General Superintendent of Deeper Life Bible Church, Pastor William Kumuyi, has dismissed subtle calls for his retirement, insisting that the choice of his successor rests solely with God.
Speaking during a Bible study programme that was later shared online, the 83-year-old church leader warned members against attempting to influence the timing of his exit or dictate the future leadership of the ministry.
“Are you tired of me?” Kumuyi asked the congregation, prompting a resounding “Nooo” in response.
He expressed concern over comments from a young preacher in the church who repeatedly stated, “There is no leadership without a successor,” during a recent teaching session. Kumuyi said such remarks were unnecessary while he remained active in ministry.
“God will give a successor at His own time,” he stressed, citing biblical precedents that leadership appointments are divine matters.
Kumuyi firmly cautioned against any attempt whether from church workers, choir members, security personnel, or even his wife to pressure him out of his position. “I stand where I stand, and nobody will put me under pressure,” he said.
He noted that while he has allowed many gifted ministers to preach, the final decision on who succeeds him belongs to God alone. “If God has given you a pastor who is still active at this age, with a strong voice, preaching everywhere, and you are asking for a successor, it makes me think you are tired of seeing me,” he remarked.
Acknowledging that leadership transition is inevitable, Kumuyi maintained it will happen only when God decides. “When the time comes, God will choose a man after His own heart. Don’t try to drive me away, even though I know you cannot,” he declared.
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