Pastor Temitope Balogun Joshua, widely known as TB Joshua, was one of Africa’s most influential televangelists, famous for his powerful sermons, healing ministry, and prophetic declarations. He left a significant mark on the Christian faith through his charitable works, teachings, and healing sessions. Known for founding the Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN) in Lagos, Nigeria, TB Joshua’s influence reached millions worldwide. Here’s an in-depth look at his life, career, family, net worth, achievements, and the legacy he left behind.
Early Life and Background
- Full Name: Temitope Balogun Joshua
- Birth Date: June 12, 1963
- Place of Birth: Arigidi-Akoko, Ondo State, Nigeria
- Death Date: June 5, 2021 (aged 57)
- Nationality: Nigerian
TB Joshua was born in Arigidi, a small town in Ondo State, Nigeria. His birth was surrounded by mystique and lore; it was reported that he remained in his mother’s womb for 15 months before being born. Growing up, he faced many hardships and financial struggles. He attended St. Stephen’s Anglican Primary School in Arigidi but had to drop out early due to financial difficulties. TB Joshua later recounted visions he had as a young man, which he claimed led him toward a life of faith and ministry.
Family Life
TB Joshua married Evelyn Joshua, who became a significant partner in his ministry and played a role in managing SCOAN. They had three children together, with their oldest daughter, Sarah Joshua, becoming a lawyer in the United Kingdom. Despite his public persona, TB Joshua kept much of his personal life private, focusing on his ministry and outreach programs.
Founding of the Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN)
In 1987, TB Joshua founded the Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN) with just a few members. Based in Lagos, Nigeria, SCOAN would grow exponentially and attract thousands of congregants every week. The church became known for its healing services, prophecies, and charitable works, and it wasn’t long before TB Joshua’s reputation as a miracle worker spread across Africa and eventually worldwide. SCOAN also reached millions through Emmanuel TV, a Christian television network TB Joshua established, where his sermons, healings, and prophecies were broadcast globally.
Ministry and Teachings
TB Joshua’s teachings emphasized faith, the power of prayer, and charitable giving. His ministry attracted people from all walks of life who sought healing, deliverance, and spiritual guidance. Known for his healing sessions, he would often touch individuals or command demons to leave, and many testified to being healed of ailments or delivered from spiritual oppression. His teachings also focused on humility, generosity, and forgiveness, which were central themes in his sermons and charitable programs.
TB Joshua was also famous for his prophecies. He made numerous predictions over the years about natural disasters, political events, and societal issues. Some of his prophecies, such as the prediction of Michael Jackson’s death and major political events, gained attention globally. However, these prophecies were often met with a mixture of reverence and skepticism.
Philanthropy and Charitable Works
Charitable work was a cornerstone of TB Joshua’s ministry. Through SCOAN and Emmanuel TV, he organized and funded several humanitarian projects, especially within Nigeria and other African countries. Some of these initiatives included:
- Scholarship Programs: SCOAN provided scholarships for underprivileged children and students, allowing them access to better education.
- Healthcare Assistance: He funded medical treatments for people who could not afford them, both within and outside of Nigeria.
- Disaster Relief: TB Joshua often responded to disasters by providing financial and material assistance to affected communities.
- Community Support: SCOAN frequently provided food, clothing, and shelter to the homeless and destitute in Nigerian cities.
TB Joshua’s philanthropy earned him several accolades. In 2011, he was awarded Nigeria’s National Honour of Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR) for his humanitarian work. He was also included in lists of influential Africans and featured by major media outlets for his contributions to society.
Achievements and Global Influence
Over the years, TB Joshua became one of Africa’s most prominent religious figures. Here are some of his notable achievements:
- Founder of Emmanuel TV: Emmanuel TV became one of Africa’s largest Christian television networks, broadcasting across the continent and beyond.
- International Influence: TB Joshua attracted visitors from over 200 nations to SCOAN, including public figures, celebrities, and government officials.
- Online Presence: He leveraged social media and online streaming to reach millions, making his sermons accessible to a global audience. His YouTube channel, until it was removed in 2021, had over 1.8 million subscribers.
- Humanitarian Recognition: His philanthropic efforts were acknowledged both locally and internationally, especially in the wake of crises in Nigeria and Africa at large.
TB Joshua’s impact extended beyond Nigeria, as many visited SCOAN from abroad to witness his sermons, healing sessions, and charitable works firsthand. His ministry even drew international attention, with documentaries about his life airing in various countries.
Net Worth
Estimating TB Joshua’s net worth has been challenging due to the nature of his wealth, much of which was funneled back into SCOAN and humanitarian efforts. However, various sources estimate his net worth at around $10 to $15 million at the peak of his ministry. His primary income came from donations to SCOAN, revenue from Emmanuel TV, and contributions from supporters and followers globally. Though he was considered wealthy, he was known for his relatively modest lifestyle compared to other televangelists.
Controversies
Throughout his career, TB Joshua was a polarizing figure, and his ministry faced several controversies:
- Prophecies and Claims: Some criticized his prophecies as vague or inaccurate, though others claimed they were precise.
- Building Collapse in 2014: One of the darkest moments in his ministry was the 2014 building collapse at SCOAN’s Lagos headquarters, which killed over 100 people. TB Joshua and SCOAN faced legal scrutiny and criticism following the tragedy.
- Criticism from Traditional Churches: TB Joshua’s methods and teachings often attracted skepticism from traditional religious institutions, with some accusing him of unorthodox practices.
Despite these controversies, TB Joshua maintained a loyal following who saw him as a man of God with a divine calling.
Legacy and Passing
TB Joshua passed away unexpectedly on June 5, 2021, after a Saturday evening service. His death shocked millions of followers, with tributes pouring in from around the world. SCOAN and Emmanuel TV continued his legacy, ensuring his messages and charitable initiatives lived on. His ministry had a transformative effect on many individuals, and his teachings, prophecies, and humanitarian efforts left a lasting legacy in Nigeria and beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs
In this section, I will provide you with FAQs and answers on Pastor TB Joshua Biography. Keep on reading friend.
1. Who was Pastor TB Joshua?
Pastor Temitope Balogun Joshua, commonly known as TB Joshua, was a prominent Nigerian pastor, televangelist, and philanthropist. He founded the Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN) in Lagos, Nigeria, and was known for his healing ministry, prophecies, and extensive charitable work. His influence reached millions worldwide, largely through his church and Emmanuel TV.
2. When and where was Pastor TB Joshua born?
TB Joshua was born on June 12, 1963, in Arigidi-Akoko, a town in Ondo State, Nigeria.
3. How did Pastor TB Joshua start his ministry?
TB Joshua founded the Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN) in 1987 with only a few members. Over time, his ministry gained a large following due to his reputed healing powers, prophetic declarations, and outreach efforts, eventually growing into one of the largest Christian ministries in Nigeria.
4. What were some of TB Joshua’s main teachings?
TB Joshua’s teachings focused on faith, prayer, humility, forgiveness, and charitable giving. He emphasized the power of faith and prayer in overcoming life’s challenges and advocated for helping the less fortunate, which was reflected in his numerous charitable programs.