Respected cleric, Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi, founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry, popularly known as Deeper Life Bible Church, is facing pushback from members over reforms he is introducing to the church.
Specifically, Pastor Kumuyi is currently facing stiff opposition from some members following his decision to tinker with some of its doctrines, especially the shift from his earlier objection to the use of some musical instruments in the church.
And the opposition to Kumuyi’s new ways intensified during the week ahead of the Ibadan crusade this weekend as some of his ‘Children in the Lord’ rose in protests against the invitation of international Gospel worship leader and songwriter, Bob Fitts and other musicians to the event.
The anti-reformers argue that unconventional music has never been part of Deeper Life’s mode of worship and should not be introduced now; not even by the highly regarded “Spiritual Father.”
The protest is led by prominent human rights activist, Prince Dele Banjo, who is also a member of the church, alongside many others who during the week staged a peaceful protest at church’s headquarters at Gbagada, Lagos.
Banjo, who vowed to continue his protest until he gets result, noted that Kumuyi who is like a father to them, did not raise members of his church with such music, insisting that the invitation of Bob Fitts and other local Christian musicians who are not advocates of modesty is unacceptable to many members.
Prince Banjo is not alone as Pastor Kumuyi is being challenged in Port Harcourt, the Rivers state capital, by a group of Deeper Life members led by Peter Nwaoboshi. Nwaoboshi said he and his group plan to meet Kumuyi in Ibadan and ask for explanations about the recent developments in the church.
Recently, Kumuyi explained why he is taking certain steps which are being crticised by his members. He said he could not continue behaving the way he used to do if he’s to fulfil the mandate of God upon his life.
Recently, the Pastor had commenced a series of global crusades through which he has been using to unveil a number of changes into his ministrations, notably the introduction of music and musicians, hitherto prohibited by the church.
Such music ministers included Don Moen in Enugu, Nathaniel Bassey to minister along with him in songs during the Showers of Blessing Through Christ crusade in Port-Harcourt and Pastor William McDowell in the Wonders of the Cross crusade which held Uyo.