Biography of Pastor W.F. Kumuyi - Founder of Deeper Life Bible Church

“Teaching all nations the undiluted Word of God.”

Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi, often simply called W.F. Kumuyi, is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry and one of the most influential preachers in Africa. Renowned for his deep teaching of holiness, commitment to Scripture, and global revival influence, Pastor Kumuyi has shaped millions of lives through his no-compromise preaching and unwavering devotion to the truth of God's Word.

Born on June 6, 1941, in Erin-Ijesha, Osun State, Nigeria, into a devout Anglican family, Pastor Kumuyi was known from a young age for his discipline, intelligence, and moral uprightness. He pursued his education with excellence and earned a First Class Honours degree in Mathematics from the University of Ibadan in 1967. He later obtained a Postgraduate Certificate in Education and served as a lecturer in Mathematics at the University of Lagos, where he was beloved by students and respected by faculty.

Salvation and Spiritual Transformation

In April 1964, while still in university, Kumuyi had a radical personal encounter with Jesus Christ and became born again. This changed the entire course of his life.

By 1973, he began holding small Bible study meetings with just 15 students in his university quarters. The gatherings grew rapidly due to his uncompromising teaching on holiness, righteousness, and Christian discipline.

Founding of Deeper Life Bible Church

• In 1975, Pastor Kumuyi was expelled from the Apostolic Faith Church because of his emphasis on Spirit baptism and speaking in tongues.
• In response, he continued teaching under the Deeper Christian Life Ministry, which officially became the Deeper Life Bible Church in 1982.

The church grew explosively and became a model for holiness-based evangelical Christianity across Africa.

What Makes Deeper Life Unique?

Emphasis	Details
Holiness	Strict lifestyle codes rooted in Scripture (e.g. modesty, no worldliness)
Bible Doctrine	Verse-by-verse expository teaching of the Word
Church Discipline	High standards for leadership and membership
Prayer & Fasting	Regular retreats, vigils, and spiritual discipline
Evangelism	Youth-focused, family-integrated mission structure

Global Reach

Under Pastor Kumuyi’s leadership, Deeper Life expanded beyond Nigeria and Africa into Europe, North America, Asia, and Australia. As of today:

• Deeper Life has thousands of branches in over 60 countries
• The Deeper Life Headquarters in Gbagada, Lagos, completed in 2018, seats 30,000+ worshippers and is one of the largest church auditoriums in Africa
• His Global Crusades are broadcast worldwide with millions watching online and on TV

 Books and Teaching Legacy

Pastor Kumuyi is also a prolific author. Some of his best-known works include:

• The Hour of Decision
• Daily Manna (Devotional)
• The Spirit-Controlled Family
• A Life of Integrity
• Supernatural Supply
• The Bible Doctrine Series

His sermons are known for being theologically deep, practically relevant, and boldly uncompromising.

 Personal Life

• Wife: Late Mrs. Abiodun Kumuyi (passed away in 2009)
• Remarried in 2010 to Esther Folashade Kumuyi
• Children: Two sons

Despite his global influence, Pastor Kumuyi is known for his humility, simplicity, and deep prayer life.

CLICK To READ WHAT YOU MIGHT NOT KNOW ABOUT HIS SON JOHN KUMUYI

Recognition and Impact

• Listed by Foreign Policy Magazine as one of the 500 Most Powerful People on Earth (2013)
• Described by Charisma Magazine as a “spiritual giant” in Africa
• Revered by other church leaders across denominations for his doctrinal depth and personal integrity

 

FAQs

What denomination is Deeper Life Bible Church?

It is a Pentecostal holiness church, emphasizing sanctification, Spirit baptism, and personal holiness.

When did Pastor Kumuyi start Deeper Life?

He began Bible studies in 1973, and Deeper Life Bible Church officially started in 1982.

Is Pastor Kumuyi a professor?

He was a university mathematics lecturer, though not a professor by official academic title.

Is Deeper Life legalistic?

The church is often seen as strict, but Pastor Kumuyi teaches that holiness is an act of love and obedience to God, not legalism.