Alph Lukau Biography: Age, Wife, Children, Church, Net Worth and Ministry

Last Updated on September 11, 2026 by Bakare Sherifdeen

Introduction

Alph Lukau is a Congolese-born pastor, Bible teacher, author, televangelist and entrepreneur best known as the founder and General Overseer of Alleluia Ministries International (AMI), a Christian ministry headquartered in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Over the years, Lukau has developed AMI into an international ministry with branches and followers across Africa and other parts of the world. His ministry is known for Bible teaching, prophetic ministry, healing services, prayer and evangelistic outreach. AMI says the church was founded on February 24, 2002, in Lyndhurst, Johannesburg.

Lukau has also established a public profile outside the pulpit through television, books, social media, business and humanitarian activities. His official biography describes him as a Bible scholar, international speaker, author and businessman with interests spanning finance, real estate, technology, marketing and manufacturing.

However, his career has not been without controversy. In 2019, he attracted international attention after a video from an AMI service appeared to show him raising a deceased man back to life. The incident generated widespread debate and allegations of a staged miracle, which Lukau and his ministry disputed. The episode remains one of the most discussed moments in his public career.

This article explores Alph Lukau’s age, early life, education, wife, children, church, ministry, books, business activities, humanitarian work, controversies, net worth and legacy.

Key Takeaways

• Alph Lukau was born on October 25, 1975, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
• He later established his ministry base in South Africa.
• He is the founder and General Overseer of Alleluia Ministries International.
• AMI was founded on February 24, 2002, in Lyndhurst, Johannesburg.
• He is married to Lady Celeste Jasmine Lukau.
• Alph and Celeste Lukau have six biological children, according to the official AMI biography.
• He is an author and the writer of The Rise of the Prophetic Voice.
• His ministry operates internationally across Africa and other regions.
• He is also involved in business and entrepreneurship.
• Through the AL Foundation, he has supported humanitarian and community initiatives.
• His public career has included significant controversy, particularly surrounding a widely circulated 2019 resurrection video.

Alph Lukau at a Glance

Alph Lukau’s rise to prominence has been closely connected to the development of Alleluia Ministries International.

Unlike a ministry built around a single local congregation, AMI has developed a broader structure involving church branches, international programs, television, social media, conferences, humanitarian initiatives and ministerial activities.

His ministry also places considerable emphasis on prophetic teaching and divine healing, areas that have contributed both to his popularity among supporters and to public scrutiny from critics.

Alph Lukau Quick Facts

Detail	Information
Full Name	Alph Lukau
Date of Birth	October 25, 1975
Age	50 years old
Place of Birth	Democratic Republic of the Congo
Nationality	Congolese-born, South African-based
Occupation	Pastor, Author, Televangelist, Entrepreneur
Church	Alleluia Ministries International
Ministry Founded	February 24, 2002
Wife	Celeste Jasmine Lukau
Children	6
Known For	AMI, prophetic ministry, healing ministry, television and Christian books
Education	MBA and theological studies

Early Life and Family

Alph Lukau was born on October 25, 1975, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Multiple biographical sources identify the DRC as his birthplace, while his ministry career later became closely associated with South Africa.

Information about his parents, siblings and childhood is relatively limited in publicly available sources. Unlike some prominent pastors who have extensively documented childhood histories, Lukau’s official ministry biography focuses much more heavily on his ministry, education, family and work as an adult.

He eventually moved to South Africa, where he established the ministry that would become the central focus of his public life.

His transition from the Democratic Republic of the Congo to South Africa was significant because South Africa eventually became the headquarters of his international ministry.

Education

Education has been an important part of Alph Lukau’s public profile.

His current official biography identifies him as holding a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Collège de Paris. It also states that he holds a Doctorate in Theology from Logos University and is pursuing a Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) through Ascencia Business School and Charisma University.

His educational background is notable because it combines theological studies with business education.

This combination has also influenced the way he presents his ministry. Alongside preaching and Bible teaching, Lukau has developed interests in entrepreneurship, leadership, finance and organizational development.

It is worth noting that educational information about Lukau has changed over time as he has completed additional programs and pursued further studies. His current ministry biography is therefore the most appropriate source for describing his present academic credentials.

Christian Calling and Early Ministry

Before becoming the leader of a large international ministry, Alph Lukau was involved in Christian ministry and evangelism in South Africa.

His early ministry development was influenced by Pastor Jacques Vernaud, whom Lukau regarded as his spiritual mentor.

Accounts associated with Lukau’s ministry state that he submitted to Vernaud’s leadership and received spiritual mentorship from him. Vernaud remained an important figure in Lukau’s early spiritual development until his death in September 2011.

Lukau’s ministry eventually developed around Bible teaching, prayer, prophecy, healing and evangelism.

These themes would later become central characteristics of Alleluia Ministries International.

Spiritual Mentorship

Jacques Vernaud occupies an important place in the story of Alph Lukau’s ministry.

According to accounts associated with Lukau, Vernaud played a significant role in his spiritual development and mentoring. Lukau has continued to speak of the influence of his spiritual mentor in connection with his own ministry journey.

This period of mentorship came before the establishment of AMI and helped shape the theological and ministry direction that Lukau would later pursue.

Vernaud died on September 28, 2011, but his influence remained part of the narrative surrounding Lukau’s early ministry.

Founding Alleluia Ministries International

The biggest milestone in Alph Lukau’s ministry career came in 2002, when he founded Alleluia Ministries International.

AMI officially identifies February 24, 2002, as the date the church began in Lyndhurst, Johannesburg, South Africa.

The ministry describes itself as a Bible-believing Christian church whose foundation is rooted in the Word of God.

From its beginning, the church emphasized discipleship rather than simply gathering large numbers of people. Its official website describes AMI as a family of disciples and identifies its broader mission as expanding the Kingdom of God through evangelism and outreach.

Lukau became the church’s founder and General Overseer, a position he continues to hold.

Growth of Alleluia Ministries International

AMI grew from its original congregation in Johannesburg into an international Christian organization.

The ministry’s official website currently lists branches and ministry activities across South Africa and other parts of Africa, as well as locations in Europe and South America. Lukau’s official biography describes AMI as having an international presence spanning Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia, North America and South America.

The church’s growth has been supported by several areas of ministry, including:

• Bible teaching
• Prophetic ministry
• Prayer
• Divine healing
• Evangelism
• Conferences
• International visitors programs
• Television broadcasting
• Digital ministry
• Children’s ministry
• Humanitarian outreach

AMI has also developed a strong media presence, allowing Lukau’s sermons and ministry programs to reach people who do not attend its physical branches.

Alph Lukau’s Wife

Alph Lukau is married to Lady Celeste Jasmine Lukau, popularly known as Mama Celeste within the ministry.

Celeste serves alongside her husband in Alleluia Ministries International and is involved in Christian ministry and public speaking.

The official AMI biography describes her as a ministry partner to Alph Lukau and states that the couple have six biological children.

Their marriage and joint involvement in ministry have made the Lukaus one of the prominent pastor couples associated with South African Pentecostal Christianity.

Celeste has also maintained a public ministry profile of her own, appearing alongside her husband at church services and other ministry events.

Alph Lukau’s Children

Alph and Celeste Lukau have six biological children, according to the current official biography published by Alleluia Ministries International.

The Lukau family has occasionally appeared in the public activities surrounding AMI, although the couple have generally kept detailed information about their children’s private lives limited.

One of their sons is publicly known as Richie Lukau, who has appeared in connection with his father’s ministry and family activities. However, detailed and consistently verified public information about each of the six children is limited.

For that reason, it is more accurate to state the confirmed family size rather than publish unverified details about individual children.

Books and Writing Ministry

Alph Lukau has developed a writing ministry alongside his preaching career. His books focus on subjects such as prophecy, faith, spiritual growth, prayer, leadership and Christian living.

One of his notable publications is The Rise of the Prophetic Voice, which discusses the prophetic ministry and the role of prophetic voices within contemporary Christianity.

His books and teaching materials have helped extend his ministry beyond physical church services, allowing followers to engage with his teachings through written resources.

As with his preaching ministry, his publications often emphasize the importance of faith, prayer, spiritual discernment and a believer’s relationship with God.

Television and Digital Ministry

Media has played an important role in the international growth of Alleluia Ministries International.

Pastor Alph Lukau’s sermons and ministry programs are distributed through television, livestreams, social media and other digital platforms. AMI’s online presence gives international followers access to church services and teachings without having to attend the Johannesburg headquarters physically.

The ministry also uses social media extensively to share sermons, prophetic messages, testimonies, prayer sessions and announcements.

This digital strategy has helped Lukau build an audience outside South Africa and has contributed to his recognition across different parts of Africa and among international Pentecostal audiences.

The use of digital media is particularly important to AMI because the church’s international audience is not limited to people living near its physical branches.

AL Foundation and Humanitarian Work

Beyond preaching, Alph Lukau has been associated with humanitarian activities through the AL Foundation.

The foundation’s activities have included assistance to disadvantaged individuals and communities, with a particular emphasis on practical support.

Humanitarian programs associated with Lukau and AMI have included food distribution, assistance to families facing financial hardship and support for people in vulnerable circumstances.

These initiatives form part of a broader approach to ministry in which Christian service extends beyond the church building.

The foundation has also provided a platform through which members and supporters of the ministry can participate in charitable activities.

Business and Entrepreneurship

Alph Lukau is also known for his involvement in business.

His official biography describes him as an entrepreneur with interests in several sectors, including finance, real estate, technology, marketing and manufacturing. (alleluiaministries.com)

His business interests are separate from the religious activities of Alleluia Ministries International, although his public identity as a pastor and entrepreneur frequently overlap.

Lukau has also spoken about financial literacy, entrepreneurship and personal development in his ministry teachings.

His combination of ministry and business has contributed to his reputation as a pastor whose activities extend beyond traditional church leadership.

Alph Lukau Net Worth

Alph Lukau’s exact personal net worth has not been publicly established through audited financial records.

Various websites have published different estimates of his wealth, with figures ranging from several million dollars to considerably higher amounts. These estimates are difficult to verify because there is no publicly available statement detailing his personal assets, investments, liabilities and income.

His known sources of economic activity include business interests, publishing and other ventures associated with his professional career. His ministry also operates a substantial international organization, but the assets and finances of a church should not automatically be treated as the personal property of its founder.

For BelieversBio, a reasonable estimated figure is $10 million to $20 million.

This places him among the wealthier African pastors frequently discussed in connection with the modern Pentecostal movement, although the precise amount of his personal wealth remains uncertain.

Alph Lukau Controversies

Alph Lukau’s ministry has attracted considerable public attention, particularly because of claims surrounding miracles and healing.

The most famous controversy occurred in February 2019, when a video from an Alleluia Ministries service circulated widely online and appeared to show Lukau resurrecting a man who had been brought to the church in a coffin.

The video quickly went viral and generated international media coverage.

The 2019 Resurrection Incident

The man was presented during a service as having died, and Lukau prayed over him before he appeared to regain consciousness.

The incident generated widespread skepticism.

South African media reported that the incident was questioned by government authorities and other organizations. The funeral parlour connected with the incident also became part of the controversy, with reports indicating that the circumstances surrounding the man’s arrival at the church raised questions about whether he had actually been dead before the service. (news24.com)

The Advertising Regulatory Board of South Africa later became involved after complaints concerning advertising associated with the claimed miracle. The matter ultimately resulted in a ruling concerning advertisements by Alleluia Ministries. (presscouncilsa.org.za)

AMI maintained that the incident had been misrepresented and disputed accusations that it had staged a resurrection.

The controversy became one of the most widely discussed episodes involving a contemporary African Pentecostal preacher.

Public Debate Over Prophetic Ministry

Lukau’s broader ministry style has also generated debate.

His services frequently include prophetic declarations, healing claims, testimonies and demonstrations of spiritual gifts. Supporters regard these practices as expressions of biblical Christianity and point to testimonies from people who say they have experienced healing or other breakthroughs.

Critics, meanwhile, have questioned some miracle claims and aspects of the prosperity and prophetic movements within African Pentecostalism.

These disagreements reflect a much broader debate within Christianity about the role of prophecy, healing, miracles and prosperity teaching in modern church ministry.

It is important to distinguish criticism and allegations from established findings. The 2019 resurrection incident generated extensive scrutiny, but the existence of controversy itself should not be presented as proof that every claim associated with Lukau’s ministry is fraudulent.

Achievements and Legacy

Alph Lukau has built a distinctive place within contemporary African Pentecostal Christianity.

His major achievements include:

• Founding Alleluia Ministries International in 2002.
• Developing AMI from a local congregation into an international ministry.
• Establishing a large television and digital ministry.
• Writing Christian books and teaching materials.
• Building an international audience through social media and online broadcasting.
• Establishing humanitarian initiatives associated with the AL Foundation.
• Developing business interests in multiple sectors.
• Hosting international Christian services, conferences and ministry programs.
• Training and mentoring Christian ministers and church workers.
• Establishing a ministry with a significant presence in South Africa and other countries.

Lukau’s influence is particularly visible in the way modern African Pentecostal ministries use television, social media and digital broadcasting to reach international audiences.

His career also illustrates the increasingly global nature of African Christianity. A pastor based in Johannesburg can now reach congregations and followers across several continents without establishing a physical church in every location.

At the same time, the controversies surrounding his ministry have made him one of the more debated figures within the contemporary prophetic movement.

Whether viewed from the perspective of his supporters or his critics, Alph Lukau has become an influential figure whose ministry has attracted substantial international attention.

Frequently Asked Questions About Alph Lukau

1. Who is Alph Lukau?

Alph Lukau is a Congolese-born pastor, author, televangelist and entrepreneur. He is the founder and General Overseer of Alleluia Ministries International, based in Johannesburg, South Africa.

2. How old is Alph Lukau?

Alph Lukau was born on October 25, 1975. He is 50 years old as of 2026.

3. What church does Alph Lukau lead?

Alph Lukau is the founder and General Overseer of Alleluia Ministries International, commonly known as AMI.

4. Who is Alph Lukau’s wife?

Alph Lukau is married to Lady Celeste Jasmine Lukau, also known as Mama Celeste. She serves alongside him in ministry.

5. How many children does Alph Lukau have?

Alph and Celeste Lukau have six biological children, according to the official biography published by Alleluia Ministries International.

6. What is Alph Lukau’s net worth?

Alph Lukau’s net worth is estimated at approximately $10 million to $20 million. However, his exact personal wealth has not been publicly verified through audited financial records.

7. When did Alph Lukau start his church?

Alph Lukau founded Alleluia Ministries International on February 24, 2002, in Lyndhurst, Johannesburg, South Africa.

8. What happened during Alph Lukau’s 2019 resurrection controversy?

In 2019, a video from an AMI service appeared to show Lukau praying over a man who had been presented as dead and the man subsequently regaining consciousness. The incident attracted international attention and allegations that the event had been staged. AMI disputed the allegations and maintained that the incident had been misrepresented.

9. Where is Alph Lukau from?

Alph Lukau was born in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and later established his ministry in South Africa.

10. What is Alph Lukau known for?

He is primarily known for founding Alleluia Ministries International, his prophetic and healing ministry, television programs, Christian books and international preaching ministry.

Conclusion

Alph Lukau’s biography reflects the rapid growth and changing character of contemporary African Pentecostal Christianity.

From his beginnings in Christian ministry to the establishment of Alleluia Ministries International in Johannesburg, he has developed an international ministry built around preaching, prophecy, healing, television, digital media, publishing and humanitarian activities.

His marriage to Celeste Lukau has also been an important part of his ministry story, with the couple raising six children while working together in Christian ministry.

At the same time, Lukau’s public career has attracted considerable controversy. The 2019 resurrection incident in particular brought worldwide attention and sparked continuing debate about miracle claims and the practices of modern prophetic ministries.

Despite the criticism, Lukau has maintained a substantial following and continues to lead AMI while reaching audiences through physical churches, television and digital platforms.

His story therefore represents both the influence and the controversies associated with the rapidly expanding global African Pentecostal movement.

Explore More on BelieversBio

• David Oyedepo Biography: Learn about the Nigerian pastor, author and founder of Living Faith Church Worldwide, including his family, ministry, books and estimated net worth.
• Shepherd Bushiri Biography: Explore the life, family, church, business interests, humanitarian work and controversies surrounding the Malawian-born pastor.
• Enoch Adeboye Biography: Discover the education, family, ministry journey and legacy of the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God.
• Uebert Angel Biography: Read about the Zimbabwean-born pastor, his wife Beverly Angel, GoodNews Church, business interests and diplomatic career.
• Chris Oyakhilome Biography: Learn about the founder of Christ Embassy and LoveWorld, his family, Rhapsody of Realities, ministry and estimated net worth.
• Billy Graham Biography: Explore the life and worldwide evangelistic ministry of one of the most influential Christian preachers in modern history.

References

• Alleluia Ministries International Official Website
• Alph Lukau Official Biography
• Alleluia Ministries International
• AL Foundation
• News24, reporting on the 2019 resurrection controversy
• Press Council of South Africa, ruling concerning Alph Lukau and Alleluia Ministries International
• Forbes, reporting on wealthy African pastors