Deeper Life Members React as Pastor Kumuyi Modifies 2 Age-Long and Powerful Church Laws: "I’m glad"
- Pastor Kumuyi modified Deeper Life’s marriage rules, lifting the visit ban and scrapping the six-month compulsory courtship
- He clarified the rules were administrative, not biblical, urging members to separate tradition from God’s law
- Members and Nigerians react with mixed feelings, some praising the reforms, others expressing concern
Members of the Deeper Life Bible Church have reacted after its General Superintendent, Pastor William Kumuyi, announced major modifications to two of the church’s long-standing marriage rules.
Recall that Kumuyi 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, 31.
Deeper Life: 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.
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. 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 stresses on 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 rigid rules.
Members share their views after Kumuyi's verdict
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:
@davies said:
"Don't you think this would promote f0rnication more but it’s is freedom from bondage sha."
@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"
Pastor Kumuyi warns Deeper Life marriage committees
Previously, Legit.ng reported that the General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church, Pastor William Kumuyi, has issued a stern warning to the church’s marriage committees nationwide.
This, the revered cleric cautioned against rigid practices that he says are driving members away.
Source: Legit.ng
