Nine Culture Shocks I Experienced When I joined Celebration Church International.
It’s that time of year when many people will join Celebration Church International. Some have included it in their plans or resolutions for the new year, while for others, it is an offshoot of their Reboot Camp experience. Then there are those who the gospel is coming to a city close to them… (Dallas, Ajah, and Akwa Ibom people shout Gloraaay!)
On January 23, 2023, I will have been a member of CCI for one year. I recall being confused by several things and unsure of what to do in certain circumstances when I first joined. Not anymore. I’m fully settled in.
But here are the top 9 culture shocks I encountered upon joining CCI. I hope this helps someone settle in smoothly.
1. CCI members can scream!
At first, I was like, “ok… what’s going on?” So when my friend warned me that I would rupture her eardrum during Reboot Camp 2022, I thought, “Who would have guessed?” I used to be the ‘quiet’, clap 1,2, move to left, move to the right kind of churchgoer. Now, 11 months later, I’m officially a certified screamer.
What’s up with the noise? The thing is, we practice something called Agallio at CCI. Agallio is a word that means to exult or rejoice exceedingly. And we accomplish that by leaping, turning around, shouting, and dancing in the Spirit. Therefore, don’t be surprised if you hear people yelling and bouncing all around you during what you might consider a simple “Praise the Lord.”
I mean, we celebrate endless life in Christ, for Christ, with joy 🤷🏽♀️.
I must also say that it’s not a facade or an act; those shouts truly come from our hearts.
2. Photography issa family thing.
Forget! People from CCI can take pictures ehnn 😩😩. I can still recall coming out of my first service and wondering if there was a commotion outside. There were individuals in different corners striking various poses. For a picture-shy person like me, I was in awe. I have since grown (a likkle bit 🌚).
And oh! There are the before-service pictures, during-service videos, and after-service pictures.
Why? It’s primarily because we believe in using the media to propagate the gospel. It’s part of what we call Church PR, and every CCI member is an ambassador.
3. Your spirituality is not determined by your sense of fashion.
The majority of CCI members are energetic and youthful. That means our individuality and inventiveness shine through our dressing. Durags, coloured hair, nose rings, guys making their hair, ladies in pantihose, etc., you will see them all. The problem is, if you come from a conservative background, your flesh might start practising judgina 🌚. You may catch yourself evaluating other people’s spirituality based solely on their appearance. But please, my dear, don’t. As time goes on, you’ll make friends from all these different groups of people and learn that the bro you initially thought couldn’t pray does actually pray fire.
The beautiful thing about CCI is that whether you tie a damask or dye your hair pink, you’ll be accepted and loved for who you are. The key is to know and stay true to yourself.
4. The world is a small place, but CCI issa smaller place.
(Wait, I’m coming).
At least one person you know, scratch that — at least five people you know or five people that know you — are members of CCI/follow the ministry.
People you know — Are you aware that it is possible to know someone who is unaware that you are acquainted with them and vice versa? People that know you — this isn’t meant to scare you, but there are people unknown to you, but they recognise and, to some degree, know you.
There is no telling who you could run into at CCI — colleagues, old pals, or even previous neighbours 🤷🏽♀️.
During the 2021 Overture service, I recall joining a selfie video with a group of people. I had no idea who owned the phone (don’t worry, issa CCI thing). Next thing, the person shared it on their IG story, and Pastey reposted it. Me that I was in the video, I hadn’t even seen it online😩 when someone shared it with a member of my family who lives on another continent and asked, “Is that not your sister?” Omo. I was weak. That is but one example among many.
Reboot camp felt similar to a high school reunion. Even worse, I attended two secondary schools. Let’s just say I became accustomed to hearing my name earanddear. If you went to a private university, just get ready. Even online! 😩 You’ll just be on YouTube, praying; the next thing you will see a name and be like, “is this not that guy from Primary 4A?” Issokay.
5. CCI Members can pray!!!!
And it’s not just hype.
This first shocked me during the 2021 Reboot Camp prayer stretch. The issue wasn’t the duration; no one was calling prayer points for me 🙆🏽♀️🙆🏽♀️😩. With each new minister taking the microphone, I anticipated a unique prayer point, but all I heard was a different rattle of tongues. Reboot Camp 2022 was even better; prayer themes were shown on the screen.
However, you shouldn’t be alarmed by this because you will quickly become accustomed to it.
There is another angle to how CCI members pray. You know how when they offer the “opening prayer” in many places, people will be mumbling under their breath? Not in CCI o. If you even want to mutter your prayer, PL’s voice will just be echoing in your ears, “Is this a praying church or what?” 😩😩
Sha get ready for a shift in your prayer life and fresh fire on your altar.
6. Members of CCI have energy!!
Ah! I believe this is a shock that I’m still processing. The endless flow of CCI members’ energy never stops. Whether they are interacting with one another physically (during and after service) or virtually (online). Prepare to use your energy to the fullest if you have much of it. However, if you’re more reserved or an introvert like me and social engagement drains your energy, simply know when to plug out and don’t worry about missing out.
7. CCI Members come from ALL works of life.
Pheew! There is n̶o̶ ̶p̶r̶o̶f̶e̶s̶s̶i̶o̶n no legitimate profession absent from CCI. When I thought I had seen it all, I found a yoga instructor.
In CCI, I have former coworkers and current coworkers, and I probably have future coworkers. You name it: tech bro, tech sis, teachers, photographers. And what’s more beautiful is that the majority of us are doing exploits in our careers.
8. Outside of church, CCI is a family.
An average person segments the people in their life into categories: coworkers, family friends, close friends, church friends, etc.? Not CCI members. Most of us have relationships with other CCI members that affect every aspect of our lives. Our pals are members of CCI, business associates, folks we hang out with, and so on.
This particular quality, in my opinion, is a result of the example our Apostle sets for us. We spend most of our time with other CCI members outside of church — even down to those we banter with on Twitter. We love to spend time with ourselves, and we are better for it.
Therefore, if you’re seeking a community of young, vibrant, and on-fire individuals (and even if you’re not looking for one, it will find you), CCI is that place.
9. CCI people are foooiiiinnnee!
I don dey loose guard, abi? But even though, even though.
You will think you are the finest until you get to CCI and be like, “ahan! God dey create abeg!”
If you ask me, though, I think it’s because the Glory of the Lord reveals who we are. And the Glory of God no dey reveal anyhow thing 🤷🏽♀️.
So yup yup, these were my top 9 culture shocks. I hope this piece makes your ride a likkle bit less bumpy 🙃.
You’re welcome to CCI!!!! We have waited for you, we’ve prayed for you, and now, may you experience progress and joy in the faith!
Glooorrraay!!
