Pastor Adeboye: Leaving RCCG Means Death of Firstborn

Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye

Lagos — A Sobering Message from the Pulpit

At the June edition of the RCCG Holy Ghost Service, held at Redemption City in Ogun State, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, made a striking revelation that quickly echoed across Nigeria’s faith and social spheres.

Speaking to a packed auditorium and global online audience, the 82-year-old cleric shared how, early in his walk with God, the Lord gave him a life-and-death warning regarding his spiritual commitment.

“God said to me: ‘I brought you into this denomination. The day you leave, your firstborn will die.’”

Adeboye said the warning came at a time when he was tempted to switch from the then-obscure RCCG to other larger, more charismatic ministries.

Background: A Humble Beginning with a Heavy Mandate

At the time of the divine encounter, Adeboye was a young university lecturer, highly educated, and spiritually ambitious. Yet, his church the RCCG was then a modest local ministry headquartered in Ebute-Metta, Lagos, led by a spiritual father who could not speak English fluently or read extensively.

Still, he obeyed the call to stay.

“I was offered more glamour, better visibility, and stronger ministries. But God told me clearly: ‘Stay here, or your firstborn dies.’”

His message wasn’t meant to instill fear, but to stress the importance of spiritual assignment, consistency, and obedience in a generation where many treat church as a marketplace.

A Message for a Mobile Generation

The warning comes at a time when many Nigerian Christians particularly youth have adopted a trend known as “church-hopping.”

Rather than building deep roots in a single congregation, many drift between churches for varied worship styles, relationship prospects, and status-driven preferences.

Adeboye noted that some people present themselves as “first-time guests” every Sunday attending different churches week after week.

His message challenged this culture, emphasizing that:

• Spiritual growth requires rootedness and continuity

• The call of God is not a popularity contest

• Switching churches without divine instruction can endanger one's purpose and spiritual covering

Theology and Symbolism: Why the Firstborn?

In biblical tradition, the firstborn often symbolizes strength, lineage, and legacy. In Adeboye’s testimony, the threat to his firstborn wasn’t just a physical warning it symbolized the loss of generational blessing, continuity, and divine order.

Some religious scholars interpret the warning as metaphorical: leaving God’s assignment could cause the death of your calling or spiritual inheritance.

Others view it literally underscoring the gravity of divine instructions in the lives of called leaders.

Mixed Reactions from the Public

As expected, the message sparked widespread debate across social platforms and religious forums:

• Supporters praised Adeboye’s faithfulness and used his story to encourage younger believers to seek divine clarity before changing churches.

• Critics questioned the tone of the warning, calling it “fear-based” and potentially misunderstood by newer Christians.

• Neutral observers said the revelation was personal, but its timing was relevant given Nigeria’s fast-growing but fragmented Christian community.

Lessons for a Generation in Transition

Whether taken literally or symbolically, Pastor Adeboye’s message raises important reflections for believers navigating spiritual identity today.

Key takeaways:

1. Obedience Overrides Opportunity Even when more glamorous paths present themselves, obedience to divine instruction sustains true success.

2. Rootedness Leads to Growth Frequent transitions between churches may offer short-term excitement but often hinder long-term discipleship.

3. Calling Is Sacred Ministry is not about marketing or aesthetics—it’s about alignment with purpose and assignment.

Final Reflection: Staying the Course in a Restless Age

In an age where spiritual consumerism is rising—where churches are chosen like brand subscriptions and sermons are judged by entertainment value Pastor Adeboye’s revelation calls the church back to depth, discipline, and direction.

As millions reflect on his words, the larger question remains:

Are you where God called you to be or just where it feels comfortable to go?

🖊️ By WorldWire News – Faith & Values Desk

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