Bishop Mark Kariuki – Founder, Deliverance Church Nakuru

The Deliverance Church, as it stands today, is synonymous with the dynamic leadership of Bishop Mark Kariuki. Born on 25th July 1951 in Elburgon, Nakuru, Bishop Kariuki has been the General Overseer of Deliverance Church since 2009, succeeding Bishop William Tuimising. His journey with the church, however, began long before he took on this pivotal role.

Leadership Roles and Church Expansion

Before becoming the General Overseer, Bishop Mark Kariuki was the Chairman of the Deliverance Church Council (DCC), a governing body formed during the Deliverance Church National Pastors’ Conference at St. Mary’s Pastoral Centre in Nakuru in 1991. This was the same year the Deliverance Church in Nakuru acquired its current land in Freehold, marking a significant milestone in its history.

Spiritual Journey and Family Life

Bishop Mark Kariuki’s early life set the foundation for his impactful ministry. He attended Michinda Primary and Koelel High School before pursuing his teacher training at Asumbi Teachers Training College, where he experienced a life-changing spiritual awakening in 1973. His faith journey continued when he moved to Mombasa as a teacher, where he met and married Joyce Wangui in 1978. They were blessed with three children.

Founding Nakuru’s Deliverance Church

In 1979, Mark and his family returned to Nakuru, where they initially worshipped at the Assemblies of God Church (AGC) under Pastor Harun Lihanda. By 1983, Mark Kariuki felt a calling to ministry that led him to resign from his position as Deputy Headteacher at Kenyatta Primary School. In October of the same year, he founded the Deliverance Church in Nakuru, starting with just six congregants at the Old Town Hall.

Church Growth and Influence

Known for his charismatic and self-driven nature, Bishop Kariuki rapidly grew the church. His efforts in conducting crusades and visiting schools and colleges in Nakuru significantly increased the church’s following. Notably, after the Reinhard Bonnke crusade in 1987, the church’s membership surged, necessitating three Sunday services.

Acquisition of Church Land and Membership Surge

By 1991, the church had outgrown its initial location and acquired a piece of land in Freehold, adjacent to the AGC church where Bishop Kariuki had once worshipped. The church membership had soared to over 2,000 by this time, underscoring the profound impact of his leadership.

Expansion in Central Rift Valley

Beyond Nakuru, Bishop Kariuki has played a crucial role in the growth of Deliverance Church across the central Rift Valley, attributed to his exceptional leadership qualities. He also serves as the Chairman of the Evangelical Alliance of Kenya (EAK), where he is a vocal advocate on national issues.

Personal Life and Legacy

In his personal life, Bishop Kariuki faced the loss of his first wife, Joyce Wangui, in November 2007. In May 2013, he married his second wife, Joyce Wacera, in a grand wedding at Kasarani, which was the last wedding featured on Samantha’s Bridal Show, attended by over 6,000 guests and lasting seven hours. They honeymooned in Tanzania.

Ongoing Impact and Vision

The Deliverance Church under Bishop Mark Kariuki’s stewardship continues to thrive and expand, embodying a rich legacy of faith, community, and transformative leadership. His life and work remain a testament to his dedication to spreading the Christian faith and nurturing a vibrant church community in Nakuru and beyond.

Beyond Nakuru, Bishop Kariuki has played a crucial role in the growth of Deliverance Church across the central Rift Valley, attributed to his exceptional leadership qualities. He also serves as the Chairman of the Evangelical Alliance of Kenya (EAK), where he is a vocal advocate on national issues.

In his personal life, Bishop Kariuki faced the loss of his first wife, Joyce Wangui, in November 2007. In May 2013, he married his second wife, Joyce Wacera, in a grand wedding at Kasarani, which was the last wedding featured on Samantha’s Bridal Show, attended by over 6,000 guests and lasting seven hours. They honeymooned in Tanzania.

The Deliverance Church under Bishop Mark Kariuki’s stewardship continues to thrive and expand, embodying a rich legacy of faith, community, and transformative leadership. His life and work remain a testament to his dedication to spreading the Christian faith and nurturing a vibrant church community in Nakuru and beyond.