Misconception: Ban on non-RCCG preachers total, memo gives no room for approval - Olubiyi, Spokesman

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The Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, has corrected a news report on non-members preaching in their parishes, saying the ban is total.

In a short statement to correct the misconception, RCCG Head of Media and Public Relations, Pastor Olaitan Olubiyi, said, “Please, I need to correct a news report that went out yesterday about me clarifying the RCCG memo on ban of non-RCCG Guest Ministers in all our churches.

“The report erroneously indicated that the ban is not total and that those who might have to invite such external Ministers would have to obtain clearance and approval.”

Olubiyi affirmed that, “The ban is total and the memo gives no room for any approval from anywhere whatsoever.”

The RCCG spokesman urged the media to “help to set the record straight to avoid confusion over the new directive.”

Earlier, news report had stated that the Redeemed Christian Church of God led by Pastor Enoch Adeboye explained why a directive was given that non-members of the church should not be allowed to preach in its parishes.

A memo that went viral on Monday, titled “Invitation of Guest Ministers in RCCG,” dated January 5, 2024, and signed by the Special Assistant to the General Overseer on Administration, Pastor Oladele Balogun, stated that “no external preacher, speaker or minister should be permitted on any of our altars or platforms.”

The memo was directed to all Continental Overseers, Deputy Continental Overseers, Assistant Continental Overseers, and Pastors in charge of Regions/Provinces worldwide.

It read, “We refer to our memo dated 14th December, 2023 with Ref: RCCG/ADM/OAB/JP/MEMO/14/12/2023 on the above subject matter, and wish to inform you that the General Overseer (Pastor Enoch Adeboye) has issued a further directive that no external preacher, speaker or minister should be permitted on any of our altars or platforms.

“Anyone intending to invite a guest minister, speaker or preacher to their parish must ensure that the individual is a recognised member of the RCCG.”

The memo also warned that any minister who violated the directive would face “severe disciplinary measures” and may be relieved of their ministerial duties in the Mission.

Olubiyi was, however, (mis)quoted as explaining that although the memo was an internal document, the directive wasn’t really a ban but a guideline to ensure approvals were gotten before external members were invited.

But the RCCG spokesman stressed that “the ban is total and the memo gives no room for any approval from anywhere whatsoever.”