Church Leadership Debate: Prof. Macaulay Challenges Pastor Kumuyi’s Stance on Succession

The President of the Association of Christian Theologians (ACTS), Professor Kunle Macaulay, has publicly disagreed with the General Superintendent of Deeper Life Bible Church, Pastor William Kumuyi, regarding the issue of church successorship.

Pastor Kumuyi, in his widely discussed speech titled *“My Successor,”* asserted that God, rather than human leaders, is responsible for choosing successors in the church. He referenced biblical examples, including the appointment of Joshua after Moses’ death, to support his view that church leadership should be divinely ordained rather than predetermined by man. Kumuyi also advised Deeper Life members not to depend on him for a succession plan but to trust in divine guidance.

However, Professor Macaulay challenged this perspective, arguing that the New Testament church operates differently from Old Testament Israel. He emphasized that Christianity is a movement of God with His people, while Judaism pertains to the religious structure of the Jewish nation. Macaulay maintained that Christian leaders have a responsibility to mentor and prepare their successors to ensure smooth leadership transitions, a practice that has been followed for over a century by both Orthodox and Pentecostal churches in Nigeria.

Macaulay warned that failing to establish a clear succession plan could lead to leadership crises and administrative instability. Citing historical examples, he recalled the leadership struggles within the Celestial Church of Christ after its founder, Rev. Pastor Samuel Bilewu Joseph Oshoffa, passed away in 1985 without naming a successor. He also highlighted the leadership transitions at Fountain of Life Church and the Church of God Mission, where leadership passed to family members rather than trained bishops.

While acknowledging that church leadership should be inspired by the Holy Spirit, Macaulay argued that practical considerations must also be taken into account. He urged Nigerian church leaders to invest in structured leadership training, academic seminars, and summits to equip future leaders effectively.

Expressing concern over the fate of longtime church workers, Macaulay criticized the idea that individuals who have served faithfully for decades should wait indefinitely for divine selection rather than being considered for leadership roles. He concluded that the quality of leadership within Nigerian churches would ultimately determine their spiritual strength and long-term success.