Making The Church Attractive: The Contribution Of Acapella Singers
Ephesians 5
KJV
19+ Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;
Colossians 3
KJV
16+ Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
Beloved, any discerning mind and a close follower of developments on the Ghanaian religious landscape would testify that the church of Christ, Ghana has taken the centre stage of religious discussions.
In other words, the church of Christ, Ghana is receiving as it were a front-page coverage! Many are citing us as references to what the scriptures say about the Church.
Our stand on free will giving as against mainstream tithing, our stand on upholding the Bible as the rule, and lately the scriptural command that singing be a acapella (non-instrumental) has been making news lately
As a “ tiktoker”, I have followed with great interest and admiration how some congregations have showcased the singing groups in their assemblies
These groups have beautifully sung and demonstrated the beauty of non-instrumental singing thus affirming and confirming what the scriptures say! Many churchgoers have been made to believe that without instrumental singing church music is poor!
We have preached and taught the doctrine of a acapella singing, these are seen as “theoretical” but with these groups putting these teachings into practice many outside the fellowship are now beginning to see the real picture. The truth is now being established through these groups.
It is like what John said “ the word became flesh “ theory becoming real through these singing groups among us.
Remember the Holy Spirit gave gifts for the building up of the church, there are diversities of gifts. We must accept and encourage those gifted to use their voices to sing. These have a place in the ministry if we know how to tap and direct them.
Some may argue the NT does not mention them, of course the NT does not mention several others but they find expression in today’s church arrangements.
These are part of what we call the “ expediencies”! They are not mentioned explicitly, but they are needed to fulfil the work of the church.
The “music ministry” is attracting many a youth to the church, as they find meaning in the natural use of the voice. These practices ( singing) say nothing about anyone except Jesus and the Gospel.
They are not a choir but gifted singers desirous of deploying their gifts to serve the God who bestowed them on them. Like a preacher, deacon, elders etc they shall all give account to God of their stewardship. So why should we exclude and stifle them?
Today the Ghanaian religious landscape is waking up from the religious deception and spiritual stupor they’ve been taught.
Let any congregation that has singers encourage them. They are demonstrating what we have taught /preached for decades regarding non-instrumental music.
It takes a humble study and the guidance of the Holy Spirit to appreciate what is unfolding.
Thoughts to share.