To represent Jesus and communicate His truth is the highest form of calling – Kalu

Ifeanyi Kalu, the newly ordained pastor of Celebration Church International, headquarters in Ikeja, says he has no greater joy outside representing Jesus Christ and communicating the ‘Good News’ to the world.

“My recent pastoral ordination adds another layer of responsibility. It is one that I do not carry lightly. It is, to me, the highest form of calling—to represent Jesus Christ and communicate His truth,” he stated.

Kalu, who works in the creative space, stated that there is currently a quiet tension between faith and the creative industry—one that raises difficult questions like; where is the line? What is acceptable? And can a person remain deeply committed to God while working in spaces that do not always reflect Him?

“This perspective shapes my work at City Hill Studios, where the focus is on developing story-driven films grounded in authenticity, cultural relevance, and moral clarity. It also has given me the opportunity to delve into other expressions of art that have my heart such as photography and this informs my upcoming photography exhibition at Kokopelli Art Gallery,” Kalu stated.

According to him, the forthcoming exhibition documents everyday people—their resilience, struggles, and quiet dignity. He added that these are not just artistic expressions, but attempts to reflect truth and provoke responsibility.

“Long before film and ordination, I was a boy in Festac preaching on the streets, gathering friends for fellowship, and learning from ministers like Pastor Chris Oyakhilome. At the same time, I was drawn to performance—drama groups, storytelling, and the stage. What seemed like two paths would eventually reveal itself as one calling expressed in different forms,” Kalu stated.

According to him, the takeaway in drawing the line between ministry and creativity is simple but demanding, and that purpose must take precedence over convenience. Kalu added that there will always be opportunities that challenge personal values.

He further stated that the defining factor is not talent or access, but the discipline to choose alignment over immediate gain. “For creatives navigating similar tensions, the goal is not to choose between faith and expression, but to commit to integrity within both. That choice will define everything.

“I do not see myself as being confined to a traditional mold. I see myself as a participant in shaping culture—where faith is not hidden from creative spaces, but expressed within them with clarity and conviction,” Kalu stated.

He also revealed that the real challenge was not choosing between creativity and ministry, but learning how to make contact without contamination, and how to operate in an industry that often rewards compromise without losing personal conviction.

He equally praised Emmanuel Iren, the Lead Pastor of Celebration Church International, for giving him the opportunity to serve in the ministry, describing him as a father who has been instrumental to his progress in the faith.