What is Music? Music is the putting together of some organized sounds of various
lengths, height, depth and durabilities for our listening pleasure.
What is Gospel Music?: Historically, Gospel Music can be traced back into the Hymn singing
style of the 18th century where the African slaves in their “Call
and response” “Negro Spirituals”/ Work songs were prominent. At its basic level
towards the end of the 19th century, gospel means “good news”
derived from its close connection with the symnoptic gospel books:- Saints
Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. There, and in some other N.T. books. We find many
references to God’s goodness and mercy.
Hence, gospel Music are songs whose lyrics focus on Jesus Christ’s
salvation, Redemption, Transformation, consecration, Rapture, Kingdom of God,
Trusting/Obeying God’s commandment, Divine Healings, Throne of God, Judgement
day etc. Though, there are no style restrictions on gospel music. Only the
thematic context remains consistent. However decorum should be observed. Gospel
Music allows a lot of repetitions. So many downtrodden and disenfranchised have
been ministered to and won for the Lord.
Typical Type of Gospel
Music for Church Planting Programmes
The Music Director or Choir Master should be prayerful and be very
studious in selecting the types of songs/music for particular church planting
programme. As he or his representative should be a member of the church
planting team, he should be determined in consideration of the location of the
proposed new church. If within an eyebrow urban centre, among learned people,
or an averagely educated or in local setting among the artisans and petty
traders. This should help him in determining the language of expression through
music; whether the nations’ official language, or pure local language or
mixture of the two. The language not withstanding, the types of Gospel Music
should include :
I Contemporary
Christian songs focusing on Jesus Christ, full of percussion and danceable
II Carefully
selected Hymns
III Recorded songs
or life singing
IV Guest Artistes
singers/instrumental
V The areas that
appeals mostly to an average human being are: Skillful use percussions
(Drumset, Congas, Talking drums, maracas, etc.); Keyboard and vocals (voice)
VI The percussion
tempo should be moderately on the high side
VII The Keyboardist
should be a very skillful player.
VIII We should know
that good music appeals to many people
IX The vocals should
be sweet, smooth, pronounce the lyrics clearly and be able to link other songs
without interrupting the rhythmic movements.
X We must take
songs that encourage audience participation:
a) Familiarity
of Lyrics and tune (b) Call and response or questions and answers. (c) Clapping
and body movement (dancing)
XI All of the above
should be skillfully employed so as to avoid monotony and boredom.
WHAT IS CHURCH PLANTING?: The aim of this paper is not to treat church planting extensively
but just a description before passing on to its main focus. However, I think it
is a means of rising up or responding positively to the great commission of our
Lord and Saviour. Jesus Christ in Matthew 28: 19-20 “Go ye therefore and make disciples…., baptizing
them…teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded….” We cannot
effectively make disciples and teach them the commandments of Christ outside a
church setting. “This great commission is about telling the world that there is
a God who loves them and wants to have relationship with them through Jesus
Christ. I believe that Church planting is one of God’s major keys to accomplish
this” – Pastor John Luliano (Church Planting manual)
What are the
roles/functions/the parts that Gospel music are playing in church planting?
Williams Shakespeare once said “If music is the food of love, then
play on” Gospel are messages of God’s love for mankind, we should give him,
high praise and worship that honours Him. Well selected Gospel songs give:
(i)
Inspiration, it leads you beyond carnals so you
worship Him in truth and in spirit.
(ii)
Enable you to see yourself, expose yourself as a
sinner, make you repent of your sins and you ask for pardon.
(iii)
Make you take a bold step of re-dedicating your
life for Christ.
(iv)
It involves the congregation’s participation
(v)
It used by preachers to drive home their
messages.
(vi)
It convinces the target audience that they are encompassing
or deliberately made to be involved in the worship.
(vii)
It keeps audience alert/awake (Reasoning
correctly).
(viii)
It gives them assurance that truly, God cares
and love them.
(ix)
It also assures us about God’s providence.
(x)
It edifies and encourages concentration of our
faith on God only.
(xi)
It prepares us for Christian warfare and assures
you of Christ’s victory on you behalf.
(xii)
It prepares you for either death in the Lord or
rapture. When/where the saints will reign with Him for ever.
(xiii)
It also prepares or reminds you of the dreaded
judgement day (the day of the Lord)
(xiv)
It comforts us when we lose a beloved brethren.
(xv)
Gospel Music reminds us about life after death,
and the only two destinations: Paradise or Hell fire.
(xvi)
Hymns of consecreation at the end of a message,
helps the audience to take a crucial step in declaring for Christ or
identifying with him.
(xvii)
Above all, it is believed that the more you
sing, the more convinced you are of what you are singing about and it
stimulates your faith the more.
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