An old video of Pastor William Kumuyi, founder of Deeper Life Bible Church, in which he urged church members not to place undue emphasis on human traditions, has resurfaced online.
In the message, Kumuyi urged members to stop arguing about what people wear and instead focus on the things that unite the church rather than those that divide it.
He said regulations concerning people’s clothing were rooted in human traditions and should not become a source of division within the church. He also pointed out that Jesus did not wear a tie or coat during His earthly ministry.
In the video, Kumuyi said: “By the way, by the way, this kind of dressing we have now, this tie, did Jesus wear tie? Did He wear coat? This one is not Jewish dress; it is not New Testament dress. This cap or this scarf you are putting on, is this the way they wear scarf in Israel? No. This is just Nigerian way of dressing. It is not American. It is not Jewish either. Don’t argue for something that is just tradition. Do you understand? Are you still with me?”
He added: “If the latter rain is going to come, it’s going to wash away a lot of things. And when that latter rain comes and we allow the Lord, we will experience His fullness.”
Kumuyi also recalled how the church’s choir in Washington had sung the night before he addressed the congregation. Reflecting on the musical instruments used during the performance and the reactions of some members, he said:
“Did you see the effect and the way the drum and the keyboard was used? I felt I should have sat at the front to see those who were squeezing their faces, bending because I said, look at Washington, they are going to step on a lot of toes today. I was not privileged to see your faces. But I catch you.”
According to Kumuyi, many of the issues members argued about were non-essential, while the essential matters centred on the Word of God and the belief that Jesus is the Saviour.
He said: “Many of the things people argue about are non-essentials, and when it comes to essential things, that is the Word of God, Jesus is Saviour and there is no other Saviour. That is central. But as to the kind of music and the kind of approach, this tradition, that tradition, and the sisters wearing scarf and wearing cap, wearing this and that…just cover your nakedness and let’s move on and do the work of God together.”
Kumuyi urged members not to dwell on such issues, insisting that they should move beyond disagreements over non-essential matters.
“I think we ought to outgrow those things. We can outgrow them,” he said.
Acknowledging that his position might offend some members, he asked whether they were still following his message and remarked that some might find it difficult to accept his views.
“Are you still with me? I know some people will have stomach problem; they will not be able to listen to the message again. But I am going to preach and you will listen,” he said.
He also urged the person recording the message to share it with members of the church, anticipating that some might criticise his remarks when they reached Nigeria.
“I know some of you will go and say in Nigeria, see what the GS has come to say in the US. By the way, let me tell you, I have been telling them over there that this is the way and that when it comes to essential things we are united but in non-essential we have liberty,” he said.
The resurfaced video has sparked reactions online, particularly on the timeline of blogger Calvary Churchgirl. While some viewers expressed surprise at Kumuyi’s remarks, others praised him for what they saw as a willingness to reconsider longstanding church practices and beliefs.