You will Only serve Whatsoever You Love - Pastor Cephas Alokan

In our interview today, Mr Cephas Alokan talks about the importance of following God with all diligence and how important it is to stay in tune with His directions at all times. 

Introduction and Background

1. Can we meet you?

Guest: I am Cephas Alokan—a Pastor, digital creator, strategist, and futurist from Ekiti State, Igede Ekiti, to be precise. I was born on the 6th of September and I hold a Bachelor's degree in Sociology and Anthropology from Obafemi Awolowo University. I am married with a blissful family. 

I serve as the visionary leader and President of Cephas Alokan Ministries International, carrying a divine mandate to raise pacesetters for the Kingdom.

Also as the President of Cephas Alokan Digital Ministries (CADIM) and the Digital Ministry Academy (DIMAC), I have pioneered digital strategies for churches, ministries, and digital outreach initiatives. Through these platforms, the ministry's reach extends across over 10 countries and three continents, equipping Christians and ministries with the tools and insights needed to navigate the complexities of the digital age while fulfilling their God-given mandates.

Journey as a Christian Creative

2. How did you discover your calling as a Christian creative, and what sparked your passion for using your talents to serve God?

Guest: I received my calling to digital ministry in Kebbi State during my time with NCCF Kebbi State. Shortly after arriving as a corps member, we were in a prayer meeting on December 12, 2019, when God spoke to me, saying He was setting me apart to take His Word to the internet—to Take Jesus Digital.

This wasn’t entirely new to me, as I had already been using my skills to serve God before that moment.

So, beyond being a Christian creative, I am a digital minister committed to raising other digital ministers.

3. What drew you to your specific area of creativity (e.g., storytelling, animation, writing, video content), and how do you feel it aligns with your faith in God?

I express my creativity in many ways, graphic design, website design, blogging, video editing, and writing. I see this as an innate passion, as I have loved computers since childhood. Growing up, this deep interest made it easy for me to develop my skills around technology.

However, every skill and ability I possess is simply a tool for fulfilling my assignment in digital ministry, enabling me to take Jesus to the ends of the earth.

4. When did you start creating content with a Christian focus, and what inspired you to make this decision/shift to create faith based content?

I have been creating Christian content since I first started learning each of my skills. Being sold out for God from a young age, creating Christian content comes naturally to me—it’s an extension of my faith and passion.

5. Looking at your page on Instagram, we find many content about digital evangelism. Could you explain what it's all about?

As I mentioned earlier, I am a digital minister called to Take Jesus Digital and raise other digital ministers.

Digital evangelism is just one branch of digital ministry—others include digital discipleship, digital church, and digital missions, among others. Teaching about it on social media is one of the ways I enlighten people on the subject.

I have developed a comprehensive curriculum on digital ministry and all it entails. Anyone who wants to learn more is welcome to explore and grow in this area.

Experiences and Challenges

6. Moving on, as a Christian creative, have you ever felt like or think that you don't quite fit in with mainstream creative circles? Is it right to “want to blend with the world” as far as creating content is concerned? How do you manage these thoughts?

For me, I carry the anointing of a pacesetter. I have never felt the need to blend in with the world because I know my assignment is to set the pace for others.

When God called me to digital ministry, I didn’t know anyone else who was doing it at the time. I understood that my role was to be a trailblazer, and I fully embraced that mandate.

In fact, this led me to create unique words and concepts that aren’t found in mainstream creative circles. I wanted my expressions to be distinct and uniquely aligned with the Kingdom, making my message clear and impactful.

Because I am focused on what God has sent me to do, I don’t allow distractions that could stir up thoughts contrary to my calling. I fully embrace my identity as a digital minister, and I am proud to be one.

7.  Have you ever faced criticism as a Christian creative? 

Not directly, but I have heard people argue that digital ministry doesn’t exist. The most common criticism comes from some elders in the church who still insist that there is no such thing as a digital church.

However, the digital church is very much a part of the broader scope of digital ministry, and it remains an essential aspect of our curriculum.

Beyond that, I have also faced criticism for using my skills within the industry.

8.  ⁠If yes, Can you share a time  when you faced rejection or criticism as a Christian creative? How did you handle it, and what did you learn from the experience?

Regarding the criticism of the digital church, I continue to teach its concept and can provide scriptural backing for it. I see the opposition as a misunderstanding rather than outright rejection—after all, we won’t always agree on everything.

In using my skills within the industry, I have also faced false criticism due to misunderstandings. One particular instance involved a client who called me names I had never been called before. I had to confide in someone, allow the Holy Spirit to speak to my heart, and then calmly explain my perspective to the client. Eventually, she understood and later apologized.

9.  How do you balance the desire for excellence in your craft with the understanding that your worth and identity comes from God, not your creative accomplishments?

Excellence is a core value to me, I never compromise on it. In fact, I see excellence as an expression of my worth and identity in Christ.

Think about it, our God is a God of excellence, so why should I be any different as His child?

The result of excellence being my core value has been the appreciation and positive responses from people regarding everything I do with my skills. However, when it comes to understanding my worth, this is something I emphasize in my training sessions.

Likes, engagements, applause from people, big projects, small projects, social media metrics—none of these determine who you are or whether you are truly sent by God in the digital world. My accomplishments do not validate my calling from God; my calling stands on its own.

Spiritual Practices and Disciplines

10. What spiritual practices or disciplines (fasting, prayers, retreat, meditation etc) do you find most helpful in your creative journey, and how do you incorporate them into your daily routine?

Praying in the Spirit and with understanding is key for me. It sharpens my knowledge, quickens my understanding, and grants me the wisdom to pursue excellence in all that I do.

I also practice meditation and creative imagination, which have significantly fueled my creativity and growth.

Additionally, I hold strategy retreats where I revisit my plans with God—restrategizing or improving on existing ones as He leads.

All of this, I do in the Spirit.

Let me also mention that actively listening to my forerunners and spiritual leaders continually positions me to receive a consistent flow of revelation from God. I gain deep insights through their teachings and guidance.

Discernment and Decision-Making

11. How do you discern whether a creative project or opportunity aligns with your values and calling as a Christian creative?

It’s very simple—I have my values and policies. Scripture says, “It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.” The life I now live is in Christ.

My values and policies are rooted in Him. Even though I use my creative skills in the industry, it is still Christ in me that is executing the tasks.

Anything that goes against His principles cannot be entertained. I have encountered a few such situations and turned them down immediately.

Overcoming Challenges

12. Can you share a difficult time in your creative journey when you felt like giving up? What encouraged you to keep going?

It was when God told me I couldn’t move into the freelancing industry—specifically platforms like Fiverr and Upwork. He restricted me from taking that route.

At some point, I was tempted by the financial opportunities others were getting there. In fact, I even opened an account and started, but I had no peace.

For me, going down that path would have meant giving up on my journey—it would have cost me ministry for the sake of freelancing. The Holy Spirit was my constant encouragement, reminding me why I had to let it go: because of ministry.

Now, I can see that it was worth it.

13. a. Do you reach out to school and organisations to educate them on digital i and how often. 

Yes, we actively reach out to individuals, churches, and ministries to train their members on digital evangelism and the intricacies of digital ministry, equipping them with the knowledge and tools to effectively share the gospel online.

In addition, we hold free workshops and events where many have had the opportunity to be trained. I also personally lecture in schools of ministry and honor invitations to teach on digital ministry.

Furthermore, we organize strategy sessions within the ministry for church media teams, setmen, ministry gifts, and other leaders. In these sessions, we sit in a virtual room with them, assess their current position, and recommend a roadmap to help them progress from where they are to where they need to be in the digital world.

More information about these initiatives can be found on my website. Feel free to check it out!

b. How many schools and organisations have benefitted from the digital evangelism movement?

I can’t put an exact number on it, but we have interacted with many individuals, churches, and ministries through various platforms—both those created by our ministry and others. We have taught on a range of topics, including digital evangelism, digital discipleship, Christian content creation, and more.

For instance, within the ministry, we currently have over 100 participants registered for The Creative Forge program, where we are raising Christian content creators across nine (9) countries.

Our mandate is clear—to raise and train individuals, ministries, and church leaders as digital ministers in this era.

Future of Christian Creatives

13. Where do you see the Christian creative industry in five years, and how do you think they will impact the spread of the gospel?

In the years to come, I see us creating personalized technological systems for the Gospel. This will greatly impact its spread, as it will remove the limitations we currently face on borrowed platforms.

This has always been my desire, and I know that the day when Christians will rise to this challenge is closer than ever before.

Personal Growth and Development

14. Can you share a time when you experienced failure in your creative journey? 

There have been times when I started projects that didn’t succeed. I couldn’t continue due to various challenges, including limited resources—both human and financial.

Additionally, there were moments when I moved ahead of God or didn’t fully understand the times and seasons for certain projects. So, I jumped out and then found myself jumping back in (laughs).

That's actually funny. So, what did you learn from the experience, and how did you bounce back?

Guest: The major lessons from those experiences lie in understanding why I failed. Some projects didn’t succeed because I started at the wrong time, while others failed due to fear and a lack of commitment.

Mentorship and Resources

Who are some mentors or role models who have inspired and guided you in your creative journey?

Guest: First and foremost, the Holy Spirit. I engage deeply with the Holy Spirit in my creative journey. What should take months to learn, He can quicken my understanding to grasp in days. Through Him, I have received clear direction on what to learn and what not to, ensuring that I focus only on what is essential for my life’s journey.

Secondly, my spiritual father, Bishop Bimbo Animashaun, the Founder of Feeding Centre Church. He has been a tremendous source of encouragement in my digital ministry journey. Since 2017, he has consistently created content on Ministry Matters on Facebook, demonstrating steadfast commitment and dedication.

Lastly, Apostle Femi Lazarus, the Lead Pastor of Light Nation Church. He has been a great blessing, offering encouragement and leadership that continues to inspire me.

They both have given me the opportunity to grow and learn by teaching digital ministry in their respective schools of ministry, an opportunity I can never take for granted. 

Interesting. What books, training programs, or resources have been most helpful to you as a Christian creative?

I'll answer this question in two ways. 

Referring to my skills as a Christian creative, I can’t really point to a specific book, training program, or resource that I engaged with on my journey. It has always been a combination of personalized revelation from the Holy Spirit and YouTube.

Referring to my mandate as a digital minister, teacher and pacesetter, I benefit from sitting under and listening to the leaders I have mentioned and also creating a structured learning system as the Holy Spirit leads. There are times he directs to specific messages, books, or events at certain times. 

17. Wow  Are there any upcoming projects or initiatives you'd like to share with our audience?

Yes, the ministry is embarking on several projects this year. Some of them include:

The Saved Tribe – A digital evangelism platform.

The Rooted Tribe – A discipleship-focused digital platform.

The Praying Tribe – A platform designed to stir up and strengthen people’s prayer lives.

A Movie Platform – Focused on distributing faith-based films.

An Opinion Website – A platform that serves as a global voice for Christians on various issues, including politics, social matters, economics, and more.

Currently, as of this interview, we are running The Creative Forge—a three-month academy with the vision to raise Christian content creators who will produce content in spirit and in truth. There will be opportunities for other to join the next cohort later in the year. 

18. Please give a word or advise, prayer or support to Christian creatives in this season.

What you set your affections on, you will love; and what you love, you will serve. As you create, ensure that your affections are set on God and that you love and serve Him sincerely. If your affections are set on mammon, you will inevitably serve mammon with your creative ability instead of God.

Also, always rely on the unlimited innovative and creative possibilities we have in God through Jesus and by the Holy Spirit. You can never exhaust them.

19. Kindly share the link of your books or training for publicity purpose.

All resources on digital ministry can be found on my personal website – cephasalokan.com.

All our trainings are available on our training platform – xephasdigitals.com.