Why non-members can’t preach in our parishes – RCCG
Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) General Overseer Enoch Adeboye has forbidden pastors to allow invited preachers and guest speakers who are not officially recognised members to occupy pulpits.
Mr. Adeboye further cautioned that those who disobey the order will face consequences in a memo dated January 5 and signed by Oladele Balogun, Special Assistant to the General Overseer (Admin). The memo's title was "Invitation of Guest Ministers in RCCG."
Pastors of regions and provinces around the world, as well as continental overseers, deputy continental overseers, and assistant continental overseers, received the memo.
Referring to our memo from December 14, 2023, with reference number RCCG/ADM/OAB/JP/MEMO/14/12/2023 on the aforementioned subject, we would like to notify you that the General Overseer has issued an additional directive stating that no outside preacher, speaker or minister should be permitted on any of our altars or platforms.
"Anyone planning to bring a guest preacher, minister, or speaker to their parish needs to make sure that the person is officially recognised as an RCCG member."
The memo also threatened to remove any minister who disobeyed the order from their ministerial responsibilities in the Mission and to subject them to "severe disciplinary measures."
The RCCG Head of Media and Public Relations, Pastor Olaitan Olubiyi, clarified the memo on Monday, stating that it was an internal document intended to ensure that the church's doctrines are closely followed.
He clarified that the policy was merely a guideline to make sure permissions were obtained before inviting outside members.
According to Olubiyi, the document is meant to be internal. It's also more of a rule or guideline than an outright prohibition. According to the church, permission must be obtained before any of our branches invite a preacher from another church or ministry.
Remember that we are a church with doctrines, beliefs, and practices. If someone from outside the church wants to preach in one of our locations, the authorities must give their approval and ensure that the speaker agrees with our doctrine and beliefs.