Many years ago, Churches and Christians stood apart from the world. They looked, dressed, thought and spoke differently from the rest.
Fast forward to the 2000s, things began to change in the name of the modernization. Unfortunately, things got worse, rather than better, by 2016.
Now, studies are showing that religion is losing its believers, churches are getting empty and people seem to no longer care for the things of God.
ALSO READ: Married pastor kills himself after sending nude photo to church Whatsapp Group
In Nigeria, there is barely an outward difference between a believer and non-believers, as everyone has blended into one big family.
Most churches now permit their ladies to enter without scarves, with trousers, loud makeup, clingy dresses, while the men are no different, with their skinny jeans, fitted shirts and so on.
In the midst of all this 'modernization', the Deeper Life Bible Church has managed to remain true to its values.
The church, founded in 1973 by Pastor William Folorunsho Kumuyi, is known for a lot of unique things, such as women carrying natural hair, always tying scarves or using berets, no makeup, no short skirts/dresses while the men are always in their suits.
The doctrines of this church include;
1. hellfire,
2. heaven and hell,
3. repentance,
4. and recently, not celebrating Christmas, which the general overseer says, "actually came from idolatrous background."
ALSO READ: "We will prepare for the coming of Christ at this retreat" - Pastor Kumuyi says
According to Kumuyi, the goal of the church is to lead people "to deeper relations with God", and they seem to have succeeded as their members still appear to be 'holier than the rest of the World.'
While new form of Christianity preaches prosperity, sowing seed, tithing, this church still preaches the same message; repentance, salvation, and living a Christlike life, void of every Worldly distractions.
Little wonder, the G.O is a little hesitant to hand over the reins to anyone that might change the church and everything He stands for.
In his words, "I am not going to hand over Deeper Life to somebody who will come and destroy everything we’ve built up for years, because he’s man pleaser, women pleaser, never! Somebody who will stand on this word and earnestly defend the faith once delivered unto the saints, that’s what we are going to do. And the whole church will unite. We are not looking for graduates, degrees- whoever! Peter did not have a degree. “Whoever, will maintain that sanctification, Holiness without which no man shall see the Lord, Whoever will have backbone and be willing to stand faithful, sacrifice everything and bring to church to obedience to the word of God, that’s the kind of leader, God will raise up for Deeper Life after I am gone.”
While we may all criticise them for their 'holier than thou' and somewhat judgemental attitude, no one can deny that they have managed to achieve a huge feat, which is remaining the same in today's world.
Kudos to this remarkable church for sticking up to it beliefs, in the midst of technology and a new era!