Newlywed pastor steps back from ministry after apologising over past affairs - Punch Newspapers
Apostle Sam Adegoke (Apostle Sam Mobile-fire) of Elijah Generation Church. Photo: Apostle Sam Adegoke on Facebook.
Apostle Sam Adegoke of Elijah Generation Church in Akure, Ondo state has apologised to women he had sexual relationships with before his marriage, saying he deeply regrets his actions and has stepped back from public ministry to reflect and make amends. Adegoke, who recently got married, made this known in a statement released on Monday. He took responsibility for his past conduct and apologised to the women involved, his wife, family, church members and others who trusted him for spiritual leadership. The pastor said he had been involved in sexual relationships with women before his marriage, describing the experiences as actions he now deeply regretted. He said, “Over the past few weeks, I have stepped back from public ministry and social media to reflect, seek counsel, and honestly address matters from my past.See more Punch stories on Google.Add Punch on Google “Before I was married, I was involved in sexual relationships with women that I deeply regret. Although these events occurred before my marriage, I acknowledge that my actions were wrong and fell short of the standards of holiness, integrity, and self-control I am called to uphold as a Christian and minister of the Gospel.” Adegoke said he was not making excuses for his actions because they occurred before his marriage, adding that he had been seeking God, receiving pastoral and professional counselling and examining his conduct. “I take full responsibility for my actions and sincerely apologise to the women involved for any hurt, disappointment, or harm I may have caused. 2027: When support groups become campaign engines Ondo air crash: NAF plane vanished from radar shortly after take-off PDP mourns victims of NAF aircraft crash in Ondo “I also apologise to my wife, my family, my church, my colleagues, and everyone who has trusted me and looked to me for spiritual leadership,” he said. He said his decision to step back from public ministry was part of efforts to address his conduct and make necessary changes. The cleric said he recognised that repentance was demonstrated through changed conduct, accountability and a willingness to accept the consequences of one’s actions. “I will therefore continue to submit myself to appropriate spiritual, pastoral, and professional accountability throughout this process,” he said. Adegoke also asked the public to pray for him, saying he wanted the humility and courage to face his actions honestly, make amends where appropriate and allow God to produce genuine transformation in his life. “I ask for prayer, not that my actions would be excused, but that I would have the humility and courage to face them honestly, make amends where appropriate, protect those affected, and allow God to produce genuine transformation in my life,” he said. He added, “I am deeply sorry and remain committed to walking forward with greater integrity, responsibility, and accountability.” Meanwhile, Adegoke and his wife have disabled comments on their respective Instagram accounts following the development. Fawzi Kehinde Fawzi is a journalist and subeditor covering a wide range of beats including politics, metro, and international news, among others. He also optimises stories for digital audiences.
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