Pastor William Kumuyi, the General Superintendent of Deeper Life Bible Church, has slammed those seeking the minister who will succeed him and take over the affairs of the church.
Speaking during a Bible study program, the 83-year-old clergyman emphasised that no one has the authority to remove him from office.
Addressing the congregation directly, he said, “Are you tired of me?” he asked, drawing a loud “Nooo” from the audience.
Kumuyi expressed concern over remarks made by an unnamed young preacher in the church, who, during a teaching session the previous week, repeatedly stated, “There is no leadership without a successor.”
“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,” Kumuyi stated.
The revered leader also cited biblical examples, insisting that the appointment of leaders is a divine matter, not one for members to dictate.
“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,” he said.
Urging members not to interfere with his calling, Kumuyi warned that resistance to his leadership would only strengthen his resolve.
“Don’t try to kill my conviction. It will only make me resist you so that when you get to the other side, you won’t say I did not tell you.
“I will keep on telling you that under your resistance until I go,” he declared.
“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,” he said.
“When the time comes, God will choose a man after His own heart. Don’t try to drive me away, even though I know you cannot,” he added.