Oyedepo Defends Pastoral Retirements, Urges Critics to Focus on Their Own Lives

Bishop David Oyedepo reaffirms his church’s decision to retire senior pastors, urging critics to respect the process and focus on self-improvement

Bishop David Oyedepo, the founder of Living Faith Church (also known as Winners Chapel), has responded to critics questioning the church’s recent leadership retirements. The retirements, which include prominent church leaders Bishops Thomas Aremu and David Abioye, have sparked debates on social media. However, Oyedepo has firmly defended the decision, urging critics to focus on their own lives and respect the operational guidelines of the church.

Reports emerged last week that both Bishops Aremu and Abioye, who have served for over three decades, were due to retire. According to church insiders, their retirements align with the church’s constitution, also known as The Mandate, which governs leadership roles and transitions within Winners Chapel. These guidelines are part of the administrative policies that ensure smooth leadership transitions.

In response to the criticism, Bishop Oyedepo defends pastoral retirements, stating during a valedictory service for Bishop Aremu that the decision was in line with the church’s long-standing policies. He reminded the congregation that the church’s Administrative Policy from 1998 had been reviewed in 2001, and The Mandate from 2012 was updated again in 2024. This revised mandate lowers the retirement age for church leaders from 60 to 55, ensuring a dynamic leadership structure.

Although Bishop Oyedepo defends pastoral retirements, he emphasized that he himself would continue to serve for life, in accordance with The Mandate. However, future church leaders will be subject to a one- or two-term limit of seven years each, pending approval by the Board of Trustees. Oyedepo’s decision to remain at the helm is a demonstration of his continued commitment to the church’s growth and global influence.

To those criticizing the move, Oyedepo had a clear message: “My advice to commentators is to study to be quiet and mind your business.” He stressed the importance of focusing on what works, urging people to learn from the church’s successes rather than criticize its policies. “Everything works here,” Oyedepo said, reminding the audience that Winners Chapel has thrived because of its adherence to divine order and established procedures.

Bishop Oyedepo defends pastoral retirements with conviction, further advising Bishop Aremu to keep his faith and commitment at the forefront, even in retirement. Quoting the Bible, Oyedepo said, “No one has an inheritance in a teacher or pastor,” urging Aremu to stay connected to God and avoid distractions. Oyedepo also discouraged the notion that retirement from active ministry meant disengagement from spiritual growth, stating that there is no room for “spiritual breaks.”

Bishop Aremu, in his response, expressed gratitude for his time in service and affirmed that he has no intention of leaving Winners Chapel to start his own church. “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 said. His comments laid to rest speculations that he might establish a new ministry following his retirement.

As the last of the seven bishops consecrated at the Garden of Faith in Kaduna in 1999, Aremu has played a pivotal role in the church’s leadership and development. His contributions will be honored during his retirement, and his commitment to Winners Chapel remains unwavering.

Meanwhile, Bishop David Abioye’s farewell service is scheduled for Friday, 18th October 2024, in Abuja, marking the end of an era for both leaders who have dedicated decades to the ministry.