RCCG 73rd Annual Convention Produces Over 6,000 Graduates from Bible College
Pastor Adeboye
Choose Spiritual Well-being Over Wealth – Adeboye
The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) on has kicked off its 73rd Annual Convention with the graduation of 6,760 students from the Redeemed Christian Bible College (RCBC).
This is another milestone in the church’s commitment to manpower development and theological education.
The Bible College, which is one of RCCG’s key training arms, conferred certificates, diplomas, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees on students who had undergone various theological and ministry training programmes.
Speaking during the graduation ceremony, the Provost of RCBC, Pastor Alabi Oti, said the institution has remained committed to excellence in Theological Education and Leadership Development, both in Nigeria and internationally.
“In the 2024/2025 academic year at RCBC, we thank God for the opportunity to graduate a total of 6,760 students. Amidst the challenges in Nigeria and the world, God gave us a bountiful harvest,” he said.
Pastor Oti also praised the leadership of RCCG and acknowledged the guidance of Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer, for stabilizing and steering the institution through another successful academic cycle.
He revealed that RCBC’s affiliations with Redeemer’s University and the University of Ibadan remain intact, particularly noting the Diploma in Youth Ministry programme with Redeemer’s University. This programme, he said, is equipping a new generation of youth leaders, including 13 Youth Provincial Leaders graduating this year.
He urged the RCCG Youth and Young Adult Ministries to consider making the Diploma in Youth Ministry a requirement for all youth pastors in the church.
In his remarks and fatherly blessing to the graduates, Pastor E.A. Adeboye prayed for divine support and guidance as they step into their respective callings.
“The Almighty God who has helped you thus far will not abandon you. You will not leave here with just certificates but with God’s anointing, backing, and support. You will not fail Him, nor will you disappoint yourselves,” he declared.
The graduation ceremony also featured a message titled ‘Every Knee Must Bow’ delivered by Pastor Charles Achonwa of Doulous Ministries. He reminded the congregation that all creation exists for God’s pleasure and glory, urging everyone to honour and appreciate God in their lives and ministries.
This graduation marks a significant beginning to RCCG’s 2025 convention, which has drawn thousands of worshippers from across Nigeria and beyond to the Redemption City, Ogun State.
In a similar development, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has cautioned Christians against chasing material wealth at the expense of their spiritual well-being.
Speaking at the church’s 73rd annual convention held at the Redemption City, Km 46 Lagos Ibadan Expressway, Ogun State, with the theme, “The Overcomers,” Pastor Adeboye described such pursuits as “an act of stupidity.”
He said believers must maintain spiritual discipline and resist worldly temptations if they are to live victoriously in Christ.
Adeboye said that God does not hate enjoyment but noted that the body people pamper will perish one day.
He further advised Christians to take care of the spirit which will go to heaven, adding that the body does not want believers to be overcomers.
The RCCG General Overseer stressed that the life of an overcomer is one marked by discipline, sacrifice, and resistance to worldly values, adding that becoming a champion requires discipline.
According to him, remaining a champion requires more, because every challenger wants the crown of believers. He also urged Christians to steadfastly hold onto their faith and resist the works of the flesh.
Earlier at the convention, the church ordained 15,831 new ministers, comprising 10,343 deacons and deaconesses and 5,488 assistant pastors. Full Pastors will be ordained on Sunday at the grand finale.
While the deacons and deaconesses were ordained through the laying on of hands, the assistant pastors received anointing oil in addition to the laying on of hands.
Delivering a sermon titled “Chosen for a Purpose,” Pastor Joseph Olaiya, President and Founder of the Living Faith Foundation, charged the newly ordained to focus on soul winning and remain steadfast amid the challenges of ministry.
The RCCG Convention runs through August 4 to 10 and has drawn many worshippers from across the country.
Infrastructure improvements
Meanwhile, Pastor Adeboye, the General Overseer, popularly called Daddy G.O. has announced the need to improve on the current infrastructure of the Redemption City.
The General Overseer said the expansion and infrastructure upgrade are necessary to accommodate the growing human pressure on the facilities in the city.
According to him, one of the areas of concern is the hostel facilities which he said could no longer accommodate people who come for the yearly convention of the church.
He also noted that the water system and the electricity infrastructure of the city needed to be upgraded as it could no longer serve the thousands of people that throng the place yearly.
“The choir section of the new auditorium can no longer take the growing number of choir members which is presently put at over 10,000,” he added.
The General Overseer said there would be the need to expand the section of the new auditorium, build more hostels to accommodate people and also expand the altar of the old auditorium.
He noted that the project would cost the church billions of naira and that he would need some of his sons and daughters to rise to the challenge.
