Biography of Pastor Paul Adefarasin

Introduction

Pastor Paul Adeolu Adefarasin is a distinguished Minister, Bible Teacher, and Televangelist, serving as the Prelate and Metropolitan Pastor of the House on the Rock churches, headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria. With branches spread across various cities in Nigeria, including Port-Harcourt, Abuja, as well as in Johannesburg, South Africa, and London, UK, he has established a global footprint.

As the founder and Senior Pastor of House on the Rock Church, based in Lagos State, Pastor Paul Adefarasin exemplifies strong leadership in both ministry and authorship. His annual Gospel music concert, "The Experience," has evolved into a renowned worldwide event, drawing attendees globally.

Beyond his ministerial endeavours, Pastor Paul is the convener and host of the weekly TV program, "Something is About to Happen," reaching audiences across Africa and Europe. In addition to his spiritual leadership, he is the Founder of the Rock Foundation, a charitable organization dedicated to significant humanitarian and social responsibilities. The Rock Foundation actively engages in initiatives such as prison reform, education, and healthcare, reflecting Pastor Paul's commitment to making a positive impact on society.

Background & Personal Life

Paul Adefarasin, born on January 25, 1963, to Joseph Adefarasin, a Nigerian High Court judge, and Hilda Adefarasin, a Jamaican women's rights activist, hails from Ijebu Ode and Lagos State, respectively. He is a sibling to Rev. Wale Adefarasin and Apostle Yemi Adefarasin, both esteemed Christian Ministers in Nigeria. Raised in Nigeria and the United States, Adefarasin's educational journey included St Saviour’s School in Ikoyi, Igbobi College in Yaba, and Haileybury College in England for his secondary education. He furthered his studies at the University of Miami, earning a Bachelor of Architecture, and pursued a Diploma in Christian Ministry at the International Bible Institute of London.

In June 1995, Pastor Paul Adefarasin entered marital bliss with Ifeanyi Adefarasin (born September 16, 1972), a former beauty queen turned minister and conference speaker known for her clear and empowering message of hope. The couple, blessed with three children, shares a commitment to their faith and community. Notably, Pastor Paul Adefarasin benefits from direct access and mentoring from his spiritual father, Bishop T.D. Jakes.

Journey Into Ministry

While residing in Florida, Paul Adefarasin pursued a career as an architect with Baldwin, Sackman, and Carrington Architects. However, his life took a transformative turn, and he overcame struggles with drug addiction after repentance in 1994. Following his conversion, Adefarasin graduated from the International Bible Institute of London and initially volunteered before assuming the role of pastor at Action Chapel in London.

In 1994, Pastor Paul Adefarasin initiated the House on the Rock Church in his mother’s living room in Lagos. What began with a few attendees has since flourished into a Ministry with over 50 branches across Africa and Europe. A visionary leader, Adefarasin responded to God's leading by establishing the Lagos Experience Gospel Musical Concert in 2006. This event has become a significant milestone, attracting gospel music luminaries. The concert has featured artists like Travis Greene, Sinach, Nathaniel Bassey, Don Moen, Donnie McClurkin, Tope Alabi, Planetshakers, Chioma Jesus, Eben, Onos, Sammie Okposo, Todd Dulaney, Mercy Chinwo, and many others.

In 2011, Pastor Adefarasin ventured into music production, collaborating with Nigerian musicians such as Niki Laoye, Segun Obe, Sammie Okposo, and saxophonist Mike Aremu. Committed to social and humanitarian causes, he founded the Rock Foundation, collaborating with the church to address issues like the rehabilitation and empowerment of ex-convicts, urban miscreants, prostitutes, and drug addicts. Drawing from his own experience as a former drug addict, Pastor Adefarasin passionately advocates against social vices. His impactful public program, "Something is About to Happen," contributes to spreading positive messages and fostering change.

Publications

Paul Adefarasin has made significant contributions to Christian literature with over 20 motivational Christian mini-books and multimedia resources. While three of his books have been published by Christian book publishers and distributors, he has also undertaken self-publishing. Some of his notable works include:

These books reflect Pastor Adefarasin's commitment to providing motivational and insightful content to inspire and guide individuals in their Christian journey.

Awards and Nominations

Paul Adefarasin has received notable recognition in the form of awards and nominations. In 2021, he was honoured as Forbes Africa's most influential personality of the year.

Social Media Handles

For those interested in following him on social media, Pastor Paul Adefarasin can be found on