This study, “THE IMPACT OF MUSIC ON CHURCH GROWTH” contains concise information that will serve as a framework or guide for your project work. The project study is well-researched for academic purposes and are usually provided in complete chapters with adequate References. Keywords: THE IMPACT OF MUSIC ON CHURCH GROWTH
Abstract
The study was carried out due to misconception, misapplication and misplacement of music in our churches today. The focus of this study is on The Impact of Music on Church Growth with the Case of Five (5) Selected Pentecostal Churches. The project was carried out to showcase music as an indispensable instrument to explosive growth in the Pentecostal churches and the need to embrace music by according it its proper position in the body of Christ.. The study will benefit a lot of people especially Christians who are genuinely born again, Church Pastors, Leaders of Ministries, Music Directors and the Community. From the researcher’s findings, it was discovered that some churches sing more of contemporary songs than classical songs, some churches sing classical songs or hymn on special occasions while some Pentecostal Churches balance between classical and contemporary music. Based on this findings, the researcher concluded that the church has not accorded music it proper place in its activities, which to a large extent it is reflecting on the church spiritual and physical growth. The researcher recommended that true church music should be embraced and prioritized so that the body of Christ can grow.
CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background of the Study God who is the author of Music and the center of worship created man in His own image and entrusted him with the music Ministry for the glorification of His name and for the wellbeing of man. This was established in the book of Genesis Chapter 4 where Cain and Abel offered to God their offering which was engendered by their heart of devotion and commitment to God and as a token of praise to the one who made them to prosper. As a matter of fact Psalm 65 vs 1-2 says “praise waiteth for thee, O God in Zion and unto thee shall the vow be performed, O thou that hearest prayer unto thee shall all flesh come”. So when true Music is offered to God out of a grateful and devoted heart, God is well pleased and He in turn blesses His people but when our music is tainted and abused it is no more purposeful, impactful and God-glorifying. This was evident when God accepted the offering of Abel and rejected that of Cain because they both offered with different motives. Biblical record also pinpointed the fact that from the genealogy of Adam down to Lamech of Cain, we had a man called Jubal who was the first earthly orchestral (Genesis 4:21) musicians that majored in harp and flute. This is an indication that music ministry has being from the beginning of creation. And it is also noteworthy Satan before the fall of man was the first Angelic Musician who was named the “Morning Star”. But unfortunately he rebelled against God and he was dethroned and derobed from his office. It is rather sad that since then the music ministry has been altered and reduced to nothingness because of the manner at which we misplace and misapply its importance in the church. Today, too many Christians see music as a medium of entertaining people or something done to while away the time but there is more to music according to the book of Psalm 92 which says “It is good to praise the LORD and make music to your name, O Most High, to proclaim your love in the morning and your faithfulness at night, to the music of ten stringed lyre and the melody of the harp”. When thanksgiving becomes an integral part of our lives, we will become more positive, gracious, loving and humble. Moreso, Colossians 3:16 emphasizes the necessity of making music to the Lord “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom and as you sing Psalm, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your heart to God. Hence, the purpose of this write up is to correct the wrong notions and unhealthy lifestyle of Christians in relation to music and to re-affirm the impact of Godly music in church growth so that everyone can embrace with a positive mindset. 1.2 The Statement of the Problem Music is misconceived today in the Pentecostal Church setting because we don’t really have a genuine understanding of music and the central focus in the act of ministering musically. It is a common saying that “when the purpose of a thing is not known, abuse is inevitable”. So we are abusing music today just because we don’t know its value or worth and the personality to which our music is directed. Secondly, we are not accessing the benefits attached to true music today because we are not according it, its proper place and the vessels making music to the Lord and the source of music which is God Himself.
1.3 Purpose of Study The purposes of this study are highlighted below:
1.4 Delimitation of the Study The scope of this study is within the worshippers of Foursquare Gospel Church, Ita-Oshin, District Headquarters, The Redeemed Evangelical Mission, Onikolobo, The Redeemed Christian Church of God, Olorunsogo, Living Faith Church, Quarry Road and Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries, Asero, Abeokuta, Ogun State.
1.5 Significance of the Study This study is of paramount importance as it unveils the untoward behaviour of believers toward church music, the restoration of true and Godly music to Pentecostal Churches and the benefits we all stand to derive from both classical and contemporary music.
Keywords: THE IMPACT OF MUSIC ON CHURCH GROWTH
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