The founder and presiding bishop of the Living Faith Church (Winners Chapel), Bishop David Oyedepo, has firmly defended the church’s policy on pastoral retirements, urging critics to focus on their own affairs rather than questioning the church’s decisions.

Recent social media backlash followed the announcement of retirements for Bishops Thomas Aremu and David Abioye, who have dedicated 30 and 40 years, respectively, to the ministry, sparked significant backlash.

According to the cleric, their retirements were in consonance with the church’s operational guidelines, known as “The Mandate,” which, which he disclosed, serves as its governing constitution.

During a sermon at the farewell service for Bishop Aremu, held yesterday at Winners Chapel in Orita Bashorun, Ibadan, Oyedepo emphasised the importance of adhering to established protocols.

He explained that the church’s Administrative Policy, first introduced in 1998, underwent a comprehensive review in 2001, with the mandate being updated in 2024 to better reflect the church’s evolving leadership structure.

Notably, the revised Mandate, he said, has set the retirement age for church leaders at 55, a change aimed at fostering new leadership while preserving the church’s core values.

While Bishop Oyedepo said he retains the right to serve indefinitely, he clarified that future church leaders will face limitations, being restricted to one or two terms of seven years, pending approval by the Board of Trustees.

This shift, he explained, is part of a broader initiative to ensure that the church remains dynamic and responsive to its congregation’s needs.

READ ALSO: Tanker explosion claims 90 lives in Jigawa – Police

Apapa Customs confiscates 4 containers loaded illicit drugs valued at N1.1bn

In addressing the critics, Oyedepo asserted, “My advice to commentators is to study to be quiet and mind your own business.”

“It is wise to learn from what works and understand how it functions. Everything thrives here.”

The bishop also offered counsel to Bishop Aremu, emphasising the importance of keeping God at the center of his life post-retirement.

“Taking a spiritual break can be risky,” he warned, advocating for a mindset focused on continuous growth and spiritual pursuit.”

“There’s no such thing as the best today or tomorrow; what truly matters is your pursuit of God,” he stated, encouraging Aremu to remain connected to the ministry for the continued flow of divine grace.

In his remark, Bishop Aremu, who transitioned from a successful career in accounting to full-time ministry, reassured the congregation about his intentions after retirement.

“I don’t have a church, and I cannot have a church because God has not infused me with the capacity to do so. This is my church” while reaffirming his loyalty to Winners Chapel.

On his own, Bishop David Abioye’s farewell ceremony is scheduled for Friday, October 18, 2024, in Durumi, Abuja, which Bishop Oyedepo said, will mark another significant transition for the church as it continues to navigate the complexities of pastoral leadership and community expectations.