Veteran gospel musician, Amy Newman
Veteran gospel musician Amy Newman has urged churches in Ghana to focus on nurturing talent within their congregations instead of routinely hiring popular artistes from outside.
In an interview with Graphic Showbiz, she observed that many churches overlook in-house talent and prefer to bring in famous outsiders at considerable cost.
“It’s not a good thing to bring outsiders to perform in the church during events when there are many talented people right there,” she said.
I regret leaving my children behind for ministry – Amy Newman
Quoting scripture, she added, “The Bible says a prophet is not accepted in his own country, which means people are often not valued in their own home even though others outside may appreciate them.”
Newman stressed that outsourcing worship to non-congregant gospel musicians denies gifted singers within the church the opportunity to grow and minister.
“When we build our own people, we strengthen the ministry, empower our youth, and glorify God through the gifts He has already placed among us,” she said.
The Okamafo Jesus hitmaker noted that this practice discourages young musicians in the church who have both the talent and the desire to serve.
“The young ones now understand music better, so calling outsiders just because they’re popular and paying them isn’t always necessary. Churches can use their own people to bless others,” she said.
When asked whether she had personally experienced being overlooked, the gospel stalwart smiled and replied, “Oh, plenty, but I don’t take it to heart.”
ID/MA
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