Pastor Idowu Iluyomade of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) City of David Parish has started a new phase of his journey.
The pastor who was suspended in 2024 launched a new ministry called ‘The Family Fellowship’ in Lagos.
A video that went round on Monday showed Iluyomade dancing with the congregation during the ministry’s first service which held on Sunday morning at the Civic Centre in Victoria Island, Lagos.
The service was full of dancing and singing, it was a great start for the new fellowship.
In an Instagram post, he announced the ministry he wrote, “The Family Fellowship invites you. Join us tomorrow at the Civic Centre for a special time in the Lord’s presence. It’s going to be great.”
Iluyomade’s journey to this new beginning started in 2024.
While he was the senior pastor of the City of David Parish, he and his wife Pastor Siju Iluyomade were suspended by RCCG after they were criticized by many for their actions.
The controversy started after Siju hosted a 60th birthday party for herself just weeks after Herbert Wigwe, a key church supporter and former Access Bank CEO, his wife and son died in a helicopter crash in the United States.
Many saw the timing of the party as insensitive and in bad taste given the Wigwe family’s contribution to the church.
The backlash forced RCCG’s Governing Council to set up a panel to investigate. By June 2024 Iluyomade and his wife were suspended for three months and asked to worship at the church headquarters in Ebute Metta.
The couple were also disinvited to the Wigwe family’s funeral.
Despite the challenges the Iluyomades have decided to move on and have channeled their spiritual mission into ‘The Family Fellowship.’
With the great launch and warm reception the new ministry is set to attract followers looking for a fresh and inspiring worship experience.