Bishop Thomas Aremu, a long-serving cleric of the Living Faith Church Worldwide, popularly known as Winners Chapel, has declared that he will remain with the church despite his official retirement. Speaking during his retirement valedictory service in Ibadan on Tuesday, Aremu emphasized that he has no intentions of starting his own church, stating that he lacks the calling to establish one and will continue to serve under the leadership of the church.
“I don’t have a church, and I cannot have a church because God has not infused me with the capacity to do so. I will remain in Winners even after retirement,” Aremu said, addressing the congregation, which included the presiding Bishop of Winners Chapel, Dr. David Oyedepo, and his wife, Faith Oyedepo.
Reflecting on his four decades of service in the church, Bishop Aremu shared heartfelt memories of his spiritual journey since joining the ministry in 1983. He expressed deep gratitude to God and to the leadership of the church for the guidance and support he had received over the years.
“If you want to ask me how it has been all the while from 1983 till now, I will say it has been from one wonderful event to the other,” Aremu said, describing his experience as filled with divine favor and personal growth.
He also credited his spiritual mentor, Bishop David Oyedepo, for playing a pivotal role in shaping his life and ministry. “He gave me a pastor after His own heart. I have enjoyed the privilege of being under my pastor. God planted me here,” Aremu added, acknowledging the spiritual guidance he had received from Oyedepo.
Aremu recounted how his time in the church had been marked by a steady increase in spiritual blessings and personal development. “It has been from glory to glory. I hear God like I hear Oyo Radio. God speaks to me. He has ordered my steps, and He still speaks to me up till today,” Aremu said, emphasizing the strong connection he feels with God’s guidance.
Despite his significant role in the church and his contributions over the years, Bishop Aremu maintained a humble outlook on his future. He reiterated that he had no desire to break away from the church or start a new ministry, a path many retired clergy members often pursue.
“I don’t have a church. I shall remain in the Winners Church,” Aremu declared firmly. He went on to express his desire to document his life’s journey and spiritual experiences for the benefit of future generations, while also pledging to continue practicing generosity as God enables him.
“I will be privileged to document my experience to the younger generation and will continue to practice liberality as God will enable me,” he said.
In a show of support, Bishop David Oyedepo, founder of Winners Chapel and one of Nigeria’s most influential Christian leaders, encouraged Bishop Aremu to continue serving with vigor, despite his retirement. He urged Aremu not to adopt a “retirement mentality” but to keep his faith and energy alive as he enters a new chapter in his life.
“Put on strength, put on your garment. Don’t carry a retirement mentality. Whatever you dream to do, grace is coming on you,” Oyedepo advised.
Oyedepo’s words underscored the philosophy that retirement in spiritual work is different from secular retirement. In the Christian faith, particularly in a ministry like Winners Chapel, leaders are often encouraged to continue serving in various capacities even after they officially step down from their active roles.
Bishop Aremu’s retirement brings attention to the legacy of Living Faith Church Worldwide, a megachurch that has grown to become one of Nigeria’s most influential Pentecostal institutions. Founded in 1981 by David Oyedepo, the church has expanded its reach globally, with numerous branches across Africa, Europe, and North America.
Winners Chapel is known for its massive worship centers, including its 50,000-seat auditorium, Faith Tabernacle in Ota, Ogun State, which was once recorded in the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest church auditorium in the world. The church also has a significant presence in education, with its university, Covenant University, ranked among the top in Nigeria.
Throughout its history, the church has prided itself on promoting prosperity theology, which teaches that faith, positive thinking, and donations to the church can lead to wealth and success. This teaching has attracted millions of followers over the years and has made Bishop Oyedepo one of the most prominent and wealthiest pastors in the world.
Bishop Aremu’s decades-long service within the Winners Chapel network highlights the deep commitment of many senior leaders to the church’s mission and vision. His decision to remain with the church even after retirement reinforces the loyalty and dedication that the church’s leaders are known for.
