Our Story
In 2017, during prayer, OlaDele Okuwobi felt the words “Go! Build boats unto salvation. Go! Build my Church” impressed on his heart by the Spirit. With that command, He resigned from his associate pastorate at Peoples Church Cincinnati after serving faithfully from July 4, 2005, to May 2017.
Not knowing how the Lord would lead him next, through a series of signs and wonders, on June 1, 2017, he was offered an open door to work with Dr. Mark Deymaz as the strategic development pastor at Mosaic Church of Central, Little Rock.
While serving as the strategic pastor at Mosaic Church, he began to seek wisdom and direction on whether to remain in full-time vocational ministry. On May 25, 2018, he heard the words (again): “I want my church back. Go! Build boats onto salvation. Go! Build my Church.” At that moment, a deep love for the Church was seated in him. He held those words close to his heart as he continued to seek God’s clarity.
The meaning of “Build My Church” is still unfolding; however, he understands those words as the commission to embrace the work to “Go! and build My Church,” i.e., God’s people.
He obeyed the commission by moving back to Cincinnati to establish a spiritual community; to that end, on September 20, 2020, 23 adults had the first official church gathering of 21st Century Church, a community for those thirsting for more–an extension of the mandate.
Inspired by the call to make disciples, Wonder Association was launched in January 2023. It empowers emerging leaders to reimagine Christianity and build a tangible reality of God’s Kingdom.
The Seven-Fold Way of Wonder
Gospel of the Kingdom of God
A present and future reality of God's rule and redemption, gradually unfolding in the world.
Movemental
Wonder embraces the rich tapestry of Christian traditions and diverse expressions of faith, recognizing each movement's contribution to the transformative power of the Full Gospel of the Kingdom of God. In this spirit of movemental unity, we harness the goodness within each tradition, gleaning their strengths while acknowledging areas for growth. We embrace historical perspectives while we forge our unique path for the 21st-century disciple and church.
Prophetic & Apostolic Direction
Prophetic Apostolic Leadership is a unique approach to leadership that integrates divine revelation, strategic thinking, polycentric teams, and creative problem-solving to anticipate future needs and challenges. Inspired by a vision for a better future, this prophetic and apostolic leadership style empowers individuals and organizations to co-create innovative solutions that transform communities and contribute to a more just and peaceful world.
Solutions
By engaging our communities through "works of service" and innovative solutions, we address their needs while demonstrating the Gospel's transformative power. This collaborative approach empowers individuals to experience God's presence and care, awakening their potential to contribute to a better world. We partner with communities, offering practical solutions that tackle real-world challenges and foster a sense of hope and justice.
Imagination
We cultivate a culture of bold imagination, where innovative approaches illuminate pathways to building God's Kingdom in the 21st century. We celebrate the creative potential within our network, encouraging individuals and organizations to explore unconventional solutions and challenge traditional thinking. Through this imaginative spirit, we aim to bring light to seemingly hopeless situations, offering innovative solutions illuminating a path forward.
Love & Unity
We believe in a community grounded in truth, righteousness, and justice, actively combating all forms of bias that seek to elevate one person or group as better than another. Therefore, we celebrate the inherent beauty of God's people in all their richness. We recognize the sacredness of ethnicities, cultures, and diverse socioeconomic backgrounds within the body of Christ. This shared humanity is the essence of the "One New Humanity" we strive to embody without commoditizing the presence of the minority.
Shared Glory
Our pursuit of "Shared Glory" lies in the collective experience of achieving positive outcomes and blessings through our mandate, collaboration, resource sharing, and building genuine connections. This approach thrives on shared values, purpose, and a commitment to working together to provide answers and solutions. It fosters deeper connections and a sense of community and ultimately contributes to a more righteous, just, and peaceful world.
Seven fold Way
These seven guiding principles, woven together by alignment around the mandate, are the essence of Wonder Association. They define our approach to building a tangible expression of God's kingdom in the 21st century. Rooted in scripture and driven by a bold vision, the Sevenfold Way invites you to explore a transformative journey, co-creating a thriving church and community of service alongside Wonder.
Five Guiding Principles
Rooted in the understanding of the church as a dynamic movement, “Movemental DNA” comprises six core elements written by Allen Hirsch (Jesus is Lord, disciple-making, mission, apostolic environment, organic systems, communitas). These core elements fuel transformative Christian movements, equipping individuals and communities to actively live out their faith and contribute to the ongoing movement of God in the world.
God’s multiethnic, multicultural community called to embody Jesus and proclaim the Kingdom of God in all aspects of life.
We believe the Bible is relevant for all of life and guides our teachings on faith and living; it is not culturally regressive; on the contrary, it is a dynamic text that speaks to each generation, inviting us to apply its core principles in ever-evolving contexts. We emphasize studying and applying scripture while guarding against false teachings that harm individuals and communities. In interpreting the Bible, we acknowledge its Jewish roots and the valuable insights of Jewish scholarship. We strive to learn from church history while remaining grounded in the richness of both Jewish thought and Christian historical context.
A lifelong journey of transforming our thoughts and actions to align with God’s truth and purpose.
This distinctive revolves around creating dedicated groups called the “Wonder Religious Orders.” These orders comprise ministers (also called developers) with prophetic and apostolic gifts who feel called to a deeper alignment with the Wonder Fellowship’s mandate. They aim countercultural, emphasizing righteousness, justice, and collective action. These ministers work in Apostolic Teams, collaborating with evangelists, shepherds, and teachers to fulfill the Wonder Fellowship’s vision.
Relational Values
Trust
At Wonder Association, trust is not a passive state but an active journey; It is both earned and given, a continuous process built through consistent, reliable actions and interactions within our apostolic teams. Every positive or challenging interaction presents an opportunity to strengthen or rebuild trust. We acknowledge that trust can be broken but are firmly committed to restoration.
Respect
At Wonder Association, respect extends beyond mere courtesy. It's the foundation for meaningful connection, built on compassion, understanding, and valuing the inherent dignity of every individual. We believe that respect is not solely earned but actively offered, even in the face of differing viewpoints or challenging situations. The saying goes, "We speak honestly, challenge respectfully, and trust fiercely."
Honor
At Wonder Association, we believe honor transcends mere behavior. It's the recognition, celebration, and appreciation we show each other, embracing our differences as one in Christ. This core value cultivates the reality of God's Kingdom, fostering joyful, fruitful relationships that propel us towards His greater glory. Like safety in construction, honor in service is essential for sustaining God's work individually and collectively.
Love
Love at Wonder Association actively expresses God's Hessed love for us. It's a selfless, compassionate care that extends beyond feelings to tangible actions of forgiveness, healthy behavior patterns, understanding, and reconciliation.
Loyalty
Loyalty at Wonder Association is an unwavering commitment to God, our mission, and each other. It's a steadfast support that transcends personal gain or circumstance.
Coalignment
Collaborate and align your strengths and expertise to achieve the common goal. Measure the results of your initiatives and share them with the fellowship to sustain this alignment.
Constant Learning
Learn new skills and knowledge on an ongoing basis.
It starts with the Wonder within you.
“…Nor will they say, ‘Look, here it is!’ or ‘There!’ for behold, the kingdom of God is in the midst of you.”
-Luke 17:21