Children's Sunday School

The history of the DTCE traces its humble beginnings to the early church era of the 1970s, when it was known simply as the Children's Sunday School — a single congregation with no formal classification, no curriculum, and no hierarchy. It was the seed of something far greater than anyone could then imagine.

A Sacred Appointment

In 1982, the then Secretary of the Church, Baba Olonade, invited our present Mother in Israel to his office and handed over the department to her — without any documents or handover notes. This critical act of obedience and humility on the part of Pastor (Mrs.) Folu Adeboye (MGO) became the founding moment of what we know today as DTCE. She undertook personal responsibility for the care, safety, and spiritual growth of the children at the church headquarters on Wilberforce Street, Yaba, Lagos.

The ZEAL Curriculum & CRM Schools

MGO established CRM Schools in Ebute-Meta and Iwaya, Lagos — an initiative that greatly strengthened the growth of the Junior Church. She also pioneered the classification, grouping, writing, and production of the Junior Church Sunday School Manuals, known as ZEAL, initially undertaking the work herself for 20 years before others were invited to join in this important assignment.

Today, by the grace of God, Zeal is available in all six categories:

The Pioneer Teachers

Among the pioneer teen teachers appointed by Mummy Folu Adeboye were Pastor Mrs. Adetola Oretayo, Pastor Tunde Bakare, and Kunle Omo Alafin Orun, who assisted with the Children's arm. Other pioneer teachers from Ebute-Meta, Lagos included a remarkable company of faithful labourers:

Some of these faithful labourers have since gone to be with the Lord. We honour their memory and thank God for their sacrifice.

Children Who Changed the World

Among the early students of the Junior Church were those who would go on to become pillars in God's Kingdom — proof that the ministry's investment in children bears eternal fruit:

…and many others whose names are written in the Lamb's Book of Life.

From Department to Global Directorate

The Children's Department, as it was then known, subsequently developed into what is now recognised as the Junior Church, and a formal structure — the Directorate of Teens and Children Education (DTCE) — was established within RCCG to oversee its affairs worldwide. Pastors who served with MGO in coordinating the DTCE include Pastor John Nwaoney, Late Pastor David Duncan, Late Pastor E. O. Odeyemi, and others.

Pastor (Mrs.) Folu Adeboye served as Director until recently, when she appointed Dr. Dare Ajayi to support her in the administration of the Directorate under her leadership as Chairperson — alongside two Assistant Directors: Pastor Mrs. Foluke Irukera (Teens) and Pastor Ayotunde Olumide (Children).

Glory Arena & Emmanuel Amusement Park

God used Pastor (Mrs.) Folu Adeboye to establish Emmanuel Amusement Park — providing a wholesome recreational environment for children, teens, and adults, made available free of charge to children and teenagers from Glory Arena during major programmes.

At the Redemption City Headquarters, Glory Arena — a befitting worship centre for teens and children — was provided, complete with over eight halls, accommodation, a clinic, and a capacity to accommodate over 150,000 teens, children, and their teachers. Daddy and Mummy G.O. recently built what is described as the world's largest children's auditorium, with an initial seating capacity of 40,000, used during the 73rd Annual Convention.