Church Profile (Updated 2025): The Synagogue, Church Of All Nations (About Scoan)

If you’ve ever lived in Nigeria—or even just visited—you must have heard of The Synagogue, Church of All Nations, commonly known as SCOAN. If you haven’t, ah, where have you been hiding? This is not just any church o! SCOAN is one of the most influential churches to come out of Africa, and its story is as dramatic, inspiring, and unforgettable as a Nollywood blockbuster. No jokes!

Founded by the late Prophet Temitope Balogun Joshua—or as the world knew him, T.B. Joshua—this church rose from a humble prayer group to a full-blown global movement that pulled crowds like a magnet. People came from all corners of the world: South Africans, Americans, Ghanaians, Indonesians, Brits—you name it—all flocking to a small neighborhood in Lagos just to get a taste of what was happening inside that mysterious church.

Now, whether you’re a believer, a skeptic, or just someone who loves good stories, pull your chair closer. Let’s take a deep dive into what made SCOAN the phenomenon it became.

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The Humble Beginning: From a Shack to a Sanctuary

Let’s rewind a little. The year was 1987, and a young man named T.B. Joshua said he received a divine calling from God after spending 40 days fasting and praying. Now, before you brush it off as just another spiritual story, wait first. This man didn’t start with a fancy auditorium or thousands of members. His first congregation was just a handful of people in a rough wooden structure somewhere in the outskirts of Lagos.

But, as the saying goes, "don’t despise small beginnings." Before long, people started hearing stories: how the sick were healed, how people tormented by evil spirits were delivered, and how the man of God was prophesying deep things about individuals and nations alike.

From that small prayer group, SCOAN grew. And when I say "grew," I mean it literally. The crowd started spilling outside. And eventually, the ministry moved to its permanent headquarters in Ikotun-Egbe, Lagos—a place that soon became something of a spiritual mecca for many people around the globe.

A Church or a Tourist Attraction?

If you’ve ever been to SCOAN’s Lagos headquarters, you’ll agree with me that the place is a different kind of church. It's not the typical corner church with white plastic chairs and a single standing fan o. This one is like a religious fortress—big, bold, and built with precision. Inside, the place is massive. It can seat thousands comfortably, with more room outside for the overflow crowd.

Now imagine thousands of foreigners trooping in every week. People would land in Nigeria with one mission: to attend SCOAN. Hotels around Ikotun made a fortune, and local businesses flourished. Even the okada riders knew who was who. “That one na Ghanaian. That other one? From Brazil.” It was a vibe.

The Message and the Miracles

So what exactly was drawing the crowd?

Simple: miracles, healing, deliverance, and good old prophecy.

SCOAN is rooted in Pentecostal Christian teachings, with strong emphasis on the power of the Holy Spirit. But what made it unique was how these teachings were demonstrated live—right before your eyes. You would see people rise from wheelchairs, scream as demons were cast out, or cry tears of joy after receiving "a word" that touched their soul.

There was something raw and supernatural about it. You may doubt what you’re watching, but you’ll still find yourself glued to Emmanuel TV—the church’s media arm that broadcasted everything live, 24/7.

It’s not just church; it’s a full production.

T.B. Joshua: The Man, The Mystery, The Movement

Ah, T.B. Joshua.

That name alone commands reactions—good, bad, intense, emotional. Whether you believed in him or not, one thing was sure: you couldn’t ignore him.

He was calm, almost soft-spoken, but his presence was powerful. His teachings were often simple, yet deep. And his prayers? Let’s just say many people swore that one touch from T.B. Joshua could reset your entire life. From healing terminal illnesses to prophesying world events, this man did it all.

Yet, he was one of the most controversial pastors Nigeria has ever known.

While millions loved him, some accused him of staging miracles or being “too mysterious.” There were whispers, rumors, and debates. But through it all, T.B. Joshua remained focused, humble, and unwavering.

He also had a heart for giving. This man gave out scholarships, fed widows, built schools and hospitals, supported disaster victims, and even helped those who criticized him. Charity was a cornerstone of his ministry, and you could see it in action all the time.

When the Prophet Slept

June 5, 2021, was a dark day.

The news broke that T.B. Joshua had died, just a week before his 58th birthday. And honestly, the whole country—scratch that, the whole world—paused.

People cried like they lost a family member. Tributes poured in from presidents, governors, celebrities, and the everyday people whose lives he had touched. It was the kind of farewell usually reserved for national heroes, and honestly, it was deserved.

But then came the question: What next?

The Transition and the New Era

After T.B. Joshua’s passing, SCOAN went quiet for a while. No services. No broadcasts. Just silence.

Behind the scenes, there were reports of leadership tussles and legal wrangling over the church’s succession. But eventually, one woman stepped up to the challenge—Mrs. Evelyn Joshua, the prophet’s widow.

Now, Evelyn is not the flamboyant, camera-loving kind of pastor. She’s quiet, calm, and very calculated. But slowly and steadily, she has been reviving the church, one service at a time.

Under her leadership, the church continues, though in a different flavor. The miracles are still there, but the media spotlight is a bit dimmer. Some followers drifted away, but many have stayed loyal. After all, the foundation still stands.

Emmanuel TV: Miracles On Your Screen

Let’s talk about Emmanuel TV. If you’ve ever been channel-surfing and stumbled upon a woman screaming as a man of God cast out a demon, chances are it was Emmanuel TV.

This was more than a religious channel. It was a ministry. Testimonies, healing videos, live broadcasts, prayer lines—you name it, Emmanuel TV served it all.

And guess what? It wasn’t just Africans watching. People in countries as far away as India and Peru were glued to it. Some would even apply for visas just to come and receive prayer at the SCOAN headquarters.

The Elephant in the Room: Controversies and Criticism

Now let’s not pretend like it was all rosy. SCOAN faced some serious heat over the years.

Skeptics called the miracles “drama.” Others felt the deliverance scenes were too dramatic or even staged. And let’s not forget the 2014 building collapse—a guesthouse within the church compound collapsed and claimed over 100 lives. That incident shook the nation and led to years of legal battles and public outcry.

Yet, through all the controversy, the church never stopped preaching faith, healing, and love.

A Global Church With Local Roots

Perhaps what’s most remarkable about SCOAN is how global it became while remaining firmly rooted in Nigeria. The streets of Ikotun witnessed more foreign accents than some international airports. Local traders learned to say “hello” in Portuguese, French, and Swahili just to sell pure water and puff-puff to the pilgrims.

The economic impact was real. The spiritual hunger was even more real.

So, What Does the Future Hold?

Honestly, no one knows for sure. The man who built the movement is gone, and the church is adjusting to new leadership. Will SCOAN retain its international influence? Will it raise another global prophet? Only time will tell.

But one thing is certain: SCOAN has written its name in the history of modern Christianity—not just in Nigeria but around the world.

And as Nigerians, whether you attended the church or not, we all know that there’s something powerful about that place. Maybe it’s the prayers, maybe it’s the atmosphere, or maybe—just maybe—it’s the legacy of a man who dared to believe that with God, all things are possible.

Final Thoughts

SCOAN is not just a church. It’s a story. A legacy. A miracle in itself.

From humble beginnings to global fame, from intense criticisms to loyal followership, and from the era of T.B. Joshua to the new chapter under Evelyn Joshua, the church continues to stand—firm, focused, and full of faith.

So the next time you hear someone say “I’m traveling to Lagos for spiritual deliverance,” don’t be surprised. They’re probably on their way to The Synagogue, Church of All Nations—where faith meets fire.