The Influence of the Varied Musical Styles in the Liturgy of the Methodist Church Ghana on the Attitudes of the Congregants

John Kofi Brewu, Steve Kquofi, Joshua Alfred Amuah, Daniel Darkwah Mensah (2024)

Since the inception of the Methodist Church Ghana, music has played a significant role in its liturgical activities. The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of different musical styles such as hymns, canticles, ebibindwom, danceable tunes as well as praises and worship songs in the liturgy of the Methodist Church Ghana on the attitudes of the congregants. The problem is why one has to include all these musical styles in the liturgy of the Church. The primary objective of this study was to document the influence of the various musical styles in the Methodist Church Ghana’s liturgy on the attitudes of the participants. This study used interviews of qualitative research to elicit primary data from respondents such as the Clergy, Laity, Choristers, Singing Band members, Praises and Worship team and members from the Christ Little Band who are conversant with these musical styles and also the practitioners of the various musical genres. The findings showed that music is as old as humanity and has always been employed for religious purposes. Music has influenced many people’s lives in a variety of ways, as Christians and Methodists by faith. The goal of learning the lyrics to hymns, canticles, ebibindwom, (African songs acquired by the Methodist Church) and other songs is to develop and support their faith in the Lord, which they emphasize in everything they do. They seek sustenance and confidence from God through songs and other forms of Christian worship.