15 Success Habits of Bishop David Oyedepo

1. Unwavering Passion for God's Work Fuels Success

"Being sold out to God, being there to do the work of God, even when there is no reward attached, is a prerequisite for every divine breakthrough."

Dedication breeds success. Bishop David Oyedepo's journey exemplifies how an unyielding commitment to spiritual work can lead to remarkable achievements. From his early days as a young convert, Oyedepo's zeal for God's work grew exponentially, driving him to undertake challenging missions and establish churches in remote areas.

His passion manifested in tangible ways:

• At 19, he spent 71 days in a village to establish a church
• Used personal resources to fund missionary work
• Continued to serve without expectation of material rewards

This unwavering dedication laid the foundation for his future success, illustrating that genuine passion and selfless service can pave the way for divine breakthroughs in one's calling.

2. Voracious Reading Habits Shape Leadership

"Give your attention to reading if you don't want your youth to be despised… If you don't want to lose your place in the race, pay attention to reading."

Knowledge fuels growth. Bishop Oyedepo's voracious reading habit has been a cornerstone of his personal and ministerial development. He attributes much of his success to the insights gained from books, emphasizing their transformative power in shaping his worldview and leadership approach.

Key reading practices:

• Read 39 biographies before starting Living Faith Church
• Studied extensively about top universities before founding Covenant University
• Regularly references influential authors in his teachings

Oyedepo's dedication to continuous learning through reading has enabled him to stay ahead in his field, innovate in ministry, and build world-class institutions. This habit underscores the importance of lifelong learning for anyone aspiring to leadership and excellence.

3. Living Within Means Ensures Sustainable Growth

"Life is in phases, men are in sizes."

Contentment enables progress. Bishop Oyedepo advocates for living within one's means as a crucial principle for sustainable growth. He believes that trying to live beyond your current capacity can lead to setbacks and hinder long-term progress.

Examples of practicing this principle:

• Opted for a modest naming ceremony for his second son when funds were limited
• Gradually upgraded his lifestyle as his ministry grew

This approach emphasizes the importance of patience and contentment in the journey to success. By aligning one's lifestyle with current resources and gradually scaling up, individuals can build a solid foundation for lasting prosperity and avoid the pitfalls of overreaching.

4. Meticulous Record-Keeping Enhances Organization

"Historical gap is created due to missing written records."

Documentation preserves legacy. Bishop Oyedepo's habit of keeping accurate records stands out as a critical factor in his organized approach to life and ministry. This practice goes beyond mere note-taking; it reflects a systematic approach to documenting experiences, revelations, and milestones.

Benefits of meticulous record-keeping:

• Enables precise recall of significant events and divine encounters
• Provides a solid foundation for teaching and sharing experiences
• Helps in tracking progress and maintaining accountability

By maintaining detailed records, Oyedepo has created a rich repository of information that not only aids his personal growth but also serves as a valuable resource for his followers and future generations.

5. Practicing What You Preach Builds Credibility

"The Word only works for doers, not hearers, not preachers."

Actions validate teachings. Bishop Oyedepo's commitment to practicing what he preaches has been a cornerstone of his credibility and influence. He consistently demonstrates the principles he teaches, participating in church activities alongside his congregation.

Examples of walking the talk:

• Participates in early morning prayers (5:30AM-6:30AM) with members
• Engages in street evangelism using a megaphone, despite his status

This hands-on approach not only reinforces his teachings but also inspires his followers to actively apply the principles in their own lives. It underscores the importance of authenticity in leadership and the power of leading by example.

6. Avoiding Debt Fosters Financial Independence

"Do all you can to live a debt free life. A debtor is servant to the creditor… always."

Financial freedom through discipline. Bishop Oyedepo strongly advocates for a debt-free lifestyle, viewing borrowing as a sign of lack of trust in God and impatience. This principle has guided his personal life and ministry decisions, leading to remarkable achievements without financial encumbrances.

Key aspects of this philosophy:

• Made a pre-marital agreement with his wife never to borrow
• Built the 50,000-capacity Faith Tabernacle debt-free

By adhering to this principle, Oyedepo demonstrates that it's possible to achieve significant goals without resorting to debt, emphasizing the importance of patience, faith, and resourcefulness in financial management.

7. Clear Purpose and Divine Guidance Drive Progress

"One wrong step is enough to crash a destiny. God has an already made plan for you. If you miss it, you'll pay dearly for it."

Direction determines destination. Bishop Oyedepo emphasizes the critical importance of having a clear purpose and seeking divine guidance in all major decisions. He believes that success is not just about hard work but also about aligning with God's plan for one's life.

Key principles:

• Regularly seek God's direction for major decisions
• Be willing to change course if divine guidance contradicts personal plans
• Understand that purpose transcends profession – it's about fulfilling God's plan

This approach has guided Oyedepo in making pivotal decisions, sometimes leading him to abandon seemingly promising opportunities when they didn't align with divine direction. It underscores the importance of spiritual discernment in navigating life's choices.

8. Extreme Focus Leads to Extraordinary Results

"You cannot be a star athlete and be a star musician at the same time."

Concentration breeds excellence. Bishop Oyedepo advocates for extreme focus as a key to achieving extraordinary results. He believes that spreading oneself too thin across multiple pursuits can hinder the attainment of true greatness in any single area.

Benefits of laser focus:

• Allows for depth of expertise in chosen field
• Enhances productivity and effectiveness
• Leads to breakthrough achievements

This principle has guided Oyedepo in concentrating his efforts on his ministry and related ventures, resulting in remarkable success across these aligned areas. It challenges the notion of multitasking and encourages individuals to identify and pursue their core purpose with undivided attention.

9. Hard Work is Non-Negotiable for Achievement

"Identify the work involved in your assignment and face it. Things only work for workers."

Diligence precedes success. Bishop Oyedepo emphasizes the indispensable role of hard work in achieving one's goals. While he acknowledges the importance of spiritual practices like prayer and fasting, he insists that these must be complemented by diligent effort and creative thinking.

Examples of Oyedepo's work ethic:

• Spent 18 hours daily working in the early days of his ministry
• Actively involved in the architectural design of the Faith Tabernacle
• Manages multiple institutions while maintaining a rigorous preaching schedule

This principle underscores that divine favor and human effort are not mutually exclusive but complementary in the pursuit of success. It challenges the notion that spiritual practices alone are sufficient for achievement.

10. Generous Giving Unlocks Prosperity

"No one can pray his way to prosperity. No one can fast his way to riches. No one can beg his way to abundance; you can only give your way out."

Generosity attracts abundance. Bishop Oyedepo strongly advocates for a lifestyle of generous giving as a key to unlocking prosperity. He not only teaches this principle but exemplifies it through substantial investments in charitable works and education.

Aspects of Oyedepo's giving philosophy:

• Regular investments in student funding and charitable causes
• Emphasis on giving as a spiritual and practical principle for abundance
• Quiet philanthropy without seeking public recognition

This approach to giving reflects a belief in the spiritual and practical benefits of generosity, suggesting that it creates a positive cycle of abundance and blessing in one's life.

11. Handling Criticism with Grace Preserves Leadership

"If someone says I'm stupid, he's just sharing his opinion. It doesn't make me stupid."

Resilience amid scrutiny. Bishop Oyedepo's approach to handling criticism demonstrates a crucial leadership quality: the ability to maintain focus and composure in the face of public scrutiny. He chooses not to engage directly with critics or respond to media attacks, instead focusing on his work and vision.

Key aspects of his approach:

• Doesn't respond to media talks or public attacks
• Maintains focus on his work and mission
• Views criticisms as opinions rather than facts

This strategy of non-engagement with critics allows Oyedepo to preserve his energy and attention for productive pursuits. It also exemplifies emotional intelligence and self-assurance in leadership, showing that true strength often lies in choosing one's battles wisely.

12. Honoring Parents and Partners Strengthens Foundation

"Always get the blessings of your parents."

Respect nurtures support. Bishop Oyedepo places great emphasis on honoring parents and valuing partnerships as foundational principles for success. He consistently expresses gratitude for the role his parents and grandmother played in shaping his character and work ethic.

Key aspects of this principle:

• Regularly acknowledges the influence of his parents and grandmother
• Teaches the importance of parental honor in his ministry
• Recognizes and respects the contributions of his partners and team members

This approach reflects a belief that success is not achieved in isolation but is built on a foundation of strong relationships and respect for those who contribute to one's journey. It underscores the importance of gratitude and acknowledgment in leadership and personal growth.

Last updated: August 8, 2024