Pastor Chris Wife, Marriage and Divorce: A Journey of Faith and Purpose

The story of Pastor Chris’s wife and his subsequent divorce has captured the attention of many followers and observers around the world.

By: Guest

As a global spiritual leader, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome has lived a public life for decades. However, when private matters such as his marriage and subsequent divorce became headlines, it opened up questions not only about the man behind the ministry but also about how faith, grace, and purpose intersect in times of personal challenge.

Rather than focus on speculation or tabloid drama, this article aims to reflect on the
real essence of what unfolded, how it was handled, and the legacy that continues to
be shaped despite the past.

A Faith-Based Union: The Beginning of Pastor Chris and Anita’s Marriage
Before conversations about Pastor Chris’s divorce began circulating, there was a time
when his marriage was a quiet testament to partnership in ministry. Pastor Chris Oyakhilome married Anita Ebhodaghe in the early 1990s. Together, they served in the LoveWorld Nation (also known as Christ Embassy), a ministry that grew exponentially under Pastor Chris’ leadership and vision.

Anita was known to be supportive and visible in the early days of the ministry, often speaking at women’s conferences and engaging in faith-based teaching and outreach. Their union produced two daughters, Sharon and Charlyn, who became part of a growing global family tied not just by blood, but by faith.

As the ministry expanded globally, with Healing Streams, Rhapsody of Realities, and
LoveWorld USA becoming household names, the couple’s personal life remained mostly out of public scrutiny. That changed in 2014 when news about their separation emerged.

Understanding Pastor Chris’s Divorce: A Story of Grace Under Pressure
In 2014, the story of Pastor Chris Oyakhilome’s divorce from his wife, Anita, was confirmed after months of speculation. Filed in the UK, the divorce was finalized in 2016, officially ending a marriage that had lasted over two decades.

Though the news made international headlines, Pastor Chris chose not to engage in the drama. Instead, he handled the matter with maturity, focusing on his calling, ministry, and millions of followers worldwide. His statements during that time reminded the public that while he is a man of God, he is still human. It was an honest and humbling moment that showed the spiritual leader’s commitment to integrity and privacy.

Pastor Chris once told his congregation:

“If you are married to a man of God, it doesn’t mean you are married to God. A man of God is not God. You can’t say because he is a man of God, that’s why you married him. The man of God is not the Word of God.”

These words, filled with wisdom and truth, offered clarity and reminded believers not to idolize spiritual leaders, but to keep their eyes on God.

Life After Divorce: Pastor Chris’s Continued Ministry Impact
Despite the challenges of divorce, Pastor Chris’ influence in the Christian world did not waver. In fact, the years following the separation have been marked by exponential growth in his global ministry.

The Healing Streams Live Healing Services, which have drawn hundreds of millions of
viewers from every continent, demonstrate the anointing on his life and the mission that continues undeterred. His teachings on divine health, the Holy Spirit, and victorious living remain central to his message. The Global Communion Services, Rhapsody of Realities daily devotional, and international conferences such as the International Pastors’ and Partners’ Conference (IPPC) continue to inspire and build
believers.

Meanwhile, his daughter Sharon Oyakhilome married Ghanaian entrepreneur Phillip Frimpong in a widely celebrated ceremony in 2018 officiated by close family friend, Pastor Benny Hinn. The event showed a family that continues to walk in love and grace, despite the past.

What Happened to Pastor Chris’ Wife Anita?
Since the divorce, Anita Oyakhilome has chosen a life away from the spotlight. She relocated to the United Kingdom and rebranded herself as a Christian author and speaker. She writes under the name Anita Schafer and occasionally publishes blog entries that reflect her journey and faith.

Her writing reveals a thoughtful, introspective, and deeply spiritual individual who is navigating her new chapter with purpose. While Anita no longer serves within Christ Embassy or any associated ministry, she has remained respectful and silent about the details of the divorce, a gesture that reflects maturity and grace.

Her decision to stay relatively private has allowed both her and Pastor Chris to walk separate paths in faith without controversy, a rare and admirable approach in today’s age of oversharing and scandal.

Lessons for the Church: Beyond Pastor Chris’s Divorce
In the last few years the topic of Pastor Chris’ wife has sparked necessary conversations within the church about marriage, leadership, and the expectations placed on spiritual leaders. Christians often hold pastors to unattainable standards, expecting perfection in all areas, including marriage.

Yet, the Bible is filled with stories of great men and women of God who experienced personal loss, pain, and restoration. What matters most is how one responds to adversity. In Pastor Chris’ case, he responded with focus, grace, and an unwavering commitment to his divine assignment.

Rather than casting judgment, many believers have taken this moment as a lesson in faith. Divorce is not the end of one’s purpose, nor is it a disqualification from ministry. Restoration, in many ways, is still possible.

Moving Forward with Purpose
Today, Pastor Chris continues to lead millions around the world, unshaken by the personal storms of yesterday. The message he preaches remains clear: God’s love is endless, His calling is sure, and His grace is sufficient.

While his former wife, Anita, builds a quiet and meaningful life of her own, both individuals seem to have embraced their destinies with peace and purpose. The ministry of Pastor Chris Oyakhilome stands as a testament that even in the face of personal setbacks, the anointing of God continues to flow powerfully through a yielded vessel.

For many around the world who have faced divorce, separation, or loss, this story is one of encouragement, not scandal. It proves that no matter the past, your future can still shine with divine purpose.