Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi
A mathematician turned Bible teacher whose small campus Bible study in 1973 grew into a worldwide movement committed to the undiluted Word of God and holy living.
His Story
William Folorunso Kumuyi was born on 6 June 1941 in Erin-Ijesha, in present-day Osun State, Nigeria. He completed his secondary education at Mayflower School, Ikenne, in 1961, and returned there the following year to teach mathematics.
On Sunday, 5 April 1964, at the age of 23, he gave his life to Jesus Christ. That encounter set the course of everything that followed: a lifelong devotion to studying the Scriptures, living them out, and teaching others to do the same.
He went on to study mathematics at the University of Ibadan, graduating in 1967 as the best graduating student of his year, and later earned a postgraduate certificate in education from the University of Lagos, where he joined the faculty as a lecturer in mathematics.
Pastor Kumuyi was married to Abiodun Kumuyi from 1980 until she went to be with the Lord in 2009; they had two sons. In 2010 he married Pastor (Mrs.) Folashade Kumuyi, who serves alongside him in ministry today.
At a glance
- Born
- 6 June 1941, Erin-Ijesha, Osun State, Nigeria
- Born again
- 5 April 1964
- Education
- B.Sc. Mathematics, University of Ibadan (1967); PGCE, University of Lagos
- Ministry began
- August 1973 — a Bible study of 15 students in Lagos
- Church founded
- Deeper Life Bible Church, 1982
- Headquarters
- Gbagada, Lagos, Nigeria
- Schools founded
- Deeper Life High School (across the states of Nigeria); Anchor University, Lagos State
From 15 Students to the Nations
In August 1973, while lecturing at the University of Lagos, Pastor Kumuyi began a Bible study in his flat with fifteen university students. His careful, verse-by-verse teaching on salvation, sanctification and holy living drew people from across Lagos, and the gathering became known as the Deeper Life Bible Study.
As the fellowship grew, it spread to campuses and cities across Nigeria. In 1982 it was organised as the Deeper Life Bible Church, part of the wider Deeper Christian Life Ministry, which today has congregations across Africa, Europe, the Americas and Asia — including our own church here in Winston-Salem.
His ministry remains centred on the Word: the weekly Monday Bible Study, the Thursday Revival and Miracle Service and the Sunday Worship Service are broadcast from the headquarters in Gbagada, Lagos, and followed live by congregations around the world. In 2018 the ministry dedicated a 30,000-seat auditorium there.
Since 2021, Pastor Kumuyi has taken the Gospel to stadiums and open grounds across Nigeria, Africa and beyond through the Global Crusade with Kumuyi (GCK), preaching salvation, healing and deliverance to millions.
A Life of Service
- 1941
Born in Erin-Ijesha
Born on 6 June in present-day Osun State, Nigeria.
- 1962
Mathematics teacher
Began teaching mathematics at Mayflower School, Ikenne, where he had studied.
- 1964
Born again
Gave his life to Christ on Sunday, 5 April.
- 1967
University of Ibadan
Graduated in mathematics as the best graduating student of his year.
- 1973
Deeper Life Bible Study begins
Started a Bible study with 15 students in his University of Lagos flat.
- 1982
Deeper Life Bible Church
The growing fellowship was organised as a church.
- 2013
Global recognition
Named by Foreign Policy magazine among the 500 most powerful people on the planet.
- 2018
Gbagada auditorium
Dedication of the 30,000-seat headquarters auditorium in Lagos (24 April).
- 2021
Global Gospel Crusades
Began the crusades in April; branded the Global Crusade with Kumuyi (GCK) in July 2022.
- 2023
Crusades beyond Africa
GCK held in India (Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai) and broadcast to over 180 countries.
Taking the Gospel Everywhere
Global Crusade with Kumuyi (GCK)
Multi-day open-air crusades across Nigeria, Africa and Asia, preaching salvation, healing and deliverance and broadcast live worldwide.
Learn moreWeekly worldwide services
The Monday Bible Study, Thursday Revival and Miracle Service and Sunday Worship Service are broadcast from Lagos to congregations around the world.
Campus ministry
Deeper Life Campus Fellowship carries on the ministry’s roots among university and college students.
International Bible Training Centre
The International Bible Training Centre (IBTC) grounds ministers and workers in the Word. It is hosted at Anchor University, Ayobo, Lagos, and at the ministry’s state and national headquarters around the world.
Conferences & retreats
The Deeper Life Conference Centre on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway hosts the ministry’s conferences and retreats.
Education
Pastor Kumuyi founded Deeper Life High School (DLHS), with campuses across the states of Nigeria, and Anchor University in Ayobo, Lagos State — raising young people in both learning and godly character.
Nations Visited
Places where Pastor Kumuyi has ministered in person through crusades and conferences.
Africa5
- NigeriaCrusades in nearly every state
- GhanaAccra (2023), Kumasi (2024)
- Togo
- Cameroon
- Zambia
Asia2
- IndiaDelhi, Mumbai, Chennai (2023)
- Philippines
Middle East1
- United Arab Emirates
Books & Publications
Bible study series, devotional and teaching books by Pastor Kumuyi, published by Lifepress LTD in print and digital editions.
- Following Jesus
- Holiness: A Holistic Approach
- One Indispensable Step to Salvation
- Eternity Is Near
- Know Yourself (Youth Counsel Series)
- Gems from James
- Converts' Study Series
- Adult Search the Scriptures (series)Adult Search the Scriptures (series)
- Youth Search the Scriptures (series)Youth Search the Scriptures (series)
- Building the Body (series)Building the Body (series)
- Youth Home Success Fellowship (series)Youth Home Success Fellowship (series)