 |
| Pastor Tope Dada |
By Boluwatife Oparinde
"Music ministers of today must have very clear understanding of sound Biblical doctrine and communicate it rightly through their actions in arts and their worship rituals," was the direct charge of the Director of Music and Acting Director of Administration, Christ Apostolic Church, Nigeria and Overseas, Pastor Tope Dada to music ministers as the 2023 CAC International Music Ministers' Conference commenced.
"Musicians who want to thrive in the music ministry through solid theology must be dedicated to continuous learning and be deep-rooted in sound doctrine," he added.
Pastor Dada gave this charge in his Welcome Address at the commencement of the 2023 CAC International Music Ministers' Conference holding at Oba Olashore Auditorium, Joseph Ayo Babalola University (JABU), Ikeji Arakeji, Osun State, on Wednesday, July 26th, 2023.
Welcoming musicians and music ministers from all and sundry, the cleric who expressed that "I know we are all filled with the desires, hopes, and dreams we all share, to make music ministry more spiritually impactful and of immense quality delivery" assured the participants that, "with the quality of time and preparation invested into planning this conference, you will all go back home better and best music ministers, entrenched with sound doctrine and commitment to make our church better suited for the present time."
He acknowledged the commitment of the leadership of the church under the auspices of our indefatigable President, Pastor S. O. Oladele to improve the quality of music in every one of our assemblies and meetings is an impetus that drives us to strive for the best, adding that "I have no doubt that this conference will provide the opportunity to have the best, especially at this time of all sorts of gospel music exploration."
"Our goal is to help you achieve your personal and musical development faster and easier than you ever imagined. I am confident that the league of our facilitators and Ministers will achieve this goal with their educative and very impactful presentations. God bless you as you intently await the best," the Director said.
Speaking on the theme of the conference "Achieving Excellence in the Music Industry through Sound Doctrine" which is in tandem with the theme of the church for 2023, the CAC Acting Director of Administration noted that the music ministry is a crucial component of most religious organizations, noting that, "far more than talent and ability is required to achieve excellence in church music. It also calls for sound doctrine, which is the cornerstone of all Christian beliefs."
According to him, "Deuteronomy 31:19-22 emphasizes the importance of sound doctrine in the music ministry. The passage states that Moses commanded the Levites, who were responsible for leading worship through music, to teach the people of Israel the law of God. They were to do this by reciting it aloud during worship service. Essential components of attaining excellence in the music ministry through sound doctrine are highlighted here. They include the values of teaching, learning, and instructing the populace the law of God."
"Therefore, the onus is on us to take home every point raised by the speakers and workshop facilitators. In conclusion, attaining excellence in the music ministry through sound doctrine demands dedication to consistent learning and holy living. It is only then that we, as music ministers, can contribute to the spiritual development of our congregations. We cannot do anything less," he stated.
Being a conference of doctrinal values and advancement, Pastor Dada also introduced the conference main speakers, "the duo of Prof. Abel Oikelome, a legendary musician and teacher from the University of Lagos, and our friend Bro. Michael Osanchi of the Music Department, Mountain Top University, as they take us through the crunch of their deliveries."
The CAC Director of Music concluded by appreciating the Principal Officers of Christ Apostolic Church Nigeria and Overseas, staff of the CAC Secretariat, other senior members of Management, Regional, DCC, Zonal, and District Superintendents and Pastors for their undaunting support for the choir; the sacrifices and the work done by the 2023 IMM Conference Planning Committee headed by Elder Ezekiel Femi llori to make the conference a gigantic success; and the support of his amiable wife for always standing by.
Delivering the keynote address, the Regional Superintendent of CAC Odubanjo Region, Pastor B.O. Akanmu
said the importance of music in the church can't be overemphasized.
He noted that music is for preaching of the gospel of Christ, it has healing power to change our mood or battle depression, it has power to do what secular music can do, it gives hope and encouragement and it edifices the church.
He noted that music in the church should be on sound doctrine and it's not every song that is permitted in the church, adding that song that will be sung in church must be to glorify God and it must come from a pure heart.
"Every song that ought to worship God must not be used in wrong places or wrong manner. When the Israelites were taken into captives, they were asked to sing songs, but they said they can't sing the Lord song in a strange land. Their songs was meant for Yahweh not gods. This is great lessons for us. Spiritual songs are not to be sung in a wrong manner or wrong places.
The opening day of the conference also witnessed a prophetic ministration by the General Evangelist, Prophet Hezekiah O. Oladeji who was ably represented by the Camp Manager, Christ Apostolic Church, Babalola Memorial International Miracle Camp, Ikeji-Arakeji, Osun state, Pastor Samuel A. Adesoji.
The first lecture of the conference was delivered by a professor of musicology and performance studies of creative art (music unit) at University of Lagos, Akoka- Yaba, Prof. Albert Oikelome.
Day one witnessed the physical presence of the DCC Superintendent of Yaba DCC, Pastor S.E.A. Oludare, Special Assistant to the President, Pastor T.D. Asokeji, Assistant Director of Music, Pastor Paul Bankole, Regional Choirmasters and many others.
Photo Speaks !
