The General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry, Pastor William Kumuyi, has announced major changes to the church’s marriage guidelines, stating that some long-standing practices were based on church administration and not biblical instruction.
Speaking at the 2025 Global Family and Marriage Conference, Pastor Kumuyi clarified that certain marriage rules followed by Deeper Life members for decades were man-made and can be reviewed as necessary. He stressed the need for Christians to distinguish between divine commandments and church traditions.
One of the most notable reforms is the abolition of the mandatory six-month courtship period. For years, intending couples in Deeper Life were expected to date for at least six months before proceeding to marriage. However, Kumuyi said this was only a guideline, not a biblical law.
“We just felt you need some time to know one another. And then we said one month will be too short, two months too short. So, why not six months? But it is not from the Bible,” he explained.
“Six months is all right, but it’s not something inflexible. If we change it to three months, we’re not changing the Bible, because six months is not in the Bible.”
Another important change is the removal of the restriction that prevented women from visiting the homes of their fiancés during courtship. Under previous church policy, such visits were discouraged to avoid temptation. However, Kumuyi now says such meetings can take place — as long as the couple is accompanied by an elder of the church.
This move, he noted, is to make the courtship process more practical while still maintaining moral standards.
“You can visit each other now, but with proper guidance. We are not compromising holiness, but we are also not tying people down with rules that God did not give,” he said.
Pastor Kumuyi also addressed the role of marriage committees in the church. He pointed out that these committees were introduced to provide support and counselling for intending couples — not to exercise control or spiritual authority over them.
“There’s no marriage committee in the New Testament,” he said.
“We created it to help you, not because we can give you a chapter and a verse. It is church administration. Marriage committees should not exercise an authority that God has not given them. This is just church organisation, not divine law.”
These changes represent a significant shift in how the Deeper Christian Life Ministry handles courtship and marriage matters. The church, known for its strict doctrines and conservative stance on lifestyle and relationships, is now reviewing some of its long-standing traditions in favour of more balanced, scripture-based approaches.
Pastor Kumuyi’s remarks appear to be part of a broader attempt to modernise certain church practices while still upholding core biblical principles. He urged members to remain committed to holiness but warned against confusing man-made rules with the Word of God.
The Deeper Christian Life Ministry, founded by Pastor Kumuyi in the 1970s, has millions of followers in Nigeria and across the world. The church has often been known for its strict views on issues such as dressing, social interaction, and marriage.
While many members have respected the church’s guidance over the years, some have also quietly questioned the biblical basis for certain policies. Pastor Kumuyi’s recent comments may be seen as a response to these concerns, offering clarity and flexibility in areas where church tradition may have overshadowed scriptural truth.
