Self-Proclaimed ‘Prophet’ Israel Ford Stuns Church by Introducing Second Wife Alongside First Wife Lydia

A church service took an unexpected turn when a pastor’s first wife introduced another woman as her husband’s second wife.

Israel Ford, founder of LifeWorks Church in the Cleveland, Ohio, area, has sparked widespread controversy after publicly revealing his polygynous relationship.

During a church service on October 25, his first wife, co-pastor Lydia Ford, introduced minister Shakayla Talley as her husband’s second wife and her “sister in marriage.”

The announcement stunned some members of the congregation, while others reportedly applauded the unusual revelation.

According to reports, Israel and Shakayla had kept their relationship private for approximately three years before making it public.

Lydia told congregants that Shakayla was already familiar to them through her ministry at the church.

Shakayla also addressed the congregation, acknowledging that the announcement might come as a shock to some people.

Israel later defended the arrangement on social media, arguing that the belief that a man should have only one wife was “unbiblical.”

He cited scripture to support his interpretation and said he would not abandon what he believed God had revealed to him simply to satisfy public opinion.

The announcement has since fueled debate among Christians, with critics questioning his interpretation of scripture and supporters defending his religious convictions.

LifeWorks Church identifies Israel as its founder and describes him as a prophet. He established the church in 2009 and serves alongside Lydia.

It remains unclear whether the second marriage was legally registered or represents a religious arrangement. The distinction is significant because Ohio law prohibits a married person from entering another marriage while the first remains legally valid.

The revelation has placed the church’s leadership and its interpretation of biblical marriage under intense public scrutiny.