One of Nigeria’s largest churches, the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), has announced a new mode of worship in response to the outbreak and spread of Coronavirus in the country.
However, only the church’s parishes in Lagos and Ogun State are affected by the new mode of worship, according to a statement by RCCG Assistant General Overseer (Admin & Personnel), Pastor J.F. Odesola, on Wednesday evening.
The megachurch is led by Pastor Enoch Adeboye.
As of Thursday, Nigerian authorities have announced 12 cases of coronavirus with one death.
Lagos is the country’s commercial capital where most of the coronavirus cases were recorded while Ogun State is where the church’s international headquarters is located.
The RCCG statement said, “Parishes that have an average attendance of 50 members or less can hold their services without any alteration or changes.
“Parishes that have an average attendance above 50 members are directed to make use of their House of Fellowship Centres to run simultaneous services with the main Church.
“Parishes that have the facility to run more than one services can also do so, under the strict directive that worshippers won’t exceed 50 people per service.
“One supervising minister and an usher could be seconded to each centre for coalition of necessary reports (attendance, new converts, newcomer, etc).
“All centres are requested to connect to Dove Television to join the live broadcast from the General Overseer during the period.
“Kindly be informed that this arrangement shall be in operation for the next few weeks based on the position of the government.”
The church also urged members not to be enveloped with fear as a result of the crisis arising from the outbreak of coronavirus, saying there would be divine intervention.
Late February, Pastor Adeboye had assured members of the church that none of them shall suffer from the disease.
Church Times newspaper reported that the revered cleric gave the assurance in a message to mark the end of the 50-day fasting and prayer of the church, which ended on February 29.
“I have prayed for you. I want to assure you that all your prayers will be answered by fire in Jesus name. I have cried to God for you. I believe all your desires will be made available to you.
“I want to assure you that the God we serve will not allow any virus to come near you. Those who dwell in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.”