Charismatic cleric, Pastor Idowu Iluyomade, has announced that The Family Fellowship, his newly established church, has secured a prime site in the upscale Lagos coastal city, Eko Atlantic, for the construction of a permanent cathedral.
Iluyomade shared the exciting development during the second service at the church’s temporary worship center at Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos. He revealed that the land was donated by a generous member of the congregation, marking a major milestone for the fast-growing ministry.
New Beginning After RCCG Exit
On January 19, the former Senior Pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), City of David Parish, officially launched The Family Fellowship with an inaugural thanksgiving service at the Civic Centre.
Known for his lively and engaging preaching style, the inaugural service featured spirited worship, singing, and dancing, with friends, families, and loyalists from his former parish coming out in support.
During the latest service, Iluyomade emphasized the importance of giving, urging Christians to embrace generosity towards both God’s work and the less privileged.
Sermon on Giving and Tithing
Preaching on the topic “Giving,” Pastor Idowu Iluyomade cautioned believers against falling for misleading doctrines concerning offerings and tithes, stressing the biblical principles of financial stewardship.
“Your giving begins with your offering. Tithe belongs to God—10 percent of your income belongs to Him. And God knows mathematics. Many people avoid Malachi 3, where He calls out those robbing Him in tithes and offerings,” he declared.
The pastor further noted that ministry requires financial commitment, encouraging members to give in proportion to their prosperity.
“God asks for just 10 percent to bless the remaining. If I were God, maybe I would ask for more,” he added, sparking reactions among worshippers.
Demonstrating the generosity he preached, two church members donated ₦4 million to the Bethesda Home & School for the Blind during the service.
Controversy Surrounding Iluyomade’s RCCG Exit
Pastor Idowu Iluyomade’s move to establish a new ministry follows his resignation from RCCG, which came after the church’s highest governing body suspended him.
His suspension occurred in the aftermath of his wife, Siju’s lavish 60th birthday celebration, held just weeks after the tragic helicopter crash that claimed the lives of Herbert Wigwe, his wife Chizoba, their son Chizi, and others in California.
The incident led to divided reactions within the Christian community. While some defended Iluyomade, criticizing RCCG for sidelining influential pastors, others accused the couple of living an extravagant lifestyle.
Rumors of Pastor Idowu Iluyomade establishing his own church had been circulating for months, with many speculating that he sought a fresh start outside RCCG’s structure and internal politics.
Now, with The Family Fellowship’s rapid expansion and plans for a permanent cathedral in Eko Atlantic, it’s clear that Pastor Idowu Iluyomade is forging ahead with his vision, despite the controversies surrounding his exit from RCCG.
