Prominent Vice Presidents of the Living Faith Church Worldwide, Bishop David Olatunji Abioye and Bishop Thomas Aremu, are poised to retire from their esteemed positions within the Liberation Commission this October 2024.
This transition aligns with the Mandate, the church’s operational manual, which dictates the terms of leadership transitions.
In an official announcement, it was disclosed that Bishop Thomas Aremu will have his valedictory service at Living Faith Church Basorun in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Tuesday, October 15, 2024.
Following closely, Bishop David Abioye’s farewell service is scheduled to take place in Durumi, Abuja, on Friday, October 18, 2024.
Reflecting on his remarkable journey, Abioye shared, “Meeting Bishop Oyedepo in 1979 was a turning point in my life. Since then, my dedication to this ministry has only deepened.”
His significant contributions began in 1987 when he was assigned to pastor one of the church’s five pioneer branches.
In 1993, he was consecrated at the Garden of Faith in Barnawa, Kaduna, becoming the youngest bishop in recorded history of a fully-fledged church at just 32 years old.
Aremu brings a unique narrative to the ministry, having left a successful career as an accountant to fully commit to his calling.
He stated, “My journey from the corporate world to the ministry has been transformative. Serving God in this capacity is my true passion.”
Notably, he is the sole surviving member of the seven bishops consecrated in November 1999 at the Garden of Faith in Kaduna, demonstrating remarkable longevity and commitment to the church.
This momentous occasion represents a groundbreaking shift for the Living Faith Church, as it marks the first time that retiring pastors will be publicly celebrated for their years of dedicated service.
The revised Mandate now stipulates a retirement age of 58, down from the previous 60, with only the church’s Founder granted a lifetime of service. Future leaders will be limited to one term or a maximum of two terms, each lasting seven years, subject to the Board of Trustees’ approval.
As Bishop Abioye remarked, “This new policy signifies a new era for our church, allowing fresh leadership to guide us into the future.”
This change highlights the Living Faith Church’s commitment to evolving while honouring the legacies of those who have contributed significantly to its growth.
As both bishops prepare for this new chapter, their legacies will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark on the future of the Living Faith Church, inspiring a new generation of leaders within this dynamic and vibrant ministry.
