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| Pastor Samuel O. Oladele |
By Boluwatife Oparinde
The President, Christ Apostolic Church, Nigeria and Overseas, Pastor Samuel O. Oladele, has commended the music ministers of the Christ Apostolic Church, boasting that the church's music is one of the best globally.
Pastor Oladele made this boast on Friday, July 29th, 2022 during the "Concert and Fellowship with the President" session of the 2022 International Music Conference held at Joseph Ayo Babalola University (JABU), Ikeji-Arakeji, Osun State, organized by the Directorate of Music, Christ Apostolic Church, Nigeria and Overseas.
Represented by his Special Assistant, Pastor Tunde Asokeji, who dutifully relayed his greetings, Pastor Oladele said that, "my profound appreciation goes to the Music Directorate under the leadership of our amiable and diligent Pastor Tope Dada for your commitment and efforts over the years to making CAC Music one of the best globally."
Commending the choice of theme for the conference which according to him is "aimed at building not only skillful but Godly choristers in this era where the church music is fast drifting with the wind of strange doctrines," the President of CAC counselled that "as ministers in the vine-yard, we must strive and ensure that our ministry does not deviate from scriptural standard."
"As Levites of today our mandate is to open the gates of Heaven and bring down the glory and the presence of God through our worship and praise. 1 Peter 1:16 admonishes us to be holy as He who has called us is Holy. Holiness is mandatory for a glorious service. You must consider it a great privilege to be called into the ministry of music and thus submit yourselves to God as living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service," he said.
He continued that, "furthermore, you must walk your talk as ministers of the Gospel so that men may glorify your Father in heaven when they see your light. Choristers occupy very important place in the Church but you are not indispensible. Therefore, you must be humble in everything that you do so that God may exalt you. As bearers of the vessels of the Lord, your conversation must be seasoned with salt and your lifestyle without blemish."
"Your creative skills and dexterity in playing of musical instruments and singing should be deeply rooted in the word of God and fervent prayer. You should endeavour to cooperate with other ministry arms of the Church and make their service worthwhile the same way they help yours too. Do not let anyone speak evil of the Lord you serve because of your communication, conduct or character. Above all, let God be pleased by the quality of your service," said the President.
Also exhorting his audience from Genesis 6:6-8, the cleric who regarded Grace as generally described as unmerited favour, lamented that, "today, holiness is counted as nothing," alluding that "Noah was in the same class as other men but the Bible says Noah found grace. Let me say it that Grace found Noah."
According to him, Noah also faced the same forms of troubles and temptations. If you ever find yourself in the music ministry, count yourself as someone who has found the grace of God. If you don't appreciate this grace, it can turn into disgrace.
"It's not enough to be skillful and talented, we need grace to please the Lord," he said.
The clergyman related that, God is looking for members in Christ Apostolic Church who can be called just, describing them as persons who will not be troubles to the society, their parents, church elders, and to their pastors.
He urged the music ministers to stop running to other denominations, stating that "those churches also have their problems."
Epitomizing the character of Noah to stress the essence of spirituality for music ministers, Pastor Oladele told his audience that, "don't let anyone deceive you by saying you can't be perfect. It is God who defines perfection and He is the one who has required us to be perfect."
"The Bible says Noah walked with God. Walking with God is not easy but it is possible. How do we walk with God? It is only in the light of His Word," the cleric said.
He continued that, "Today, majority of choir are not familiar with the Bible. You don't attend Bible Study, and Sunday School. A complete Christ Apostolic must be familiar with the Word, Prayer and Spiritual worship," adding that, "when you start walking with the Lord, in the light of His word, naturally, glory will attract you."
Pastor Oladele challenged the music ministers not to return home to only entertain their audience but must also reflect the glory of God.