William Folorunso Kumuyi is a renowned Nigerian pastor, author, and religious leader. He is the convener of the Global Crusade with Kumuyi (GCK) and the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry, based in Gbagada, Lagos, Nigeria.
Over the years, Kumuyi has authored several Christian books and devotionals, significantly influencing Christian thought and practice worldwide.
Early Life
Born on 6 June 1941 into a Christian family in Erin-Odo Ijesa, Osun State, in western Nigeria, Kumuyi’s upbringing was deeply rooted in Christian traditions, with regular Bible readings and church attendance forming the cornerstone of his early life.
Despite losing interest in church during his secondary school years due to atheistic teachings, he experienced a spiritual awakening in 1963.
By April 5, 1964, he became a born-again Christian, inspired by the Gospel message and the teachings of notable Christian figures such as John Wesley, Charles Finney, and Charles Spurgeon.
Education
Kumuyi completed his secondary education at Mayflower School, Ikenne, Ogun State, in 1961.
He later attended the University of Ibadan, where he graduated in 1967 with a first-class honours degree in Mathematics, earning the title of the best graduating student.
He further pursued a post-graduate course in Education at the University of Lagos, which laid the foundation for his teaching career.
Career
Teaching Career
Kumuyi began his career as a Mathematics teacher at his alma mater, Mayflower School, in 1962. By the early 1970s, he had progressed to becoming a lecturer in mathematics at the University of Lagos.
His academic career was marked by dedication and excellence, which later transitioned into his ministry work.
Christian Ministry
In 1973, Kumuyi started a Bible study group with 15 students while serving as a lecturer at the University of Lagos. This group eventually evolved into the Deeper Christian Life Ministry.
Despite facing challenges, including his expulsion from the Apostolic Faith Church for his teachings on the baptism of the Holy Spirit, Kumuyi persisted with his independent ministry.
In 1982, this ministry officially became the Deeper Life Bible Church, which has grown to have over 800,000 affiliates worldwide as of 2005.
Personal Life
Kumuyi married Abiodun Olowu in 1980, and they had two children, Jeremiah and John. Following Abiodun’s death in 2009, Kumuyi married Folashade Adenike Blaize in 2010. Folashade was the Administrator of the Deeper Life Bible Church in London.
Works
Kumuyi has authored numerous books and devotionals, including:
– The Hour of Decision (1990)
– How to Know God’s Will in Marriage (1990)
– The Spirit Controlled Family (1996)
– The Lord’s Prayer (1997)
– Supernatural Supply in All Situations (2009)
– Daily Manna (2011)
– Higher Everyday (2014)
Awards and Nominations
In 2013, Kumuyi was listed among the “500 most powerful people on the planet” by “Foreign Policy” magazine.
In 2018, he received an honorary PhD from the University of Abuja, recognizing his contributions to Christian ministry and education.
Controversy
Kumuyi has recently sparked discussions due to his involvement in significant events and past church practices.
Ministering at Trump’s Event
Pastor Kumuyi gained attention after reaffirming his invitation to minister at Donald Trump’s inauguration. Photos from the event were shared online, leading to mixed reactions.
While some Nigerians criticized him for being political, others celebrated the recognition of his ministry.
A viral video showed him leading prayers at the inaugural prayer meeting, where he thanked God for the church in America, prayed for President Trump’s wisdom, and sought unity for the church.
While many praised this global representation, others urged him to speak out against issues in Nigeria.
In 2022, Pastor Kumuyi addressed the practice of insisting women cover their heads before entering the church. He criticized this as unwelcoming and shared in a sermon:
“Somebody is coming to our church for the first time. And she happens to be a lady not covering her head. We ask the person to cover her head before coming in. We don’t know whether the person does not even know God. We confront her out there before she even enters the church. We don’t know if she does not know how to pray or prophesy. But we impose rules on her.
“If I were the person, I would wonder what kind of church is this? If they treat me like a primary school girl, that will be my last time coming to the church.”
This sparked mixed reactions. Supporters appreciated his progressive stance, but critics accused him of reversing long-held rules that had caused hardship.
These controversies highlight debates on balancing traditional church doctrines with evolving societal norms. While Pastor Kumuyi’s recent remarks suggest a shift, critics argue the impact of earlier strict practices remains significant. His role continues to draw both scrutiny and praise.
Social Media Handle
X (Twitter): @pastorwf_kumuyi
Net Worth
Pastor William Kumuyi’s net worth is estimated at $10 million. Despite the financial success of the Deeper Life Bible Church, Kumuyi is known for his modest lifestyle, focusing on spiritual growth and community development rather than personal wealth.
