Nigerian Pastor Bans Clerics, Members From Marrying Non-members
The leadership of the Assemblies of God Church has issued a directive prohibiting its pastors from marrying women who are not members of the Assemblies of God.
The directive was announced by the General Superintendent of the Assemblies of God, Rev. Abel Amadi, during the 2026 Leaders’ Retreat held at Evangel Camp, Okpoto, in Ebonyi State. Addressing church leaders at the retreat, Rev. Amadi instructed district presbyteries to strictly enforce the policy, emphasising that no pastor should be granted approval to marry outside the denomination.
“No pastor should be allowed to marry outside the Assemblies of God. Presbytery, you must take note of this and ensure it is not allowed,” he stated. He further advised pastors seeking marriage partners to search within the church across different locations rather than outside the denomination.
“If you have gone to Rivers State and you didn’t find one, go to Umuahia. If you don’t find one in Umuahia, go to Enugu. If you don’t find one in Enugu, go to Lagos. “As you continue, God will provide you with a woman who will support you in ministry,” Rev. Amadi said.
The directive, however, does not extend to church members, as it applies only to pastors. Meanwhile, the development has reportedly gained support from some female members of the Assemblies of God Church in Umuahia and Aba.
The female members, who spoke anonymously, said it was surprising to see some pastors going to other churches to choose wives, despite the large number of eligible women within the Assemblies of God.
