Heaven

Let’s be honest: for many of us, music is a major part of church experience. And TEC does not disappoint.

The worship team, known as Elevation Priests of Praise (EPoP), delivers high-quality, spirit-filled, and melodious worship every week. Whether it’s classic hymns, contemporary gospel, or Nigerian praise medleys, they serve it hot and fresh like Sunday rice.

The stage setup? Clean and minimal. The sound? Crisp. The lighting? Just enough to set the mood but not blind your eyes. TEC knows how to blend spirit and structure to create an environment where people can genuinely encounter God without distractions.

The TEC Vibe: Why It’s a Magnet for Young Professionals

I won’t lie to you—if you walk into TEC on a Sunday, you might think you’ve entered a TED Talk meets worship session. The atmosphere is fresh, young, vibrant, and excellently put together. You’ll see young couples, tech bros, fashion-forward ladies, and purpose-driven people from all walks of life.

Here’s why people (especially young Nigerians) love TEC:

• Relevance: The messages speak to what you’re actually going through.

• Orderliness: Service starts and ends on time. No long winding prayer points that stretch into afternoon.

• Community: You don’t just attend; you belong.

• Excellence: From media to music, decor to documentation—everything is done well.

• Empowerment: There are always seminars, mentorship programs, and career development sessions happening throughout the year.

Multisite Movement: More Than One Address

You know a church is serious when they don’t just say “come and worship with us” but instead, they bring church to your area.

The Elevation Church started in Lagos, but now has multiple campuses across the city and beyond. There’s Lekki, Mainland, Ikorodu, Greater Lekki, and more. They’ve also gone international with their global online campus and branches outside Nigeria.

Each location carries the same DNA: same message, same excellence, same spiritual depth. And for those who live far away, the TEC Online Campus is just a few clicks away. Trust me, their live stream is smoother than your favorite Netflix series—no buffering drama.

Small Groups, Big Impact: The Life Point Experience

Now, big churches can sometimes feel overwhelming. That’s where TEC’s Life Groups come in. These are small, community-based gatherings where members meet regularly to pray, study the Word, support each other, and grow together.

Whether you're single, married, a student, a young professional, or in your golden years, there’s a group for you. It’s like having a spiritual family within the larger TEC family. And it’s where deep friendships and accountability really happen.

TEC’s Love Language: Service and Impact

If there’s one thing TEC does well, it’s combining spirituality with social impact. The church is deeply involved in outreach projects through its TECFund Foundation. From providing food and education to healthcare support and economic empowerment programs, TEC is serious about being the hands and feet of Jesus in the community.

They also organize seasonal outreach programs, especially during festive periods, where they bless thousands of lives through giving, hospital visitations, orphanage support, and more.

TEC Kids and Ignite (Teens Church)

TEC is not just for adults. The children’s department—TEC Kids—is a whole vibe on its own. Imagine a safe, colorful, fun, and spiritually enriching environment where kids are taught the Word of God in age-appropriate ways. From nursery to primary and junior high age groups, they’ve got everything covered.

For teenagers, there’s Ignite—a place where teens can grow, express themselves, and engage with their faith without feeling awkward or out of place. It's church for the next generation, done the right way.

The TEC Culture: Clean, Classy, and Christlike

At The Elevation Church, culture is everything. They don’t just say “come as you are,” they actually mean it. Whether you wear jeans or agbada, you’ll be welcomed warmly. But beyond the clothes, there’s a clear culture of:

• Honor

• Hospitality

• Discipline

• Excellence

• Empowerment

This is not a place where titles rule; it’s a place where value is placed on people, growth, and the presence of God.

Final Thoughts – TEC Is More Than a Church, It’s a Movement

If you’ve been searching for a place that doesn’t just feed your spirit but also fuels your potential, TEC might just be your next Sunday stop. It’s not about hype; it’s about heart. It’s a space where truth is taught with clarity, where worship is pure, and where everyday people are being raised as champions.

So, whether you're new in town, tired of church-as-usual, or just curious about this whole faith thing, The Elevation Church is worth checking out.

Just remember to come early. Seats fill up fast. And who knows, you might just walk into your next breakthrough, business idea, or even… destiny helper (wink wink).