The Presiding Bishop of the Living Faith Church Worldwide, also known as Winners Chapel, Bishop David Oyedepo, has warned pastors and church leaders against lying in order to promote or sustain their ministries. He said any ministry built on lies will not last.
Bishop Oyedepo gave the warning on Sunday while speaking at the third service held at the church’s international headquarters, Canaanland, Ota, Ogun State. The service marked the final day of the church’s annual 21-day fasting and prayer programme.
Addressing thousands of worshippers, the cleric stressed the importance of truthfulness in Christian ministry. He warned that exaggerating testimonies or making false claims about God’s works to impress people could destroy a minister’s calling.
“You won’t last in the ministry telling lies,” Oyedepo said. “I stand before God, I will never tell lies about what God did not do just to impress anyone.”
According to him, ministers who want to enjoy long-lasting and impactful ministries must remain faithful to the truth of the Scriptures and give glory to God alone for every success.
Bishop Oyedepo, who is one of Nigeria’s most influential Christian leaders, said honesty and integrity are the foundation of any ministry that seeks God’s approval rather than human applause.
He explained that many people are tempted to lie or exaggerate because of pressure to appear successful, popular, or powerful. However, he warned that such actions only lead to failure in the long run.
The bishop said true success in ministry comes from total obedience to God and complete dependence on Him, not from false stories or empty claims.
“When you stay with the truth, God will lift you,” he said. “When you give Him the glory, He will take you to places you never imagined.”
He also advised believers to keep their love for Jesus Christ alive, noting that genuine love for God is the secret to spiritual strength and victory over life’s challenges.
According to him, Christians who fully trust God and rely on His word will not be defeated by difficulties or opposition.
“Total dependence on God guarantees victory,” Oyedepo said. “No matter what you face in life, if you stay with God, you will always come out strong.”
During the service, the bishop shared a personal testimony to support his message about the power of God’s word. He recalled how a close associate in Ile-Ife, Osun State, was once afflicted with insanity.
According to him, instead of using force or human methods, the Scriptures were read to the man, and he was later restored to a normal state.
Oyedepo said the experience strengthened his belief in the power of God’s word to heal, restore, and change lives.
“The word of God is alive,” he said. “It has power to bring sanity, peace, and freedom.”
The cleric also expressed strong confidence in God’s protection over his life and ministry. He declared that no evil plan formed against him would succeed.
“I am confident in divine protection,” he said. “No evil plan against me will stand.”
Bishop Oyedepo’s message comes at a time when some religious leaders in Nigeria and other parts of the world have come under public criticism over false claims, fake miracles, and misleading testimonies.
In recent years, concerns have been raised by both religious groups and the general public about the integrity of some church leaders and the use of religion for personal gain.
Oyedepo’s statement is seen by many as a call for self-examination among pastors and church workers, urging them to return to the core values of Christianity.
Living Faith Church Worldwide, founded by Bishop Oyedepo in 1981, has grown into a global ministry with branches in several countries. The church is also known for large gatherings, educational institutions, and social impact programmes.
Canaanland, the church’s headquarters in Ota, is one of the largest church facilities in the world and attracts worshippers from different parts of Nigeria and beyond.
The annual 21-day fasting and prayer programme is a major spiritual exercise in the church, usually held at the beginning of the year. Members are encouraged to pray, fast, and seek God’s direction for the year ahead.
Many worshippers at Sunday’s service described the bishop’s message as timely and direct. Some said it was a reminder that Christianity should be based on truth, humility, and sincere faith.
A church member, who spoke after the service, said, “This message is a wake-up call for ministers and believers alike. God wants truth, not show.”
Another worshipper said the message encouraged Christians to trust God fully without trying to impress others.
As the service ended, Bishop Oyedepo urged believers to carry the lessons of truth, love, and total dependence on God into their daily lives.
He reminded them that God’s approval is more important than public praise and that only ministries built on truth can stand the test of time.