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Theology and Worship 10.0 Every faith story begins long before we recognize it. Mine did not start with a dramatic conversion moment, but with the slow, steady whisper of God’s presence woven into the ordinary rhythms of life, worship, community, and quiet seasons of searching. Over the years, I have come to realize that belief is not a fixed possession but a living journey, shaped by both revelation and experience. What I believe today has been forged in the tension between knowing and not knowing, between worship and wondering. My theology has been shaped not only by Scripture and study, but also by life itself, through moments of awe in worship, conversations across cultures, and sacred encounters when grace meets human frailty. This reflection is not an attempt to present a perfect creed, but an honest articulation of the faith that has taken root in me —the belief that continues to evolve as I learn to see God more clearly. It is a story of how grace, truth, and love have intersected in my life, shaping not only what I believe but who I am becoming. How My Story Has Led Me to This Place I remember the words of my pastor during my teenage years in Gboko, Benue State, Nigeria: “Your journey and your foundation are two things that make a man. The foundation will determine how long and how high the journey can go.” Over time, I’ve found this statement to be profoundly shaping my life and faith. My journey of faith has been one of gradual unveiling, a story of grace, struggle, and continual rediscovery of God’s presence in unexpected places. I grew up surrounded by the rhythms of worship and the language of faith. From early on, I realized that I am made for prayer, and that worship is not merely sound or ritual, but a life lived in resonance with the heartbeat of God. Church was not simply a weekly gathering; it was the environment that formed my earliest understanding of God and what it means to live in His world. Worship, I learned, is not religious dogma but a genuine spiritual experience expressed in how we live. Over time, life’s complexities began to test these early beliefs. Seasons of disappointment, unanswered prayers, and human brokenness stretched my faith, forcing me to wrestle with God’s goodness and sovereignty. I remember the night our housemaid was diagnosed with a chronic illness. I had prayed fervently for her healing, and when the diagnosis came, I felt my faith shaken. Yet, in my desperation, I felt a gentle whisper in my spirit: “I am with you, and I will carry you through this.” That moment marked a turning point in my faith journey. I began to understand that faith is not about avoiding difficulties but trusting God amid them. Scripture reminds us, “The testing of our faith produces perseverance” (James 1:3). Worship untested remains lip service; the refining fire of life transforms belief into lived reality. My encounters with diverse cultures, ministries, and theological perspectives further expanded my understanding. I recall my first encounter with members of the Cherubim and Seraphim Church, also known as the “White Garment” denomination. Their worship practices were different from my own upbringing, yet their devotion offered both surprise and insight. Respecting their approach taught me that God’s work transcends denominational boundaries and cultural expectations. Participating in cross-cultural ministry reinforced this understanding. During a mission trip to Buruku Local Government Area in Benue State, I worshiped with a local church community in Buruku town. As we sang and danced together, I was struck by their passion and devotion, forged through years of perseverance in the face of hardship. Meeting Arabian Christians whose worship posture mirrored cultural practices unfamiliar to me further revealed how tradition shapes worship, while God’s truth transcends boundaries. Theology, I realized, is not merely a set of abstract ideas; it is the lived story of God with His people across time and culture. These experiences brought me to this point in my journey, where I see faith not as a destination but as an ongoing pilgrimage toward the heart of God. Who I Have Become as a Result of My Beliefs My journey of faith has shaped not only what I believe but also who I am. I have become someone who seeks God’s presence actively in every aspect of life, from worship services to quiet reflection. My faith has cultivated patience, resilience, and humility. I approach both success and failure with gratitude, recognizing that every experience —whether joyful or painful —is an opportunity to encounter God more deeply. Believing in a gracious and sovereign God has transformed my approach to others. I strive for empathy, seeing the struggles and stories of those around me, responding with compassion rather than judgment. My beliefs have also given me the courage to take risks in ministry, engage with diverse communities, and embrace growth opportunities, even when they feel uncomfortable. Furthermore, my faith has shaped my approach to worship leadership and theological reflection. I integrate Scripture, doctrine, and personal experience to guide others toward authentic encounters with God. I aim to model a faith that is both thoughtful and heartfelt, rooted in the understanding that theology is meant to be lived, not merely studied. How I Describe Myself These Days, in Terms of My Faith Today, I describe myself as a learner, a pilgrim, and a worshiper. My faith is a daily journey of discovery. I recognize both the depth of God’s mystery and the need for intentional reflection in my walk with Him. I see myself as a bridge connecting the timeless truths of Scripture to the lived realities of the people around me. I also see myself as growing in confidence to live out my beliefs. While aware of inconsistencies and uncertainties in my theology, I embrace these tensions as opportunities for learning, dialogue, and spiritual growth. Faith is strengthened not in comfort, but in wrestling with questions, in community,

Practicing Community: Walking Together in Faith IntroductionFrom the earliest days of my faith journey, I have discovered that God never intended us to walk alone. True Christian life unfolds in the shared rhythms of relationship, learning, and service. Community is not merely a backdrop to ministry; it is both the crucible in which character is refined and the platform from which God’s Kingdom manifests. This post reflects on how my engagement with others has shaped me, strengthened my commitment to healthy relationships, and fueled a desire to partner with God in making the world a better place. The Transformative Power of RelationshipsCommunity is not merely a social construct; it is the living expression of God’s Kingdom among His people. My journey in community has shaped me profoundly, teaching me that the Christian life is inseparable from relational engagement. Over time, I have discovered that being in authentic, covenantal relationships with others refines my character, deepens my faith, and strengthens my vocational call to ministry. I am a better person for being in relationship with others because their presence challenges me to grow beyond my comfort zones. The patience of mentors like Doofan has taught me to listen with empathy, even when silence is the only appropriate response. The humility of peers like Tega has reminded me that leadership is rooted in service, not recognition. Their faith, courage, and integrity consistently invite me to confront my weaknesses, temper my pride, and act with intentionality. In community, I learn daily to prioritize understanding over judgment, generosity over self-interest, and love over convenience. Commitment to Healthy CommunityThe influence of others has shaped my commitment to remaining in healthy community. I have witnessed the transformative power of relationships anchored in trust, accountability, and mutual support. In times of personal struggle—whether spiritual doubt, vocational uncertainty, or relational tension—the encouragement and wisdom of those around me have kept me grounded. These experiences have reinforced that healthy community is not passive or superficial; it requires vulnerability, commitment, and the willingness to engage honestly, even when it is difficult. Desire to Make a Better WorldMy commitment to community has naturally fueled a desire to help create a better world. I have seen firsthand how collective action, guided by faith and mutual care, can restore hope, provide tangible help, and bring healing to broken spaces. Working alongside others, whether distributing food, mentoring youth, or organizing outreach initiatives, I have discovered that ministry is most effective when it is not a solitary endeavor but a shared labor of love. Community becomes a microcosm of the world we hope to transform: a place where justice, compassion, and integrity are practiced consistently, modeled for others, and nurtured in hearts and minds. Living Out Community with OthersI live out this desire with others by intentionally engaging in collaborative ministry that balances service with relational depth. In our youth programs, I co-lead with peers to mentor young people, ensuring that they encounter both guidance and genuine care. In outreach initiatives, I work alongside volunteers, encouraging them to see each act of service as an extension of God’s love and Kingdom values. I cultivate spaces where dialogue, reflection, and mutual accountability are encouraged, allowing every participant to contribute their gifts and be transformed in the process. This practice is not only about achieving external outcomes but also about fostering internal growth—discipleship in action, lived out in tangible relationships that mirror the Kingdom. ConclusionUltimately, practicing community is both a gift and a discipline. It requires humility to receive wisdom, courage to speak truth in love, and persistence to remain faithful even when conflict arises. Yet it is through this very practice that I grow as a disciple, minister, and human being. Community shapes me, challenges me, and calls me to embody the love, justice, and mercy of God in the world. By walking alongside others, I learn that transforming the world begins with faithfully nurturing the Kingdom within the communities to which God has placed us, one relationship at a time. In this journey, I am reminded that the beauty and power of ministry is never in isolation—it is in the shared heartbeat of God’s people working together to reflect His glory on earth.