Assemblies of God Bars Pastors from Marrying Non-Members

The leadership of the Assemblies of God Church has issued a new directive prohibiting its pastors from marrying women who are not members of the denomination.

The directive was announced by the General Superintendent of the church, Rev. Abel Amadi, during the 2026 Leaders’ Retreat held at Evangel Camp, Okpoto, in Ebonyi State.

Addressing church leaders at the retreat, Rev. Amadi instructed district presbyteries to strictly enforce the policy, stressing that no pastor should receive approval to marry outside the Assemblies of God.

“No pastor should be allowed to marry outside the Assemblies of God. Presbytery, you must take note of this and ensure it is not allowed,” he said.

He encouraged pastors seeking marriage partners to look within the denomination, even if it requires searching across different states.

“If you have gone to Rivers State and you didn’t find one, go to Umuahia. If you don’t find one in Umuahia, go to Enugu. If you don’t find one in Enugu, go to Lagos,” he said.

According to him, persistence within the church will lead to finding a suitable partner who will support pastoral ministry.

“As you continue, God will provide you with a woman who will support you in ministry,” Rev. Amadi added.

The directive applies strictly to pastors and does not affect ordinary church members.

Meanwhile, the decision has reportedly received support from some female members of the Assemblies of God Church in Umuahia and Aba. Speaking anonymously, they expressed surprise that some pastors seek wives from other denominations despite the large number of eligible women within the church.