By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu
Assemblies of God Bars Pastors from Marrying Outside the Church
The leadership of the Assemblies of God Church in Nigeria has introduced a new marital policy that restricts its pastors from marrying women who are not members of the denomination.
The directive was issued by the General Superintendent of the church, Rev. Abel Amadi, during the 2026 Leaders’ Retreat held at Evangel Camp, Okpoto, in Ebonyi State.
Addressing senior ministers and district leaders at the gathering, Rev. Amadi made it clear that pastors must now seek their life partners strictly within the Assemblies of God family.
He instructed district presbyteries to ensure full compliance with the policy and warned that no approval would be granted for any pastor who intends to marry outside the church.
According to him, the decision is aimed at preserving the spiritual unity and doctrinal foundation of the church’s leadership.
“No pastor should be allowed to marry outside the Assemblies of God. Presbytery must take note of this and ensure it is not permitted,” he told the retreat.
Rev. Amadi further encouraged pastors who are yet to find suitable partners to broaden their search within the denomination across different states and regions.
“If you go to Rivers State and you don’t find one, go to Umuahia. If you don’t find one there, try Enugu. If you still don’t find one, go to Lagos. As you continue, God will lead you to a woman who will stand with you in ministry,” he said.
Church officials clarified that the directive applies strictly to pastors and does not affect ordinary members of the congregation, who remain free to marry outside the denomination.
Meanwhile, the policy has drawn support from some female members of the church in Umuahia and Aba, who described it as long overdue.
Speaking anonymously, they expressed surprise that some pastors often look outside the church for wives despite the large number of eligible women within the Assemblies of God.
They argued that pastors should lead by example and strengthen internal fellowship by building families within the faith community.
The development has continued to generate discussions across church circles, with many seeing it as part of a broader effort by the leadership to reinforce discipline and unity among its clergy.
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