The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has revealed that he personally instructed Bishop Wale Oke to start a church.
Adeboye made the statement in one of his old sermons monitored online by Church Times. The message was delivered at Christ Life Church in Ibadan, founded by Bishop Wale Oke.
“I Commanded You”
Speaking during the service, Adeboye said he had to “practically command” Bishop Oke to establish a church.
According to him, Bishop Oke initially resisted the idea. He insisted he was called to be an itinerant evangelist rather than a pastor or church founder.
“Before he could start a church, I had to practically say, I am your father in the Lord, I command you…” Adeboye said.
He recalled that Bishop Oke responded, “No, no o daddy, I am called to be an itinerant evangelist.”
Adeboye added that he had to insist strongly before Bishop Oke agreed.
Debate Over Calling
There have been long-standing stories that the late Benson Idahosa also encouraged Bishop Oke to start a church.
Within some Christian circles, opinions remain divided over whether Bishop Oke was primarily called to pastoral ministry or to evangelism.
Some believe his strength lies in evangelistic outreach, which made him widely respected in the Body of Christ.
However, Adeboye disagreed with that view.
“Talking about evangelists, how many of us can beat Billy Graham?” he said, referencing the renowned American evangelist Billy Graham.
Adeboye suggested that leadership sometimes requires obedience beyond personal preference.
Commendation for Obedience
Despite the initial resistance, Adeboye commended Bishop Oke for obeying the directive.
He praised the growth and impact of Christ Life Church, noting the achievements recorded since its founding.
“Look at the church God started. Look at what God is doing. We are talking of the university and many other things. Thank God for obedient children,” he said.
Bishop Wale Oke is also the current President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN).
Adeboye’s remarks have renewed conversations about spiritual authority, calling, and obedience within Nigeria’s Pentecostal community.
