“When Worship Becomes Noise to God” — Bishop Ekpenisi Sparks Reflection as Mbaise Synod Enters Second Day

“When Worship Becomes Noise to God” — Bishop Ekpenisi Sparks Reflection as Mbaise Synod Enters Second Day

By Vivian Iwu 

***

Bishop Ekpenisi



...Can worship become noise in the ears of God?

That sobering question echoed through the First Session of the Twelfth Synod of the Diocese of Mbaise, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), as the Synod entered its second day on Friday, May 29, 2026, with spiritually charged activities that challenged delegates to rethink the true meaning of worship and godly living.


At the centre of the day’s reflection was a compelling Bible Study delivered by the Guest Bishop, Synod Preacher, and Facilitator, The Rt. Rev. Ifeanyichukwu Godfrey Ekpenisi, Bishop of Ika Anglican Diocese, who warned Christians against worship that is loud in expression but empty of reverence and righteousness.


Speaking on the topic, “When Worship Becomes Noise to God: The Missing Ingredient — The Fear of God,” drawn from the Synod theme “The Loudest Hallelujah Without the Fear of God” (Amos 5:23–24), Bishop Ekpenisi gave what many delegates described as a deeply revealing and spiritually awakening exposition on authentic Christianity.


Using practical examples and scriptural insight, the cleric challenged believers to look beyond outward religious performance and ask difficult questions about the sincerity of their faith.


According to him, worship loses meaning when it is disconnected from reverence, righteousness, obedience, and godly living, stressing that spiritual activities without the fear of God risk becoming mere religious noise.


The teaching session quickly evolved into an engaging and participatory experience, as delegates actively interacted with the facilitator, asked questions, and reflected on issues surrounding worship, faith, and Christian conduct.


Earlier, proceedings for the day commenced with a Holy Communion Service celebrated by Rev. Canon Darlington Anyanwu, assisted by brother priests of the Diocese, setting a solemn and reflective tone for the day’s activities.


At the conclusion of the Bible Study, the Diocesan Bishop of Mbaise, The Rt. Rev. Chamberlain Chinedum Ogunedo, JP, MSc, openly commended Bishop Ekpenisi for what he described as a rich, sound, and mind-enlightening exposition of the Synod theme.


Bishop Ogunedo praised the Guest Bishop’s theological depth, clarity of teaching, and practical interpretation of scripture, noting that the message had provided spiritual direction for delegates gathered at the Synod.


With anticipation growing among participants, attention has now shifted to the continuation of the Bible Study and major events lined up for Saturday, including the presentation of the Bishop’s Address, the launch of the proposed ₦500 million Diocese of Mbaise School of Nursing Sciences Project, Archdeaconries’ Thanksgiving, and a community reception.


The second day concluded on a lighter but symbolic note with the cutting of the Synod cake by Bishop Ogunedo, assisted by Mama Mbaise, Nneoha Oluchi Uloma Ogunedo, diocesan legal officers led by the Chancellor, Bar. Ernest Nwagwu, and the Traditional Prime Minister of the host community, Engr. Sir Nnamdi Oparaji.


As conversations from Bishop Ekpenisi’s message continue to linger among delegates, one question remains difficult to ignore:


Can worship still please God when the fear of God is missing?


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