Deeper Life Members React as Pastor Kumuyi Modifies 2 Age-Long Church Laws: "I’m glad"
- Pastor Kumuyi has modified Deeper Life’s marriage rules, including scrapping six-month compulsory courtship
- He clarified that rules were administrative, not biblical, urging members to separate tradition from God’s law
- Nigerians have reacted with mixed feelings, with some praising the reforms and others expressing concerns
Members of the Deeper Life Bible Church have reacted after its general superintendent, Pastor William Kumuyi, announced modifications to two of the church’s long-standing marriage rules.
Recall that the Nigerian preacher had clarified that certain church laws were never biblical commands but rather administrative guidelines introduced for order and discipline.
Source: Twitter
The revered cleric made these clarifications during the 2025 Global Family and Marriage Conference, monitored by Legit.ng on Sunday, August 31.
Deeper Life laws: Ban on visits lifted
One of the significant changes is the annulment of the rule that prohibited women from visiting the homes of men they intended to marry.
Pastor Kumuyi explained that such visits are now permissible, provided the couple is accompanied by an elder.
“From now, intending couples can freely visit themselves during courtship, but only on the condition that one of them goes with an elder,” he said.
Kumuyi: Six-month courtship no longer compulsory
The second rule modified was the church’s long-standing six-month mandatory courtship period. Pastor Kumuyi explained that the timeline was originally introduced for practical reasons but was never grounded in scripture.
“We just felt you need some time to know one another. And then we said one month will be too short, two months too short. So, why not six months? But it is not from the Bible,” he stated.
Kumuyi discusses church's principles versus God’s law
Kumuyi stressed that church traditions must not be mistaken for divine commandments, urging members to distinguish between biblical laws and human administrative principles.
With the changes, many see the move as a turning point in Deeper Life’s approach to courtship and marriage, freeing members from what some describe as 'bondage' to former rigid rules.
Members, netizens react to Deeper Life edicts
Source: Twitter
The decision has triggered a variety of responses from Deeper Life members.
Esther Komolafe, a member of the church, who spoke with Legit.ng on Sunday, August 31, expressed cautious support:
“I still think the six months was a good idea. It gave people time to slow down, especially since dating isn’t allowed in Deeper Life. At least you get to really talk and know each other a bit before marriage. But anyway…”
Another member, Emmanuel Odey, welcomed the reforms as a necessary correction:
“This goes a long way to telling us that doctrines are not biblical but rather principles created by men in authority to set people on the path of good. Going against them is not a sin as popularised by these church leaders. I’m glad he is making amends to some of his personal beliefs.”
Other Nigerians who commented via X said:
@cynthiadatu said:
"I know someone close that this doctrine destroyed. Na she do herself. Use your head, or religious leaders will use it for you."
@seundal said:
"One man will just wake up one day … and make rules or undo rules on how you are to live your life cause his a pastor ? Omo it is well"
Church should teach, not police couples – Theologian
Dr. Benard Andrew, a theologian and marriage counsellor, has advised that churches focus more on teaching couples about marriage rather than imposing strict rules.
“On the role a church should play in preparing couples for marriage, I think their role should be that of taking time to teach the couples what marriage really entails,” he told Legit.ng.
He questioned the effectiveness of rigid restrictions in preventing immorality among intending couples:
“It is true that most Charismatic and Pentecostal churches believe that putting strict rules in place safeguards the couples from fỏrnīcâtïõn; but that is not often true because they still find a way to meet each other if they really want to.”
Instead, Dr. Andrew proposed a more structured educational approach for couples before marriage.
“But if the church engages in a premarital relationship school (not premarital counseling) for about three to six months, the couple will generally know what is expected of them and the dangers of extra marital relations before marriage, without necessarily policing them.”
Pastor Kumuyi warns Deeper Life marriage committees
Previously, Legit.ng reported that Pastor William Kumuyi had issued a warning to the church’s marriage committees nationwide.
The revered cleric cautioned against rigid practices that he says are driving members away from churches within the country.
Editorial assistant Ololade Olatimehin provided exclusive commentary from a theologian for this report.
Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
