The Redeemed Christian Church of God led by Pastor Enoch Adeboye has defined why a directive was on condition that non-members of the church shouldn’t be allowed to evangelise in its parishes.
A memo that went viral on Monday, titled “Invitation of Visitor Ministers in RCCG,” dated January 5, 2024, and signed by the Particular Assistant to the Basic Overseer on Administration, Pastor Oladele Balogun, acknowledged that “no exterior preacher, speaker or minister ought to be permitted on any of our altars or platforms.”
The memo was directed to all Continental Overseers, Deputy Continental Overseers, Assistant Continental Overseers, and Pastors in control of Areas/Provinces worldwide.
It learn, “We discuss with our memo dated 14th December, 2023 with Ref: RCCG/ADM/OAB/JP/MEMO/14/12/2023 on the above subject material, and want to inform you that the Basic Overseer (Pastor Enoch Adeboye) has issued an additional directive that no exterior preacher, speaker or minister ought to be permitted on any of our altars or platforms.
“Anybody intending to ask a visitor minister, speaker or preacher to their parish should be certain that the person is a recognised member of the RCCG.”
The memo additionally warned that any minister who violated the directive would face “extreme disciplinary measures” and could also be relieved of their ministerial duties within the Mission.
However explaining the memo in an interview with The PUNCH on Monday evening, the RCCG Head of Media and Public Relations, Pastor Olaitan Olubiyi, stated though the memo was an inner doc, the directive wasn’t actually a ban however a suggestion to make sure approvals have been gotten earlier than exterior members have been invited.
Olubiyi stated, “It’s speculated to be an inner doc. And it’s not a ban per se, it’s only a form of rule or guideline. What the church is saying is that earlier than any of our branches invite a preacher from one other church or one other ministry, clearance ought to be sought.”
He stated this was in step with the church’s beliefs and doctrines.
“Don’t overlook that as a church, now we have our doctrines, now we have our beliefs, now we have our practices, and now we have to ensure that if anyone outdoors the fold is coming to evangelise in any of our locations, the authorities must approve and to ensure that the individual flows together with our doctrine and our beliefs.
:So it’s extra of the usual upkeep of (the church),” he advised our correspondent.