Deeper Life Church Relaxes Marriage Rules, Allowing Home Visits During Courtship.
Pastor William Kumuyi, General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry, has introduced significant changes to the church’s marriage guidelines, permitting couples to visit each other’s homes during courtship. The announcement, made during the 2025 Global Family and Marriage Conference, marks a shift from the church’s traditionally strict policies, which Pastor Kumuyi clarified are administrative rather than biblical mandates.
The decision addresses concerns raised by a female church member, who highlighted that single women often lack sufficient insight into their prospective husbands due to restrictions on home visits. Previously, the church enforced a six-month courtship period designed to prevent sinful behaviour, but Pastor Kumuyi acknowledged that marriage is a lifelong commitment with profound implications, potentially affecting one’s eternal destiny.
Pastor Kumuyi explained that allowing visits would enable women to better understand their suitors by observing their family dynamics and home environment. “You’re marrying the man, but he has a lot of these people with him—his mother, his father, his relatives. When you get to their houses, you’ll see how they relate to you, respond to you, react to you. You’ll see how his environment is,” he said.
He noted that some men may withhold information, offering only vague assurances that “everything is okay,” which could obscure their true character. In contrast, women tend to be more open, and home visits could provide valuable clarity. “I’m asking myself, why not? If not, follow them home,” Pastor Kumuyi remarked, encouraging a practical approach to courtship.
The pastor expressed confidence in the maturity of church members, trusting they would use the new freedom responsibly and avoid inappropriate conduct, such as visiting at odd hours. The adjustment reflects a balance between maintaining moral standards and fostering informed decisions in the journey to marriage.
This change has been welcomed by many in the Deeper Life community, who see it as a progressive step towards supporting healthier, more transparent relationships. Pastor Kumuyi’s leadership continues to guide the church in adapting its practices to meet the evolving needs of its members while upholding its core values.
