The Most Rev Prof Emmanuel Kwaku Asante, outgoing Presiding Bishop of Methodist Church, Ghana, has said church choirs and gospel musicians should win souls for Christ with their songs instead of providing mere entertainment.
“There is the need for you to realize that your primary duty in singing is not for entertainment so let what you sing expose your listeners to the wide range of biblical image and story, backed by the power that spirit imparts for the holistic redemption of our faith communities, ” he said.
The Most Rev Asante said singing, like preaching, was a powerful tool, which imparted the word of God to Christians and non-believers for effective Christian formation and growth.
The Most Reverend Kwaku Asante, who was speaking at the official opening of the 15th Biennial National Delegates Conference of the Association of Methodist Church Choirs, Ghana (GHAMECC) at Cape Coast, also challenged song composers to write songs that build faith and trust in God.
The five-day conference, which also marked the 40th anniversary of the association, was on the theme: ‘Witnessing to Christ; Singing for Effective Christian Formation’. It was attended by more than 2,000 delegates from Methodist churches nationwide.
The formation of Methodist Church Choirs began many years before 1974, but it was in April of the year that the association was established by a group of dedicated choristers.
The Most Rev Asante said the early Methodists, led by John and Charles Wesley, were identified as people of God through singing, consequently, the lyrical heritage of Methodism was partly grounded on the recognition of congregational singing as a potent means of teaching faith.
The Central Regional Minister, Aquinas Tawaih said the failure of choristers to propagate the gospel Had dire consequences and urged them to work hard to eschew negative tendencies.
Mr Quansah commended the Methodist Church for its contribution towards the development of education, health, and other areas.
Prof Yaw Sekyi-Baidoo, National Chairman of GHAMECC, paid glowing tributes to the founding members and all those who had contributed to the welfare of the association since its establishment.
Source: Daily Guide