Son of Deeper Life Church Pastor Shares Heartbreaking Experience That Made Him Leave
A former devoted member of the Deeper Life Bible Church, whose father served as a pastor in the ministry, has publicly revealed the traumatic experience that led him to abandon the church entirely. Awucha Ezekiel, a professional blogger, shared his emotional story on Facebook on January 29, detailing how his family's faith was shattered by the church's response to a financial scandal involving his father.
From Devotion to Disillusionment
Ezekiel explained that he was raised in a deeply religious household where his father ensured complete commitment to church activities. "My father did not just raise me in the way of the Lord but got me involved in every church activity," he wrote. The family generously supported the church financially and helped other members, as his father's business was thriving at the time.
However, everything changed when Ezekiel's father entered into a business partnership with new associates who claimed to have connections with various embassies for visa processing. These associates turned out to be fraudsters who swindled both the father and numerous clients, many of whom were fellow Deeper Life Church members.
The Church's Abandonment
What followed was particularly devastating for the Ezekiel family. Instead of offering support or understanding, church members who had been victims of the scam turned against Ezekiel's father. "When they heard what had happened, some immediately involved the police," Ezekiel recounted. His father had to remain in Abuja trying to recover passports and money while being fed false promises.
Back at home, the family faced threats and intimidation. "People came to our house threatening us. Some nights, we couldn't sleep out of fear," he wrote. The family experienced hunger and deep uncertainty while the father was away trying to resolve the situation.
The Final Breaking Point
Ezekiel emphasized that what hurt him most wasn't the financial loss or the stress, but the church's complete abandonment of his family. "My father, who had given his time, resources, and strength to the work of God, was suddenly pushed to the back seat. No support. No defense. No compassion," he stated.
This experience fundamentally changed his perspective on organized religion. "That moment broke something in me. It changed the way I saw Christianity—not God, but the system and the people. That was the moment I stopped going to church," Ezekiel declared.
Social Media Reactions
The post generated significant discussion on social media, with many Nigerians sharing similar experiences:
- Eneogwe Wisdom Prince recounted how the church failed to take responsibility after his mother and aunt were involved in a fatal accident while traveling for a church event
- Success Marcel argued that Ezekiel should distinguish between individual church members and Christianity as a whole
- Ikenna Ekpunobi suggested that God helped the family through alternative means when the church failed them
- Godwin Amarachi Joy expressed support for Ezekiel's decision, claiming to have found "the real truth" outside the church
Broader Context of Church Departures
This incident is not isolated within the Deeper Life Church community. In a related development, another pastor recently resigned from the ministry, accusing founder Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi of supporting President Bola Tinubu's government. Additionally, another former pastor alleged misconduct within the church leadership, including unauthorized salary deductions by regional pastors.
Ezekiel concluded his post with a moral lesson that has resonated with many readers: "True faith is shown in compassion, not titles. And not everyone in church understands the meaning of love." His story highlights ongoing discussions within Nigerian Christian communities about institutional support, member care, and the practical application of religious teachings during times of crisis.
