A large, independent African-initiated church, it has an estimated 6 million believers[citation needed] and has its headquarters in Nkamba, Kongo Central.

[2][3] In April 1921, Kimbangu, a Baptist mission catechist, inaugurated a mass movement through his supposed miraculous healings and biblical teaching.

Some smaller, more loosely organised groups in Central Africa regard Kimbangu as God's prophet.

His father had been a traditional religious leader, but both parents died and Kimbangu was orphaned and put in the care of his maternal aunt.

[1] The church eschews politics and embraces Puritan ethics, rejecting the use of violence, polygamy, magic and witchcraft, alcohol, tobacco, and dancing.