The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), guided by Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has shed light on a recent directive that has been widely interpreted as a ban on non-members preaching in its parishes.
A memo, which circulated widely on Monday, January 8, 2024, indicated that “no external preacher, speaker, or minister should be permitted on any of our altars or platforms.”
This directive, signed by Pastor Oladele Balogun, the Special Assistant to the General Overseer on Administration, was addressed to all levels of leadership within the church worldwide.
The memo further stated 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.”
It emphasized that any guest minister, speaker, or preacher invited to a parish must be a recognized member of the RCCG. Violation of this directive could lead to “severe disciplinary measures” and potential dismissal from ministerial duties in the Mission.
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However, in a recent interview with The Punch, the RCCG’s Head of Media and Public Relations, Pastor Olaitan Olubiyi, clarified that the directive is not a ban but a guideline.
He explained, “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.”
Olubiyi emphasized that this guideline aligns with the church’s beliefs and doctrines.
He stated, “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 be sure that the person flows along with our doctrine and our beliefs.” This, he said, is more about maintaining the standard of the church.