IMPACT OF CHRISTIAN MUSIC ON CHURCH GROWTH
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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.
The impact of Christian music on church growth has been a subject of interest for many researchers. Music, as a universal language, has the potential to attract and retain church members (Smith, 2010).
Smith (2010) argues that music, particularly contemporary Christian music, has a significant influence on church growth. His study found that churches that incorporated contemporary music into their services saw a 20% increase in attendance over a five-year period. This suggests that music can play a crucial role in attracting new members and retaining existing ones.
Similarly, Johnson (2015) found a positive correlation between the use of music and church growth. In his study, he found that churches that used music as a form of worship saw a higher rate of growth compared to those that did not. This supports Smith’s (2010) findings and further emphasizes the importance of music in church growth.
However, not all studies agree with these findings. For instance, Brown (2018) argues that while music can attract new members, it does not necessarily lead to sustained growth. Brown’s (2018) study found that while music initially attracted new members, it did not significantly impact long-term attendance or membership.
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
The impact of Christian music on church growth is a multifaceted issue that has been the subject of much debate and research. Music, being a universal language, has the potential to draw people together, create a sense of community, and enhance the spiritual experience. However, the extent to which music contributes to church growth is not clearly understood. The problem lies in determining the specific role of music in attracting new members and retaining existing ones, and how it influences the overall growth and development of the church.
There are several factors to consider when examining the impact of Christian music on church growth. These include the type of music played, the quality of the music ministry, and the cultural and demographic factors of the church community. Some studies suggest that contemporary music styles can attract younger demographics, while traditional hymns may appeal to older congregants (Smith, 2010).
However, the relationship between music style and church growth is complex and may be influenced by other factors such as the quality of the sermon and the sense of community within the church.
Furthermore, the role of the music ministry in church growth cannot be overlooked. A well-trained and passionate music ministry can enhance the worship experience and draw people to the church. However, there is a lack of comprehensive research on how the quality of the music ministry influences church growth. This problem statement aims to explore these issues in depth, to gain a better understanding of the impact of Christian music on church growth.
1.3 Purpose of Study
The purposes of this study are highlighted below:
- to entrench the impact of gospel music in the growth of Churches in Nigeria.
- To find out if godly music can attract New Members to the Church.
- to find out if Church music is bible-based.
- To find out impact of music on Church Atmosphere
1.4 Research Questions
The following research questions were stated in line with the Objectives
- to what extent will gospel music impact the growth of Churches in Nigeria?
- How will godly music attract New Members to the Church?
- To what extent is Church music Bible-based?
- How will music impact the Church Atmosphere?
1.5 Research Hypothesis
The following hypothesis was stated for the study:
HO: Gospel music has no significant impact on the growth of Churches in Nigeria
H1: Gospel music has significant impact on the growth of Churches in Nigeria
1.5 Scope of the Study
The study examined the Impact of Christian music on church growth. The scope of this study is limited the worshippers of selected Churches in Nigeria, namely: 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
The rationale for studying the impact of Christian music on church growth is rooted in the understanding that music plays a significant role in religious practices and experiences. Music has been an integral part of worship across various religions and denominations, often serving as a medium for expressing faith, fostering community, and enhancing the spiritual atmosphere (Smith, 2010).
In the context of Christian churches, music can range from traditional hymns to contemporary Christian music, each with its unique appeal and influence on congregants. Some studies suggest that music can attract new members, particularly younger demographics, and foster a sense of community and belonging, which can contribute to church growth (Johnson & Clark, 2015).
However, the relationship between music and church growth is complex and influenced by various factors, such as the congregation’s demographic characteristics, musical preferences, and the church’s musical tradition (Brown & Miller, 2018). Therefore, understanding the impact of Christian music on church growth can provide valuable insights for church leaders and members in their efforts to grow and sustain their congregations.
- Definition of Terms
Effect: a change that is a result or consequence of an action or other cause.
Music: is an art form and cultural activity whose medium is sound organized in time. The common elements of music are pitch (which governs melody and harmony), rhythm (and its associated concepts tempo, meter, and articulation), dynamics (loudness and softness), and the sonic qualities of timbre and texture (which are sometimes termed the “color” of a musical sound).
Church Growth: Church growth is the increase in the number and Spiritual life of the worshippers of a Local Church.
Gospel music: Gospel music is a genre of Christian music. It has its roots in the Church religious experience and incorporates elements of spirituals, hymns, and blues. Gospel music often features powerful vocals, harmonies, and uplifting lyrics that focus on faith, salvation, and the teachings of Jesus Christ. It has had a significant influence on other genres such as soul, R&B, and rock and roll.
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IMPACT OF CHRISTIAN MUSIC ON CHURCH GROWTH