The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Europe Continent 9, comprising the United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland and parts of mainland Europe, on Sunday witnessed the ordination of more than 700 ministers at the Redemption Camp in Farnham, near London.
The colourful ceremony was conducted by the General Overseer of RCCG Worldwide, Pastor E. A. Adeboye, alongside his wife, Pastor Prof. Folu Adeboye; the Continental Overseer of Europe Continent 9, Pastor Dr. Leke Sanusi; and other senior ministers of the church.
A total of 223 men were ordained Deacons and 247 women as Deaconesses, while about 219 serving Deacons and Deaconesses were elevated to the office of Assistant Pastor. Another 94 Assistant Pastors were ordained as full Pastors.
In his sermon, Pastor Adeboye described ordination as a call to greater responsibility backed by greater anointing for greater works. Drawing from Psalm 105:14–15, particularly the declaration, “Touch not mine anointed,” he taught that divine anointing brings extraordinary possibilities, including rapid promotion, supernatural protection and empowerment to overcome difficult challenges. Citing the anointing of David in 1 Samuel 16, he prayed that those ordained would rise to the highest levels of their God-given assignments, while reminding them from Isaiah 10:27 that the anointing has the power to break yokes.
The General Overseer further referenced Acts 1:8 and John 14:26, stressing that the Holy Spirit remains the indispensable Helper of every genuinely anointed servant of God, empowering believers for effective service and helping them even in prayer. “Once you are anointed and cooperate with the Holy Spirit, you will never fail again,” Adeboye declared. He, however, cautioned the ministers that greater anointing could also attract greater challenges, urging them to remain prayerful, humble and completely dependent on God as they undertake their new responsibilities.
Among those ordained were the Publisher of Truth Live News International, Pastor Amb. Darlington Okpebholo Ray, and his wife, Pastor Mrs Mercy Darlington O. Ray, both of RCCG Victory Centre, London. Their ordination formed part of the historic ceremony that brought together ministers from across Europe for a renewed commitment to Christian service, evangelism and leadership under the mission of the Redeemed Christian Church of God.
