Reflections on ethos and tenets of music in the Assemblies of God Uyo district, Akwa Ibom State

Abstract

Music has always been an indispensable tool in any church setting. In Nigeria, the early missionaries appropriated music in liturgical services in form of hymn singing, chant and anthem as part of worship in the church. With continual apt growth of Christianity in Nigeria, Assemblies of God church evolved from the Pentecostal movement, with emphasis on the activity of the Holy Spirit and on holy living. Hence, contents and styles of music were made to suit the pattern and beliefs of Assemblies of God such as spirit motivated songs, evangelistic songs, mission songs and salvation songs other than the conventional hymns singing and anthems. This paper therefore attempts to highlight the distinctive traits of Assemblies of God, Uyo District, and its reflection on the music ministration. Also, it showcases the basics for music ministers (choristers and music directors) to include: musical background, spiritual life, social and leadership skills as fundamental principles, beliefs and moral conduct patterned by the beliefs of the church for quality service to God and humanity. Qualitative design and typical forms of data drawn from interviews, participant observations and relevant documents were applied in the study for data collection. The significance of this paper is to provide justifiable guidelines to every music minister to attain the required moral and music standard widely accepted and appreciated by God and man. With the findings, it recommends periodical re-orientation towards musical knowledge and spiritual relevance as regard to what Assemblies of God believe for effective music ministration