Dr. Temitope Victor Johnson, known artistically as Verse, is a pastor, worship leader, multi-instrumentalist, and creative whose life and ministry are rooted in authentic Christian worship. Widely respected for his God-given musical ability and grace in leading people into sincere, undiluted worship, Dr. Temitope represents a modern expression of worship that is both spiritually grounded and musically excellent.

Early Life and Musical Journey

Born in Ibillo, Edo State, Nigeria, Dr. Temitope moved with his family to Lagos at a young age. As a child, his interests were initially shaped by structure and discipline rather than music. At the encouragement of his father, he joined the Boys’ Brigade at All Saints’ Anglican Church in Lagos, a Christian organization that combined paramilitary training with spiritual formation. While he excelled in drills and leadership and was selected as a squad leader, his life took an unexpected turn when the brigade introduced string instruments in pursuit of forming an orchestra. Despite having no prior interest in playing instruments, he was selected as part of the pioneer class of violinists, marking the beginning of a lifelong passion for music.

With limited access to formal instruction, Dr. Temitope became largely self-taught, learning the majority of his musical skills independently. Over time, the violin emerged as his chief instrument, though his musical range expanded to include the keyboard, bass guitar, viola, saxophone, flute, and drums. Before relocating to the United States in 2013, he was already active in church choirs, orchestras, and major Christian events, including participation in the 2011 and 2012 Abuja Praise Festival and collaborations with non-denominational ministries.

After moving to the United States, Dr. Temitope continued to grow musically and spiritually. He attended college and was a member of the Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota Chamber Orchestra. His journey later led him to Baltimore, Maryland, where new opportunities further refined his musical gift. During this season, he became closely connected with the Modell Lyric Opera House and served as a Lyric Opera Volunteer, performing across multiple congregations and denominations, including Epiphany Lutheran Church and other churches throughout the city.

Ministry and Calling

As his faith deepened, Dr. Temitope experienced a decisive season of consecration that shaped the direction of his life and ministry. He served as Music Director at Trinity Rescue Souls Ministry in Baltimore before relocating to Houston, Texas, in response to a clear calling to pursue God wholeheartedly. It was during this season that he formally established his ministry and expanded his commitment to worship leadership, creative expression, and service.

Creative Work and Entrepreneurship

Beyond music and ministry, Dr. Temitope has a long-standing passion for creativity across art, theater, film, and media. This passion led to the founding of Cypress Myrtle, a multimedia and IT consulting company focused on creative and faith-based projects. He is also the founder of Worshipers in Truth and Spirit, a worship movement inspired by John 4:23–24, created to cultivate worship that is rooted in spirit and truth and free from restriction.

Today, Dr. Temitope serves as an associate pastor at STGCI Glory Harbor in Parkville, Maryland. He is happily married and a devoted father of three children. Whether through worship, pastoral leadership, or creative enterprise, Dr. Temitope remains committed to a life of service, believing that true wealth is measured not by possessions, but by the lives touched and transformed through faith.