In response to the growing controversy surrounding the retirement of two senior pastors, Bishops Thomas Aremu and David Abioye, from the Living Faith Church Winners Chapel, founder Bishop David Oyedepo has called on critics to cease questioning the church’s internal decisions.
The cleric’s remarks followed widespread social media backlash after reports disclosed the retirement of the two vice presidents, who have served the ministry for over three decades. During his sermon at Bishop Aremu’s valedictory service at Winners Chapel, Orita Bashorun, Oyedepo emphasized that the church operates under a divinely ordained structure, highlighting that its policies are not subject to public opinion.
He referenced the church’s Administrative Policy of 1998, which was revised in 2001, and The Mandate of 2012, which was most recently updated in 2024. A key change in the revised Mandate includes lowering the retirement age from 60 to 55, though Oyedepo himself retains the right to serve for life. Future leaders, however, will be limited to one or two seven-year terms, subject to approval by the church’s Board of Trustees.
Bishop Oyedepo cautioned detractors, declaring, “My advice to commentators is to study to be quiet and mind your business. It is wisdom to learn what is working and find out what makes it work. Everything works here.”
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Addressing Bishop Aremu, Oyedepo urged him to keep his focus on God, warning against spiritual complacency. Quoting Genesis 49:26, he reminded that no one has a lasting inheritance in a pastor or teacher, encouraging Aremu to continue seeking spiritual growth. “There’s no such thing as the best today or tomorrow; what matters is your pursuit of God,” he stated.
Bishop Aremu, in turn, expressed his commitment to Winners Chapel, dismissing any speculation that he might start his own ministry. He affirmed, “I don’t have a church, and I cannot have a church because God has not infused me with the capacity to do so. This is my church.”
Aremu, formerly an accountant, made a significant shift into full-time ministry after a thriving career in finance. Notably, he holds the distinction of being the last surviving bishop among the seven consecrated during a historic ceremony at the Garden of Faith in Kaduna in November 1999.
The farewell service for Bishop David Abioye is scheduled for Friday, 18th October 2024, at Durumi, Abuja.
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