From Engineering to Evangelism: The Inspiring Journey of Pastor James Oladipo Fadel

From Nigeria to an Engineering Career in America

In 1982, Fadel received a state scholarship to further his education in Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mathematics at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

After graduating, he joined Ford Motor Company as a mechanical engineer and eventually rose to the position of Senior Design Engineer. While building his engineering career, Fadel continued his education, earning a Master of Science degree in Operations Research in 1990 and an MBA from Lawrence Technological University in Southfield, Michigan, in 1993.

His education was not limited to engineering and business. Fadel also attended Bible College at Birmingham Bible Institute in the United States, reflecting a spiritual calling that remained present alongside his professional ambitions.

In 1995, his entrepreneurial drive led him to start a car-detailing business. The following year, he acquired a Wendy’s franchise and later expanded his business portfolio with a second franchise in 2005.

Marriage, Family, and Faith

While attending Western Michigan University, Fadel met Dr. Manita Fadel, then a freshman pursuing a career in pediatric medicine. After three years of friendship, they married on August 12, 1989.

The couple was blessed with three daughters and built a life centered on family, professional achievement, and ministry.

On Fadel’s 50th birthday, Dr. Manita reflected on her husband’s commitment to their marriage and family:

“Throughout 19 years of marriage, James has always remained faithful, devoted, and committed in all areas of his marriage and family life. Although he has faced many challenges balancing family, work, and ministry, God has always been faithful in allowing him to achieve it. In today’s world, this is only by God’s grace and favor!”

The Influence of Pastor E.A. Adeboye

Pastor Enoch Adeboye, General Overseer of The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), played an important role in Fadel’s spiritual and leadership development.

Growing up in the same compound, Fadel admired Adeboye, who was also a mathematician, and regarded him as a role model.

“Pastor Adeboye inspired and mentored me in the area of Mathematics,” Fadel recalled. “His favorite question then was, ‘How is your Math?’”

After becoming born again, Fadel joined Deeper Life Church in Nigeria in 1975. He later joined The Redeemed Christian Church of God, where Pastor Adeboye became his Bible study teacher.

Their relationship continued after Fadel moved to the United States.

During one of Adeboye’s visits to America, he encouraged Fadel to establish an RCCG congregation. Fadel was initially hesitant, but in 1991, Adeboye visited his Detroit home and encouraged him to begin a fellowship in his basement with his family.

That small gathering became the foundation for a much larger ministry.

Building RCCG in North America

By April 1992, the fellowship had developed into Winner’s Chapel, described as the first branch of The Redeemed Christian Church of God in North America. Fadel served as its Senior Pastor for more than a decade.

The years between 1992 and 2001 brought both growth and challenges. They strengthened Fadel’s leadership and deepened his Christian faith and dependence on God.

A major turning point came in October 2001 during a ministers’ conference in Dallas, Texas. Pastor Adeboye announced that Fadel would become Chairman of the Board of Coordinators for The Redeemed Christian Church of God North America.

The appointment surprised Fadel and his family because of the sacrifice and responsibility it required. Nevertheless, he accepted the assignment, trusting God for the grace to fulfill it.

Fadel subsequently devoted many weekends to visiting church zones, conducting leadership and training sessions, and helping ensure that RCCG’s vision was carried forward throughout North America. He also worked to develop programs designed to strengthen pastors and church workers in their Christian walk and local ministry.

Building RCCG in North America

By April 1992, the fellowship had developed into Winner’s Chapel, described as the first branch of The Redeemed Christian Church of God in North America. Fadel served as its Senior Pastor for more than a decade.

The years between 1992 and 2001 brought both growth and challenges. They strengthened Fadel’s leadership abilities while deepening his Christian faith and dependence on God.

A major turning point came in October 2001 during a ministers’ conference in Dallas, Texas. Pastor Adeboye announced that Fadel would become Chairman of the Board of Coordinators for The Redeemed Christian Church of God North America.

The appointment surprised Fadel and his family because of the sacrifice and responsibility it required. Nevertheless, he accepted the assignment, trusting God for the grace to fulfill it.

Fadel subsequently devoted many weekends to visiting church zones, conducting leadership and training sessions, and helping ensure that RCCG’s vision was carried forward throughout North America. He also worked to develop programs designed to strengthen pastors and church workers in their Christian walk and local ministry.

A New Chapter in Texas

In June 2006, Fadel and his family relocated to the Dallas area to contribute to the development of RCCG’s 700-acre Redemption Camp in Floyd, Texas.

His wife, Dr. Manita Fadel, a pediatrician and co-pastor, made a major transition of her own, closing her medical clinic to devote herself full-time to ministry.

Her contributions included developing Sunday school curricula for children and establishing a ministry for pastors’ wives. In 2007, she received the “Angel in the Community Award” from The Winners Assembly Church in South Dallas in recognition of her service in ministry and the community.

Under Fadel’s leadership, RCCG The Americas expanded across North, Central, and South America. He also spearheaded the establishment of the 700-acre headquarters in Floyd, Texas, where thousands have gathered for the Annual Convention at Redemption Camp.

Fadel served as Senior Pastor of Throne of Grace, the first church at Redemption Camp, founded in October 2006. He later became Senior Pastor of RCCG New Life Church in Dallas, Texas.

Leadership Through Service

Pastor James O. Fadel, M.S.O.R., M.B.A., D.Min., has held numerous leadership responsibilities within The Redeemed Christian Church of God. His ministry has included overseeing pastors, developing leaders, strengthening churches, and helping expand RCCG’s work across the Americas.

He is also an author and established Fadel Publishing Inc. His books include Right Leadership, Your 4 Fathers and Their Kingdoms, Be an Encourager and its study guide, and Oasis of Elim: A 31-Day Devotional.

When asked what advice he would give pastors in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, Fadel emphasized communication, prayer, and mutual respect between pastors and their ministers. He also stressed the importance of pastors remaining accessible to both ministers and church members and of cultivating healthy relationships within the church.

Finishing the Race Well

Despite his achievements in engineering, business, education, and ministry, Fadel’s ultimate measure of success is spiritual.

His prayer is to finish the race well.

Drawing from Acts 24:16, he expressed his desire to maintain a clear conscience before God and people. Reflecting on Philippians 1:20, he also shared his determination not to bring shame to God, the church, or his family name.

From mathematics and mechanical engineering to entrepreneurship and evangelism, Pastor James Oladipo Fadel’s life illustrates how a professional career, personal ambition, and spiritual calling can converge into a life of leadership and service.

His journey is ultimately not simply about changing careers. It is about responding to purpose, and using education, experience, faith, and leadership to serve others.

May Oyairo is the Founder and Publisher of MannaXPRESS.