The influence of popular music — dancehall and hip hop — on the gospel music industry has prompted many to question, has the ministry gone out of the music?

For the most part this is played out vividly at gospel concert featuring the many of the current crop of gospel music artistes. The manner in which patrons and artistes dance during the performances is oftentimes more in line with the latest moves in the secular world. And, some artistes have even been observed taking off shirts and prancing on the stage — just like their dancehall counterparts.

According to well known gospel show promoter, now consultant and event coordinator Dale Flynn, “The gospel can never lost its power, once people’s lives are being transformed. If no transformation takes place or lives

are not being changed, it means we have failed to connect with the receptors,” he shared

“Jesus is the centre of the gospel, embodiment of all if there is no restoration we have failed as messengers to communicate God’s word according to His will and His plan,” Flynn pointed out.

For ordained minister Carlene Davis it’s all about being an ambassador for Christ. “Our responsibility is to bring the good news which is the gospel ofJesus Christ to the hurting and the wounded and make is His name known, in our case, the ministry through music is the medium.”

While a lot of criticisms have been levelled against some of the current crop of dancehall gospel deejays, Davis has no issues where they are concerned.

“With regard to the influx of dancehall gospel. I don’t have a problem once the message of the gospel is being preached and lives are being transformed. Once Jesus is being lifted up, the spirit of God is the one that draws men to Himself. Never before have we seen so many youths stepping out and declaring Jesus as Lord in music ministry,” she shared, adding that “the response to salvation of our youths at our annual event Fun In The Son, you can see that style of the gospel is making an impact and is reaching this generation. The truth is in the message that Jesus saves, the motive behind the writing and production of the song and not just the music,” she observed.

Responding to the criticism against the heavy dancehall beats in the songs being too secular, Davis said, “It’s not for me to say. I have come to know that one of greatest song recorded Amazing Grace was once rejected by the church because of the instruments that was used on the recording it was considered too secular. People have also criticised gospel reggae, but I’ve been through enough to know once your heart is in the right place and you have the conviction that God is being glorified, at the end of the day we all have to give an account to Him, so let Him be the judge,” she said.

Gospel concert enthusiast and a Christian for 15 years Nicola Warren admits to being disillusioned where gospel concerts are concerned.

“Sometimes I believe these artistes are in it for the show. It’s almost as if they really want to be in the secular world, but in an effort to gain more fans, they are doing gospel instead. One of the things I have noticed with some of the so-called gospel artiste is the fact that they try to outdo each other while dressing, similar to what obtains with the secular artiste.”

According to Warren forget the notion of any worship session at some of these concerts as, “most times I find that it’s all about showing off the latest dance moves. People literally push you out of the way to clear a space so they can dance with their friends. You will see males and females just grabbing each other and doing the latest secular dance moves right in front of you.”

Now in her late twenties Warren was quick to point out that a Christian lifestyle should not be boring, “but at the same time, how can we proclaim to be the light of the

world when we are lowering ourselves to the world’s standard?”

JamPop’s Ken Nelson who has produced numerous gospel events believes that the ministry is not totally out of gospel.

While conceding that things have changed, reflecting on earlier times when most of his events would close with the spoken word, Nelson adds that this would see persons flocking to the altar, he says today it’s more of a celebration.

“It’s a celebration rather than anointing,” he observed.

Nelson however admits that the earlier days had more ministry but said “All is not lost a lot of ministers are out there. There is still ministry in music.”

Coming quickly to mind on this sentiment would be gospel singer Jabez whose soulful kind of songs such as Before The Day Is Over, Drinking From My Saucer and his latest I Thirst seemed to have hit the right notes with believers who seeking words of comfort in music.

“Times have changed and some Christians need to realise that what used to work in the old days won’t attract young people now,” said gospel enthusiast Joan Wilson.