Pastors’ Wives
One of the great trends of the current century is undoubtedly the rise of the alpha female - that highly educated and motivated new breed of women. As wives to prominent pastors, no more are they rarely seen and never heard. Today, they have become more visible, more assertive and fashionable too. The dawn of the 90s, no doubt, triggered a new awakening for these women in the Lord’s vineyard. Some of the ‘mummies on the pulpit’ are young and fashionable. They also adorn beautiful jewelleries and top designers’ wears, and have evolved into role models to young worshippers who also want to attain similar heights on the ladder of high street fashion, writes LANRE ALFRED
Their fashion culture changed, so did their attitude to various other issues. Not that they have grown less subservient but they have become self aware of their status and in love with doing things their own way. And today, these pastors’ wives have become as prominent and conspicuous as their husbands, even elegant dressed than their spouses to the delight and amazement of their teeming congregation. Such pastors’ wives include Ifeanyi Adefarasin, Ibidun Ighodalo, Nike Adeyemi, Faith Amaga, and Tope Adeboye to mention a few. Time was, when every meeting of preachers brought words of another minister’s wife who was on the brink of mental and emotional collapse. The stress and strains of being a preacher’s wife, it was believed, were enough to stagger an Amazon.
Being a woman in the church, whether you are partnering with your husband in his calling or serving in your own leadership role, was and is still very challenging. While serving as mentors, counselors, advisors, and even cheerleaders, the preacher’s wife bears numerous responsibilities.
Everyone has an image in their mind of what they think a pastor’s wife should be. The trouble with this picture is that it has never been and never will it be accurate
Ministers wives and female ministry leaders face the same real-life struggles as their church members, but have the added stress of sharing in everyone’s burdens as well. They are held to impossible standards by those they serve.
However, through 2,000 years of Christian history, the role of the minister’s mate has changed, particularly in Nigeria where it continues to change rapidly. Variations of the preacher’s wife-role have often moved from caring companion to hearth keeper, to resident sacrificer, to spiritual sustainer, to ministry partner, to energetic helpmate, to institutional church leader and more recently, to deputy pastor. But whatever direction the minister’s wife’s role tilts at any moment of human history, it always involves a position of trusted support for the work of the ministry. And it is always an invaluable asset in the service of the kingdom.
One of the first places to begin the discussion on what the role of the pastor’s wife should be would be to look at her role from a scriptural standpoint. The New Testament does not describe a specific role for the pastor’s wife. Paul lists the qualifications for those desiring to be elders or deacons in I Timothy 3: 2-10.
The contemporary preacher’s wife in Nigeria, no doubt, epitomizes the best of the attributes listed by Saint Paul. Besides offering dependable support systems to their preacher-husbands, pastors’ wives in Nigeria are equally doing wonderfully well in the Lords vineyard. While some of them share the responsibility of evangelism and preach publicly with their men, others prefer to silently steer and co-ordinate affairs from the background, even though most of them are equally practicing pastors.
However, a common indicator binds these beautiful women in a wonderful sisterhood and admirable womanhood: They are pretty modish and attractive. Some of them are as hardworking as and even more popular than their husbands. They are very educated and are professionals in their own right. They spare no expense to look their best and when they step out, they are like models on the runway strutting the best and the most expensive from the world’s best designers, from shoes, jewelries, perfumes to exotic cars. They are very humble and lovable too. Most notable among these women include…
FAITH OYEDEPO
Faith Oyedepo is the wife of Rev. David Oyedepo, the founder of the Living Faith Church worldwide AKA, Winners Chapel. Faith Oyedopo has a unique style that has not changed for many years. She juggles between skirt suit and traditional wears. Though, she is a bit conservative in dressing, she spares no expense on her love for jewelries. She drives all the flamboyant cars her husband drives and she has no apology for living a good life. She and her husband are blessed with four children-David Jr. Isaac, Love and Joy.
Faith Oyedepo is the wife of Rev. David Oyedepo, the founder of the Living Faith Church worldwide AKA, Winners Chapel. Faith Oyedopo has a unique style that has not changed for many years. She juggles between skirt suit and traditional wears. Though, she is a bit conservative in dressing, she spares no expense on her love for jewelries. She drives all the flamboyant cars her husband drives and she has no apology for living a good life. She and her husband are blessed with four children-David Jr. Isaac, Love and Joy.
ESTHER FOLASHADE KUMUYI
She is the wife of the General Superintendent of Deeper Christian Life Ministry, Pastor William Kumuyi. She was the administrator of the church in London before she became the first lady of the church. She is known to be a conservative to the core in fashion and general disposition. Her trademark however is her expensive hats. She is not a jewelry freak and she has been known to be a strong pillar, a visionary and a wonderful planner who complements the efforts of her husband.
She is the wife of the General Superintendent of Deeper Christian Life Ministry, Pastor William Kumuyi. She was the administrator of the church in London before she became the first lady of the church. She is known to be a conservative to the core in fashion and general disposition. Her trademark however is her expensive hats. She is not a jewelry freak and she has been known to be a strong pillar, a visionary and a wonderful planner who complements the efforts of her husband.
MARGARET IDAHOSA
She is the widow of the popular late man of God, Most Rev. Benson Idahosa of the Church of God Mission. She is the presiding bishop of the church. She is one of the very few powerful and stylish female pastors Nigeria has produced.
She is the widow of the popular late man of God, Most Rev. Benson Idahosa of the Church of God Mission. She is the presiding bishop of the church. She is one of the very few powerful and stylish female pastors Nigeria has produced.
BUKOLA OLADIYUN
She is the beautiful wife of the senior pastor/founder of fast growing, Christ Living Spring Apostolic Church (CLAM), Pastor Wole Oladiyun. Unknown to many, Bukola is the proprietress of J-Nissi Children School, Ogba and also the Director of Family Life and pastorates in the church. Bukola prefers cool colours for her apparels. Her eye pair of glasses is her trade mark. She is blessed with four children, Ayomide, Oluwadamipe, Imisioluwa and Inioluwa.
ROSELYN GABRIEL ODUYEMI
She is the widow of the late Rev. Oduyemi, the founder of Bethel Worship Centre for All Nations, a.k.a Wonder City. Since the death of her husband years back, the Cameroonian widow has been able to stand firmly and project the church. She is known to be a vast, articulate and an excellent preacher. She inherited her late husband’s estate and never shies away from enjoying the goodies he left behind. She has a fantastic dress sense from her clothes to her accessories.
She is the widow of the late Rev. Oduyemi, the founder of Bethel Worship Centre for All Nations, a.k.a Wonder City. Since the death of her husband years back, the Cameroonian widow has been able to stand firmly and project the church. She is known to be a vast, articulate and an excellent preacher. She inherited her late husband’s estate and never shies away from enjoying the goodies he left behind. She has a fantastic dress sense from her clothes to her accessories.
ANITA OYAKHILOME
Anita Oyakhilome is the wife of Christ Embassy’s Chris Oyakhilome who is popularly known as Pastor Chris. Anita is the Director of the Christ Embassy’s International Office; she also heads the branch in the United Kingdom. Her husband is a popular televangelist who is known for his “Atmosphere for miracle” TV broadcast aired nationwide. Light skinned and very pretty, she has a fondness for luxury suits and matching accessories. Just like the husband, Anita is flashy. A mother of two, Anita spends more time in the United Kingdom where she is the Director of the Christ Embassy’s International Office than she does in Nigeria.
Anita Oyakhilome is the wife of Christ Embassy’s Chris Oyakhilome who is popularly known as Pastor Chris. Anita is the Director of the Christ Embassy’s International Office; she also heads the branch in the United Kingdom. Her husband is a popular televangelist who is known for his “Atmosphere for miracle” TV broadcast aired nationwide. Light skinned and very pretty, she has a fondness for luxury suits and matching accessories. Just like the husband, Anita is flashy. A mother of two, Anita spends more time in the United Kingdom where she is the Director of the Christ Embassy’s International Office than she does in Nigeria.
HELEN ORITSEJAFOR
Helen Oritsejafor is the affable wife of the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor. Light skinned and pretty, her love for wide brimmed hats is unparalleled and she has them in numerous eye-catching colours to match her outfits. Mama Helen, as she is fondly called, oversees the Eagle Heights Group of Schools, Eagle Heights Clinic, and an orphanage owned by the Word of the Bible Church, founded by her husband, Pastor Ayo.
Helen Oritsejafor is the affable wife of the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor. Light skinned and pretty, her love for wide brimmed hats is unparalleled and she has them in numerous eye-catching colours to match her outfits. Mama Helen, as she is fondly called, oversees the Eagle Heights Group of Schools, Eagle Heights Clinic, and an orphanage owned by the Word of the Bible Church, founded by her husband, Pastor Ayo.
IBIDUN IGHODALO
Ibidun is the beautiful and gorgeous wife of Pastor Ituah Ighodalo - a chartered accountant and former pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Christ’s Church Parish, Gbagada. She runs an event planning outfit, Elizabeth R. Her company plans the events of Nigeria’s high society. She is an elegant woman whose beauty is adored by many. The stunning beauty won the first maiden edition of the then Miss Lux contest.
Ibidun is the beautiful and gorgeous wife of Pastor Ituah Ighodalo - a chartered accountant and former pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Christ’s Church Parish, Gbagada. She runs an event planning outfit, Elizabeth R. Her company plans the events of Nigeria’s high society. She is an elegant woman whose beauty is adored by many. The stunning beauty won the first maiden edition of the then Miss Lux contest.
NIKE ADEYEMI
Nike Adeyemi is the first lady of Day Star Christian Centre, Oregun, Lagos. The church that is headed by the couple has drawn thousands of Nigerian youths. The mother of three graduated from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife where she studied Architecture. Pastor Nike, as she is fondly called by people, is a woman who is very visible in the ministry which is co-headed by her and the husband, Sam Adeyemi.
Nike Adeyemi is the first lady of Day Star Christian Centre, Oregun, Lagos. The church that is headed by the couple has drawn thousands of Nigerian youths. The mother of three graduated from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife where she studied Architecture. Pastor Nike, as she is fondly called by people, is a woman who is very visible in the ministry which is co-headed by her and the husband, Sam Adeyemi.
JUMOKE ADEYEMI
Pastor Jumoke Adeyemi is the first lady of Global Harvest Churches International and wife of popular Ibadan based Pastor Victor Adeyemi, who is also a brother to popular Sam Adeyemi, pastor of Day Star Christian Centre. Mama, as she is fondly called, is noted for her unique style of delivery on the pulpit. She preaches with great passion and illustration in an exclusive way. Pastor Jumoke holds a masters degree in Personnel Psychology from University of Ibadan. She is a mother of four kids, Charlotte, Jemimah, Sharon and Arnold.
Pastor Jumoke Adeyemi is the first lady of Global Harvest Churches International and wife of popular Ibadan based Pastor Victor Adeyemi, who is also a brother to popular Sam Adeyemi, pastor of Day Star Christian Centre. Mama, as she is fondly called, is noted for her unique style of delivery on the pulpit. She preaches with great passion and illustration in an exclusive way. Pastor Jumoke holds a masters degree in Personnel Psychology from University of Ibadan. She is a mother of four kids, Charlotte, Jemimah, Sharon and Arnold.
SADE OLUKOYA
Sade Olukoya is the beautiful wife of Pastor Daniel Olukoya, the General Overseer of Mountain of Fire and Miracle Ministries. She is blessed with a beautiful and unique voice that thrills the church audience and she also authors so many books. She is blessed with a son. Like Pastor Kumuyi’s wife, she is also conservative when it comes to her dress sense. She does not wear earrings neither does she wear any form of jewelries. What she cannot do without is her hat. Most times, she can’t complete her attire without a matching hat.
Sade Olukoya is the beautiful wife of Pastor Daniel Olukoya, the General Overseer of Mountain of Fire and Miracle Ministries. She is blessed with a beautiful and unique voice that thrills the church audience and she also authors so many books. She is blessed with a son. Like Pastor Kumuyi’s wife, she is also conservative when it comes to her dress sense. She does not wear earrings neither does she wear any form of jewelries. What she cannot do without is her hat. Most times, she can’t complete her attire without a matching hat.
EVELYN JOSHUA
Evelyn is the adorable wife of the General Overseer of the Synagogue Church of all Nations, the popular pastor, T.B Joshua. She is beautiful no doubt but her modest nature enables her to shun the frill and thrill of luxury and affluence. There is no gain saying that the husband is one of the richest in the evangelism world but that does not translate her into being ostentatious.
Evelyn is the adorable wife of the General Overseer of the Synagogue Church of all Nations, the popular pastor, T.B Joshua. She is beautiful no doubt but her modest nature enables her to shun the frill and thrill of luxury and affluence. There is no gain saying that the husband is one of the richest in the evangelism world but that does not translate her into being ostentatious.
IFEYINWA ADEFARASIN
Ifeyinwa is the pretty wife of Pastor Paul Adefarasin, the General Overseer of the House on the Rock. A former beauty queen during her undergraduate years at the University of Lagos, motherhood has not taken the shine off her.
Ifeyinwa is the pretty wife of Pastor Paul Adefarasin, the General Overseer of the House on the Rock. A former beauty queen during her undergraduate years at the University of Lagos, motherhood has not taken the shine off her.
NKECHI ANAYO-ILOPUTAIFE
Victory Christian Church’s Nkechi Anayo-Iloputaife was thrust into the limelight after the gruesome murder of her husband, Bishop Hayford Anayo Iloputaife in 1995. Apart from mesmerizing her congregation with her biblical teachings, she also makes an impression on them via her assorted collection of high-end designer suits.
Victory Christian Church’s Nkechi Anayo-Iloputaife was thrust into the limelight after the gruesome murder of her husband, Bishop Hayford Anayo Iloputaife in 1995. Apart from mesmerizing her congregation with her biblical teachings, she also makes an impression on them via her assorted collection of high-end designer suits.
NKOYO RAPU
Nkoyo Rapu displays an enviable stature and style akin to that of her husband, Pastor Tony Rapu. Her style regimen earns her a place on the list of best dressed public figures.
Nkoyo Rapu displays an enviable stature and style akin to that of her husband, Pastor Tony Rapu. Her style regimen earns her a place on the list of best dressed public figures.
ROSEMARY ODUKOYA
Former Miss Rosemary Simangele, a South African was thrust into the limelight a few years ago when she wedded Pastor Taiwo Odukoya of Fountain of Life Ministries and husband of the late Pastor Bimbo Odukoya. Previously based in the United Kingdom, the South African is well versed in the knowledge of fashion.
Former Miss Rosemary Simangele, a South African was thrust into the limelight a few years ago when she wedded Pastor Taiwo Odukoya of Fountain of Life Ministries and husband of the late Pastor Bimbo Odukoya. Previously based in the United Kingdom, the South African is well versed in the knowledge of fashion.
BLESSING AGBOLI
She is a co-pastor and wife of the founder of the Victorious Army Ministry as well as a lover of all things bright and beautiful. Expensively dressed at all times, top on her list of fashion accessories should be her jewellery which she has in abundance.
She is a co-pastor and wife of the founder of the Victorious Army Ministry as well as a lover of all things bright and beautiful. Expensively dressed at all times, top on her list of fashion accessories should be her jewellery which she has in abundance.
YEMISI ASHIMOLOWO
Yemisi Ashimolowo is the First Lady of KICC, acclaimed to be the largest and fastest growing church in Western Europe. Through regular meetings and special events, Pastor Yemisi actively reaches out to the individual woman of God through the following ministries: the ‘Successful Wives’ (married women), the ‘Ladies-in-Waiting’ (single women), the ‘Mothers-in-Waiting’ (wives believing God for the fruit of the womb), the ‘Positive Parents’ (single mothers) and the ‘Senior Sisters’ (mature women of God – aged 50 and above). Pastor Yemisi is married to KICC Senior Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo and she is the proud mother of two sons Tobi and Tomi.
Yemisi Ashimolowo is the First Lady of KICC, acclaimed to be the largest and fastest growing church in Western Europe. Through regular meetings and special events, Pastor Yemisi actively reaches out to the individual woman of God through the following ministries: the ‘Successful Wives’ (married women), the ‘Ladies-in-Waiting’ (single women), the ‘Mothers-in-Waiting’ (wives believing God for the fruit of the womb), the ‘Positive Parents’ (single mothers) and the ‘Senior Sisters’ (mature women of God – aged 50 and above). Pastor Yemisi is married to KICC Senior Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo and she is the proud mother of two sons Tobi and Tomi.
BISHOP PEACE OKONKWO
Bishop Peace Okonkwo is the Resident Pastor of the Headquarters Church of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM), and Proprietress of the Word of Power Group of Schools. She is married to Dr. Mike Okonkwo MFR, the Presiding Bishop of TREM and they are blessed with a daughter, Uche.
Bishop Peace Okonkwo is the Resident Pastor of the Headquarters Church of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM), and Proprietress of the Word of Power Group of Schools. She is married to Dr. Mike Okonkwo MFR, the Presiding Bishop of TREM and they are blessed with a daughter, Uche.
ThisDay
If anyone wonders whether Pope Francis has irritated wealthy conservatives with his courage and idealism, the latest outburst from Kenneth Langone left little doubt. Sounding both aggressive and whiny, the billionaire investor warned that he and his overprivileged friends might withhold their millions from church and charity unless the pontiff stops preaching against the excesses and cruelty of unleashed capitalism.