Two prominent Vice Presidents of the Living Faith Church Worldwide, Bishops David Olatunji Abioye and Thomas Aremu, are set to retire from active service in October 2024. Their retirement follows the operational guidelines outlined by the Liberation Commission, also known as the Mandate, which acts as the church’s constitution.
Bishop Thomas Aremu’s valedictory service is scheduled for Tuesday, October 15, 2024, at the Living Faith Church in Basorun, Ibadan, Oyo State. On the other hand, Bishop David Abioye’s farewell ceremony will take place on Friday, October 18, 2024, at the Living Faith Church in Durumi, Abuja.
Bishop David Abioye first met the church’s founder, Bishop David Oyedepo, in 1979, and has been a vital figure in the ministry ever since. As one of the pioneering pastors of the church, he was entrusted with leading one of the first five branches established in 1987.
In 1993, at the Garden of Faith in Barnawa, Kaduna, Abioye was consecrated as a bishop, making history as the youngest person to be given this title in the church at the age of 32.
Similarly, Bishop Thomas Aremu has been an influential figure in the church’s development. A former accountant, he made a significant career shift when he answered the call to full-time ministry. Among the seven bishops consecrated at the Garden of Faith in November 1999, Aremu is the only one who has remained in active service until now.
His unwavering dedication over the years has earned him tremendous respect within the church community.This retirement marks a significant moment for Living Faith Church, as it is the first time the church will publicly celebrate the retirement of its pastors.
Under the revised Mandate, the church’s retirement age, previously set at 60, has been reduced to 58. However, Bishop David Oyedepo, the church’s founder, holds the privilege of serving for life.
Future leaders of the church, however, will be limited to one or two seven-year terms, with these appointments subject to the approval of the Board of Trustees.
