10/03/2026
HISTORY OF NEWMAN KINGDOM CHURCH
By Apostle Kunle Akintunde
THE DIVINE BURDEN
Newman Kingdom Church was born out of a deep spiritual burden placed in the heart of Apostle Kunle Akintunde to raise believers who would not only attend church but live as representatives of the Kingdom of God in every sphere of life. He defines the vision as helping believers discover, develop and deploy their God-given potentials and calling for effective living and kingdom participation.
Apostle Kunle Akintunde was actively involved in Christian leadership, teaching, and discipleship, especially among young believers and emerging leaders.
He served in several ministry roles including praise team leader, drama coordinator, youth minister, and pastor in different denominations. He also participated in mission outreaches to Benin Republic, Togo, and Ghana where he preached the Word of God and discipled young believers. During this period, he became increasingly convinced that many believers desired deeper spiritual formation, practical discipleship, and leadership training that would equip them to function effectively in society.
THE ENCOUNTERS
He had several encounters while growing up as a young believer. One such encounter was when God spoke to him during the ministration of Pastor Olawale Olasoju, one of the pastors he served with at the Redeemed Christian Church of God. The pastor was sharing about the story of Jacob and Esau, specifically the part where Jacob encountered God in Bethel and He made a covenant with him. Apostle Kunle heard it clearly while the ministration was going on that the story is likened to him. God was saying, that is you. The meaning of this experience did not immediately become clear until he later had another unique encounter. While serving under the leadership of Pastor Shola Ajose, at Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries, he had a vision where he was introduced to a patriarch of faith, Dr D.K Olukoya as a very great man and a pastor to kings. Alongside other revelations that came through prophecies and dreams, he then was able to understand that he has been called to raise kings and priests unto God.
THE WAITING AND TRAINING
This conviction led to a season of prayer, study of the Scriptures, and reflection on the model of the church. About eight years passed but the church didn’t start. Apostle Kunle at this period attended New Creature Bible Institute where he obtained both diploma and degree certificates in Christian Theology. On completion, he did his pastoral teaching practice at New Creature Evangelical Church headquarters under the leadership of the patriarch of faith, Rev Dr Oludaitan. He also gave himself to different learning platforms that helped shape and empower him for the work ahead. Though he organized youth programs and evangelical outreaches at this period but didn’t start the church yet.
THE VISION OF THE NEWMAN
From his spiritual journey emerged the vision of raising the “New Man” in Christ which are believers who have been transformed by the gospel and equipped to manifest the culture and values of the Kingdom of God.
Thus, Newman Kingdom Church was conceived and adopted as a ministry devoted to discipleship, kingdom teaching, and leadership development.
IMPARTATION AND ORDINATION
Apostle Kunle Akintunde was ordained into the apostolic office in the presence of many credible clergy men and believers by his spiritual father Pastor Alli Olasunkanmi, the lead Pastor of Glad Tidings Assembly Ibadan. Though prior to his official ordination, he had been greatly imparted by various great ministers of the gospel including fathers he served with or collaborated with in the course of his spiritual journey.
A few brethren and dedicated disciples had already begun gathering in Badagry in his parlor before his ordination that same year.
THE BEGINNING IN BADAGRY
In 2023, the ministry began in Badagry, Lagos State, a historic city known for its cultural heritage and spiritual significance. The young flock started as a fellowship of believers committed to prayer, the teaching of Scripture, and spiritual growth in the small parlor where he stayed with his wife.
As the ministry developed, the vision expanded beyond a traditional church model. The goal became to build a self-sustaining kingdom system that equips people spiritually, intellectually, and socially.
Out of this broader vision emerged related initiatives such as:
• The Newman Tribe - a gospel music platform that raises Spirit-filled ministers and sounds for global revival
• Newman Bible College – for theological training and ministerial formation
• Newman Business Institute – for marketplace leadership and entrepreneurship
• Newman Volunteer Corps (NEVOC) – for discipleship and community service
A CONTINUING MANDATE
As Newman Kingdom Church continues its journey, the vision remains clear: to raise believers who embody the life and character of Christ while influencing their world with Kingdom values.
What began as a small fellowship in a living room in Badagry has grown into a developing ministry committed to discipleship, leadership formation, and kingdom impact. Newman Kingdom Church looks toward the future with faith and expectation, trusting God to expand its reach and raise generations of kingdom citizens who will serve God and humanity across nations.
