The Assemblies of God Church has issued a directive barring its pastors from marrying women who are not members of the denomination.

The announcement was made by the General Superintendent of the Assemblies of God, Rev. Abel Amadi, during the 2026 Leaders’ Retreat at Evangel Camp, Okpoto, in Ebonyi State.

Rev. Amadi told church leaders that the policy must be strictly enforced by district presbyteries, warning that no pastor should be granted approval to marry outside the Assemblies of God.

“No pastor should be allowed to marry outside the Assemblies of God. Presbytery, you must take note and ensure this is strictly adhered to,” he said.

He encouraged pastors seeking marriage partners to look for suitable women within the church across different states, rather than outside the denomination. “If you don’t find one in Rivers State, go to Umuahia. If not in Umuahia, try Enugu. If still unsuccessful, Lagos remains an option. God will provide a partner who will support you in ministry,” Rev. Amadi added.

The directive applies only to pastors and does not extend to ordinary church members.

Some female members of the Assemblies of God Church in Umuahia and Aba reportedly welcomed the move, expressing surprise that some pastors still looked outside the denomination for marriage partners despite the abundance of eligible women within the church.