General Superintendent Christ Apostolic Church Nigeria and Overseas.
Pastor James Deke Onagwa was born in 1959 in Okpella, Edo State, Nigeria, into a humble family background. Prior to his encounter with Christ, he lived without the assurance of eternal life. However, in the mid-1970s, he experienced a genuine conversion and surrendered his life completely to the Lord. Shortly thereafter, in the late 1970s, he received a clear call into Christian ministry, marking the beginning of a lifelong journey of service to God and humanity.
He received early ministerial training and mentorship under the late Evangelist T. A. Iyanda, Founder of GoYe Ministry. Pastor Onagwa later enrolled at GoYe Bible College, Lagos State, where he completed a three-year program and earned a Diploma in Theology. In recognition of his dedication and spiritual maturity, he was appointed in 1981 as a teacher at the same Bible College, where he also assisted in various church development responsibilities.
In 1983, after being duly commissioned by his mentor, he was sent to Port Harcourt, Rivers State, to undertake missionary and pastoral work. During this period, he furthered his theological training at Christ Apostolic Church Theological Seminary, Ile-Ife. In 1986, he was ordained as a Pastor at Christ Apostolic Church, Okesha, Ilesa.
Between 1983 and 1990, Pastor Onagwa pastored two churches in Port Harcourt, where his ministry contributed significantly to the growth and strengthening of the Christ Apostolic Church Students’ Association. Following this fruitful period of service, he was transferred to Christ Apostolic Church, Odo-Ona, Ibadan, where he continued his pastoral and ministerial responsibilities.
Over the years, Pastor Onagwa has served the Christ Apostolic Church faithfully in numerous capacities, including Evangelist, Assembly Pastor, District Superintendent, and Chairman of the District Coordinating Council. His leadership has consistently been characterized by spiritual depth, administrative diligence, and a strong commitment to biblical teaching.
In recognition of his outstanding ministerial contributions and spiritual influence, he was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Divinity (D.Div.) in 1998 by the Faculty of GoYe Bible College, Lagos.
In 1999, the Supreme Council of the Christ Apostolic Church, under the leadership of the then President of the Mission, the late Pastor J. A. Adegoroye, appointed him to establish the Christ Apostolic Church Youth Fellowship. By the grace of God, he served as the pioneer National Coordinator of the Fellowship for nearly two decades, providing visionary leadership and spiritual direction to the youth arm of the Mission.
Major Committees and Administrative Responsibilities
Pastor Onagwa has served the Mission in several strategic administrative and advisory capacities. These include:
1. Chairman, Audit and Investigatory Committee (served twice)
2. Member, Peace and Reconciliation Committee
3. Member, Constitution Drafting Committee
4. Member, Legal Committee
5. Member, Theological Seminary Board (2002–2019)
6. Member, Peace and Unification Committee (since 1993)
7. Member, Missionary Board
Pastor Onagwa is widely recognized as a seasoned teacher and expositor of the Word of God. In the late 1990s, he was commissioned by the leadership of the Mission to singlehandedly author the Sunday School Manual for a six-month period. His theological insight and depth of biblical exposition have enriched the teaching ministry of the Church.
He also served as Coordinator of Christ Apostolic Church Theological Seminary, Ibadan Campus, from 2002 to 2019, and since 1993 has been a regular lecturer at pastoral training programs across the Mission.
Since 2006, he has consistently authored refresher course materials for the Christ Apostolic Church, designed for the training and re-training of pastors, elders, church workers, and midwives within the Mission. These materials have played a significant role in strengthening ministerial effectiveness and promoting doctrinal soundness across various church assemblies.
Through his deep commitment to the teaching of Scripture and missionary work, the Lord has greatly used Pastor Onagwa to deliver profound expository teachings across Nigeria and beyond. His ministry has led to the planting of several churches, while many ministers and Christian workers have been raised, mentored, and established through his guidance. His work has been marked not only by faithful preaching of the Word but also by intentional discipleship and leadership development within the Church.
Pastor Onagwa is the Founder of Leadership Bible College, Ibadan, established in 1992 with a vision to raise biblically grounded and spiritually disciplined leaders for the Church.
A prolific writer, he has authored numerous lecture series, Bible study materials, and ministerial training manuals. He has also pioneered several visionary training programs for ministers and their wives, elders, deacons, deaconesses, and church workers. His ministry has taken him both within and beyond the shores of Nigeria, where he has served as a guest speaker at conferences, seminars, retreats, and symposiums.
His weekly teaching programs are aired on the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) every Sunday at 7:30 p.m. (GMT+1). In addition, he hosts an Online Bible Study every Tuesday at 5:00 p.m. (GMT+1) on all Christ Apostolic Church Official Media Outlets reaching a wide audience locally and internationally.
In 2018, Pastor James D. Onagwa was appointed General Superintendent of the Christ Apostolic Church, Nigeria and Overseas, and he officially assumed office in January 2019.
Pastor Onagwa is a devoted family man and a respected spiritual leader. He is married to Mrs. Christiana Onagwa, and their union has been blessed with godly children and grandchildren.
