Bishop David Oyedepo urges critics to focus on their own affairs as Winners Chapel leaders retire under revised guidelines. “Everything works here,” he says.

Bishop David Oyedepo, founder of the Living Faith Church (Winners Chapel), has called on critics to stop questioning the church’s recent decisions regarding the retirement of senior pastors.

This response comes after social media criticism erupted following reports that two of the church’s vice presidents, Bishops Thomas Aremu and David Abioye, were stepping down after decades of service.

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Bishop Oyedepo addressed the issue during a valedictory service for Bishop Aremu at Winners Chapel, Orita Bashorun, on Tuesday.

He explained that the retirements are in line with the church’s operational guidelines, known as *The Mandate*, which acts as the organisation’s constitution.

The church’s Administrative Policy, originally set in 1998, was updated in 2001, while *The Mandate* itself was revised in 2024.

This revision lowered the retirement age for pastors from 60 to 55 years, a move that has now been applied to both Aremu and Abioye.

Although Bishop Oyedepo holds the right to serve for life, future church leaders will be subject to a limit of one or two seven-year terms, pending approval by the church’s Board of Trustees.

In his sermon, Oyedepo urged critics to focus on their personal affairs instead of meddling in church matters. “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,” he stated firmly.

He went on to encourage Bishop Aremu to keep God at the centre of his life post-retirement, warning that taking a spiritual break could be dangerous.

Quoting Genesis 49:26, Oyedepo reminded him, “No one has an inheritance in a teacher or pastor.” He further stressed that constant pursuit of God is essential, rather than resting on past achievements.

Bishop Aremu also spoke during the service, dismissing any intentions to leave the church and form his own ministry.

“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,” he stated.

Aremu, who had a successful career as an accountant before entering full-time ministry, is the last surviving bishop of the seven consecrated at the Garden of Faith in Kaduna in November 1999.

Meanwhile, Bishop David Abioye’s farewell ceremony is scheduled for Friday, 18th October 2024, at Durumi, Abuja.

This major transition in leadership marks a significant moment in the history of Winners Chapel as it continues to operate under divine order, as reiterated by its founder.

Nollywood actor IK Ogbonna has condemned fake miracles by Nigerian pastors, warning that their deceptive practices harm Christianity and manipulate believers for personal gain.

Nollywood actor IK Ogbonna has raised concerns over the increasing number of Nigerian pastors performing fake miracles. In an Instagram post, he described these actions as a serious betrayal of the true essence of Christianity.

He highlighted how the deception not only damages the church’s reputation but also manipulates vulnerable believers, exploiting their faith for personal profit.

Also read: “6 different pastors extorted money from me, took advantage of my desperation” – Jim Iyke reveals

Ogbonna emphasised that such fraudulent acts have severe consequences, including broken trust, shattered lives, and distorted faith.

He called on pastors engaged in these practices to reflect on their actions, urging them to stop using God’s name for falsehood, which he termed a direct betrayal of the gospel.

He also called on the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) to implement stricter regulations and accountability for those posing as pastors.

According to Ogbonna, Christianity should remain rooted in truth, love, and humility, not be used for manipulation or financial gain.

He urged Christians to remember that true miracles cannot arise from deception and urged believers to protect the integrity of their faith.

Apostle Johnson Suleman shared his frustration over a three-year ordeal with his private jet servicing, revealing a divine message on forgiveness.

Apostle Johnson Suleman of the Omega Fire Ministry has disclosed a personal struggle involving his private jet during a recent church service.

Suleman recounted how he faced frustration with the servicing of his jet, which he claimed was deliberately neglected by the service providers who wanted to pressure him into selling it.

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According to Suleman, after sending the jet for servicing, the maintenance team refused to work on it, despite repeated attempts to contact them.

Over a period of three years, Suleman alleged that they allowed the plane’s parts to exceed their recommended time frame, which is crucial for safe operation.

Suleman described his ordeal of repeatedly trying to get the jet serviced, only to face resistance from the service providers who were reportedly interested in buying the jet.

This situation caused him significant distress, as he struggled to get the necessary repairs done and faced mounting aviation costs.

During this period, Suleman said he received a divine message while praying. He was instructed to forgive the individuals who had frustrated his efforts, with a warning that unresolved bitterness could jeopardize his spiritual well-being.

The cleric expressed that the Holy Spirit revealed to him that his inability to forgive could impact his chances of entering heaven.

Eventually, after he chose to forgive, Suleman noted that the service providers contacted him, expressing their regret and readiness to complete the servicing.

He emphasized the emotional and spiritual lessons he learned from the experience, highlighting the importance of forgiveness.