KUMUYI'S REFORMATION STRATEGY AND THE DEEPER LIFE CHURCH: A Critical Observation

As an emerging futurist, I'm particularly drawn to patterns and trends. I attempt to stand in three spaces at the same time; yesterday, today and tomorrow. I deploy tools of critical analysis, strategic research and strategic foresighting to draw predictions and prospects. It's such an interesting ascent I must say.

One of the most talked about leadership recalibration and systemic transformation is that being experienced by the DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY, one of largest pentecostal assembly in world led by the International preacher, Pastor. W. F. Kumuyi.

The world obviously didn't expect that level of rapid rapid response to change in adminstrative, digital and other quarters.

Distinguished Brand Strategist, Keke Alder upholds that, "a vision is not different from it's visioner". So is the case of Deeper Life.

Pastor Kumuyi, a calm, systematic and diplomatic leader built his team and organization to embrace an orthodox - like, solemn and reserved approach to worship and spiritual activities. The preacher is sparsely involved in societal matters and when he does, has a diplomatic approach.

These, positioned Deeper Life on a unique part as most of their approaches differ largely from other pentecostal expressions. This, has been a matter of controversy for long but for a very focused leader, nothing deters his commitment to his received vision and to the unique template that guides his vision.

THE HINT

This was the case as many either accepted that uniqueness or ultimately let it be after much show of displeasure. Not until, a few years ago, the gifted teacher publicly declared his intentions to address matters of no eternal significance that were not helping the church to grow. In his words, "those things we put in place to help the church, which are not helping the church, he will remove them before he goes (indicative of his departure from earth through death).

That statement, sounded controversial and though not taking too serious or not knowing what to expect from the dynamic Puritan, it would be an entrance into an Irresistible reformation.

The popular leader, had simply deployed the "Clear The Way" strategy. A method deployed to gradually ease people into a dramatic change. Especially for a congregation built along some rigid and unconventional patterns.

THE DARE

Pastor Kumuyi, unrelenting about his resolve to position along his church along the lines of global relevance clearly began to show more commitment to interdenominational engagements.

The Lagos Strategic Leadership conference in partnership with the Christian Association Of Nigeria (CAN), Lagos, Chapter, The Wednesday Bible Study, that saw him move from church to church in communities in Lagos, The Independence Service and Lagos State Thanksgiving held at the Church Headquarters and a growing relationship with other spiritual and political leaders constituted a chain of salient yet critical foundations to support what was to come.

THE TRIGGER

Kumuyi turned 80 years on Sunday, June 6, 2021.

At the worship service that day which was attended by Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Emmanuel Udom, some youths of the church strategically positioned at the first gallery of church building suddenly emerged from the blues and started blowing the trumpets and sang happy birthday to their pastor.

Service was temporary obstructed as they were overjoyed, singing and blowing the trumpets and other musical instruments. This was the first time such a thing has occurred in the history of Deeper Life, a conservative holiness church.

The action of the youths elicited mixed feelings in the church. While some were happy, others felt the youths have compromised the standard of the church.

But on Saturday, shortly before delivering his message at the workers’ meeting, Kumuyi doused the tension and said those who had been punished by their action during the service should be restored back to the working team.

The short address was clearly beyond a tension dousing agenda. It was an obvious endorsement of the youth arm of the church and a call to collaboration between both generations.

The Mathematics Scholar turned preacher had by some unimaginable equations, bridged a generational gap.

I dare to say that 6th June, 2021 will go down in history as the trigger of a denominational reformation.

THE SHOCKS

What followed was a long list of unusual practices.

- The commencement of THE GLOBAL CRUSADE - an EVANGELISTIC EXPRESSION that leverages on high level technology to reach nations of the world. With Abuja, Calabar, Enugu, Portharcourt, Uyo and most recently Lagos used as Alpha locations from where the rest of the world hook up. So far, they have been tremendous testimonies.

- The Social Media take over strategy.
The church invested labour and financial might into its social media positioning.
Excellent photography and videography to arrive at excellent coverage of events and cross continental link ups.

- DON MOEN!!!! That was it.
A guest music minister. Surely, no one expected that.
The 6 days crusade had the American worship leader lead worship for all the days.

This opened the door to subsequent invitations.
Pastor Nathaniel Bassey, Pastor William McDowell and most recently, Paul Baloche have all graced the Global platform.

- Electrifying atmosphere of worship and Praise

- Adjusted modus operandi

- Even the Pastor Kumuyi's physical appearance is not spared, as the 80 - year old looks uniquely dressed with some very perfect combinations capped a well patterned blazer and matching tie.
In addition, one would easily notice that he also has his notes and texts displayed on the screen as opposed to the older pattern of printed notes and flipping pages.

Among other truly fascinating adjustment!

THE GOAL

For an 80 years old, admitting that He is at the departure lounge of life would certainly be an easy call. The Man - Kumuyi and The Mandate - Deeper Christian Life Ministry will certainly be embracing continuity systems and longevity frames.

Though Pastor Kumuyi is still active in the work of Ministry, in fact a renowned preacher, Apostle Joshua Selman recently marvelled at his strength and doggedness. In his words " Pastor Kumuyi still engages crusades as though he's a young preacher seeking visibility"; his attention has obviously shifted to the next generation.

The whole picture intricately is a beautiful sight to behold and one can only just accept a visioner and his vision embrace change at the highest echelon of excellence and speed.

For me, it is what you get when flexibility is in place and EFFECTIVE youths are empowered enough!

Jonathan Isah
Strategist and Futurist
December, 2021


Addendum**
We’ve also seen the church’s verified social media pages jump on trends. For example, last October, the church handler posted “Na the kind anointing wey pastor Kumuyi dey receive i wan dey use now”

They’ve also posted “What God cannot do does not exist “
Which got people cheered up in the comments section.

Kudos Deeper life Church. This is real strategy in action.[/color]

After decades of calling television the "devil's box," Deeper Life Church finally backed down.
Today Kumuyi preaches on the same television (he formally called the devil's box)...

Nice one.

DemMannaScam:
After decades of calling television the "devil's box," Deeper Life Church finally backed down.
Today Kumuyi preaches on the same television (he formally called the devil's box)...

Nice one.

What make television 'the devil's box' are the immorality, pornography, corruption, vanity, violence, materialism etc it promotes. When the same television is used for educative programs, enlightenment, evangelism/soulwinning and edification, it is no longer 'the devil's box'. Thank you.

He is still the most respected. If he makes mistakes, as mistakes are human, he is sincere.


I respect him.


MaxInDHouse your comment.

FreedomfromtheT:
What make television 'the devil's box' are the immorality, pornography, corruption, vanity, violence, materialism etc it promotes. When the same television is used for educative programs, enlightenment, evangelism/soulwinning and edification, it is no longer 'the devil's box'. Thank you.

Everly he's a sincere man of God. He's truly submissive to God cos not everyone of his age and caliber can start changing things he has believed and done vigorously for almost 40yrs. It's beautiful to always submit to God.
God bless him for submitting and changing the gear

muzilala:
KUMUYI'S REFORMATION STRATEGY AND THE DEEPER LIFE CHURCH: A Critical Observation

As an emerging futurist, I'm particularly drawn to patterns and trends. I attempt to stand in three spaces at the same time; yesterday, today and tomorrow. I deploy tools of critical analysis, strategic research and strategic foresighting to draw predictions and prospects. It's such an interesting ascent I must say.

One of the most talked about leadership recalibration and systemic transformation is that being experienced by the DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY, one of largest pentecostal assembly in world led by the International preacher, Pastor. W. F. Kumuyi.

The world obviously didn't expect that level of rapid rapid response to change in adminstrative, digital and other quarters.

Distinguished Brand Strategist, Keke Alder upholds that, "a vision is not different from it's visioner". So is the case of Deeper Life.

Pastor Kumuyi, a calm, systematic and diplomatic leader built his team and organization to embrace an orthodox - like, solemn and reserved approach to worship and spiritual activities. The preacher is sparsely involved in societal matters and when he does, has a diplomatic approach.

These, positioned Deeper Life on a unique part as most of their approaches differ largely from other pentecostal expressions. This, has been a matter of controversy for long but for a very focused leader, nothing deters his commitment to his received vision and to the unique template that guides his vision.

THE HINT

This was the case as many either accepted that uniqueness or ultimately let it be after much show of displeasure. Not until, a few years ago, the gifted teacher publicly declared his intentions to address matters of no eternal significance that were not helping the church to grow. In his words, "those things we put in place to help the church, which are not helping the church, he will remove them before he goes (indicative of his departure from earth through death).

That statement, sounded controversial and though not taking too serious or not knowing what to expect from the dynamic Puritan, it would be an entrance into an Irresistible reformation.

The popular leader, had simply deployed the "Clear The Way" strategy. A method deployed to gradually ease people into a dramatic change. Especially for a congregation built along some rigid and unconventional patterns.

THE DARE

Pastor Kumuyi, unrelenting about his resolve to position along his church along the lines of global relevance clearly began to show more commitment to interdenominational engagements.

The Lagos Strategic Leadership conference in partnership with the Christian Association Of Nigeria (CAN), Lagos, Chapter, The Wednesday Bible Study, that saw him move from church to church in communities in Lagos, The Independence Service and Lagos State Thanksgiving held at the Church Headquarters and a growing relationship with other spiritual and political leaders constituted a chain of salient yet critical foundations to support what was to come.

THE TRIGGER

Kumuyi turned 80 years on Sunday, June 6, 2021.

At the worship service that day which was attended by Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Emmanuel Udom, some youths of the church strategically positioned at the first gallery of church building suddenly emerged from the blues and started blowing the trumpets and sang happy birthday to their pastor.

Service was temporary obstructed as they were overjoyed, singing and blowing the trumpets and other musical instruments. This was the first time such a thing has occurred in the history of Deeper Life, a conservative holiness church.

The action of the youths elicited mixed feelings in the church. While some were happy, others felt the youths have compromised the standard of the church.

But on Saturday, shortly before delivering his message at the workers’ meeting, Kumuyi doused the tension and said those who had been punished by their action during the service should be restored back to the working team.

The short address was clearly beyond a tension dousing agenda. It was an obvious endorsement of the youth arm of the church and a call to collaboration between both generations.

The Mathematics Scholar turned preacher had by some unimaginable equations, bridged a generational gap.

I dare to say that 6th June, 2021 will go down in history as the trigger of a denominational reformation.

THE SHOCKS

What followed was a long list of unusual practices.

- The commencement of THE GLOBAL CRUSADE - an EVANGELISTIC EXPRESSION that leverages on high level technology to reach nations of the world. With Abuja, Calabar, Enugu, Portharcourt, Uyo and most recently Lagos used as Alpha locations from where the rest of the world hook up. So far, they have been tremendous testimonies.

- The Social Media take over strategy.
The church invested labour and financial might into its social media positioning.
Excellent photography and videography to arrive at excellent coverage of events and cross continental link ups.

- DON MOEN!!!! That was it.
A guest music minister. Surely, no one expected that.
The 6 days crusade had the American worship leader lead worship for all the days.

This opened the door to subsequent invitations.
Pastor Nathaniel Bassey, Pastor William McDowell and most recently, Paul Baloche have all graced the Global platform.

- Electrifying atmosphere of worship and Praise

- Adjusted modus operandi

- Even the Pastor Kumuyi's physical appearance is not spared, as the 80 - year old looks uniquely dressed with some very perfect combinations capped a well patterned blazer and matching tie.
In addition, one would easily notice that he also has his notes and texts displayed on the screen as opposed to the older pattern of printed notes and flipping pages.

Among other truly fascinating adjustment!

THE GOAL

For an 80 years old, admitting that He is at the departure lounge of life would certainly be an easy call. The Man - Kumuyi and The Mandate - Deeper Christian Life Ministry will certainly be embracing continuity systems and longevity frames.

Though Pastor Kumuyi is still active in the work of Ministry, in fact a renowned preacher, Apostle Joshua Selman recently marvelled at his strength and doggedness. In his words " Pastor Kumuyi still engages crusades as though he's a young preacher seeking visibility"; his attention has obviously shifted to the next generation.

The whole picture intricately is a beautiful sight to behold and one can only just accept a visioner and his vision embrace change at the highest echelon of excellence and speed.

For me, it is what you get when flexibility is in place and EFFECTIVE youths are empowered enough!

Jonathan Isah
Strategist and Futurist
December, 2021


Addendum**
We’ve also seen the church’s verified social media pages jump on trends. For example, last October, the church handler posted “Na the kind anointing wey pastor Kumuyi dey receive i wan dey use now”

They’ve also posted “What God cannot do does not exist “
Which got people cheered up in the comments section.

Kudos Deeper life Church. This is real strategy in action.[/color]

Deeper Life GO introduced a version of chritianity that is no longer working for his members.

The wise man don port.

Message = Stick to what has been working for centuries when dealing with human traditions, pastors must Avoid introducing un-tested concepts in to the world. Stick with what has been working for years.

Do not reinvent the christian wheel.

I believe the Catholic church and Anglican have set the best standards for us. No go bring ur own.


aBOVE ALL avoid been a born again or worse over born again.

LikeAking:




Deeper Life GO introduced a version of chritianity that is no longer working for his members.

The wise man don port.

Message = Stick to what has been working for centuries when dealing with human traditions, pastors must Avoid introducing un-tested concepts in to the world. Stick with what has been working for years.

Do not reinvent the christian wheel.

I believe the Catholic church and Anglican have set the best standards for us. No go bring ur own.


aBOVE ALL avoid been a born again or worse over born again.

Yea. The best standards indeed. Show me where Peter, Paul, James and John in scripture worship Mary like the Catholics do. Catholics pray the Hail Mary: "Hail Mary full of grace the LORD is with you. Blessed art thou amongst women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary mother of GOD pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death, amen." forgetting that there is no worship or prayer in the grave according to the scriptures (Psalms 6:5). But not only do Catholics ask Mary for intercession they also ask dead saints for intercession forgetting that according to the scriptures there is only one advocate, one intercessor, Jesus Christ, interceding before the Father on our behalf (1 John 2:1, 1 John 4:10, John 14:6). This is just a few of the false doctrines that the Catholic church promotes. We don't even want to go into the ugly past of the Catholic and how they persecuted and killed the children of GOD (like Tyndale), how there were popes that promoted magic and sorcery like Pope Honorious III, how popes pull out books from the bible and put some in at will, how they promote celibacy of priests in accordance with pagan practices which Paul specifically warned about (1 Timothy 4:1-3), how at some point they commercialized the forgiveness of sins/indulgences and a whole lot of other horrendous practices. Why must anyone confess sins to a man can called a Father? Was the so called Father the person sinned against? Is it scriptural? Did any of the apostles sanction it? The Catholic is not a standard to compare the Protestants against.

efficiencie:


Yea. The best standards indeed. Show me where Peter, Paul, James and John in scripture worship Mary like the Catholics do. Catholics pray the Hail Mary: "Hail Mary full of grace the LORD is with you. Blessed art thou amongst women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary mother of GOD pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death, amen." forgetting that there is no worship or prayer in the grave according to the scriptures (Psalms 6:5). But not only do Catholics ask Mary for intercession they also ask dead saints for intercession forgetting that according to the scriptures there is only one advocate, one intercessor, Jesus Christ, interceding before the Father on our behalf (1 John 2:1, 1 John 4:10, John 14:6). This is just a few of the false doctrines that the Catholic church promotes. We don't even want to go into the ugly past of the Catholic and how they persecuted and killed the children of GOD (like Tyndale), how there were popes that promoted magic and sorcery like Pope Honorious III, how popes pull out books from the bible and put some in at will, how they promote celibacy of priests in accordance with pagan practices which Paul specifically warned about (1 Timothy 4:1-3), how at some point they commercialized the forgiveness of sins/indulgences and a whole lot of other horrendous practices. Why must anyone confess sins to a man can called a Father? Was the so called Father the person sinned against? Is it scriptural? Did any of the apostles sanction it? The Catholic is not a standard to compare the Protestants against.

When dealing with human traditions, implementing new ideas or ideology is a big risk and a disaster carefully placed inside hell's hatchery. Lets stick to what has been working for centuries and we will be fine.

Pastors keep shifting or downgrading their standards every day, because their ideas are new and most pass through a thousand experiments to survive. Every new idea most pass through fire in order to effective and its obvious the pastors are putting off the flames so soon, they are going back to age old testing ideologies.

I am not a catholic or even religious, but experience has thought me to stick to what has been proven and tested for years, rather than following some new ways from my head.

The Catholics and co have a standard that has been tested and trusted for up to or more than a thousand years. Their is no need for any pastor to use his members has guinea pigs and lab rats. Imagine a church shifting the goal post because they are experimenting with human lives.

Live will be better if we just imitate the greats, then add a little flavor. I am talking about adopting or creating certain new age ideas that will lead to lost of problems in the future.

Just follow a system that has been tested and proven.

They world dont need a new tradition.

efficiencie:


Yea. The best standards indeed. Show me where Peter, Paul, James and John in scripture worship Mary like the Catholics do. Catholics pray the Hail Mary: "Hail Mary full of grace the LORD is with you. Blessed art thou amongst women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary mother of GOD pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death, amen." forgetting that there is no worship or prayer in the grave according to the scriptures (Psalms 6:5). But not only do Catholics ask Mary for intercession they also ask dead saints for intercession forgetting that according to the scriptures there is only one advocate, one intercessor, Jesus Christ, interceding before the Father on our behalf (1 John 2:1, 1 John 4:10, John 14:6). This is just a few of the false doctrines that the Catholic church promotes. We don't even want to go into the ugly past of the Catholic and how they persecuted and killed the children of GOD (like Tyndale), how there were popes that promoted magic and sorcery like Pope Honorious III, how popes pull out books from the bible and put some in at will, how they promote celibacy of priests in accordance with pagan practices which Paul specifically warned about (1 Timothy 4:1-3), how at some point they commercialized the forgiveness of sins/indulgences and a whole lot of other horrendous practices. Why must anyone confess sins to a man can called a Father? Was the so called Father the person sinned against? Is it scriptural? Did any of the apostles sanction it? The Catholic is not a standard to compare the Protestants against.

Wia have all the new rules & ideologies created by the new age churches taken humanity too?

We don't even want to go into the ugly past of the Catholic and how they persecuted and killed the children of GOD (like Tyndale), how there were popes that promoted magic and sorcery like Pope Honorious III, how popes pull out books from the bible and put some in at will, how they promote celibacy of priests in accordance with pagan practices which Paul specifically warned about (1 Timothy 4:1-3), how at some point they commercialized the forgiveness of sins/indulgences and a whole lot of other horrendous practices.

@ the bolded. At least they have an ugly past and came out clean. Do you know if the Pentecostals may go on a similar journey in the future, or worse?

LikeAking:


Wia have all the new rules & ideologies created by the new age churches taken humanity too?

We don't even want to go into the ugly past of the Catholic and how they persecuted and killed the children of GOD (like Tyndale), how there were popes that promoted magic and sorcery like Pope Honorious III, how popes pull out books from the bible and put some in at will, how they promote celibacy of priests in accordance with pagan practices which Paul specifically warned about (1 Timothy 4:1-3), how at some point they commercialized the forgiveness of sins/indulgences and a whole lot of other horrendous practices.

@ the bolded. At least they have an ugly past and came out clean. Do you know if the Pentecostals may go on a similar journey in the future, or worse?

Came out clean how? With all the child abuse cases in the Vatican coupled with the current pope fraternizing with leaders of religions that are clearly contrary to Christianity, you say the Catholics came out clean? I just pointed out to you that you have no moral standing to criticize the Pentecostals based on the faulty standards of the Catholics. Yes the Pentecostals have their issues and so do the Catholics and every other version of Christianity but demonizing the Pentecostals based on the standards of the Catholics is just ludicrous.