Bishop David Oyedepo, the president and presiding bishop of the Living Faith Church, also called Winners Chapel, has reacted to the news of the “retirement” of Pastor Adeboye saying that he remains in charge of his church which he has been for 35 years.
No authority or law can frustrate his apostolic calling, the respected cleric said.
Following the sudden news of the retirement of the Pastor Enoch Adeboye of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, it was widely reported that leaders of other churches, who have been at the helm of the organisations for more than 20 years would also have to step down.
The move to step down as the national leader of RCCG by Pastor Adeboye was done in line with the Financial Regulations Council of Nigeria, FRCN code which stipulates that heads of all registered churches, mosques and civil society groups (not-for-profit organisations) should not exceed the 20 years in their positions.
“If you heard or saw anything in the newspapers or anywhere that the general overseer has retired, it’s a lie of the devil. In our spiritual family tree we don’t retire. Someone asked Kenneth Copeland, ‘Are you stepping down’. He replied, ‘No, I’m stepping up’,” Oyedepo told his congregation.
“Copeland ministered for 6 hours straight at 80 years of age.
“Men and brethren settle down and enjoy my being here. I’m going to be here for a very long time.
“I spoke to my father in the Lord (Pastor Adeboye) in person and he said let them enjoy the confusion for a moment’.
“I believe in the covenant of 120 years. I can preach for 10 services now and that proves I have many more years before I go. If you hear anything, it’s illegal and not passed into law.
“I’m not serving or earning anything from anybody or government. No government can determine the constitution of the church and they know.
“I was called by God into the prophetic in 1981 and the apostolic ministry in 1992. No authority or law can frustrate an apostolic calling if it’s from God. Forget my height.
“All the demons in Nigeria know who’s who. Just relax,” Bishop Oyedepo is quoted as saying.
Dr. Oyedepo regards Adeboye as his ‘spiritual father’. He sad that when he was starting his ministry, God told him to look for Enoch Adeboye who would anoint him with the spirit of wisdom.
