The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has revealed that one of the church’s pastors was arrested abroad for addressing an audience as “ladies and gentlemen.”
During the church’s monthly thanksgiving service at RCCG’s Throne of Grace in Lagos on Sunday, Adeboye explained that the phrase was deemed discriminatory because it excluded other genders recognized in the culture of that country.
“The end is nearer than you think. Things are getting worse, and this is a wake-up call. One of my pastors abroad was arrested for simply addressing a gathering as ‘ladies and gentlemen.’ Some people reported him, asking, ‘What about those who are neither ladies nor gentlemen?’” Adeboye stated.
The sermon, titled My Father’s House, was broadcast to RCCG parishes worldwide. Adeboye used the incident to emphasize the erosion of moral values and the challenges Christians face in upholding their beliefs.
He also recounted another alarming story of a woman abroad who referred to her dog as her husband. According to Adeboye, when questioned about her spouse, the woman replied, “I took him to the vet before coming. He doesn’t talk,” insisting her dog was her partner.
“These are signs of the end times,” he said, urging Christians to remain steadfast in their faith. “Those already in Christ, take this matter seriously. God is holy. If you are still playing church—singing, clapping, and enjoying things without commitment—remember, Jesus is coming back. The devil wants to harvest you, but don’t give him the chance. I want to see you in my Father’s house.”
Adeboye has been vocal on cultural trends he views as contradictory to Christian values. During RCCG’s 72nd annual convention in August, themed Heaven, he criticized certain fashion choices among church workers, including men with braided hair and women with false eyelashes and heavy makeup, stating such styles would no longer be tolerated on RCCG altars.
The convention, which ran from August 5 to 11 at Redemption City, Mowe, Ogun State, highlighted Adeboye’s call for spiritual renewal and adherence to biblical principles.