Leaders Are Called To Serve, Not Rule– Oyedepo

The founder of Living Faith Church Worldwide, David Oyedepo, has urged ministers, business leaders and young people to embrace servanthood as the foundation for true leadership, stressing that greatness in God’s kingdom is rooted in service rather than authority.

Oyedepo spoke while addressing thousands of participants from across the world at “The Shift” Conference held at the National Theatre Lagos in Lagos. The conference was convened by Akin Akinpelu, Lead Pastor of Eden Centre.

Speaking on the theme “Towards the Emerging of Giants from the Covenant Platform of Servanthood,” the cleric emphasised that leadership in the kingdom of God is defined by service.

“Leaders are not called to be lords but to be servants. God does not reward founders but fruitful and effective labourers. Choose to serve—only true servants emerge as true leaders,” he said.

He urged ministers to remain committed to their divine assignments and avoid comparing themselves with others, warning that such tendencies could distract them from their purpose.

“Be an example to the flock. Don’t compare yourself to another. Run your life according to the dictates of God, stay in your calling and do what God asked you to do. Let God be the one leading you,” Oyedepo advised.
The bishop also noted that the Christian journey involves continuous transformation and growth.

“We live in the kingdom of shift. It implies moving from one realm of glory to another. Because we have been redeemed, believers carry the gene of the Almighty God. Allow the scriptures to shape the way you think because mentality defines destiny,” he added.

Cautioning against impatience in ministry and leadership, Oyedepo warned participants about what he described as the “plague of hurry-hurry,” which he said often leads to failure.

Drawing from his early ministry experience, he revealed that his church started with just four members, encouraging leaders not to despise humble beginnings.

“Giants do not rise overnight but over time. Beware of high-mindedness. If you get things hastily, in the end you may regret it. An inheritance hastily gotten leads to destruction. No baby is ever born an adult. Don’t ever try to have an adult ministry at the beginning,” he said.

He further urged ministers to remain faithful to biblical principles, stressing that there is “no old-fashioned truth” in the kingdom of God.

Earlier, the convener of the conference, Akinpelu, described the gathering as more than a conference but a prophetic convergence aimed at spiritual alignment and renewal.

He also unveiled his book titled “The Agenda,” which he described as a guide for leaders seeking to build with divine wisdom.
“The next generation of leaders needs more than motivation; they need direction, depth and a sense of belonging,” Akinpelu said, while expressing appreciation for Oyedepo’s presence and describing him as a spiritual authority shaped by decades of service.
Participants also described the conference as impactful.