Pastor W.F. Kumuyi, the General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry, has warned Christian parents and church leaders against excessively restricting marriages within the church, stressing that such actions could gradually weaken Christian influence.
Preaching during a recent sermon, Kumuyi referenced Jeremiah 29:6 to emphasize God’s instruction for believers to “take wives, beget sons and daughters” so they may increase and not diminish. He expressed concern that many churches are unconsciously working against this principle by imposing stringent marital conditions that delay or deny marriage opportunities.
“The marriage committee is limiting marriages. They are not walking by faith. The child is 26, 27, 32, even 35, yet someone comes asking for her hand, and because of tribe, background, or financial status, the answer is always ‘no,’” he said.
Kumuyi drew a stark comparison with other religious groups and denominations, noting that while some Christians are hesitant, others are intentionally expanding through marriages and childbirth. “Other religious people are marrying four, five, even seven wives, and they are bearing children, populating the nation,” he warned.
He expressed concern that this trend could affect the future of Christianity if believers fail to act wisely and prayerfully. “When the older ones grow old and pass away, and we’ve restricted marriages because of fear and lack of foresight, our families and the church will diminish,” he stated.
Kumuyi urged Christian parents and church leaders to adopt a mindset rooted in faith rather than fear, allowing God’s will to guide marital decisions. He stressed that believers should not allow cultural sentiments, denominational pride, or financial considerations to override divine direction.
“Our church will not be diminished,” he declared, reaffirming his belief that the survival and growth of the Christian faith depend on obedience to God’s word regarding marriage and family expansion.
