There have been mixed reactions as some members of the Deeper Life Bible Church ask the Church Founder and General Superintendent, Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi of his possible successor, or put in another way, request for his succession plans.
The revered Pastor blew this open in a message widely publicised through the social media of the cleric’s response to the demand.
Pastor William Kumuyi, in response expressed serious concerns over such demands warning that no one could control him or pressure him into stepping aside.
Speaking during a telecast Pastor Kumuyi addressed the issue directly before the congregation.
He referred to a young preacher in the church a week earlier, who, according to him, repeatedly said “there is no leadership without a successor.”
Reacting, the well respected cleric asked the congregation, “Are you tired of me?” which attracted a resounding “Nooo” from the audience.
He noted, “The brother who taught the other Tuesday kept saying ‘there is no leadership without a successor’. He said it twice. I felt that was too much, more so since your father is still here. God will give a successor at His own time,” alluding to biblical precedents showing that it is God—not human pressure—who appoints successors.
Seemingly rattled by the demand, the Deeper Life leader said, “You are not going to fight your shepherd, your pilot. I reject any member of the church, whether you are a worker, choir member, or security person, who tries to control me. I won’t even take that from my wife because I am the head of the home… I stand where I stand and nobody will put me under pressure.”
In some of the reactions monitored by PTL News, many of the keen watchers of the scenario expressed disappointment over such demands as they are worried why Deeper Life has been reduced to such canality despite the deep teachings given to them by their leader known for heavenly minded holiness messages.
“I am saddened by this. You don’t speak to your leader like that. Asking for a successor when he is still there. We must honour fathers like this, he still has so much for this generation. He is one of a kind, and must be supported by the church to finish well,” wrote an observer.
To another @ademolaadeleke2002, “This message raises serious fundamental questions. I am sorry to say (that) it is a serious concern that even with what Deeper Life represents and its public image, you could have people in the church with this level of carnality! I could never have imagined that anybody who has been a Deeper Life member would exhibit the carnality that asking for a successor for him at this time shows.
“What exactly does anyone see in Pastor Kumuyi that elicits the need to be asking for him to name a successor? Is there anything the church is missing or there is a crisis it is facing that naming a successor would resolve? What an organisation would or should be concerned about is lack of a worthy successor. If an organisation has brought up many worthy successors, it would not be bothered about who the successor would be among them?”
In some thinking, some people see it as a legitimate demand as the man of God has been advancing in age. Pastor Kumuyi is already 83 years.
@oaesan wrote, “Sentiments aside, the question and concern for successor is actually a legitimate one by people who worry about the future. It doesn’t mean they are tired of the GS, it simply means they realise there’s no one apparent that could enter his shoes. Truth be told, it’s a legitimate concern that I myself have thought about many times. Anyone that says they’ve not thought about it is lying.
Following are some of such reactions
@suzanolumide9965
While successor is pivotal to a successful ministry continuity, it is NOT the call of the members to demand for it. We should all be praying for our father to finish well. At the appropriate time, the Lord who called him will direct him on what to do. Baba needs only our prayers and not a subtle rejection.
@obihieleuchendu8243
Some members sef. What really do they want with this whole question of succession? Why can’t they focus on their own life in becoming better and more productive Christians. Have some folks become so idle that all that concerns them is who is going to succeed the pastor? God have mercy. Let God do it in his own time.
@TEEWHISEMEDIA
May God forgive whoever asks this question, this man was forced to say this. There must have been a lot of work behind the scenes even before coming to speak to people of God. At this old age, he is still standing strong, talks fluently and still standing on the truth. The Lord is your strength Papa. Live long and keep blessing us with the truth sir.
Our beloved daddy in the Lord please we are not and can NEVER be tired of you Sir. God is really using you for us, we appreciate your prayers and teachings. The Lord keep you for us and keep us too your children. Lord help me and my family NEVER to be a source of discouragement to Your servant. We love you Sir, prays @Uche975
To @Stanleyvictor11″ This days I honestly don’t understand those members who ask for unnecessary questions, last time one asking for 15 people who started with him and what was the church doing for them, and when that gets to Internet, people were mocking Baba and the church, and now this. Please brethren let’s stop and work with Daddy Kumuyi.
@KingsleyIfedi-q5x sounds different. “Asking him for a successor is not wrong. 20 years ago, nobody would have done that, even 10 years ago. But the GO is definitely getting too old for all the rigour and demand of a big Ministry like Deeper Life. And one thing that’s noticeably disappointing in his rebuke is that he didn’t even take time to acknowledge that those asking for a successor are doing so out of love for him and the Church. Does he need rest from the rigour and demand of The Ministry Work??? Yes of course. Can he categorically tell us he’s sought God’s face concerning a successor and what God has to say about it??? Let him stop being emotional about the subject of a successor and seek God’s Face on the matter. And until he comes out with emphatic answer from God, that God has not permitted him to retire, a number of us will keep calling for his retirement, so he can go and get the deserved rest he needs at his age.
@AsigriPeter
By the way, has he said God has not shown him who to take over? Must he introduce him now and expose him to unnecessary controversies and attack by the devil? He said he’s exposing many pastors to coordinate programmes. By this, it will be easy for the church to accept whoever God will choose. Moses never told Joshua you are my successor until God told him to. Let’s not think we are much concern about a good leader than him. No one desires to leave behind an investment he/she can’t guarantee its success or continuity after their demise.
@geraldior Has God also told you that his servant’s time is over? You calling him emotional. If there’s one thing Pastor Kumuyi has stood on for many years, it is integrity. No scandal whatsoever. His life should be an example to many pastors running ministries. I’m saddened to hear this from you. Not sure you understand Leadership or God’s way of doing things. Just know that if God wants him out, it will happen and we will all be marvelled. If God has left him there, allow God to do His work. But you, be careful and watch your life! We don’t even fear God anymore.
In finality, the octogenarian who took more time to explain the Church structure and why they rotate preachers warned the agitators in clear teams, ” “If God gives you a pastor that is still very active at this age, with a good voice running everywhere to preach the gospel, and you are asking for a successor, it makes me think you are tired of seeing me around. You don’t want to make me feel I’m imposing myself on you. You are not going to fight your pastor for he is leading you to the way to heaven. I am telling you and I will keep on telling you. I will keep on teaching until I go.”
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