Prof. Kunle Macaulay disagrees with Pastor Kumuyi on church successorship
The President of the Association of Christian Theologians (ACTS), Professor Kunle Macaulay, has expressed disagreement with the General Superintendent of Deeper Life Bible Church, Pastor William Kumuyi, over his recent remarks on church successorship.
Pastor Kumuyi, in his trending speech titled “My Successor,” emphasized that God, rather than human leaders, chooses church successors. Citing biblical references, he drew parallels between the appointment of Joshua after Moses’ death and the process of selecting church leaders. He also urged Deeper Life leadership not to rely on him for a succession plan but to trust in divine guidance.
However, Macaulay criticized this position, arguing that there is a fundamental distinction between Israel and the Christian church, as well as between the Old and New Testaments. He contended that Christianity is based on the movement of God with His people, whereas Judaism pertains to the religious practices of the Jewish nation.
Macaulay asserted that Christian leaders are expected to train and mentor their successors to ensure continuity in leadership. He noted that for over a century, Orthodox and Pentecostal churches in Nigeria have followed this practice. He warned that the absence of a clear succession plan could lead to leadership crises and mismanagement.
Highlighting past leadership challenges in Nigerian churches, Macaulay pointed to the case of the Celestial Church of Christ founder, Rev. Pastor Samuel Bilewu Joseph Oshoffa, who did not name a successor before his death in 1985, leaving the church in disarray. He also referenced the leadership transition at Fountain of Life Church, where the late Pastor Taiwo Odukoya’s son took over, and the Church of God Mission, which was handed over to the wife of its founder, Archbishop Benson Idahosa, despite not being among the trained bishops.
Macaulay emphasized that while church leadership should be guided by the Holy Spirit, common sense dictates that those who have served faithfully should be considered for leadership succession. He stressed the need for Nigerian church leaders to encourage leadership training, academic seminars, and summits to equip future leaders.
He concluded by expressing concern over situations where longtime church workers, who have dedicated decades to service, are ultimately told to wait for divine selection rather than being recognized for leadership roles. According to him, the quality of leadership in Nigerian churches will ultimately determine their spiritual success or failure.
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