By Ezike Onyeka
Church Music Worship and Evangelism authored by Reverend Matthew (Emuejevoke) Emojefe Amuro, a Lecturer at the Baptist Theological Seminary, Eku, is loaded with highly inspiring exposition of the subject matter. The author is a seasoned speaker, facilitator of church music and Christian worship conference, workshops and seminars. It’s presented in nine chapters in which Amuro seeks to reveal the essential importance of evangelism, music and worship in the church within the constarints time and energy.
Among Amuro’s postulations is the idea that churches must now reduce, suspend or completely stop its numerous building projects and leave its tower of Babel. “Now is the time for the bride of Christ to spread her tentacles to round off the task given to her”, he wrote noting that the erroneous perception of the church as primarily an evangelism forum has not helped the cause of devotional intimacy.
“Evangelism in the latter part of the last century eroded worship life of the church” he wrote but he quickly noted this should not be misconstrued as of lack of devotional intimacy but to be understood as the cumulative effect of living as evangelists without a worship life. ”On a closer look, someone could be very wrong on the state of the church today given the superficial image supported by the electronic media. Big church buildings adorn many cities of the world but with almost empty pews and where some of these churches boast of people, their services are like social functions, a mere ‘seeker service’ where comedy and other forms of entertainment seem to be the attraction”,he concluded.
Church music, worship and evangelism are essential. Music can be both the lubricant and stimulant for effective liturgy and meaningful witness. The author also explored the role church music plays in worship as precursor to witnessing the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. In a time like this, evangelism has been sidelined and relegated as churches concentrate on building cathedrals.This book is recommendable for all, especially Christians and those who are in music ministry in the church.
