In a significant shift from long-standing tradition, Pastor William Kumuyi, the General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry, has announced major revisions to the church’s marriage and courtship policies. Speaking at the 2025 Global Family and Marriage Conference, Pastor Kumuyi clarified that many of the church’s previous guidelines were administrative practices rather than divinely mandated commandments.
Addressing a question from a female member concerned about the limited interaction allowed during courtship, Kumuyi acknowledged the importance of truly getting to know one’s prospective spouse. He noted that the six-month no-visit courtship rule—originally designed to help believers avoid sin—was not biblically grounded and warranted reevaluation.
“Marriage is a lifelong commitment that could determine one’s eternal destiny,” Kumuyi said, emphasizing the importance of careful consideration before entering into such a union. He explained that allowing visits during courtship would give individuals deeper insight into their prospective partner’s environment, family, and interpersonal relationships—elements often hidden without closer interaction.
“You’re marrying the man, but he has a lot of people with him—his mother, his father, his relatives,” Kumuyi stated. “When you visit their homes, you see how they react to you and how they live.
That can reveal a lot.”
He also pointed out that some men may withhold crucial information or mask their true character during brief or formal encounters, presenting a distorted picture of who they really are. Allowing visitation, he explained, can help uncover potential red flags.
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Challenging the long-held standard, Kumuyi asked rhetorically, “Why not? If not, follow them home,” echoing the concern of the female member who inspired the policy change.
Pastor Kumuyi concluded by expressing confidence in the maturity of the church’s members, affirming his belief that they would not exploit this new freedom. He urged members to avoid inappropriate behavior and emphasized that visits should be conducted responsibly, avoiding late hours or compromising situations.
This development marks a historic moment for the Deeper Life denomination, signaling a broader move toward practical and inclusive marriage counseling rooted in real-world understanding and spiritual growth.