Bishop David Oyedepo Announces Postponement of The Ark Dedication: “Don’t Sacrifice Excellence for Time”
“But I had a word come to me saying: don’t sacrifice excellence for time.” These were the words of Bishop David Oyedepo as he addressed the congregation during the Leadership Empowerment Summit, revealing that the long-anticipated dedication of “The Ark” — the massive new sanctuary under construction by Living Faith Church — has been postponed.
Bishop Oyedepo explained that their technical partners require more time than earlier estimated to ensure the highest standards of execution. Consequently, the dedication date is being reviewed, and a new timeline will be communicated in due course.
“Jesus is Lord. The good news is that there’s no short supply of anything. There’s no financial stress anywhere. Jesus has always been the source, and forever to Him be all the glory.”
Despite the delay, Bishop Oyedepo reassured the faithful that the project continues unhindered, with significant milestones already achieved. He highlighted that escalator installations have commenced, reflecting the commitment to excellence and modern amenities in the new worship facility.
A Generational Project Demanding Generational Attention
Describing The Ark as a generational project, Bishop Oyedepo emphasized the importance of meticulous attention and patience:
“Resources have been chasing the work, not the work waiting for resources. To Him be all the glory. It’s a generational project. Jesus will miss that sanctuary when it comes. So we need generational attention to ensure that we have it in the best shape and the best strength.”
He urged the congregation to continue in gratitude and intercession for the completion of the sanctuary, inviting worshippers to lift their hands in thanksgiving for God’s faithfulness.
A Stern Warning: “Be Careful What You Do Against the Church of Christ”
In a powerful moment, Bishop Oyedepo shifted focus to caution against actions or words that undermine the Church — not just Living Faith Church, but the body of Christ worldwide. Drawing from numerous scriptures, he underscored the sacredness of the Church as the Bride of Christ and the consequences of opposing it:
“Be careful what you do against the Church of Christ. Your church is just one of several such units on the earth. Be careful; it is the Bride of Christ… Any assault against the Church is touching the apple of God’s eye.”
Quoting Zechariah 2:8 and Revelation 21:9, he warned that any attack on the Church carries spiritual consequences:
“Every part of a lion is a risk to trample upon. Christ is the Lion of the tribe of Judah, and He is the head of the Church. Lack of reverence for His Church is costly.”
He illustrated the gravity of dishonoring the Church with biblical examples, including the story of Haman in Esther 7 and Joseph’s wrongful imprisonment in Genesis 39. His message was clear: the Church deserves utmost reverence, and any act against it is an affront to Christ Himself.
A Prayer for Grace and Good News
Closing the service, Bishop Oyedepo prayed that the same grace working upon the Ark project would extend to every local assembly within the ministry and to every church member:
“May the same grace come upon every local assembly in this commission—the grace of no stress, no strain. May it come upon every single member of this Church, and I pray that beginning from now, it shall be good news only, in Jesus’ name.”
He declared blessings over the congregation, prophesying that the remaining months of the year would yield testimonies of honor and divine rest.
Encouragement to Stay Connected
Bishop Oyedepo’s address, while revealing a delay in the Ark’s dedication, resonated with faith and unwavering commitment to excellence. The message serves as both a practical update and a spiritual admonition for believers to uphold reverence for God’s house and the global Church.
“Don’t sacrifice excellence for time.”
As construction progresses, the church remains confident that The Ark will stand as a testament to God’s glory—a sanctuary built without financial strain and dedicated with excellence.