“The understanding of who you are is a revelation of who you truly are.” – Pastor Richard Sogunle

Introduction

Pastor Richard Sogunle is the lead shepherd of Christ Peace Heritage Ministries (CPHM), Aurora. His story is a compelling blend of academic pursuit in human nutrition and healthcare administration, interwoven with a lifelong devotion to God’s calling. From his early leadership roles in Nigeria’s evangelical student movement to his steadfast service in American churches, Pastor Richard’s path has been marked by a deep commitment to evangelism and a profound desire to share the liberating Word of God. Now, at the helm of CPHM, his vision, divinely inspired by a call to preach the gospel of peace, continues to unfold.  A vision that will bring hope, healing, and a tangible sense of Christ’s meekness to the heart of Colorado and beyond. 

Join Afrik Digest as we explore the impactful journey of this dedicated leader, whose ministry is a testament to the enduring power of faith and the message of peace.

My Background and Call to Ministry

My name is Richard Sogunle, and I have the privilege of serving as the lead pastor at Christ Peace Heritage Ministries (CPHM) in Colorado. My journey—both academically and spiritually—has been one of growth, purpose, and commitment to God’s work.

I earned my degree in Human Nutrition from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria, and moved to the United States in 2001. Here, I pursued a Master’s in Health Care Administration from the University of Phoenix, later becoming a Licensed Nursing Home Administrator (LNHA) in Colorado.

Yet, beyond my professional journey, my greatest calling has been ministry. I was born again in 1986, and my passion for serving God began long before my move to the U.S. During my time at university, I held the role of sub-zonal coordinator of NIFES (The Nigerian Fellowship of Evangelical Students)—a transformative leadership experience that strengthened my commitment to evangelism.

After graduating, I continued my ministry while working with the Ogun State Local Government Commission. My involvement in the Egba Anglican Communion led me to become the diocesan leader of the Evangelical Fellowship in the Anglican Communion (EFAC). Evangelism has always been at the core of my mission, and as leader of the fellowship, I helped ignite spiritual revival through outreach programs, including open-air crusades, all-night praise gatherings, and discipleship initiatives.

One of the most impactful moments in my early ministry was the planting of a new church outside of our home congregation—The Anglican Church of Advent in Saje, Abeokuta, Ogun State. Alongside two other evangelists, we embarked on a mission to expand God’s kingdom, bringing His peace and presence into new communities.

When I arrived in America in 2001, I continued serving diligently in the church I became a part of, eventually stepping into the role of Executive Pastor. After years of faithful service, December 2013 marked the beginning of a new chapter—an obedient response to God’s call to establish Christ Peace Heritage Ministries.

Since then, our ministry has continued to grow, and in 2017, we published our first book, Bible Study Guide for Churches, House Fellowship, and Discussion Groups, followed by The Believer’s Study Outline, a discipleship handbook for new believers. We have also shared powerful Christian tracts such as “The Great Call” and “The Absolute Gift”.

Most recently, in 2024, we released Volume 2 of the Bible Study Guide, a spiritual resource designed to equip believers and church leaders with deeper biblical insight. It has already proven to be a blessing to churches and ministry workers across various faith communities.

Our Vision and Mission
One faithful day, the Lord spoke to me: “Son, I want you to take the liberating Word of God to the continents of the world, starting from your local community. Go and preach the gospel of peace of the Lord Jesus Christ to every creature.”

This divine instruction became the foundation of our ministry—a vision that began in Nigeria and continues to unfold in Colorado and beyond.

Our mission is rooted in John 14:27, where Jesus declares: “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”

This scripture affirms our commitment to preaching the undiluted Gospel, breaking the chains of oppression, and bringing the Lord’s peace and deliverance to those in spiritual distress. We seek to neutralize every satanic influence, restore families and households, and spread the peace of Christ to all who are seeking hope and redemption.

Community Partnerships and Ministry Initiatives
At Christ Peace Heritage Ministries, true impact requires unity. We actively collaborate with faith-based organizations and community partners, fostering relationships that extend beyond the church to bring hope and tangible support to those in need.

Equipping Leaders in Ministry – We work closely with the Kingdom Citizen Assembly International School of Ministries, where I serve as a facilitator, training disciples, ministry workers, and volunteers to be effective servants of Christ.

Providing Meals for Families – Every Thanksgiving, we partner with Denver Rescue Mission to distribute turkeys and banquet boxes, ensuring that families experiencing hardship have a meal to celebrate God’s provision.

Health and Wellness Outreach – During flu season, we collaborate with Walgreens and Inner-City Clinic to offer free flu shots, ensuring accessibility for those in need.

Annual Health Fair – In partnership with the Cameroonian Pharmacy Association of America, we recently hosted a community health fair, offering free cholesterol testing, blood pressure screenings, blood glucose tests, eye exams, COVID-19 testing, and more.

Food Bank Ministry – Twice a month, every second and last Saturday, we distribute food boxes to families struggling with food insecurity, ensuring that no household goes without nourishment and support.

Through these initiatives, we embody the Gospel through action, showing that faith is not just preached, but lived.

At Christ Peace Heritage Ministries, our mission is clear: to spread God’s peace, touch lives, and serve communities with unwavering dedication. As we continue to grow, we remain faithful to the calling placed upon us—to preach, heal, equip, and transform hearts for the glory of God.

Faith in Today’s World
In today’s world, where distractions and conflicting ideologies are abundant, faith must remain grounded in biblical truth. At the core of our ministry, we ensure that every teaching, every action, and every message is rooted in God’s Word.

Guiding people in their faith requires sound biblical doctrine, but it also demands real-life application. We strive to help believers learn from those who have walked the path before them, support those currently facing struggles, and equip those who may encounter similar trials in the future.

With so many competing doctrines in the world, the ability to discern truth from deception is essential. We emphasize the importance of embracing high moral standards, ensuring that faith remains strong amid worldly distractions. However, faith should never lead to social isolation—we encourage believers to embrace life, build relationships, and enjoy fellowship, but always with moderation and wisdom.

Ultimately, we remind people that trust in God surpasses all uncertainties. No matter how turbulent life gets, faith in God will provide clarity, strength, and guidance through every season.

Embracing Faith While Honoring Cultural Traditions
Faith transcends culture, but culture is an integral part of identity. In our church, we welcome the rich diversity of our congregation, recognizing that our members come from various nationalities and backgrounds.

While some traditions are deeply cherished, faith must remain central. Promoting only one cultural identity in worship risks exclusion, so we aim to cultivate a ministry of unity, where everyone feels equally valued in the body of Christ.

We never discourage families from celebrating their heritage. In fact, we have hosted diversity celebrations, where members proudly display their native attire, traditional foods, and cultural expressions. These events foster appreciation for one another’s backgrounds while keeping the focus on spiritual unity.

However, we caution against blending cultural traditions with faith in ways that contradict biblical principles. Where faith and culture conflict, we always ensure that Christ remains the foundation.

The Power of Worship
Worship is a transformative experience that connects believers to God in ways words cannot. The beauty of music is its ability to unite people across cultures, creating a shared atmosphere of praise and reverence.

A powerful worship ministry does more than entertain—it leads souls into the presence of God. Music is often what draws people into the church, but it is the Holy Spirit moving through worship that keeps them engaged and spiritually refreshed.

Apostle Paul emphasized the need for worship that is understandable to all:
“So what shall I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my understanding; I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my understanding.” — 1 Corinthians 14:15

Following this principle, our worship ensures that every believer, regardless of their background, can connect deeply with God, engage meaningfully, and experience true spiritual renewal.

Addressing the Spiritual and Social Needs of the Community
Faith does not exist in a vacuum—it must be actively lived out through teaching, connection, and service. Our ministry prioritizes sound biblical doctrine, equipping believers to recognize false teachings, stand firm in truth, and develop spiritual resilience.

Beyond spiritual guidance, we recognize the importance of social connection. During the summer time, we have church-wide activities, including summer picnics, birthday celebrations, group mountain trips, and attending community events.

We create fellowship opportunities that strengthen bonds within the congregation. Whenever invited to community gatherings—whether by church members or others—we gladly join in celebrating life together.

Providing moral and emotional support can have a profound impact. For many, knowing that their faith community stands beside them makes all the difference.

Overcoming Challenges in Our Mission
Every ministry encounters obstacles, but one of the greatest challenges mirrors that of Jesus Himself: “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.” — Luke 10:2

There is no shortage of opportunities to spread the gospel, serve the needy, and expand ministry outreach. However, finding committed workers is often a challenge. While we have big visions, executing them requires dedicated laborers willing to serve with passion and consistency.

Despite these hurdles, we remain grateful for the steadfast volunteers who give their time, energy, and hearts to God’s work. Through them, our mission continues to flourish, even as we pray for more hands to join the harvest.

Transformation and Testimonies
True transformation begins with empowerment. Over the years, we have hosted spiritual development programs, financial empowerment seminars, and career workshops designed to equip members with the tools they need to thrive.

Discipleship plays a critical role in strengthening believers, and through our annual workers’ congress, members gain renewed vision, training, and encouragement in their journey of faith.

However, the greatest transformation came when our church celebrated its 10th anniversary last year. It was a moment of profound reflection and overwhelming joy. Testimonies poured in, reaffirming the impact of our ministry and the deep faith that had been cultivated over the years.

More than ever before, our congregation believes in the mission of our church. Discussions about securing our own building have begun, and we firmly trust that, by God’s grace, it will happen.

The realization that we are a church unshaken by adversity, a congregation prepared to accomplish God’s will, and a community fortified by faith marks the beginning of an extraordinary new chapter.

We stand on the edge of transformation, and we believe that God’s plan for our church is unfolding before our very eyes.

Inspiring the Next Generation
At Christ Peace Heritage Ministries (CPHM), we firmly believe that the future of the church rests in the hands of the next generation. A church without vibrant youth, without a thriving children’s ministry, and engaged young adults risks becoming a Joshua generation without successors to carry the mantle forward.

That is why we intentionally foster an environment where young people are encouraged to participate fully in ministry. Whether in Sunday school or Bible study, we invite them to speak freely, explore their faith, and grow through guidance and correction given in love.

To amplify youth leadership, we designate every fifth Sunday as “Youth for Christ Sunday”—a day entirely led by the youth and young adults. On this special Sunday, no older adults lead the service, the pastor does not preach, and every aspect of worship is run by young leaders

This empowers them to exhibit their God-given talents, developing a sense of ownership and responsibility in ministry. Beyond this, we ensure young believers take on leadership roles within the church, guiding key departments and shaping the future of our faith community. Through this deliberate investment in youth, we nurture strong, faith-filled leaders who will continue to carry the torch of Christ for generations to come.

What sets Christ Peace Heritage Ministries apart
Each ministry is uniquely called to deliver a specific message—some are sent to preach about faith, prosperity, deliverance, but at CPHM, we focus on the Gospel of peace.

Our founding message from God centered on peace, which is why we close every service with a powerful declaration: “The peace of God is mine, because it is my inheritance. I declare this week that I will enjoy peace in my spirit, soul, and body, in Jesus’ name.”

What further sets us apart is our commitment to unity among churches. We do not isolate ourselves or believe in segregation—we encourage members to engage with like-minded congregations, filtering teachings through biblical wisdom to remain grounded in truth. We actively invite pastors from different churches to join us in fellowship. During our last anniversary, we welcomed a local pastor to bless our congregation, reinforcing our dedication to collaboration in faith.

Above all, we operate with honesty, humility, compassion, and integrity, ensuring that our ministry reflects the heart of Christ in all we do.

Adapting to Changing Times
The world is constantly evolving, and any church that refuses to adapt risks struggling in its mission. As believers, we must embrace change while staying firm in biblical truth.

A defining moment for churches worldwide was the COVID-19 pandemic, which changed the way ministries operate forever. While some struggled, we took advantage of the season, pivoting our technological approach to reach more people. Surprisingly, by the end of 2020, our church revenue had doubled compared to the previous year, confirming that God can use even the most challenging seasons to bring growth.

Recently, our NIFES North America Alumni Association hosted its bi-annual conference in Colorado, themed “Advancing the Faith in an Age of Artificial Intelligence”. Every member of our church was invited, allowing us to gain new insights into faith, technology, and the future of ministry.

This commitment to staying informed, learning, and growing ensures that we remain impactful, relevant, and effective in spreading the Gospel.

Unity and Inclusion
At CPHM, unity is not just an idea; it’s a way of life. Romans 12:18 tells us: “If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.”

While peace is not always easy, we have been blessed with a strong spirit of unity among our church family. Through preaching the message of peace, we foster an environment where people from different backgrounds, cultures, and experiences can come together without division. This unquestionable sense of inclusion is a reflection of God’s love in action, reminding us that every believer has a place in the body of Christ.

Biblical Principles That Guide Our Leadership and Decisions

The heart of my leadership is deeply rooted in biblical examples- figures who embodied both humility and strength in their walk with God:

• Jesus’ servant leadership—His willingness to serve others always humbles me.
• David’s tender-heartedness—His ability to take responsibility for his actions resonates deeply.
• Solomon’s wisdom and self-reflection—His realizations in Proverbs and Ecclesiastes offer profound life lessons.
• Paul’s relentless pursuit of Christ, His insatiable desire to know God, and count all else as loss, continually inspire me in ministry.

These biblical figures shape my approach to leadership, reminding me to lead with love, wisdom, humility, and unwavering commitment to Christ’s mission.

Our Vision for the Future
Our dream is to cultivate a thriving, peaceful church family that serves as Christ’s ambassadors wherever they go. We strive to equip believers to be vessels of peace.

We want to expand our ministry and secure a permanent church building, where we will continue to develop strong leaders for the next generation. Through this vision, we hope to build a lasting foundation where faith continues to flourish for generations to come.

A Book That Speaks to the Soul: Romans
Among the many powerful books in the Bible, Romans stands out as a complete guide to faith and life. It covers the saving grace of Christ, life’s struggles and overcoming them, faith, relationships, perseverance, and finding peace amid adversity.

A verse that deeply resonates with me is 1 Corinthians 15:58, which says, “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” This scripture reminds us to stand firm, never losing sight of our purpose in Christ, knowing that our faith and efforts will never be wasted.

Leaving a Legacy
At the end of it all, I hope to be remembered as a man of peace; someone who lived by the message God called me to preach. I want to be remembered as a selfless and fearless leader, one who led with boldness, wisdom, and compassion; a God-fearing servant, whose life reflected the heart of Christ. My prayer is that this ministry continues to inspire transformation, instilling peace and faith in all who walk through our doors.