General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church, Pastor William Kumuyi, has addressed his congregation with a firm declaration that the choice of his successor is a decision reserved exclusively for God and not one that can be influenced or dictated by the church members. The revered 83-year-old preacher made these remarks during a Bible study session, a moment that was later shared widely online, sparking discussions among members and the wider Christian community.
Pastor Kumuyi, who has led the church for decades, warned against what he perceived as subtle pressures and quiet agitations concerning who will take over leadership when he eventually steps down. He made it clear that no one possesses the authority to push him out of his God-given position, emphasising that divine timing alone will determine the transition of leadership.
During the session, he turned to the congregation and directly asked, “Are you tired of me?” The question was met with a resounding and united “Nooo” from the audience, a response that drew a smile but also reinforced the seriousness of his message.
The preacher went on to reference comments made by an unnamed young minister in the church. According to Kumuyi, this younger preacher, while teaching the previous Tuesday, made repeated statements such as, “there is no leadership without a successor.” Pastor Kumuyi revealed that hearing it twice in one session made him feel it was excessive, especially since, as he put it, “your father is still here.” He reminded everyone that, “God will give a successor at His own time.”
He firmly stressed that the appointment of a church leader is not a democratic process or a decision for members to debate. “You are not going to fight your shepherd, your pilot,” he declared. “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.”
The cleric further cautioned that any attempt to undermine or pressure him into relinquishing leadership would only strengthen his determination to continue. “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 affirmed.
Highlighting his openness in giving opportunities to others, Pastor Kumuyi noted that he has allowed many capable ministers in the church to preach and teach over the years. However, he reiterated that the ultimate decision on his successor lies solely in the hands of God.
“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, addressing the subtle implications of such requests.
He acknowledged that leadership change is a natural and inevitable part of life, but reminded the congregation that it will happen only in alignment with God’s will. “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 concluded, reinforcing his steadfast commitment to remain until God signals otherwise.