THE ROLE OF GOSPEL MUSIC IN BUILDING STABLE FAMILY MINISTRY IN THE CHURCH

THE ROLE OF GOSPEL MUSIC IN BUILDING STABLE FAMILY MINISTRY IN THE CHURCH

Introduction

Gospel, meaning “good news” derived its name from it close connection with the gospels (books in the New Testament). As we look at the common themes in the gospels of St. Matthew, St. Mark, St. Luke and St. John, we find many references to God’s goodness and mercy.

In order to reach the widest possible audience, there are no “style” restrictions on gospel music; only the thematic content remains constant. Coming out of an oral tradition, gospel music typically utilizes a great deal of repetition. This is a carryover from the time when many post-reconstruction blacks were unable to read. The repetition of the words allowed those who could not read the opportunity to participate in worship. Gospel music over the centuries has ministered to the downtrodden and disenfranchised. To sing about a God who comes in the nick of time to deliver his people from uncomfortable circumstances is a consistent theme, which has been at the core of gospel music. This music has been enjoyed for many decades and it continues to grow in its variety and sound.

Place of Music in the Church

·        Music is a gift of God and part of the created order.

·        Of all the musical instruments that may be employed in the praise of God the human voice has priority.

·        Singing is a ministry that belongs to all the people of God.

·        Of all the art forms that may be employed in worship, singing is especially corporate.

·        The church’s ministry of song is for the glory of God

·        The church’s ministry of song is for the edification of God’s people.

·        The emotional power of music, rightly employed is a vital and moving aid to worship.

Why Do We Use Music In Worship?

1.     To shine a spotlight on significant liturgical moments.

·        When speech is used alone, it is something difficult to ‘lift’ important parts of worship above the rest.

·        Everything can sound and feel all the same when spoken.

·        Singing distinguishes and clarifies the ‘shape’ of worship.

2.     To enable large groups of people to unite as one voice

·        Using rhythms measuring time

·        Leading through melody and harmony

·        Unity of song-one voice

·        Unanimity of co-celebrants

·        Greater audibility

·        Extra physical effort, ‘all my bones shall cry out: Lord who is like Thee?’

3.     To respond to God using the unique language to respond to God using the unique language of music

·        A need to give something back to God, to respond by singing.

·        Music expresses our respond in ways words cannot.

·        We need to express emotions of praise, thanksgiving, joy, sorrow.

·        Music is a language that can help us to express our response to God

·        To use the elements of song and sound as part of creation.

4.     To inspire and support members of the church.

·        One function of worship is to sustain, inspire and nourish those taking part.

·        Music can unite and strengthen the group in its beliefs.

·        Singing together as a group brings individuals together.

·        People are able to dip into this resource when support is needed.

·        Music can uplift and support those who go out from the church building so they will want to speak of the good things they found inside!

Suggested Guidelines for Evaluating and Nurturing Congregational Singing

·        What theology is expressed in our congregational singing?

·        Is there sufficient pastoral breath in our music ministry?

·        Is there sufficient liturgical breath?

·        Is there sufficient historical, cultural and generational breath?

·        Is the language of our hymns inclusive?

·        Are we providing our congregation with a sufficient vocabulary of praise?

·        Does the music serve the text?

·        Does our music encourage corporate worship?

·        Is the music appropriate to the ability of the congregation?

·        Do the hymns and choruses we sing assume and encourage growth in discipleship?

CONCLUSION

The needs of man are enormous and are sum-up in his spiritual, emotional and physical area of life. The history and the present-day experience of music in relation to healing demonstrated dramatically, music unique contribution in helping meet these two basic needs, ‘that of loving and been loved’.

Music from time immemorial has been one of human kinds most satisfying group activities, not only because of its unique sensory appeal but because it is non-verbal communication. Music comes primarily with the tender emotions those that draw persons together. It is in group situations that music exerts its greatest power, indeed music alone serves as a reason for getting and being together which now result to a stable family.

A good and inspired gospel music can take a church from mediocrity to power; it draws people from outside to the church, people who will meet the needs of the church. When used in the right way, music will magnify the name of your church and therefore the name of Jesus throughout your community.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

·        Re-pitching the tent, Chapter 26, Making Music, Richard Giles, Canterbury press 1999.

·        In Tuneful Accord-Making music works in church, James Whit bourn, SPCK 1996.

·        The singing Thing, Part 1 A case for congregational song, John L. Bell, Wild Goose Publication 2000

·        The singing Thing, Part 1 A case for congregational song, John L. Bell, Wild Goose Publication 2007

·        Music and worship: principles to practice, Peter Moger, Grove worship series No 27, 1994.

Composed by:

Pastor Victor Abolarin