Pastor Enoch Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), says God once warned him never to leave the church, or risk the death of his first son.
He shared the chilling revelation during the June Holy Ghost Service held in the early hours of Saturday, June 7, at the Redemption City in Ogun State.
Themed “Destined for Greatness (Part 2),” the service focused on the importance of spiritual direction and staying grounded in God’s plan.
Pastor Adeboye, reflecting on the sermon earlier delivered by his son, Pastor Leke Adeboye, expressed worry over the growing habit of church-hopping among young believers.
He said many young Christians now move from one denomination to another, always introducing themselves as first-time visitors.
Drawing from his personal experience, he recalled how he came to Christ at a time when other vibrant ministries were gaining popularity. Despite their appeal, he said God made it clear to him that RCCG was where he belonged.
“When I got born again, there were three major ministries that were making waves, and they were very good. There were different temptations to go from one to another,” he said.
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“But God said to me, ‘Son, I brought you here. This is where you will stay. The day you leave this denomination, your firstborn will die.’”
At the time, RCCG was still largely unknown, operating from a small building in Ebute-Metta, Lagos. Adeboye, who was then a university lecturer, said God still instructed him to serve under a man with no formal education.
“I was a lecturer at the university. My father in the Lord didn’t go to secondary school, not even primary,” he said. “But God said this is where you will stay.”
He urged Christians, especially the younger generation, to resist the pressure to chase spiritual trends and instead seek God’s direction on where to serve.
“Discover where God wants you to stay, and stay there,” he advised.
Clarifying his point, Pastor Adeboye stressed that his message wasn’t an attempt to place RCCG above other churches.
“I am not saying we are better than any other denomination,” he said.