Don’t Adopt a Retirement Mentality,” Oyedepo Advises Bishop Aremu at Valedictory Service

Bishop David Oyedepo, founder of Living Faith Church (Winners Chapel), has responded to critics questioning the church’s decision to retire two senior leaders.

The controversy began after reports emerged that Bishops Thomas Aremu and  David Abioye, both long-serving members of the ministry, would be retiring. Bishop Aremu has served for 30 years, while Bishop Abioye has dedicated 40 years to the church.

During Bishop Aremu’s farewell service on Tuesday at Winners Chapel, Orita Bashorun, Bishop Oyedepo explained that the decision aligns with the church’s operational guidelines, known as ‘The Mandate,’ which acts as its constitution.

He urged Bishop Aremu to keep God at the center of his life, cautioning against taking a spiritual break, which he described as dangerous. Citing Genesis 49:26, Bishop Oyedepo reminded the congregation that no one inherits a spiritual legacy from a teacher or pastor, encouraging Bishop Aremu to continue his spiritual growth.

In his response, Bishop Aremu reaffirmed his loyalty to the church, stating he has no plans to start his own ministry after retirement. “I don’t have a church, and I cannot have a church because God has not given me the capacity to do so. This is my church,” he said.

As the last remaining bishop from the group consecrated in 1999 at the Garden of Faith in Kaduna, Bishop Aremu’s retirement marks a key moment for the church. Bishop Abioye’s farewell service is set for Friday, October 18, 2024, at Winners Chapel in Durumi, Abuja.