The Living Faith Church, also known as Winners Chapel, is preparing to bid farewell to two of its most prominent leaders, Bishop David Olatunji Abioye and Bishop Thomas Aremu. Both bishops are set to exit service this October 2024.
Their retirement aligns with the operational guidelines of the Liberation Commission, which serves as the church’s constitution. Bishop David Abioye’s farewell ceremony will take place in Durumi, Abuja, on Friday, October 18, 2024. In contrast, Bishop Thomas Aremu’s valedictory service will be held at Living Faith Church Basorun in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Tuesday, October 15, 2024.
Bishop Abioye was among the pioneering pastors of the ministry, overseeing one of the first five branches established in 1987. His consecration in 1993 at the Garden of Faith, Barnawa, Kaduna, made him the youngest bishop in the history of a full-fledged church at the age of 32.
Bishop Aremu, a former accountant, transitioned into full-time ministry after a successful career in accounting. He is notable for being the only remaining bishop among the seven consecrated in November 1999 at the Garden of Faith in Kaduna. His significant contributions to the church’s development have earned him deep respect within the congregation.
This occasion marks a historic moment, as it is the first time Living Faith Church will publicly celebrate the retirement of its pastors.
According to the revised Mandate, the retirement age, previously set at 60, has now been adjusted to 58. While the Founder, Bishop David Oyedepo, retains the privilege of lifelong service, future leaders of the church will be limited to one or two seven-year terms, subject to approval by the Board of Trustees