Only the Society Can Transfer Me’: Pastor Ephraim Responds to Leadership Dispute at Bethany Prayer House

Kadapa – AP: Seeking to clarify his position amid the ongoing administrative dispute at Bethany Prayer House, Pastor K.M. Ephraim on Monday addressed a gathering of nearly 60 believers and reaffirmed his allegiance to the ‘Society’ management. While asserting that he has not received any official transfer order from the ‘Society’ headquarters in Hyderabad, he stated that he would immediately vacate his position if such an order were formally issued. He also maintained that the church and ministry should continue to function under established organizational authority rather than through what he termed unauthorized attempts to assume control.

No official transfer order has been served on me

Addressing the controversy surrounding his alleged transfer, Pastor Ephraim said he has not received any communication from the Society directing him to relinquish his responsibilities at Bethany Prayer House. According to him, the document brought by Pastor B. Solomon does not constitute an order addressed to him and therefore cannot be treated as a valid directive requiring his departure. He reiterated that his appointment and any future transfer fall solely within the jurisdiction of the ‘Society’s management. “If the ‘Society’ officially transfers me, I will leave immediately,” he told the congregation.

My loyalty is to the Society and the ministry entrusted to me

Pastor Ephraim emphasized that his continued service at Bethany Prayer House is rooted in obedience to the ‘Society’ under which he serves. He stated that he remains committed to implementing every lawful decision of the ‘Society’ and has no intention of acting contrary to its authority. He said his responsibility is to safeguard and continue the ministry entrusted to him until instructed otherwise by the competent authority. According to him, his stand is not based on personal interest but on adherence to organizational discipline and established procedures.

The dispute began after committee members were removed

Providing his account of the origins of the dispute, Pastor Ephraim said tensions emerged after certain members of an 11-member committee were removed from their positions on November 11, 2025. He alleged that the action was taken following concerns relating to the handling of church funds and claimed that disagreements intensified thereafter. According to him, the present controversy is a continuation of those developments.

Bethany has been administered with accountability

Defending the church’s administration, Pastor Ephraim said Bethany Prayer House has consistently operated with transparency, accountability, and proper oversight. He maintained that ministry activities and financial affairs have been managed responsibly and in accordance with established norms. According to him, the leadership has remained committed to protecting both the spiritual mission and administrative integrity of the church.

Suspension of worship was a difficult but necessary decision

Referring to the interruption of worship services during the past week, Pastor Ephraim said the decision was taken reluctantly and only after considering law-and-order concerns. He stated that police officials had advised caution in view of the prevailing tensions and that the temporary suspension was intended to prevent any untoward incidents involving believers. Pastor Ephraim noted that the decision was personally painful but was made with the safety of worshippers in mind.

Church ministry will continue normally

The pastor informed believers that ministry activities would continue under his leadership as they had in the past. He expressed confidence that the church’s spiritual work would move forward peacefully while awaiting any official decision from the Society regarding the ongoing dispute. According to him, the focus should remain on ministry, worship, and the well-being of the congregation.

Police helped maintain peace during a sensitive situation

Pastor Ephraim also acknowledged the role played by local police officials during the controversy. He thanked the police for their cooperation and vigilance, stating that their intervention helped ensure that tensions did not escalate into any untoward incidents. According to him, the authorities acted responsibly in preserving public order and protecting the interests of all concerned.

I have never acted for personal benefit

Rejecting allegations that his actions were motivated by self-interest, Pastor Ephraim said his decisions have always been guided by his pastoral responsibilities. He stated that he has never acted for personal gain and remains committed to serving the church faithfully until directed otherwise by the ;Society’. According to him, his conscience is clear and his primary concern continues to be the welfare of the ministry and congregation.

Believers attend clarification Meeting Amid Continuing Dispute

The meeting drew approximately 60 believers who gathered to hear Pastor Ephraim’s explanation regarding the developments that have unfolded over the past week. While differing views continue to exist regarding the administrative dispute at Bethany Prayer House, many attendees expressed hope that the matter would ultimately be resolved through lawful procedures, organizational mechanisms, and constructive dialogue.

The controversy continues to attract attention within the church community, with believers across different groups calling for a peaceful resolution that preserves unity, order, and the uninterrupted spiritual life of the congregation.