The Dean of Cabinet, Southern Nigeria Annual Conference, United Methodist Church UMC, Rev. Dr. Philip Micah Dopah, has reiterated his call to the Global Methodist Church (GMC) leaders and members in Nigeria to establish a strong foundation built on truth, accountability, honesty, and faithfulness.
Speaking during the 41st Southern Nigeria Annual Conference United Methodist Church UMC Choral Ministry Annual Convention holding at the Center of Grace Campground, Marraba Appawa Zing Road, Lau Local Government Area of Taraba State, emphasizing the need for GMC to prioritize these core values.
He also expressed his willingness to support the GMC in raising funds to purchase land and construct their own Secretariat, allowing them to operate independently and move away from relying on the United Methodist Church of Nigeria (UMCN) properties.
He also announced a ban on practice and rehearsals during its Annual Convention.
According to the Dean, the ban is necessary to prevent distractions to other programs during the convention. He explained that rehearsals and practices, which are typically preparation for the songs competition, have been disrupting the smooth running of the convention, according to him they singing groups can only use break times for any little adjustments in their songs but not to use any minute during the program.
“We want to ensure that all programs during the convention run smoothly without interruptions,” the Dean said. “To achieve this, we are directing all districts and groups to utilize the 365 days prior to the convention to adequately prepare for their competition.”
The ban applies to all singing groups participating in their various annual conventions.
The Dean urged choristers to take the directive seriously and make necessary arrangements to prepare for the competition in advance.
The decision is expected to impact the way choristers and other groups prepare for the songs competition, which is a key highlight of the convention. However, the leadership believes that the ban will ultimately enhance the overall experience of the convention and allow participants to focus on other important aspects of the event during convention.
In his sermon, the guest speaker Rev. Cletus David Khuturuh, who urged the choristers to prepare for the second coming of the Lord. Rev. Khuturuh emphasized the importance of singing songs that welcome Jesus and promote spiritual growth.
“We must be prepared to meet our Lord and Savior,” Rev. Khuturuh said. “Our songs must be a reflection of our faith and our readiness to receive Him.”
In his remarks, the President, Choir Ministry, Southern Nigeria Annual Conference United Methodist Church UMC, Elder Ezra Ranti informed choristers that the essence of the convention is to worship and glorify God through singing and other Holy ways.
“Therefore the mind set of everyone here should be geared towards this objective and nothing more.
He appreciated the leadership of the Church under the Dean of Cabinet, Rev. Dr. Philip Micah Dopah for his open door policies, foresight, love for the Church and his zeal in the growth and development of the church so as to bring Christ to the door steps of every believer.
“The choir shall do everything humanly possible to operate in line with the Doctrine and Biblical standard to evangelize through music and support the church development, where possible.
He urge choristers to change their mode of serving God through giving, Christian life and Faith in Christ.
“I therefore challenge you to sit up and do the needful. Hence the need to have a vehicle for the choir ministry, we must sacrifice our strength and resources to acquire a vehicle to be used in the ministry.
He appeal to the choir groups to do a Holy competition, adding that the position in any competition should not be political, but that should allow the Holy Spirit to take control.
“We should not allow satan to whisper into our ears. Let’s do our best to overcome any temptation that may come our way. We should not allow the devil to cause confusion in our life, because of position in any contest during the convention.
“We want to assure that we will continue to work together to promote unity in the Church and the world at large – he said.
The Southern Conference of the United Methodist Church annual Choral Convention, bringing together choristers from 42 districts across the region.