From his mother to his daughters and nephews, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome’s family has been a quiet but important part of his story, shaping his journey from Nigeria to global ministry.
Pastor Chris Oyakhilome’s family has played a key role in his life and ministry
Pastor Chris Oyakhilome is known worldwide as the founder of LoveWorld Incorporated, also called Christ Embassy. His ministry has grown from a small campus fellowship in Nigeria into an international movement with millions of followers all around the world. Behind the public figure is a family story that many find interesting.
Understanding the family of Pastor Chris means looking at the people closest to him. His daughters, his mother, and relatives who have also stepped into leadership roles in the ministry. Their influence and presence help explain the personal background of one of Africa’s most recognizable Christian leaders.
Early Life and Family Background
Chris Oyakhilome was born on December 7, 1963, in Edo State, Nigeria. He grew up in a Christian household that emphasized faith and discipline. His parents were devoted to their beliefs, raising their children with values that later shaped his ministry.
His father, Elder T.E. Oyakhilome, was a respected community figure and member of the Assemblies of God Church. His mother, Angelina, played an equally strong role in the family, remembered for her devotion to prayer and Christian living. Pastor Chris often refers to the spiritual environment of his upbringing as a foundation for his work in later years.
Family life in his early years reflected the combination of faith, education, and commitment to service. This balance set the stage for his later leadership as a pastor and teacher.
The Role of His Mother
Angelina Oyakhilome, Pastor Chris’ mother, remains a significant figure in the family narrative. Often referred to with affection in Christ Embassy circles, she is described as a woman of prayer and quiet strength.
Her influence on Chris is often acknowledged in his ministry, where he emphasizes the importance of spiritual discipline and a strong Christian home. Those values, first nurtured by his mother, continue to shape his teachings today.
For members of Christ Embassy, Angelina represents the background of faith that gave rise to one of Nigeria’s most prominent religious leaders.
Marriage and the Next Generation
Chris Oyakhilome married Anita Ebhodaghe in the early years of his ministry. Together they raised two daughters, Carissa Sharon and Charlene. For many years, Anita was also active in Christ Embassy, particularly in the United Kingdom, where she played leadership roles.
Though the marriage eventually ended in divorce, the family ties remain important to understanding his personal story. Both daughters grew up in the church environment, surrounded by the global expansion of their father’s ministry.
His Daughter Carissa Sharon
The most publicly known of Pastor Chris’ children is Carissa Sharon, often called CSO. She is a gospel singer and songwriter who has chosen to use her talents in music and ministry.
Carissa has released songs that are popular among Christ Embassy members and beyond. Through her performances, she continues the family’s faith-based influence, though in a different form from her father’s preaching.
She is married and has started her own family, making Pastor Chris a grandfather. For followers of Christ Embassy, Carissa’s journey symbolizes the continuation of family legacy into a new generation.
His Daughter Charlene
His second daughter, Charlene, lives a more private life than her sister. Less is publicly known about her compared to Carissa, as she has chosen to step away from the spotlight.
Despite the lower profile, Charlene remains part of the Oyakhilome family narrative. Observers often note the balance between one daughter’s public ministry through music and the other’s quieter personal path.
This combination reflects the different ways family members choose to live out their identities, whether in public ministry or private life.
The Oyakhilome Nephews
Beyond his immediate family, Oyakhilomes’ nephews have also played visible roles in ministry. One of the most notable is Daysman Oyakhilome, who has been active in the LoveWorld network.
Daysman has worked in youth ministry and media, using creative platforms to engage younger audiences. His role highlights how the family’s influence extends, reaching into technology, music, and media.
For many in Christ Embassy, the involvement of nephews like Daysman shows the continuation of family influence in shaping the ministry’s future direction.
Family Influence in Ministry Growth
The story of Chris Oyakhilomes’ family cannot be separated from the growth of Christ Embassy. While he is the central figure, the support and contributions of his relatives have played a part.
From his mother’s prayers to his daughters’ talents and nephews’ leadership, the family presence has been interwoven with the ministry. It shows how personal lives and public mission often overlap in religious movements.
For outsiders looking at the global success of LoveWorld, understanding the family helps explain how values and vision are carried forward across generations.
Balancing Family and Global Ministry
Leading a ministry with millions of followers worldwide often means balancing family and public responsibilities. Pastor Chris has faced this reality for decades. His international schedule includes conferences, broadcasts, and outreach programs across continents.
At the same time, his daughters and relatives continue their own paths, sometimes in ministry, sometimes in other directions. This balance is one that many public leaders face, but in the case of Oyakhilome, it is lived out under the close attention of global audiences.
Why Chris Oyakhilomes’ Family Draws Public Interest
Public curiosity about his family reflects more than just interest in private life. For many, it is about understanding the man behind the ministry. Family stories humanize leaders, reminding followers that they share the same bonds of parenting, upbringing, and relationships.
In addition, the involvement of his children and relatives in ministry creates visible links between personal and organizational life. The story of Christ Embassy is, in some ways, also the story of the Oyakhilome family.
The Outreach That Extends Beyond One Generation
Pastor Chris’ family continues to be part of his wider story. His mother’s influence, his daughters’ paths, and his nephews’ contributions all form layers of the legacy. For observers, it demonstrates how a ministry can be both a personal calling and a family narrative.
Whether through music, youth outreach, or spiritual guidance, the Oyakhilome family shows how values can be passed on and reshaped for new contexts. The story is ongoing, with each generation adding their own expression to the foundation laid decades ago.