--- title: 10 minutes with... Israel Olofinjana date: 2026-07-01T10:28:00+01:00 author: Nicola Morrison canonical_url: "https://www.eauk.org/news-and-views/10-minutes-with-israel-olofinjana" section: Articles --- Share [](https://www.facebook.com/dialog/share?app_id=1769260916495219&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.eauk.org%2Fnews-and-views%2F10-minutes-with-israel-olofinjana) [](https://x.com/intent/tweet?text=10%20minutes%20with...%20Israel%20Olofinjana&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.eauk.org%2Fnews-and-views%2F10-minutes-with-israel-olofinjana) [](https://www.facebook.com/dialog/send?app_id=1769260916495219&redirect_uri=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.eauk.org%2Fnews-and-views%2F10-minutes-with-israel-olofinjana&link=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.eauk.org%2Fnews-and-views%2F10-minutes-with-israel-olofinjana&display=popup) [](mailto:?subject=Shared%20from%20Evangelical%20Alliance&body=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.eauk.org%2Fnews-and-views%2F10-minutes-with-israel-olofinjana) #### Rev Israel, what originally inspired you to take on this role, and how has that vision evolved over time? I had been involved with the OPC for a while before leading the network. I have always admired its work around unity and diversity within the evangelical tradition. The vision has developed, giving it a theological framing around Intercultural Church Conversations (ICC). Sponsored[](#) [ ![](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271%27%20height%3D%271%27%20style%3D%27background%3Atransparent%27%2F%3E) ](https://www.cornerstoneresources.co.uk/hr-services/churches?utm_source=evangelical-alliance&utm_medium=banner&utm_campaign=2026-brand-awareness&utm_content=article-pages) **Looking back on your time leading the One People Commission, what moments or milestones are you most grateful for?** I am very grateful for us being able to celebrate 10 years of OPC, 15 years of South Asian Forum and to have been part of developing some significant resources such as *Discovering Jesus.* **What has been one of the most encouraging signs of unity or reconciliation you’ve witnessed during your time with us?** How churches have opened up and taken on the challenge of integrating an intercultural approach to church. I have seen pastors and church leaders intentionally going on this journey to create churches that are engaging in racial-inclusive communities that speak prophetically to their communities. **What have you learned personally – about leadership, faith or community – through this role?** I have learned a lot through this role. Leadership takes a lot of courage, especially in this season where leadership is questioned but needed. My faith has grown through some of the challenges we have faced – I mean, I started during the pandemic! I have learnt that you need a community of people to be successful, so it is not about one person taking all the credit but teamwork that gives glory to God. **After five years, you are leaving the Evangelical Alliance as director of One People Commission, what is next for you?** I am very excited about this next stage of ministry. I will be the lead pastor for Colchester Baptist Church (a city-centre intercultural church) and alongside that, will be catalysing a diasporic and intercultural network (One People Network) for the European Evangelical Alliance (EEA). I will also continue my work with Christ Theological College (CTC), focusing on developing the Centre for Intercultural Christianity. **What do you feel most hopeful about for the future of the One People Commission and its mission?** OPC has come a long way, resting on the shoulders of senior colleagues in the past. I am hopeful because it is entrusted into faithful and committed hands that will enable the work to continue to flourish. --- [@nikki\_presenter](https://x.com/nikki_presenter) ### About Nicola Morrison ![]()Before joining the Evangelical Alliance in 2022, Nicola had a broadcasting career that spanned over a decade at the BBC. Nicola is also the author of *Victory Is My Name*, a faith-based autobiography. As well as writing, Nicola is passionate about mentoring, outreach ministry and serving the underserved and volunteers as a befriender twice a week. She has also completed Level 1 in Christian British Sign Language. [See more from Nicola Morrison](/author/nicola-morrison)