Bishop David Oyedepo, the founder of Living Faith Church (Winners Chapel), has addressed critics who questioned the church’s decision to retire its pastors, encouraging them to focus on their own affairs instead.
The recent retirement announcement of Bishops Thomas Aremu and David Abioye, after decades of service, led to social media backlash against Oyedepo. However, it was clarified that the retirements were in line with the church’s operational guidelines, known as The Mandate.
During Bishop Aremu’s valedictory service at the Winners Chapel in Orita Bashorun, Oyedepo emphasized the importance of adhering to the church’s policies and divine order. He explained the changes made to the retirement age and term limits for future church leaders.
Oyedepo warned against those wishing for the ministry’s downfall, encouraging them to focus on what works and learn from it instead. He emphasized the need to keep God at the centre of one’s life and remain connected for the continued flow of grace.
In his address, Bishop Aremu clarified that he had no intention of starting his own church after retirement, as he sees Winners Chapel as his home. He was commended for his transition from an accountant to full-time ministry and was recognized as the last surviving bishop among those consecrated in 1999.
The farewell ceremony for Bishop Abioye is scheduled for October 18, 2024, in Durumi, Abuja.
