Somebody get Jesus on the main line, for real!
The Cleveland pastor who went viral after his first wife introduced his second wife to his congregation is spilling more details about his polygynous marriage, including why he could potentially welcome a THIRD wife while his current spouses, who identify as straight, aren’t allowed additional husbands. Both wives are also getting candid about jealousy, insecurities, and their unconventional family dynamic, including how the Bussit Bishop’s second wife went from his “spiritual daughter” to his spouse.
On Tuesday, Pastor Israel Ford of LifeWorks Church appeared alongside his wives, Pastor Lydia Ford and Minister Shakayla Ford, for a candid interview on Larry Reid Live, where the trio tackled everything from jealousy and joint finances to sexuality speculation and the surprising journey from spiritual daughter to spouse.
The Christian (?) conversation comes after Lydia publicly introduced Shakayla as her “sister in marriage” during an Oct. 25 church service, sending social media into a frenzy and sparking heated debates about the family’s interpretation of Scripture.
Now, the Fords are doubling down on their decision while offering a closer look at what life with two wives and one husband actually entails.
Pastor Israel Ford Says He Could Take A Third Wife, But His Current Wives Can’t Have Other Husbands
When Larry Reid asked whether Lydia and Shakayla are allowed to pursue additional husbands, Israel made it clear that wouldn’t be happening in his household.
He explained that if either woman wanted another man, they could discuss separating, but sharing his wives with another husband isn’t something he’s willing to entertain.
However, when the conversation turned to the possibility of him taking a third wife, the pastor didn’t spiritually shut the door.
“You can go as far as you can afford,” he said.
Israel clarified that he wouldn’t bring another woman into their marriage without his current wives’ agreement, explaining that their family dynamic is something he wants to protect.
He also acknowledged that a potential third wife would need to fit into the existing household.
According to Israel, he believes the husband’s responsibilities within marriage are different from those of his wives, and he considers that distinction justification for the arrangement.
From ‘Spiritual Daughter’ To Second Wife, Shakayla Ford Details Marrying Her Former Spiritual Leader
In another eyebrow-raising revelation, Shakayla Ford opened up about going from Pastor Israel Ford’s “spiritual daughter” to his second wife.
According to Shakayla, she joined LifeWorks Church in 2018 and eventually became close to Israel and Lydia, particularly while helping the pastor’s first wife recover from surgery.
Israel acknowledged that Shakayla’s frequent presence in their household contributed to his developing romantic feelings for her.
He eventually approached Lydia about those feelings, explaining that he couldn’t imagine Shakayla, who was his spiritual daughter at the time, no longer being part of their lives.
During the interview, Reid directly questioned the couple about navigating the transition from a spiritual father-daughter relationship to marriage, and Shakayla made it clear that her husband’s religious authority remains unchanged.
“He is always going to be my spiritual leader. That doesn’t change,” she said.
However, she acknowledged that becoming his wife required an adjustment.
“That was a transition just in general because I had to learn what it looked like to be a wife,” Shakayla explained.
“But the best part about it was, I had an example right here,” she said, referring to Lydia.
Shakayla acknowledged that the transition wasn’t without difficulties, but credited Lydia with helping her understand how to fit into their family.
As for Israel, he described the shift from spiritual father to husband as relatively easy.
“Actually, it was easy because who I am at church is who I am at home. I don’t like, in a sense, change hats.
And while Shakayla eventually embraced her new role in the family, Lydia admitted that she initially had a VERY different reaction to the idea of sharing her husband.
Lydia Ford Admits She Initially Refused To Share Her Husband
Although Lydia enthusiastically introduced Shakayla to their congregation, she admitted that she wasn’t always on board with the idea of a polygynous marriage.
According to Lydia, Israel first began discussing the possibility around 2021 or 2022 after studying Scripture and developing his interpretation of plural marriage, and she was absolutely not on board.
“Ain’t no way I ain’t doing that. That’s not for me,” she recalled.
Lydia explained that she struggled to reconcile the idea with the religious teachings and cultural expectations she’d grown up with.
She eventually began studying Scripture, researching polygyny, praying, and fasting before coming to believe the arrangement aligned with her faith.
Israel also described a 40-day fast involving all three of them, during which they sought what they believed was divine confirmation.
He maintained that he wouldn’t move forward with marrying Shakayla until Lydia agreed.
The post Viral Polygynous Pastor Says He Could Take A Third Wife, Denies Rumors His Wives Are Habakkuk Hunching To Spiritual Sister Smithereens appeared first on Bossip.