"... earnestly contend for the FAITH which was once delivered unto the saints" - Jude vs 3
ABOUT THE MINISTRY
Journalist Alan Isaacson provides a helpful study of this phenomenal ministry in his book “Deeper Life: The Extraordinary Growth of the Deeper Life Bible Church”, after talking with many members of the church who told him how Christ has miraculously intervened and changed lives in response to prayer and the proclamation of the Gospel. In Pastor Kumuyi’s own words: “God, in the growth of Deeper Life Bible Church, has strategically and prudently used miracles to ‘make all men come to Him’ (John 3:26). We take Christian living and holiness seriously.”
According to Isaacson, The history of Deeper Life is very much the personal story of W.F. Kumuyi. He is a gifted man, clear-thinking and humble. He is a dedicated Christian and deserves the title ‘the man of God,’ which his followers have given him. Since he was a young man, Kumuyi has devoted his time to reading and studying the Bible. He knows the Scriptures inside out, and has struggled to understand and apply them. As he shares that struggle and his love for the word of God, so people have been drawn to him for advice, or simply to listen. When he preaches, his message is clear, simple, and profound. Poor street traders who can barely read sit next to university professors, all equally captivated by the way Scripture becomes suddenly relevant to them.
Pastor Kumuyi’s own Christian life developed because he took the Bible so seriously, and so the Deeper Christian Life Ministry has developed in the same way. In Alan Isaacson’s own words, he “preached Deeper Life into existence.”His sermons were captivating, wrote Isaacson, “I would classify him as one of the greatest living preachers, giving a straightforward Bible-based message, his sermons thorough, and always personally challenging. He always gave a wide range of cross-references which were read in their context, supporting, clarifying and expanding his main points. He spoke clearly and authoritatively to the Nigerian situation. He dealt sensitively with African culture, but also made a firm stand in highlighting the points where local culture was incompatible with the will of God. While stressing the high moral tone which is one of the virtues of most African cultures at their best, he was at pains to specify those aspects of local culture which were unchristian and even evil. In this way he was not only concerned with some kind of personal holiness, but also genuinely seeking the wholeness and harmony of the community at large, where truth, honesty, and justice should be the predominant characteristics.
Bible School
Our Bible School is known as International Bible Training Centre, I.B.T.C. It is a private, nonsectarian, coeducational, twelve month Training Centre for pastors, evangelists, christian workers, ministers and soulwinners.
Admission is determined on the basis of an objective evaluation of an applicant’s credentials whatever the background, denominational affiliation or ethnic origin. All are offered equal opportunity to learn.
The training is divided into three parts – the first six months at the Centre, two months of practical involvement in Christian service outside the Centre, and four months of intensive ministerial training at the Centre.
Purpose
Our primary purpose in I.B.T.C. is to develop soulwinners, church planters, character builders, full-time ministers, fruit-bearing preachers of the Full Gospel and dynamic witnesses of the abundant life Jesus came to offer
Under the Lord’s direction, by His Word and through the leading of the Holy Spirit, we have prayerfully designed a curriculum for all believers who desire to mature into full grown children of God, able to fulfill their calling within the Body of Christ, reach out effectively to the lost and needy world and capable of handling any situation the enemy may throw at them.
Courses of instruction are geared toward achieving the purpose outlined above. I.B.T.C. seeks to enroll as many students as possible who are called into the Christian service of preaching and teaching God’s Word with signs following. Anyone whose primary goal and purpose in life is to minister Christ to those with whom he comes in contact has an open door into I.B.T.C. This individual (after the Training) may support himself through a suitable tent-making work (any suitable secular employment), but his primary-goal and ambition in life is to preach where Christ has not been known and minister the Word to the Body of Christ. Our unified goal must be to win men, women and children to Christ.
I.B.T.C. is dedicated to the principle that every Christian minister has a need to “study to show himself approved.” To this end, a strong emphasis is placed on maintaining an atmosphere conducive to balanced christian living in the Centre. An atmosphere of warm christian community aids in the development of the total person. A life above reproach is encouraged by positive precept and through practical demonstration by faculty and staff. Our doctrinal position is fundamental, evangelistic and Pentecostal.
Christian Education
Important for the christian is the realisation that all knowledge apart from Christ is vanity, but all knowledge dedicated to the glory and service of God is wisdom. The Christian environment surrounding the student at I.B.T.C. enables him to formulate sound principles and practices which will enhance his christian witness. Each of the subjects taught are approached from the stand point of the absolute supremacy of Biblical truth. The active agent in the interpretation of the Scriptures is the Holy Spirit who enables and strengthens each Christian in the search for truth.
The Courses are intended to acquaint the student with the central truths of the Christian Faith and to prepare men and women for all phases of the ministry in the Church.
I.B.T.C. trains men and women for christian service, but it does not ordain anyone nor promise to offer employment to those who finish the course. Those who graduate must prayerfully seek the Lord’s face and know His will on where to minister.
Anyone intending to study at I.B.T.C. in preparation for full-time or part-time Christian service should seriously evaluate the objectives and aims stated below to ensure that his personal ambitions correspond with the aims of this Training Centre.
Aims, objectives & Goals
I.B.T.C. provides practical training that deals with all phases of the ministry. We provide a helpful learning environment where the fruit of the Spirit is constantly exemplified before all. We endeavour to show you how to live the life God called you to live and also teach you to do what God has called you to do.
The objectives of I.B.T.C. are:
1. To lead each student to a fuller and deeper experience of Christ Saviour and Lord and to expose him to wholesome spiritual influences which will develop Christian character and Christ-centered living.
2. To guide each student into a comprehensive knowledge of Biblical principles, content and doctrine, through a systematic study of the infallible Word, and to equip him with methods for a Continuing personal study.
3. To confront the student with the Gospel imperative of,¬“making disciples of all nations‚¬ and to instill within him an awareness of personal responsibility in carrying out that imperative.
4. To help and encourage the student to desire and experience a true love and dedication to God and the Church, the Body of Christ, and to guide him to find his place in the Body.
5. To equip the student to meaningfully fulfill the requirements and responsibilities of the specialized Christian service to which he is called – evangelist, pastor, teacher, soulwinner, etc.
6. To instruct the student in methods of biblical building and delivery of sermons, to prepare him in pastoral counselling spiritual leadership and church government and to give him adequate biblical and spiritual foundation for his pulpit, pastoral and prophetic ministries.
7. To desire for a continual pursuit of spiritual growth through the personal application of the disciplines acquired throughout the student’s training experience at I.B.T.C.
Doctrinal Statement
I.B.T.C. draws students from different denominations and para-church groups to prepare for the ministry. So, we avoid bigotry on the one hand and latitudaniarism on the other. Believing that all scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness we teach all the Word from the beginning of Genesis through to the end of Revelation, adding nothing to the Word and taking nothing from it. The King James version of the Bible is used as the most authentic translation of the original Hebrew/Greek Bible.
IBTC draws a clear distinction between nominal Christianity and genuine Christianity, and also between fanaticism and true worship (Jn 4:20-24). We teach the importance of daily living an overcoming Christian life. The entire Scriptures are the only rule for our standard of conduct, form of discipline and pattern of christian work.
Admission
The prospective student should submit an application before he can be offered a place at I.B.T.C. In order to qualify for admission at I.B.T.C., an individual (man or woman) must:
1. Be a true believer with an assurance of salvation and freedom from a life of sin. Such must be at least two years old in the faith and must show marks of christian maturity and commitment to Christ.
2. Have an eagerness, and a deep concern to be used for the salvation of souls without the motive of personal carnal gain in the heart.
3. Provide recommendation from a minister or a mature christian worker, two friends and the employer, who have knowledge and evidence of the applicant’s christian life, conduct and compassion for souls.
4. Have a good understanding of spoken and written English. Admitted students into the language classes must show ability to read and write in the language of choice. Language classes are presently in Hausa, lgbo, Yoruba and French. Prospective students for other languages not mentioned above and who want to take their courses in such languages should contact the Centre for their intention and information.
5. The prospective student must be at least 25 years of age and must show marks of adulthood and maturity.
6. Women who are pregnant and nursing mothers would not be offered admission so as not to be distracted during the course. Married couples desiring to come with their partners would please inform the Centre before hand for accommodation arrangements. Such would receive clearance from the School before resuming when the accommodation arrangement is finalised.
7. Students, upon admission, will pay to the Centre the fees prescribed by regulations and register as students of the I.B.T.C.
8. A candidate may be required to sit for a test as may be set to assess suitability for admission.
9. Provide photostat copies of certificates (if any).
10. The Training Centre reserves the right to accept or reject an application for admission.
11. Pay the application fee.
12. Provide a current photograph (not passport photograph).
13. Submit a medical certificate from a licensed doctor.
Admission at I.B.T.C. is open to anyone who satisfies the above requirements. Those who are in some regular employment can receive leave without pay or resign to take nine months off to study and prepare for the ministry. If their mini duties, after training, do not require full-time, they would still take up the tent-making employment (if God so leads) while preaching the Gospel effectively to all who come in contact with them.
WHAT WE BELIEVE
Acts 2:42; I Timothy 4:16; Titus 1:9
Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort [you] that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints” (Jude 3). Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee”(I Timothy 4:16). Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them” (Romans 16:17).
God’s infallible WORD teaches and we believe:
THE HOLY BIBLE
1 That the Holy Bible, consisting of 39 books of the Old Testament and 27 books of the New Testament, is the inspired Word of God. We take the Bible as final authority in all matters concerning Christian conduct and works. 2 Timothy 3:16,17; Proverbs 30:5,6; Revelation 22:18,19.
THE GODHEAD
2 That the Godhead consists of three separate, distinct, and recognizable personalities and qualities, perfectly united in one. The Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost are different Persons in the Godhead, not merely three names for one Person. Mathew 3:16, 17; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Mathew 28:19,20.
VIRGIN BIRTH OF CHRIST
3 The virgin birth of Jesus, the only begotten Son of God. The crucifixion, death, burial and bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ. Isaiah 7:14; Mathew 1:18-25; Romans 1:4; 1 Corinthians 15:3,4.
TOTAL DEPRAVITY
4 The total depravity sinfulness and guilt of all men since the Fall, rendering them subject to God’s wrath and condemnation. Psalm 51:5; Job 14:4; Romans 3:23; 5:12-17; Mark 7:21-23; Ephesians 2:1.
REPENTANCE
5 That repentance is a complete turning away from all sins and its deceitful pleasures and that it is required from every sinner before he can truly and effectively believe in Jesus with saving faith. Proverbs 28:13; Isaiah 55:7; Ezekiel 18:21-23; Mark 1:15; Luke 24:46,47; Acts 2:38; 3:19,21; 2 Corinthians 7:10; Hebrews 6:1-3.
RESTITUTION
6 That restitution is making amends for wrongs done against our fellow men, restoring stolen things to the rightful owners, paying debts, giving back where one has defrauded, making confessions to the offended and apologizing to those slandered so as to have a conscience void of offence towards God and man. Genesis 20:1-8; 14-18; Exodus 22:1-7; Leviticus 6:1-17; Numbers 5:6-8; 2 Samuel 12:1-6; Proverbs 6:31; Ezekiel 33:14-16; Mathew 23:24; Luke 19:8,9; Acts 23:1-5; 24:16; James 4:17; 5:6.
JUSTIFICATION
7 That justification (or Regeneration) is the act of God’s grace whereby one receives forgiveness and remission of sins and is counted righteous before God, through faith in the atoning blood of Jesus, standing before God as though he had never sinned. Psalms 32:1,2; Isaiah 1:18; Micah 7:19; John 3:3-8;; Acts 13:38,39; Romans 3:24-30; 4:6-16; 5:1,2; 2 Corinthians 5:17-21; Galatians 2:16; Ephesians 2:8,9; Titus 3:5; 1 Peter 1:23.
WATER BAPTISM
8 That Water Baptism is essential to our obedience after reconciliation with God. Water Baptism is one immersion (not three) “In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost” as Jesus commanded. Mathew 28:19; 3:13-17; Mark 16:15; Acts 2:38,39; 19:1-6; Romans 6:4,5.
LORD’S SUPPER
9 That the Lord’s Supper was constituted by Jesus Christ so that all believers (all members of the family of God) might partake thereof regularly, to “shew the Lord’s death till He come”. The emblems used are “unleavened bread” and the juice of “fruit of the vine”. Anyone who eats and drinks unworthily brings “damnation”, punishment and chastisement upon himself. Mathew 26:26-29; Luke 22:17-20; 1 Corinthians 11:23-30.
SANCTIFICATION
10 That Entire Sanctification is a definite act of God’s grace, subsequent to the New Birth, by which the believer’s heart is purified and made holy. It cannot be attained progressively by works, struggle or suppression, but is obtained by faith in the sanctifying blood of Jesus Christ. Holiness of life and purity of heart are central to Christian living. Luke 1:74,,75; John 17:15-17; 1 Thessalonians 4:3,7,8; 5:22-24; Ephesians 5:25-27; Hebrews 2:11; 10:10,14; 13:11,12; Titus 2:11-14; 1 John 1:7; Hebrews 12:14, 1 Peter 1:14-16.
HOLY GHOST BAPTISM
11 That the Baptism in the Holy Ghost is the enduement of power from on High upon the sanctified believer. It is “the promise of the Father” and when one receives this “gift of the Holy Ghost”, it is accompanied by the initial evidence of speaking a language unlearned previously, referred to as speaking in tongues as the Spirit gives utterance. Mathew 3:11; Acts 1:88; Luke 3:16; 24:49; John 1:30-33; 7:37-39; 14:16,17,26; 16:12-15; Acts 1:5-8; Mark 16:17; Acts 2:1-18; 10:44-46; 19:1-6.
We do not teach or instruct people how to speak in tongues; the Holy Spirit gives utterance. We also stress the necessity of Purity before Power. The Gifts of the Spirit are for today. 1 Corinthians 12:1-31; 14:1-40.
REDEMPTION
12 That Redemption from the curse of the law, Healing of sickness and disease as well as continued Health are provided for all people through the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ. Exodus 15:26; Deuteronomy 7:15; Psalms 103:1-5; Proverbs 4:20-22; Isaiah 8:16,17; 1 Peter 2:24; Mark 16:15-18; Luke 13:16; John 14:12-14; 10:10; Acts 10:38; James 5:14-16; 1 John 3:8; 3 John 2; Galatians 3:13,14.
PERSONAL EVANGELISM
13 That Personal Evangelism is a God-given and God-ordained ministry for every believer. Jesus commanded and God requires every believer to be a compassionate and fruitful soul winner, bringing others to Christ. Mathew 28:19,20; Mark 16:15; Luke 24:46-49; John 17:18; Acts 1:8; 8:1-4; Psalms 126:5,6; Proverbs 11:30; Daniel 12:3; Ezekiel 3:17-21.
MARRIAGE
14 That Marriage is binding for life. Monogamy is the uniform teaching of the Bible. Polygamy is contrary to God’s perfect will and institution. The Bible forbids a believer marrying an unbeliever. Also, under the New Testament dispensation, no one has a right to divorce and remarry while the first companion lives. When a person becomes converted, necessary restitution, on this line must be done without delay if he has married wrongly. Genesis 2:24; Deuteronomy 7:1-4; Joshua 23:11-13; 2 Corinthians 6:14-18; Proverbs 31:10-31; Malachi 2:14-15; Romans 7:2,3; Ephesians 5:31-33; Mathew 5:31,32; 19:3-9; Mark 10:2-12; Luke 16:18; John 4:15-19; Genesis 20:3,7.
RAPTURE
15 That the Rapture (the first phase or stage of the SECOND COMING OF CHRIST) is the catching away from the earth of all living saints; and all who died in the Lord. The Rapture will take place before the Great Tribulation and can happen any time from now. “In a twinkling of an eye” without a moment’s warning, “the trumpet shall sound”, “and the dead in Christ shall rise first then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air; and so shall we ever be with the Lord.” John 14:1-3; Luke 21:34-36; 1 Corinthians 15:51-58; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; 5:4-9; 2 Thessalonians 2:5-7; Philippians 3:11,20,21; 1 John 3:1-3.
RESURRECTION OF THE DEAD
16 That the Resurrection of the dead is taught in the Bible as clearly as the immortality of the soul. Every individual who has ever lived will be resurrected, some to honor and glory and others to everlasting shame and contempt. Job 19:25-27; Psalm 71:20; Isaiah 26:19; Daniel 12:2; John 5:28,29; 1 Corinthians 15:12-57; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-16; Hebrews 6:1,2; Philippians 3:8-11; Revelation 20:4,6,12,13.
GREAT TRIBULATION
17 That the Great Tribulation will occur after the Rapture and will be a time of terrible suffering on earth. It is also referred to as the time of Jacob’s trouble. Mathew 24:21,22,29; Revelation 9:16; Mark 13:19; 2 Thessalonians 2:3-12; Revelation 13. During this time, the Antichrist will take possession of this world for a reign of terror. He will not be a system or organization but a person – a supernatural diabolical being, in the form of a man who will blaspheme and proclaim himself to be God (Daniel 8:23,25; 2 Thessalonians 2:7-12; Revelation 13:1-10). The Marriage Supper of the Lamb will take place above while the tribulation continues on earth Revelation 19:1-10.
SECOND COMING OF CHRIST
18 The Second Coming of Christ will be just as literal and visible as His going away, and He is coming to execute judgment upon the ungodly. He will also, then, set up His Kingdom and reign on this present earth for a thousand years. Zechariah 14:3,4; Mathew 25:31-46; Mark 13:24-37; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10; 2:8; Jude 14,15.
CHRIST’S MILLENNIAL REIGN
19 That Christ’s Millennial Reign is the 1,000 years’ literal reign of Jesus on earth, which will be ushered in by the coming of Jesus back to earth with ten thousands of His saints. At this time He will judge the nations that dwell upon the face of the earth. Jude 14,15; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10. During this time the devil will be bound. Revelation 20:2,3. It will be a reign of peace and blessing. Isaiah 11:6-9; 65:25; Hosea 2:18; Zechariah 14:9-20; Isaiah 2:2-4.
GREAT WHITE THRONE JUDGEMENT
20 That the Great White Throne Judgment is when God finally judges all (the living and the dead, small and great) who have ever lived on the face of the earth, according to their works. This is after the Millennium. At this time, the final Judgment known as the Great White Throne Judgment, will be held. All those from all ages, who have not yet been judged (believers’ judgment, as sinners was accomplished by Christ on the Cross – John 5:24; 3:17-19) will stand before God at this time. The devil and his angels are judged at this time also and sent to the lake of fire forever. Dan 12:2,3; Matt 10:15; 11:21-24; 12:41,42; John 5:28,29; Rom 2:15,16; 14:12; 2 Pet 2:9; Jude 6; 1 Cor 6:1-4; Acts 10:42; Rev 20:11-15.
NEW HEAVEN AND THE NEW EARTH
21 That the New Heaven and the New Earth “wherein dwelleth righteousness” will be made by God and the redeemed shall dwell with God forever. This present earth, which has been polluted by sin, will pass away after the Great White Throne Judgment (Psalm 102:25,26; Isaiah 51:6; 65:17; Mathew 5:18; 24:35; 2 Peter 3:10-13; Revelation 21:1). No unclean thing will be there. We shall know each other, our knowledge having been perfected. There will be no more curses upon anything. There will be no more night, the glory of the Lord will be the light thereof. Isaiah 66:22; 2 Peter 3:12,13; 1 Cor 13:12; 1 John 3:2,3; Rev 21:1-7; 22:1-5.
HELL FIRE
22 That Hell-fire is a place of everlasting punishment where sinners (all who do not have their names in the book of life) will suffer torments forever and ever. It was prepared for the devil and his angels (Mathew 25:41) but God has decreed that the wicked and those who forgets Him and reject Christ will also be cast there because of their sin and neglect of His salvation. Ps 9:17; Mt 25:46; Lk 12:4,5; 16:19-31; Mt 5:22,30; Mk 9:43-47; Rev 14:10,11; 20:12-15.
PASTOR W. F. KUMUYI
A Math Professor is Called to Preach!
In 1973, while serving as Math Lecturer at The University of Lagos, W.F. Kumuyi started a Bible study group with 15 university students who had come to him requesting training in the Scriptures. By the early 1980’s that small group had grown to several thousand, at which time Deeper Life Bible Church was formally established.
By 1988 the congregation had grown to 50,000, and now numbers 120,000 members, making it the third largest Christian church in the world. Dr. Johan Combrinck reports that the Deeper Life Bible Church not only has an attendance of 120,000 every Sunday, but has planted 500 churches in Lagos, 5,000 in the rest of Nigeria (with an independent estimate of more than 800,000 members in Nigeria alone), and 3,000 elsewhere (with missionaries to 40 countries of Africa) as the movement missionary contribution. (Source: AFNET).
Dr. C. Peter Wagner, in an article titled ‘Those Amazing Post-Denominational Churches’ wrote: “By far, the most rapidly growing segment of Christianity on all six continents is a type of church that does not fit traditional categories or classifications. Missiologists have recognized its presence for some time, but it is such a recent phenomenon that they have not yet agreed on a name for it. Perhaps one title that would fit is the term ‘post-denominational.”
“Go to almost any metropolitan area and ask to visit the largest Christian Church. Chances are it will be one of these new post-denominational churches’. In Lagos, Nigeria, it would be the Deeper Life Bible Church, pastored by William Kumuyi. On a recent Sunday I saw 74,000 adults worshipping together, with 40,000 children meeting in a separate building across the street.” (Apostolic Team Ministries, Intl., Newsletter 09).
How Did It Happen?
Journalist Alan Isaacson provides a helpful study of this phenomenal ministry in his book Deeper Life, talking with many members of the church who told him how Christ has miraculously intervened and changed lives in response to prayer and the proclamation of the Gospel. In Pastor Kumuyi’s own words: “God, in the growth of Deeper Life Bible Church, has strategically and prudently used miracles to make all men come to Him’ (John 3:26). We take Christian living and holiness seriously.”
According to Isaacson, The history of Deeper Life is very much the personal story of W.F. Kumuyi. He is a gifted man, clear-thinking and humble. He is a dedicated Christian and deserves the title “the man of God,” which his followers have given him. Since he was a young man, Kumuyi has devoted his time to reading and studying the Bible. He knows the Scriptures inside out, and has struggled to understand and apply them. As he shares that struggle and his love for the word of God, so people have been drawn to him for advice, or simply to listen. When he preaches, his message is clear, simple, and profound. Poor street traders who can barely read sit next to university professors, all equally captivated by the way Scripture becomes suddenly relevant to them.
Pastor Kumuyi’s own Christian life developed because he took the Bible so seriously, and so the Deeper Christian Life Ministry has developed in the same way. In Alan Isaacson’s own words, he “preached Deeper Life into existence.” His sermons were captivating, wrote Isaacson, “I would classify him as one of the greatest living preachers, giving a straightforward Bible-based message,his sermons thorough, and always personally challenging. He always gave a wide range of cross-references which were read in their context, supporting, clarifying and expanding his main points. He spoke clearly and authoritatively to the Nigerian situation. He dealt sensitively with African culture, but also made a firm stand in highlighting the points where local culture was incompatible with the will of God. While stressing the high moral tone which is one of the virtues of most African cultures at their best, he was at pains to specify those aspects of local culture which were unchristian and even evil. In this way he was not only concerned with some kind of personal holiness, but also genuinely seeking the wholeness and harmony of the community at large, where truth, honesty, and justice should be the predominant characteristics.
A Man With a Great Heart For God!
He is not tall, and does not have a larger-than-life character. He does not dominate, nor has he accrued power to himself. He walks slowly, is relaxed, and has a gentle sense of humour with a warm smile and a twinkle in his eyes. He dresses simply, eats simply… and… could have assumed titles to himself. As the Deeper Christian Life Ministry developed – most people enjoy the trappings and regalia of status which followers gladly give. But he calls his followers brothers and sisters, and treats them as colleagues.
W.F. Kumuyi was born in 1941 into an Anglican home. It was a very strict Christian home, he told Isaacson, “We would get up in the morning, read the Bible, sing hymns, and go to church regularly. When I went to secondary school I lost interest in the church because our principal taught us atheism. But after a while I thought again and started going to various churches in town. Eventually, in 1963, a group of singers and preachers from a Gospel church got permission to come to the school. I understood the Gospel message, and was born again on April 5th, 1964. I read John Wesley, Charles Finney, Spurgeon, and lots of other books. I got involved with the Scripture Union, and I grew.”
From Professor to Preacher!
He gained a first-class degree in Mathematics at the University of Ibadan; then went back to Mayflower School to teach. After five years he went to the University of Lagos to do a Postgraduate Certificate in Education and became a lecturer there in 1973; and that was when he started a small Deeper Life Bible Study group.
In speaking to a group of Pastors under his leadership as General Superintendent, W. F. Kumuyi said: “Our emphasis should be on the practical side of going out. If the Lord comes, let him meet us working for him. Now every time I preach I try to mention evangelism. I have told all the Lagos District Coordinators and Zonal Leaders to spend half their time on evangelism and only half their time on their members. There will always be problems in the church: don’t let them take up all your time”.
Concluding his book, Isaacson writes, “And, of course, Deeper Life are self-governing. Kumuyi is the founder & General Superintendent, and he carries a tremendous weight in pastoring the Gbagada (Lagos) church alone, quite apart from the (now thousands) of other congregations across Nigeria and the rest of the world. He is a remarkable leader, one of God’s people for this generation. Kumuyi has received a great deal from God, but he is adept at passing along what he receives. My feeling is that what God has given his people through Kumuyi will be kept and developed long after Kumuyi is gone. This has been God’s work, and to Him be the glory.”
