{
  "id": 17026084,
  "title": "Pastor opens up on voluntary resignation from RCCG UK leadership",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/29/pastor-opens-up-on-voluntary-resignation-from-rccg-uk-leadership-17026084",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-29T07:30:03.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch",
    "slug": "punch",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/pastor-opens-up-on-voluntary-resignation-from-rccg-uk-leadershipq/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Pastor Agu Irukwu, former Chairman of the Redeemed Christian Church of God's UK parishes, recently announced his voluntary resignation from his leadership positions in April 2021. Irukwu explained his decision at a recent program hosted by Pastor Poju Oyemade of The Covenant Nation, stating that his departure reinforced his belief in the nature of leadership in God's kingdom. In his role as chairman of RCCG parishes in the UK, as well as chairman of the church's Board of Trustees and Executive Council, and Deputy Continental Overseer for Europe, Irukwu relinquished his positions but retained his position as pastor of Jesus House, a parish he founded. The Church Times Nigeria reported on October 28, 2026, that Irukwu noted the church's protocol team struggled to address him after he stepped down, as he no longer held a strategic office. He emphasized that genuine leadership transcends official appointments and that a leader's influence should not be confined to a specific title. Irukwu drew parallels between leadership in the secular world and leadership in God's kingdom, highlighting that Christian influence should be characterized by yeast, light, and salt, rather than being confined to a closed container. He contrasted secular leadership with God's kingdom leadership, asserting that the latter should emphasize service, fruitfulness, and the growth of others, rather than self-promotion. Irukwu also commented on the increase in student visa financial requirements for international students in the UK, as well as the challenges faced by the Pentecostal Theological and Devotional Fellowship (PTDF) over rising tuition and visa delays. He urged aspiring ministers in the UK to prioritize the nation's development and to demonstrate a genuine concern for its people. Reflecting on a five-hour prayer vigil that focused solely on national concerns, Irukwu described the experience as \"torture\" and urged churches in the UK to carry a real burden for the country, believing that this would lead to the revival they seek.",
  "summary": "Former Chairman of the Redeemed Christian Church of God’s UK parishes, Pastor Agu Irukwu, has explained his decision to voluntarily resign from his leadership positions in the church in April 2021. Irukwu reflected on his decision at a recent programme hosted by Pastor Poju Oyemade of The Covenant Nation, saying his departure from the positions Read More:…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}