ECWA
A Reflection on the Past, Present and Future.
The Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) traces its roots to the pioneering efforts of Rowland Bingham, Thomas Kent, and Walter Gowans under the umbrella of Serving In Missions (SIM), formerly known as the Sudan Interior Mission. Established in Nigeria in December 1893, ECWA has emerged as one of the largest Christian denominations in Nigeria, boasting over ten million members. As a partner church of Serving In Mission, ECWA has been instrumental in spreading Christianity and fostering indigenous leadership in Nigeria and beyond.
Formally founded in 1954, ECWA solidified its presence when SIM-related churches in Nigeria united to form an indigenous body. Since its inception, ECWA has taken on the leadership of mission stations, Bible schools, academic institutions, and medical programs, reflecting its commitment to holistic ministry and community development.
The expansion of ECWA beyond Nigeria began with the establishment of ECWA Church New York in 1987, marking the first ECWA presence in the United States. Led by the visionary efforts of Elder Francis Dada’s father-in-law, the church initially gathered in rented facilities located at 966 Fulton Street, Brooklyn, NY. Despite facing challenges such as the absence of a resident pastor, ECWA New York persevered and is now shepherded by Rev. Moses Olutimehin Babatola.
In December 1993, ECWA officially launched its foreign missions, commissioning three pioneer couples during its centennial celebrations. These couples, Simon & Ruth Yako, Joshua and Joanna Bogunjoko, and Sunday & Grace Bwanhot, embarked on missions to various countries, including Togo (now in Nigeria), Niger (now in the USA), and within the United States.
The expansion of ECWA in the United States continued with the planting of ECWA District Heights Maryland in January 1997, followed by ECWA Chicago in June of the same year. ECWA District Heights Maryland, currently the largest ECWA church in the US, purchased a property at 5526 Marlboro Pike, District Heights, MD 20747, for worship services under the leadership of Rev. Henry Bello. Meanwhile, ECWA Chicago, which initially convened at Uptown Baptist Church before relocating to its current location at 5644 S. Oakley Avenue Chicago IL 60636, serves a diverse congregation under the initial guidance of Rev. Sunday Bwanhot.
Additional ECWA churches were established in Kentucky and Atlanta, further extending the reach of ECWA’s ministry across the United States. Despite attendance fluctuations, these churches, led by dedicated pastors like Rev. Ali Mati, Rev. Jean de Dieu Nzeyimana, and Rev. Adekunle Rotimi-Samuel, continue to serve their communities with passion and commitment.
The youngest addition to the ECWA family in the United States is ECWA Houston, established in 2023 to meet the spiritual needs of the underrepresented Christian community in the Houston area. Led by Rev. Caleb Afulike from Chicago, ECWA Houston gathers for mid-week prayer meetings and Sunday worship services at 6402 Carnaby Ln, Rosenberg TX 77471.
Beyond its established churches, ECWA fosters a network of prayer cells across the United States, offering opportunities for believers to connect, grow spiritually, and engage in the vibrant community of ECWA. These prayer cells, led by dedicated leaders, embody the spirit of fellowship and service that characterizes ECWA’s mission.
Join us in experiencing the transformative power of ECWA. Whether attending a local church, participating in Bible study groups, or engaging in worship, you’re invited to witness firsthand the love and grace of Jesus Christ in the vibrant atmosphere of ECWA.