Israel Ford is the self-styled “pastor” and “prophet” of LifeWorks Church, which he founded in 2009 in Cleveland, Ohio, along with his co-pastor wife, Lydia.
According to their church website, their mission is to “create opportunities where families learn about God through a personal relationship with Christ; love Christ through obedience in lifestyle; [and] serve God with the giving of time, talents, treasure, and testimony.” Given that Israel claims to be a prophet, they allege that “Many have come and received deliverance, miraculous healings, and hope for their future through a prophetic word.”
During their service yesterday, Israel and Pastor Lydia announced to the congregation that she and her husband have entered into a polygynous marriage with fellow congregant and friend Shakayla Talley, (now known as Shakayla Ford) to the clapping and cheers of some congregants, and the stunned disbelief of others.
And I want to share that, know, Prophet and I, you know, we are living even right now in what we would call a polygynous marriage. My husband, our prophet, he has a second wife. Y’all know her. Y’all love her. Y’all benefit from her ministry every week. And so I just want to take this time and just as a pleasure of mine to introduce to y’all, prophet’s wife and my sister in marriage, Minister Shakayla.
‘Notably, ‘Polygyny’ is a more specific term and type of polygamy involving the practice of having more than one wife, verses having multiple husbands. Israel would likewise share in an Instagram announcement:
I would like to introduce to the world, my second wife, Shakayla Ford!!! As a nation we have been taught that a man should have one wife only. This is unbiblical. I encourage you to watch today’s sermon in its entirety (uploaded later this week). I understand that this is an unpopular truth that we have gotten away from and many Pastors will not preach. I have no plans to choose pleasing man over what God has revealed. People may not accept this and choose to disconnect, and that is ok! This life will be over soon and we can all laugh about it in Heaven.
Until then, God bless.
