Pastor Agu Irukwu: ‘The Black Church is a sleeping giant; if it wakes up, its influence is significant’

Pastor Agu Irukwu, a Nigerian-born leader in the UK’s Black church community, describes the Black church as a “sleeping giant” with the potential to significantly influence society if it awakens to its spiritual and social responsibilities. Leading one of the largest churches in the UK, Jesus House for All Nations, Pastor Agu has seen his congregation in north London grow from 33 to nearly 3,000 members over nearly three decades. His leadership extends beyond his own church, as he also oversees the UK branch of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), a rapidly growing Black majority denomination in the nation.

Pastor Agu has held prominent roles within broader Christian networks, including the Evangelical Alliance (EA) and the Festival of Life, a major all-night prayer event in London. He is also a member of the Alliance for Responsible Citizenship (ARC), an organization that brings together world leaders to address key societal issues. Despite his high-profile career, Pastor Agu emphasizes humility, often speaking passionately about prayer, revival, and his wife, rather than promoting his own achievements.

Born into a wealthy Nigerian family, Pastor Agu initially trained as a lawyer in the UK before working in investment banking in Africa. His spiritual journey began when his dormant Anglican faith was rekindled in a vibrant Pentecostal church in Lagos. This led him to become a pastor with the RCCG and eventually to lead a new church in north London. His personal trials, including the death of his first wife and the severe illness of his eldest son, have shaped his ministry and deepened his commitment to faith and service.

Agu has witnessed significant growth in the African church during his ministry, while the UK church has experienced a decline. His vision for the future involves using the Church as a transformative force for society, moving away from political activism toward spiritual revival. He believes that a renewed focus on prayer and fasting, without religious formalism, is essential for societal change. This perspective aligns with the biblical call to seek justice, mercy, and faithfulness, as outlined in Micah 6:8.

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