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In this article, we hear from Bukunmi as she reflects on joining the EQUIP programme, a year of theological education and hands-on Christian service, where participants explore what full-time ministry looks like through learning, serving, and discerning God’s call on their lives.
Why EQUIP Felt Right
“There were many reasons why EQUIP felt like the programme I needed. I had known about it for months and even encouraged others to apply because I could see its value. Yet I wasn’t prompted by the Holy Spirit to apply myself until the very last moment. When I read through it again, it finally clicked. This was a programme I wanted to be in too.
It felt like I had to trust God more than ever, like jumping out of a plane, trusting He holds the parachute I cannot see, and already sees the field where I will safely land.
I applied for EQUIP straight after On Mission’s FOCUS25. At the retreat, I saw how some of my life experiences allowed me to connect dots for those around me and meet them where they were, because I had been them in so many ways. I saw Romans 8:28 manifest: how God’s ongoing restoration in me could extend to others. Not because I’ve arrived, but because of who Jesus is. That retreat highlighted how much I wanted to be used by God, for Him to speak through me, not with my words, but His truth and love, because He knows their path and already sees the work completed in them (Philippians 1:6, Zechariah 4:10).
Growing Through Community and God’s Word
In these past years, I’ve grown to love spaces where we as believers can safely bring our whole selves to God, supported by people who are held by Him. In these spaces, the Holy Spirit acts as a mirror, revealing areas to walk with Him and new paths that shape how we see ourselves and know God. Those spaces of fellowship and authenticity have helped me cultivate a deeper relationship with Jesus (Psalm 37:4). EQUIP offers that same opportunity.
My desire to know God’s Word has grown intensely, and I’ve fed that desire through small groups, book studies, and Bible studies where His Word could be wrestled with deeply. EQUIP encompasses that: rich theology, a space to be challenged, use my gifts, and be guided in how to study and lead others through His Word. I want my care for people to be rooted in God’s Word and His wisdom, so they see God more than they see me.
How God Has Been Shaping Me
For years, my heart was like a cluttered garden, full of weeds and junk. The soil was tangled and choked, making it hard for any seeds from God to take root. Over time, God has been gently ploughing the soil of my heart, dislodging what was buried and preparing it for new growth while planting new seeds. He has met me personally, and through others.
Through EQUIP, I’ve experienced beautiful pastoral care: people meeting me where I was and helping me to unpack it all, while showing His presence, care, and faithfulness. (Genesis 16:13, Isaiah 54:10). Through this, God has taught me to surrender, teaching me that apart from Him I can do nothing, but with Him, everything changes (John 15:1–5). Somehow God brings everything: our past, grief, personalities, mistakes, strengths, weaknesses, minds, neurodiversity, joys and devastations — and makes it work for His good. Because of what God has done for me, I want to help create spaces for Him to do the same for others.
Looking back, I see how God has been preparing me all along for a program like EQUIP, which is the next step for me to continue being rooted, shaped, and restored in what He has begun. I want to help not from my own strength but through God, pointing people to restoration in Him (John 10:10). My life experiences come together in areas I desire to serve pastoral care, community building through architecture, discipleship, children’s ministry, and more. I am open to what this year brings as I explore different areas of church ministry, and I am deeply grateful for this experience. EQUIP is helping Him continue to plant the foundation I need, one built on Him, not me, and the program has already been amazing.”