Frequently Asked Questions:
Welcome to the Wonder Association FAQ! Whether you're curious about our mission, interested in getting involved, or seeking clarification on specific aspects, this section aims to answer your questions comprehensively. Explore the various facets of Wonder and discover how you can contribute to building a reimagined ecclesiology for a vibrant 21st-century church focused on the inaugurated Kingdom of God.
About Wonder Association:
Wonder Association is the umbrella organization, encompassing an ambitious vision to reimagine Christianity as a societal movement. Founded upon the principles of OlaDele John Okuwobi, this vision emphasizes co-laboring with Jesus to create compelling movements that refocus the church’s mission to Jesus’ message about the inaugurated Kingdom of God by the end of the 21st century.
While Wonder Association might seem vast, engaging with it doesn’t require participation in all its facets. Individuals, churches, and organizations can connect with specific aspects that resonate with their interests and capabilities.
- Collective: This facet welcomes anyone curious about Wonder’s mandate, mission, values, and goals.
- Fellowship: This facet allows those who want to collaborate more with Wonder’s mandate, vision, and mission to join prayer, training, and resource-sharing activities for collective action. Individuals can volunteer or collaborate with others here.
- Association: Dedicated individuals who fully align with Wonder to develop and launch initiatives focused on transforming various societal sectors like government, education, and business.
- Wonder Fellowship of Churches: This network of like-minded churches fosters collaboration, development, and prayer among its members, aiming to establish and connect 100 churches with a vibrant Kingdom of God focus by the end of the century.
- Wonder Religious Order (s): Besides the Wonder Fellowship of Churches, the Wonder Association also offers a dedicated path for individuals called to a deeper level of commitment through the Wonder Religious Order(s). More information about the Religious Order is at the end of this document.
Education: Wonder equips individuals for their role in the organization’s mission through Christ-centered education, leadership training, and fostering an inaugurated Kingdom worldview.
Communication: Wonder creates and distributes high-quality content with essential messages, partnering with organizations.
Summits & Conferences: Wonder hosts events to engage its network, focusing on leadership development and spiritual maturity.
Prayer Initiative: Prayer is central to Wonder’s work, with mobilized prayer times and flexible fasting options.
Love & Unity: Wonder promotes a unified and just world by upholding principles of righteousness and justice.
Networks: Wonder fosters connections between individuals, churches, and organizations to further its mission.
Wonder Association operates under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the leadership of a mandated leader, and a governing board. Below is a glimpse into the collaborative network: Wonder Association organizes, shares resources, and works together towards a shared vision.
Wonder Fellowship of Churches:
The Wonder Fellowship of Churches (WFC), a prominent facet of the Wonder Association, is a fellowship of Christian ministers and churches united by a shared vision and mission. They actively work towards their vision to co-labor with Jesus in building the most compelling churches of the 21st century, dedicated to driving the transition towards fully embracing Jesus’ message about the Kingdom of God. By the end of the century, they aim to have a global reach of 100 churches.
Working towards this vision, their mission is to co-labor with Jesus in building a fellowship of mature disciples committed to accelerating the church’s focus on the same Kingdom of God message.
This combined approach emphasizes the collaborative building of healthy churches and nurturing committed disciples, ultimately fulfilling the Wonder Association’s vision. Though distinct in their operational focus, Wonder Association and Wonder Fellowship of Churches share a fundamental purpose: reimagining Christianity and its impact on society.
While both entities share the core vision of reimagining Christianity as a societal movement, their contributions differ:
- Wonder Association: Provides a broader framework and equips individuals and organizations across various spheres.
- Wonder Fellowship of Churches: Focuses on establishing and connecting churches while fostering a dedicated community of disciples.
In simpler terms, Wonder Fellowship Churches are independent organizations that partner with the Wonder Association due to their shared values and goals. This partnership allows them to benefit from the resources and support offered by the Wonder Association while maintaining their autonomy. Being a Wonder Fellowship Church has three key aspects:
- Independent Entity: Each wonderful Fellowship Church operates as a separate legal entity with its governance structure and legal documents. They are autonomous and responsible for their operations.
- Shared Vision and Affiliation: Wonder Fellowship Churches affiliate with the Wonder Association based on shared beliefs and adherence to the Wonder Association’s mandate, mission, vision, and values. This affiliation is built on cooperation and collaboration towards a shared vision.
- Accountability and Oversight: Joining the Wonder Fellowship Church offers the vital support of a dynamic network, fostering valuable collaboration and providing an additional layer of accountability and oversight to complement your existing governance structure.
The Wonder Fellowship of churches offers three credentialing levels to individual ministers:
- Accredited Minister: An accredited minister is the lowest ministry accreditation. Wonder Fellowship accredits individuals with a calling to ministry, completed training, and commitment to service. They serve under guidance as they gain experience and are authorized to participate in various ministry roles within the Wonder Fellowship.
- Licensed Ministers: Licensed ministers are called to serve, demonstrate evidence of a divine call, ministry experience, and proclaim the gospel. They are authorized to lead worship ceremonies and offer pastoral care within the framework of the Wonder Fellowship churches.
- Ordained Minister: An ordained minister is the highest ministry level. Ordained ministers may perform all the responsibilities of accredited and licensed ministers, such as baptisms, officiating wedding ceremonies, and conducting funeral ceremonies.
All credentialed Wonder Fellowship of Churches ministers are automatically part of the Wonder Association. Additionally, the senior pastor of a Wonder Fellowship Church must enroll (at no additional fee) as a Fellowship member of the association if they do not have a Wonder Fellowship of Churches credential. The Wonder Fellowship is for those (staff) compelled to volunteer, serve, or co-work through relational alignment rather than formal credentialing.
While we are a young movement that is continuously developing, we are committed to expanding and enhancing the benefits available to our member churches as the Wonder Fellowship grows. Joining the Wonder Fellowship offers your church several key benefits:
- Access and Community:
- Events: Participate in various events hosted by the Wonder Association, including conferences, workshops, and networking gatherings.
- Stronger Connections: Build relationships with other member churches and participate in events within your local district.
- Ecosystem Access: Gain access to a valuable network of partner movements like Love & Unity Project and Tribe Collective, opening doors for collaboration, resource sharing, and learning.
- Alignment and Support:
- Missional Alignment: Find a home where your church’s vision aligns with ours, fostering collective impact.
- Support for Pioneers: Receive encouragement and support as you innovate and make a difference.
- Activation and Connection:
- Activation: Identify and pursue your unique God-given purpose.
- Connection: Network with leaders with resources, wisdom, and roadmaps to help you accelerate your goals.
- Strength Synergy: Combine strengths with other churches to tackle challenges beyond your capacity. There is no need to “reinvent the wheel” – collaborate for a more significant impact.
- Equipping and Development:
- Training and Resources: Access training and resources to equip your church for success.
Joining the Movement:
We understand the ambitious nature of Wonder Association’s vision. However, in a rapidly evolving world, we believe there’s a prophetic urgency to reimagine the church for the 21st century, staying true to Jesus’ intent before it’s redefined in ways that may deviate from Jesus’ intent. Wonder Association welcomes individuals from diverse backgrounds who share our passion for building a vibrant organization.
While your church doesn’t need to become a legal entity called “Wonder Fellowship of Churches,” we strongly recommend incorporating it as a non-profit organization. This provides valuable benefits such as:
- Protecting the personal assets of pastors and members from lawsuits.
- Ensuring the church’s continued existence regardless of individual leadership changes.
- Enhancing credibility with banks and vendors, improving access to loans and services.
- Granting eligibility for discounts and benefits reserved for non-profit organizations.
No. Wonder Fellowship Churches are independent legal entities with their own governance structures. We respect the autonomy of each church in matters concerning their senior pastor, property, and daily operations. However, Wonder Fellowship Of Church’s leadership governs the organization’s requirements and procedures for membership and participation in the WFC.
- Yes, an application and renewal fee is associated with being a Wonder Fellowship Church. This fee represents an investment in the missional movement of the Wonder Association. Additionally,
The clergy must be Accredited, licensed, or ordained. - Clergy tithes: 10% goes to the local district church.
- Churches: 1% of unrestricted tithes contribute to administration and collective action initiatives.
- Yearly clergy renewal fee: $100.
Fellowship churches and clergy have two options for remitting monthly or quarterly payments:
- Mailing a check: Please include a completed remittance coupon on the Wonder Fellowship website or by contacting the national office.
- Making an online payment: The Wonder Fellowship website offers a secure online payment portal for convenience.
No, having Wonder Association ministerial credentials is not mandatory for a senior pastor in a Fellowship church to join the Wonder Fellowship. However, the credentialing process remains accessible if they choose to pursue it.
Sure! Fellowship churches in good standing are encouraged to use “Wonder” in this specific format: “Member of the Wonder Fellowship of Churches.” Additionally, they are authorized to utilize the Wonder Association logo on publicly accessible media platforms.
Yes, they are eligible to participate in the dedicated retirement plan offered by the Wonder Fellowship.
While pastors and leaders from Wonder Fellowship Churches play vital roles within their communities, they are not automatically eligible for district supervisor, executive, cabinet, or board member positions. These positions are reserved for ordained ministers appointed to Wonder Fellowship churches specifically.
Yes, both Fellowship churches and the Wonder Fellowship of Churches maintain the right to terminate their association at any time due to the cooperative nature of the fellowship.
To begin the process of joining the Wonder Fellowship, please reach out to the national office for further guidance and information.