(RNS) — The pastor of one of the world’s largest churches had some advice for President Donald Trump as he begins his second term in office: Don’t settle for just trying to make America great or think of America’s interests only. Instead, work on making the world a better place for everyone, not just Americans.
“We need the help of countries in the world, the United States, for example, to not only make America great, but to make the rest of the world peaceful,” said William F. Kumuyi, founder of Deeper Christian Life Ministry based in Lagos, Nigeria, a congregation that claims to draw 120,000 worshippers a week.
Kumuyi, a former university professor turned Pentecostal preacher whose evangelistic crusades have drawn millions, was in Washington, D.C., recently for Christian events surrounding the inauguration of Donald Trump. Those events included a praise and prayer convocation organized by the Family Research Council and Well Versed, a conservative group led by the Rev. James Garlow, an avid Trump supporter who organized prayer calls as part of the Stop the Steal movement following the 2020 presidential election.
In a video interview with Religion News Service, Kumuyi said he’d come to the inauguration from Nigeria to connect with other Christian leaders who believe their faith should make an impact in the public square and to talk with them about evangelism around the world.
Kumuyi had hoped to view the inauguration in person but ended up watching it on television after the ceremony was moved indoors. He said the peaceful transfer of power showed the importance of democracy, both in the United States and around the world. “The people have spoken and the votes are cast, and we now say that this is the president, even those who might not have voted for him would accept that,” he said. “I think other countries need to learn something about that.”
He also said it was important for President Trump to be not just a president for those who voted for him but also to work for the welfare of all Americans — and to remember that his administration will build on the work of the presidents who came before him.
Pastor William F. Kumuyi prays during the Inauguration Praise and Prayer Convocation at Greater New Hope Baptist Church in Washington, D.C., Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (Photo courtesy Global Crusade with Kumuyi/Kevin Smart Media)
During the interview Kumuyi spoke repeatedly about the need for Christians to have a positive impact on the world around them, calling them to be the light of the world and salt of the earth — two metaphors from the New Testament’s Sermon on the Mount. Rather than retreat from the outside world, or focus on the success of just one country, he said Christians in the U.S. should engage with the rest of the world.
If all the light is on one place, he said, using the biblical metaphor, what good is it?
“The Lord doesn’t want us to isolate ourselves,” Kumuyi said. “I would say that the New Testament encourages us, and not only encourages but instructs us that we should be part of the world in which we live and see how to make change for the better. Being isolated is not the solution.”
During a prayer convocation before the inauguration, the 83-year-old pastor asked God to bless Trump and to bring revival to America’s churches, which have been in decline for decades.
“Revive your church, restore your church and purge your church, that there will be the holiness and the righteousness you expect for your church, and the church will have a meaningful ministry in the government as well as in the nation,” he prayed. “Confirm it. Oh Lord, answer the prayer of your people for this nation, America.”
During his inaugural address, Trump mentioned the failed attempt on his life this past summer, saying he believed his life had been spared for a reason. Hearing that was encouraging, said Kuyumi.
“He believes that his appointment and election is by the divine grace of God, and that he is there for a purpose,” he said. “And he allows God to define that purpose for him. That’s encouraging to me.”
When asked how he has sustained his ministry, when many megachurch pastors have failed, Kuyumi said that humility is a key. And knowing when to ask for help.
“I wouldn’t think I’m better than any other person that has fallen by the side of the road,” he said. “But I realized that in myself, I am nothing. I can do nothing without the grace of God, and I lean on that grace and the promises of God. He promises to keep those who look up to him. So instead of relying on myself, on my experience, on my strength, daily, I rely on him.”
If he had the chance to speak to the new president, Kuyumi said he’d tell Trump to bring citizens from different parties into the government — allowing them to make a positive contribution to the future.
He said there’s no place for post-election retaliation.
“There is no vengeance, there is no hatred of anyone,” Kuyumi said. The president is to be the president of all. No retaliation but love.”
