ICYMI: Pastor Adeboye Bans Non-RCCG Ministers From Preaching In Parishes

The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has directed that the branches of the church at all levels should no longer invite any minister who is not a member of the denomination to any of its programmes.

Adeboye’s directive is contained in a memo signed by the Special Assistant to the General Overseer (Admin) to Continental Overseers, Deputy Continental Overseers, Assistant Continental Overseers/Pastors 1/C Of Regions/Provinces (Worldwide).

The memo is dated January 5th, 2024 with the subject, “Re: Invitation of Guest Ministers in RCCG”.

The memo read, “We refer to our memo dated 14th December 2023 with Ref: RCCG/ADM/OAB/JP/MEMO/14/12/2023 on the above subject matter, and wish to inform you that the General Overseer (Pastor Enoch Adeboye) has issued a further directive that no external preacher, speaker or minister should be permitted on any of our altars or platforms.

ICYMI: Pastor Adeboye Bans Non-RCCG Ministers From Preaching In Parishes

“Anyone intending to invite a guest minister, speaker, or preacher to their parish must ensure that the individual is a recognised member of the RCCG.”

The memo threatened that any of the pastors who would not follow the directive would be disciplined by the church and could be sacked.

“We wish to reiterate that any minister(s) who violate the above directives will face severe disciplinary measures and may be relieved of their ministerial duties in the Mission”.

Meanwhile, explaining the memo in an interview, the RCCG Head of Media and Public Relations, Pastor Olaitan Olubiyi, said although the memo was an internal document, the directive wasn’t really a ban but a guideline to ensure approvals were gotten before external members were invited.

Olubiyi said, “It’s supposed to be an internal document. And it’s not a ban per se, it’s just a kind of rule or guideline. What the church is saying is that before any of our branches invite a preacher from another church or another ministry, clearance should be sought.”

He said this was in line with the church’s beliefs and doctrines.

“Don’t forget that as a church, we have our doctrines, we have our beliefs, we have our practices, and we have to be sure that if anybody outside the fold is coming to preach in any of our places, the authorities have to approve and to be sure that the person flows along with our doctrine and our beliefs. So it’s more of the standard maintenance of (the church),” he concluded.